The New Calvinism: New Reformation or Theological Fad?

Josh Buice

There is no doubt about it—the New Calvinism is a movement.  In 2008, Collin Hansen went on a journey to document this resurgence.  What he found was that a younger population was very much interested in the doctrines of grace, and quite honestly disinterested in the shallow pragmatism of evangelicalism as a whole.  The movement was first coined, Young, Restless, and Reformed.  For quite a while after Hansen’s research, many people within evangelicalism were asking if this was a genuine movement?  Today, we are asking an important question about the movement as we want to know if it will be aligned as a genuine reformation or a passing theological fad?

Tomorrow, a book that I edited titled, The New Calvinism: New Reformation or Theological Fad? will be released on Amazon.  The contributors include:

  • Paul Washer
  • Steven Lawson
  • Conrad Mbewe
  • Tim Challies
  • Josh Buice

Each chapter is devoted to a compliment and a critique of the movement.  If we’re honest, the New Calvinism is not exactly robust and healthy in all areas.  Rather than merely throwing rocks at friends, we sought to look at these deficiencies in an honest manner and provide a loving critique while at the same time encouraging and complimenting in areas where we see strengths.  As we look back at church history and see how God used men like Martin Luther and John Calvin to lead people away from fruitless religion—we hope that today’s resurgence in the doctrines of grace will prove to be a healthy and God honoring movement for the glory of Christ.

There is far more to being a Calvinist than wearing a T-shirt with Spurgeon’s face in the center of your chest.  When people come to a movement because they’re attracted to the additives as opposed to the doctrinal clarity and theological foundation—the movement itself begins to weaken.  When people are conference junkies and disconnected from the local church—there’s a serious problem that must be addressed.  Praise God for the resurgence of sound biblical truth that has swept across geographic, age, racial, and socioeconomic boundaries.  May the Lord be praised with how this movement continues to expand into the future.

What Are Others Saying About This Book?

This is an encouraging, thoughtful, even-handed, and biblically informed analysis of the continuing resurgence of Calvinism among young Christians. The five contributors to this volume are all exemplary Christian leaders, Calvinists themselves. So they view the “New Calvinism” sympathetically—but not uncritically. They wish to see the “Young, Restless, Reformed” generation thrive and become mature, steadfast, and thoroughly biblical. Their counsel to young Calvinists and future church leaders is right on target. I’ve not read a more edifying and satisfying book in a long time.

—Phil Johnson, Grace to You

The New Calvinism: New Reformation or Theological Fad? represents a very helpful update of Collin Hansen’s seminal Young, Restless, Reformed. As the movement becomes youngish, contented, and gospel-centered, it confronts numerous questions. Chief among these: is the “New Calvinism” a theological reality or a sociological trend? The contributors to this book raise this question with evident pastoral care, staunch theological conviction, and rich historical awareness. Their own responses–provocative in places–push the reader to the only secure locus for any movement: the timeless, unchanging, unerring, authoritative, sufficient Word of God. The Bible-saturated ministries of these five faithful men themselves speak to a remarkable work of God in our time, and drive us to pray that the gospel outbreak witnessed in the last decade, foretold by Carl F. H. Henry and prepared by a long line of faithful men, will only pick up speed. The culture is increasingly against us, the wolf is at the door, but Christ promised to build his church, and no man can oppose his will, or stay his hand.”

—Dr. Owen Strachan, Associate Professor of Christian Theology and Director of the Center for Public Theology, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary; author (with Kevin Vanhoozer), The Pastor as Public Theologian

The recent resurgence of the focus on God’s sovereignty in salvation, Calvinism, is surely one of the most encouraging developments in Christianity since the Protestant Reformation itself. For the many reasons to be encouraged, however, this New Calvinism is also manifesting reasons for us to be alarmed. Along with our high view of God’s sovereignty we must also be vigilant to nurture a love for the local church, practice personal holiness, and have a right view of the work of the Holy Spirit. We neglect these at our peril and risk having this genuine move of God be remembered as a mere footnote in Christian history. I devoured this book and am profoundly grateful for it. I enthusiastically commend it to you, your pastor, and your church.

—Justin Peters, Founder: Justin Peters Ministries

Finally! A cogent and Biblical polemic aimed at the neo-reformed movement that has stayed young and restless for too long. The New Calvinism: New Reformation or Theological Fad? honestly and lovingly challenges those who snap selfies with a cognac in one hand and a cigar in the other to answer the question, “Does my life match my doctrine?” If you are neo-reformed, read this and become the dignified, godly, man God has called you to be. If you are classic reformed, you will be encouraged to run the race of faith to the end without wearing torn jeans and a tight t-shirt.

—Todd Friel, host of Wretched TV and Radio, and the author of multiple books, and DVD’s

While we ought to be overjoyed to see a resurgence of Reformed theology in the church today, we would do well to proceed humbly and cautiously. New Calvinism: New Reformation or Theological Fad? acts as an insightful field guide to navigating this present movement. Written by five respected Reformed leaders, this book offers an honest and biblical evaluation of New Calvinism. All who fly under this banner should read and heed its contents.

—Nate Pickowicz, pastor, author of Reviving New England and Why We’re Protestant

An outstanding collection of essays…. This book celebrates the achievements of New Calvinism, while also recognizing … the essential elements of the Reformed faith which should be recovered and reapplied to the lives of God’s people today. It is essential reading.

—Liam Goligher, Senior Minister, Tenth Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Where Can You Purchase the Book?

You can purchase the book on Amazon.

Please take time to read the book and if you can, rate it on Amazon.  I hope you find it encouraging and balanced.  Let me know what you think.

 

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Author The New Calvinism: New Reformation or Theological Fad?

Josh Buice

Pastor Pray's Mill Baptist Church

Josh Buice is the founder and president of G3 Ministries and serves as the pastor of Pray's Mill Baptist Church on the westside of Atlanta. He is married to Kari and they have four children, Karis, John Mark, Kalli, and Judson. Additionally, he serves as Assistant Professor of Preaching at Grace Bible Theological Seminary. He enjoys theology, preaching, church history, and has a firm commitment to the local church. He also enjoys many sports and the outdoors, including long distance running and high country hunting. He has been writing on Delivered by Grace since he was in seminary and it has expanded with a large readership through the years.