Book Review: TULIP by Duane Edward Spencer

July 27, 2006 Posted by Roger Overton

Many Christians appropriately associate the acronym TULIP
with Calvinism, but often get stuck trying to remember what each letter stands
for, or more importantly, what each point means. Duane Edward Spencer’s book, TULIP,
is often described as a classic work for explaining the five points.

TULIP, after a brief foreword and preface, begins
with a summary of the five points of Arminianism, to which the five points of
Calvinism are a response. The following chapter compares the two systems of
thought to bring clarity to the distinctions. Next is a foundational chapter on
the will of God, followed by chapters on each of the five points (Total
Depravity, Unconditional Election, Limited Atonement, Irresistible Grace, and
Perseverance of the Saints) and a concluding chapter. At the back of the short
book are selections from the Westminster Confession of Faith (1648), a summary
of the historical background of the debate, and a point-by-point comparison of
the two-systems.

The best part of the book is the point-by-point section at
the end. It contains an objective and concise explanation of each point with
supporting scripture as promoted by both sides. Aside from that, I didn’t find
the book very helpful. Take, for example, this error: “Total Depravity,
according to the giants of the Protestant Reformation (such as Luther, Calvin,
and Know) meant that man was as bad off as man could be.” (32) This
would be true if a qualifier were added that it is meant in regards to man’s relationship
with God. However, the way it’s stated it sounds as if man can do nothing good
in any sense (as if Oscar Schindler saving countless Jewish lives was bad), and
this is not the general teaching of Reformed theology.

Worse than that is the uncharitable attitude with which
Spencer wrote this book. “Thus we have two diametrically opposed positions. One
is an opinion, based on the reasoning of the carnal mind (Which is ever at
enmity with God), and the other is a fact based on Scripture.” (64) As much as
I agree with Spencer that false theology is opposed to God, and that
Arminianism is false theology, such rhetoric is not likely to endear the
Arminian reader to consider his case. This book perpetuates the notion that
Calvinists are arrogant, mean-spirited Bible thumpers (unfortunately some are,
but not all).

In my opinion, a far better book on the five points is
The Sovereign Grace of God by James R. White. For a great book that
introduces and defends Reformed theology in a personal and friendly manner,
read David Clotfelter’s Sinners in the Hands of a Good God.