James R. White (1) (1962–)

The doctrine of the Trinity is perhaps one of the most misunderstood, abused, attacked, or ignored doctrines of Christianity. However, it is also the very heart of the faith once for all delivered. In this book, James White offers a precise and compact primer on what the Trinity means, what it doesn't mean, why we believe Scripture teaches it, and why it matters. With the denial of any of the doctrine's three pillars -- absolute monotheism, the real existence of three separate divine show more persons, and the full deity of Christ and the Spirit -- there is no Christianity and there is no salvation.

The doctrine of the Trinity has spawned any number of lengthy theological tomes, but I recommend this to anyone who wants a brief, readable, convincing introduction to the critical importance of this teaching. A central insight I hadn't fully considered is that the Trinity was revealed not in the Old or New Testaments, but between the testaments in the incarnation of the Son and the coming of the Spirit. By the time the New Testament was written in attestation of Trinitarian truth, the experience of God's self-revelation in Christ and in the Spirit-filled Church had already planted this doctrine deep in the hearts of the first believers. White draws out this insight and many others in clear and precise language, and I can't recommend this book highly enough. show less

I've read a few books on Mormonism, and unfortunately several of these books present fringe beliefs and statements as the norm and attack them. You talk to a Mormon about these ideas, and they disagree with them just as strongly as you do!

James White is very careful to not fall into that trap. He carefully and systematically establishes that a certain doctrine is historically and currently held by the church, and then shows how it is wrong. Because the book is so careful, he only hits about show more three Mormon doctrines, but after reading this, I am rather convinced that this is exactly how we should approach things with the Mormons. Would it not be better to tread a bit more slowly and carefully than to just rush out and criticize them for polygamy again?

Maybe we should be dedicating our apologetical books at a handful of doctrines at a time, making sure we get them right, rather than spending only five pages here or ten there on ideas.

White quite convincingly points out the errors of these three core doctrines, and by doing so shows the error in Mormonism and calls our Mormon friends and neighbors to faith in the true Christ, the only one that can save. show less

White's response to Chosen But Free. In general, Geisler's book was warmly received by everyday laypeople, but critically received by scholars. Because Geisler is well respected (even by people who are dismayed by Chosen But Free), an entire book was considered needful. A few observations: much of the criticism is that Geisler has misrepresented calvinism. I'm intrigued that misrepresenting Scripture seems to be a secondary focus, which is backwards to me, and fits my unscholarly assessment show more that many calvinists are more devoted to Calvin than Scripture. Not all, of course. But White doesn't help the cause, from my perspective. It is an able defense of reformed doctrine, and will be helpful for those looking for a readable discussion of a reformed response to nonreformed arguments. show less

When I read Geisler's Chosen but Free, I was astonished. My wife actually asked me to stop reading it, since it was making me angry. And it was making me angry because we had such a solid and respected Christian brother jumping into a debate that he didn't even understand. It was clear from the first chapter that he didn't really know what Calvinism was teaching, and yet he was attacking it.

White's response is wonderfully thorough and carefully documented. White examines Geisler's beliefs, show more his sources, and his wording, not to tear down Geisler, but to try to present a fair and Bible-based presentation of Calvinism, something Geisler did not do.

Geisler wrote a bad book, but I wouldn't tell people not to read it. Read it! Read it, and then take a look at what White says. I think more Calvinists will be the result.

If you have not read Geisler's book, I think this one will still be understandable, though there are other works on Reformed Theology that may be a better start.

Just please don't fall into the trap that Geisler did -- letting your traditions dictate how you read the Bible, and therefore end up twisting Scripture and other sources alike (as well as misrepresenting your opposition) just to defend it. show less