DVD Review: Amazing Grace--The History and Theology of Calvinism

BASIC INFO
Title: Amazing Grace: The History and Theology of Calvinism, DVD
Director: James Gilet

Publisher: The Apologetics Group

Year: 2004

Viewing level: 3.0

Price USD: $24.95 list price.

Discs: 2

Format: ColorAspect

Ratio(s): 1.33:1

Audio Encoding: Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono

Rated: Unrated (General audience)

DVD Release Date: October, 2004

Run Time: 4 hours 17 minutes

WHERE TO BUY:
Monergism: $13.99
Nicene Council.com: $24.95
CBD: $27.99

REVIEW: Calvinism is a system of theology that is most closely associated with the teachings of John Calvin. It is often referred to as the "Doctrines of Grace", yet many see Calvinism as being the polar opposite of 'love' and 'grace'. Is this a horrid heresy that was introduced into the church by the Reformer John Calvin? Does it really teach that human beings are "robots" controlled by a deterministic God? If God is completely sovereign, is man responsible for his actions? If Calvinism is true, then why Evangelize?

These are questions that linger with us today, and are discussed in the foyers and parking lots of churches across the world, as well as in coffee shops, living rooms, and ball fields. Despite the attractive contours of our relativistic age, the Christian person, at the root, wants their faith to "make sense". The DVD is a lucid, comprehensive, and provocative analysis and defense of the Calvinistic position. Sample video clips are available online. It is broken into three main divisions, noted as follows:

Part One: Historical Background of the Debate. The section offers a thorough assessment and overview of the debate between two Early Church personalities: Augustine and Pelagius--each of whom offered different views on the nature of humanity, sin, and the atonement. Pelagius argued that man is born morally neutral and, like Adam, has the ability to chose either holiness or sin. Christ did not "redeem us", but rather provides an important moral example for right living. Though Pelagius was condemned as a heretic, the DVD explores how his ideas lived on in a "semi-pelagian" form, culminating in the 16th century in an explosive debate between Martin Luther (holding the Augustinian position) and Desiderius Erasmus (holding a semi-pelagian position). Erasmus argued that though man has been infected by the Fall, he has not lost his ability to choose holiness. While man certainly needs the aid of Christ, he also must do much of it himself. Pelagianism sees man as basically well, and in need of a moral guide--man decides of his own accord to follow. Semi-pelagianism sees man is spiritually sick in need of a physician--man decides to take the advice of the doctor and to let the doctor do the work. Augustianism sees man as spiritual dead, in need of a giver of life--man decides nothing, just as a new born baby doesn't decide to live. The history section ends with a definitive historical explanation of the issues that arose during the Calvinist/Arminian controversy. By examining the five points of Arminianism and the Synod of Dort’s response, the DVD demonstrates how the Arminian position is simply a restatement of the classic semi-pelagian error.

Part Two: Scriptural Proof for Calvinism. This lengthy sections goes through a laundry list of Bible passages. The "five points of Calvinism", generally remembered by the acronym TULIP, are defended with vigor and resolve. This section also looks closely at the Arminian reading of Scripture, highlighting the basic error in their exegesis. Many people believe that Scripture overwhelmingly proves the Arminian position. This section of the DVD masterfully shows the falsehood of that assumption. As one of the contributors rightly noted, Calvinism has never been thwarted because it is the true exposition of sacred scripture.

Part Three: Calvinism and Evangelism. Moving from the historical, to the scriptural, and finally to the practical, this section explores the issue of evangelism. Critics of Calvinism contend that if Calvinism were true, there would be no purpose of Evangelism. Hyper-Calvinists, a heretical group, did indeed maintain that Evangelism was wrong. This section demonstrates that vigorous, energetic, faithful evangelism is a logical conclusion of Calvinism. It also explores several practical issues such as how, why, and to whom we should evangelize.

The documentary has several dramatic vignettes (of varying quality) and makes frequent use of graphics. It features many of the finest reformed thinkers and pastors of our time (most notably R.C. Sproul & Tom Nettles). I greatly valued it's inclusion of many pastors, whose task is to daily apply the principles of Calvinism to daily spiritual life. I was surprised that the video did not include other "top tier" Reformed thinkers (Dever, Piper, Schreiner, Mohler). I was even more surprised that it included quotes from Rushdoony (who, though brilliant, represents a fringe movement within Calvinism) and Ray Comfort (who is prone to bizarre oversimplifications, such as his infamous "banana argument") . However, the DVD quotes scores of individuals, so its' variety is a strength.

A few Negatives. Though the DVD indicates that it is divided into 10 sections (presumably for small group or adult sunday school classes), I found this division to be almost nonexistent. Yes, you can skip ahead to chapters, but there are very few natural subject breaks in the DVD. While this documentary is a wonderful resource for personal viewing, its format precludes me from ever using it within a church or small group setting (a major disappointment, since this was the reason I purchased the product). The DVD also needs a study and discussion guide. Along with this it would have been helpful to create a series of handouts. While the DVD makes great use of graphics, there is no attempt to translate these into print. The lack of such a guide and handouts is a second major disappointment. Finally, the viewing rights on the DVD "is for private home viewing only, it is not licensed for any other use". While this may be a standard industry statement, it seems odd to license a theological product in such a way as to make showing it in church settings illegal. Perhaps we could claim the biblical metaphor that the congregation is the house of God. Thus, whenever God's people are together, we are simply playing the DVD in God's private home. :o)

All in all, I highly recommend this product. Its format and failure to include a discussion guide limit its group use. However, for pastors, church leaders, and layman who wish to better understand the history and theology of Biblical Calvinism, this video is a welcome resource.