Five-Point Calvinism has many able defenders online. Can the same be said for biblical critiques of Calvinism? We have compiled a list of helpful books critiquing Calvinism HERE. Similarly, here are some video presentations on YouTube you might find helpful:
1. ”The BEST Argument Against Calvinism w/ Dr. Braxton Hunter” (24:56 mins)
Dr. Hunter critiques Calvinism’s doctrine of divine determinism, which posits that God predestines all events, including individual salvation and damnation. He argues that this view conflicts with the concept of human free will and moral responsibility. Hunter contends that if God determines every action, then human choices are illusory, and holding individuals accountable for their actions becomes problematic. He emphasizes that genuine love and moral decisions require the freedom to choose, suggesting that a deterministic framework undermines the authenticity of human relationships with God. The discussion challenges Calvinist interpretations by advocating for a theological perspective that upholds both God’s sovereignty and human freedom.
2. “‘Against Calvinism’ with Dr. Roger Olson” (1 hour 12 min)
Renowned theologian Dr. Olson critiques Calvinist theology, particularly its doctrines of predestination and divine determinism. He argues that Calvinism portrays God as the author of sin and evil by asserting that God predestines every event, including human actions and their eternal destinies. Olson contends that this view undermines God’s goodness and justice, as it suggests individuals are punished for actions they were predestined to commit. He advocates for a classical Arminian perspective, emphasizing God’s universal love, human free will, and the belief that salvation is available to all who choose to accept it.
3. “Why I Don’t Believe in Calvinism Anymore (Part 1/5)” by Jason Breda (1 hour 22 min)
Jason Breda shares his personal journey away from Calvinism after over a decade of adherence. He recounts how, despite initially embracing the doctrines of grace, he began to question key tenets of Calvinism, such as predestination and limited atonement. Through in-depth study and reflection, he found these doctrines inconsistent with the character of God and the teachings of Scripture. This first installment sets the stage for a comprehensive five-part series detailing his theological transition and the reasons behind his departure from Calvinist beliefs.
4. “Refuting Calvinism Through Romans 9 with Hutson Smelley” (1 hour 22 min)
Hutson Smelley, author of Deconstructing Calvinism: A Biblical Analysis and Refutation, offers a detailed critique of Calvinist interpretations of Romans 9. Drawing from his background as a lawyer, mathematician, and teaching elder, Smelley argues that this chapter, when read in its full biblical and historical context, addresses God’s sovereign choices regarding the roles of nations—particularly Israel and the Gentiles—in His redemptive plan, rather than individual salvation. He emphasizes that Paul’s discussion focuses on God’s right to use nations for specific purposes, not on predestining individuals to salvation or damnation. Smelley advocates for a theological perspective that upholds both God’s sovereignty and human free will.
5. “Why Reject Calvinism? | Dr. Leighton Flowers | Soteriology 101” (2 hour 6 min)
Dr. Leighton Flowers, joined by Jordan Hatfield of Great Light Studios discuss their reasons for moving away from Calvinist theology. They critique key doctrines such as unconditional election and irresistible grace, arguing these concepts conflict with the biblical portrayal of God’s character and human responsibility. Dr. Flowers emphasizes that Calvinism’s deterministic framework undermines genuine human choice and portrays God as arbitrarily selecting individuals for salvation or damnation. Instead, they advocate for Provisionism, which upholds God’s universal love and the belief that salvation is available to all who choose to accept it through faith.
6. “John Lennox Refutes Calvinism | Dr. Leighton Flowers | Free Will” (18:21 min)
Dr. Leighton Flowers features a segment from apologist Dr. John Lennox, who critiques the deterministic aspects of Calvinist theology. Lennox argues that both naturalistic and theological determinism are incompatible with the Christian understanding of God’s nature and human responsibility. He emphasizes that genuine love and moral accountability require libertarian free will—the real capacity to choose otherwise. Flowers supports Lennox’s perspective, contending that Calvinism’s view of predestination undermines human freedom and portrays God as the author of sin. Together, they advocate for a theological framework that upholds both God’s sovereignty and authentic human choice.
7. ”Why I Think Calvinism Is Unbiblical” by Mike Winger (1 hour 13 min)
Pastor and apologist Mike Winger offers a detailed critique of Calvinist theology, focusing on its core doctrines and their alignment with Scripture. He challenges the Calvinist view that faith is a “work,” arguing instead that faith is a genuine human response to God’s grace, not a meritorious act. Winger contends that Calvinism’s emphasis on predestination and irresistible grace undermines human responsibility and the universal offer of salvation. He supports his arguments with biblical passages, advocating for a theological perspective that upholds both God’s sovereignty and human free will.
8. “Dave Hunt Refutes Calvinism” (20 min)
In this 20-minute video, Christian apologist Dave Hunt critiques the theological framework of Calvinism, particularly its portrayal of God’s nature and human free will. He argues that Calvinism misrepresents God’s character by suggesting that He predestines some individuals to salvation and others to damnation, thereby challenging the notion of God’s universal love and justice. Hunt emphasizes that God’s grace is extended to all, and individuals possess the free will to accept or reject salvation. He contends that doctrines like total depravity and irresistible grace undermine human responsibility and portray God as unjust. Throughout the video, Hunt advocates for a theological perspective that upholds both God’s sovereignty and human free will.
9. “Union With Christ – A Critical Error in Calvinism | Part 1” by Jordan Hatfield (30 mins)
Jordan Hatfield critiques a central tenet of Calvinist theology: the timing and nature of union with Christ. He argues that Calvinism erroneously asserts that individuals are chosen in Christ before they are actually united with Him through faith. This, he contends, conflicts with scriptural teachings (particularly in Ephesians 1) which emphasize that spiritual blessings and election are realized through an active, faith-based union with Christ. The video challenges the Calvinist interpretation that election precedes faith, suggesting instead that union with Christ—and thus participation in salvation—is contingent upon personal belief.
10. “Does Ephesians 1 Teach Calvinism?” by Jordan Hatfield (12 mins)
Jordan Hatfield examines whether Ephesians 1 supports Calvinist doctrines like unconditional election and predestination. He argues that the passage emphasizes God’s plan to unite all believers in Christ, rather than predestining individuals to salvation. The speaker highlights the repeated use of the phrase “in Christ,” suggesting that predestination pertains to the collective destiny of those who choose to be in Christ, not an arbitrary selection by God. Thus, the video concludes that Ephesians 1 does not necessarily endorse Calvinist theology.
