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The Atonement Controversy

In Welsh Theological Literature and Debate 1707-1841

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THE ATONEMENT CONTROVERSY:
In Welsh Theological Literature
and Debate 1707-1841
By Owen Thomas (translated by John Aaron)
Banner of Truth. 391 pages. £18.95
ISBN 0 85151 816 8

Limited atonement occasionally surfaces like a whale in the deep ocean of theology, inducing either wonder or concern. Is the L of the Calvinist TULIP a wild doctrinal beast to be hunted down and made extinct, or is it a marvellous doctrine of God's creation, though difficult to fully grasp hold of and tame?

In the early 19th century, the doctrine of limited atonement produced theological waves in Wales that threatened to swamp the Calvinist churches. This book describes that historical controversy. It is a translation from Welsh of part of Owen Thomas's biography of the influential Calvinistic-Methodist preacher, John Jones of Talsarn, and separately considers the controversies between Arminians and Calvinists (1707-1831), amongst Calvinists (1811-41), and within Calvinistic Methodism (1814-41).

Although almost 200 years have elapsed, John Aaron's description (in his most helpful introduction) of the spirit of the age has a contemporary ring, for it was a period of some gospel success, growing political power, much inter-denominational co-operation, burgeoning respectability, and future optimism. The controversy pitted young progressives, moderating and modifying Calvinism, against older, more orthodox veterans.

Many questions related to the nature and extent of the atonement are raised by this book: For whom did Christ die? Are sinners unwilling or unable to believe the gospel? Can preachers sincerely issue indiscriminate invitations to repent and believe? Is gospel preaching invitational (for all) or declarational (for the elect)? How can a universal invitation be reconciled with personal election and particular (limited) atonement? The answers to such questions have profound and serious consequences, affecting the manner and confidence of evangelism.

The questions are answered in part, but only through the polemic responses of the protagonists. Much of the controversy was conducted in an uncharitable spirit. Owen Thomas recognised this and identifies instances of misrepresentation and selective quotation of opponents' positions. He warmly commends the more gracious contributions. Obviously, the book's approach is historical, rather than a systematic theological treatment of the doctrine. An appreciation of the finer points of the controversy will require careful reading of the competing arguments.

Although this is a detailed record of a particular doctrinal controversy in one part of the country in a bygone age, there is much profit from its study, as the book ultimately defends both universal sufficiency and particular efficiency.

David Magowan, Whitby Evangelical Church