Literary Analysis Essay on Redemption Redeemed: A Puritan Defense of Unlimited Atonement by John Goodwin

The book is a monograph since it addresses the title Redemption Redeemed: A Putin defense of unlimited Atonement without deviating or bringing other new opinions that may give contradicting information to the title. It was also written by a single author John Goodwin, a key characteristic of monographs. It fits the scholarly world of today considering that the circumstances that made John Goodwin write it are still evident to date. Goodwin lived between 1593 and 1665 as a divine man born ahead of his time and lived at a time of the turbulent era characterized with many principals which can be viewed from the theological and governmental dimension. At the time, both the views were subject to controversy. The book also fits into todays scholarly world based on its major provision of refutation of the of the Calvinistic limited atonement doctrine. In his writings of the adversarial treatise, he procedurally examines the overwhelming theological and scriptural evidence with the support of the view that Christ died for humanity. He refuses to conform to the opposing argument of his time and agrees that God through his mercies gives equal opportunity to every human being to be saved. One of the reviews of the book by the Methodist Quarterly noted that Goodwins Redemption Redeemed should have covered considerable content to perpetuate the authors fame. The monograph is presented in a manner that is good for learning, qualifying clear reasoning and influencing sound Judgement with the inclusion of admirable spirit that makes it to fits every scholarly society.

Review

The accounts given in the book presents the author as one of the few Puritans who ascribed to the doctrines of Arminism based on the theological works that back his position in Redemption Redeemed: A Putin defense of unlimited Atonement. The book revolves aspects of Christianity or pure Calvinism. Therefore, it contributes to the examination of the biblical case for the unlimited atonement. It also takes to account the New Testament which dwells on the works of Jesus Christ. Goodwin believed in the teachings of the New Testament as expressed through his book that Jesus Christ existence was to save the entire humanity. The periods that marked the preparation for the coming of Jesus Christ are explained in the Gospel of John 5: 31- 47. The chapter explains why the Jew was against Jesus Christ. They believed that Jesus was going to be only for them and was not associated with the sinners. They expected a holy messiah that would make Israel a great nation and would never be defeated in wars. This view according to Goodwins book was incorrect as the book ascertains the presence of Jesus for all humanity. The title of the book is also somewhat biblical and informative. Redemption Redeemed was the main objective of Jesus Christ to the people so that they may turn their evil ways to righteousness. It is my opinion and that of others who have read the book in details that two factors influenced Goodwin's choice of the book title. The first one is on his roots of Calvinism while the next one is based on his belief in God.

Analysis

In consideration of the argued, I agree with the author's rejection of the Calvinist teachings and results realized in his search for the truth about God. On page 11 of the book, the second paragraph, Goodwins mentions some of the reasons for his rejection to Calvinist and the circumstances behind his search for truth. He first speaks of the mischief behind the pronunciation of Calvinism as Orthodoxy and how the Jesuits at the time of civil war pushed on the predestination in the midst of Geneva customs with the pretense of bringing change to the doctrines and the disciplines of the church. He also believed that the teachers of the Calvinist doctrine had in mind the aim of destroying the peoples belief in God. His rejection of the doctrine, therefore, got based on the blasphemy it directed towards the love of God in a horrible decree. I agree with his disagreement and dissatisfaction towards the doctrine and also recognize his seriousness through the efforts he made in searching for the ultimate truth about God before parting ways with Calvinism. The only area of disagreement is on how puts off his critics who believe in Calvinism. The belief in God is a free will issue which should not be imposed or influenced by any means of coercion. Like the pastors in the church, his book should only shade light about the truth but not image those who believe in Calvinism as being on the wrong side. Much of the work is focused on challenging the doctrines that trace his roots while also explaining the true nature of God. I am of the view that the book would have been of greater importance, more aesthetic, informing, and educating and eye-opening if little would have been said about the root doctrine (Calvinism) and much focus laid on the teachings of Christianity. The point of disagreement does not qualify the book as a weaker monograph but rather highlights the areas which would have made it more appealing and welcoming to even those that still conform to Calvinism.

Lastly, what might be done next given this volume of contribution is a more recent review that will revise and put into consideration some of the critic's concerns with the aim of increasing the number of readers. The recent review will also aim at removing biases especially those given to the people who still believe in Calvinism and focus on the primary objective of giving the truth about God and the works of Jesus.

Recommendations

I, therefore, recommend that other readers can consider acquiring the book and reading it to develop a deeper understanding of matters religion and the true nature of God. Those seeking to understand the truth can also use the book to understand the disturbing implications of Calvinism through the exploration of the authors masterful work. The book can also be used in theological schools to teach those aspiring to partake the pastoral duties to broaden their understanding of Christianity and the critical challenges that surround the field. Finally, I would like to qualify the work of John Goodwin as one that meets the monographic features and presented in an orderly and appealing manner to the readers. The author uses a fair and appealing tone throughout the book with the aim of persuading the readers to believe in the issues presented therein.

BibliographyGoodwin, John, and John D. Wagner. 2004. Redemption redeemed: a Puritan defense of unlimited atonement. Eugene, or: Wipf and Stock.

Comfort, Philip W. 2017. The gospel of John, 1-3 John. Carol Stream, Ill: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. http://rbdigital.rbdigital.com.