Concise, yet clear and detailed This is the best, most concise, explanation that I have read about reformed theology vs. Arminianism and why reformed theologians believe as they do. On the continuum, I would be an Arminian with strong leanings towards the reformed camp. I reject many of the beliefs   Arminians are said to hold as a group, while also rejecting the Calvinist's resolution of the tension between man's free will and God's sovereignty. The more I examine the question, the more I come away shaking my head. I just think it is inexplicable and we do more damage trying to understand the mechanics of it than good. I trust in God's character, sovereignty, justice, mercy, and love, and submit the issue to Him. I am not willing to definitely say that my Calvinist brothers are wrong and I am right, since I have a hard time even formulating a coherent, satisfactory position. I am untroubled. I definitely hold to the eternal security of the believer, the total depravity of man, man's inability to contribute towards his own salvation, and man's inability to even believe apart from the Holy Spirit's conviction. Neither do I agree that the mere acceptance of a gift constitutes a "work."Jesus tells a parable about inviting all who would come to a wedding feast and providing the guests with proper clothes. Nowhere does it say anyone is compelled to come, or that the acceptance of the invitation constitutes deserving it. I understand that there is some difficulty when one tries to understand the details, but maybe we should leave the details up to God and just do what He says. I do have a fair amount of intellectual curiosity, but not so much that I can't live without a complete answer.One of the chief difficulties for me lies in how I should consider prayers for my lost friends and family to be effectual. If God is sovereign over salvation already, why should I pray "To open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me." Acts 26:18?Lutzer claims, "I must point out that Arminians who stress the freedom of the will nevertheless pray that the unconverted might come to Christ. Is not this a tacit admission that God has the ability to work in the human will to bring about salvation?"This made me laugh, for I must point out that, according to the Calvinist, the number of the elect is predetermined and therefore my prayers are incapable of effect one way or another.Nevertheless, I pray because the scripture says to do it. I leave the details about how this can be up to God. I am not willing to get into an argument about the mechanics and only pray that God, through Christ and His Spirit, will help me in my ignorance.Lastly, don't let me leave you will the impression that predestination and free will is the only subject in the book. It's just the most difficult. There are many other critiques of doctrine, especially that of Catholicism that are vital to consider. I highly recommend the book.