Note from a reader:

I’ve long appreciated your books and ministry, so I was surprised to learn of your Calvinist views. I find myself drawn to nuance and open questions—seeing faith as filled with tension, paradox, and mystery. In contrast, Calvinism often seems like it leans heavily toward the black-and-white side: elect or not, saved or not, chosen or not. I don’t doubt your sincerity or your deep study of the Word, but I do think our approaches may reflect different thinking styles—and that difference might explain why I find Calvinism so difficult to embrace.

Response from Randy Alcorn:

Here are a few articles that tell you what I actually believe, which I considered to be fairly moderate compared to the way you might be thinking of Calvinist beliefs. Of course, there are those who think very much the way you are envisioning them, but there are many others of us who fully recognize the orthodoxy of Arminians, who love John Wesley, and sometimes disagree with John Calvin and some modern Calvinists. 

Embracing the Holy Tension Between God’s Sovereignty and Human Choice

hand in Hand: An Interview for the Religious News Service

Where Do You Stand on the Calvinism and Arminianism Debate, and What Resources Do You Recommend?

What Is Your Position on Reformed Theology and the Five Points of Calvinism?

Also see: Spurgeon’s Theology: Embracing Biblical Paradox

My goal is not to be a consistent Calvinist but a consistent interpreter of Scripture. The Bible is my authority, not any church leader or theologian. Of course, another person can have the Bible as their authority and interpret it differently or focus on different passages. 

Best wishes and God bless you.