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Rating: 
Summary: Interesting read, deceptive title
Review: I probably would never have got to the end of the book except I was reading it on the exercise bike at the gym! However I was glad I persevered. I think it is an excellent presentation of calvinism, but the title is deceptive because grace is not really the main focus of the book.
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Summary: An Amazing review of Amazing Grace
Review: I was not raised a Calvinist but as a Roman Catholic. Presently I am an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God( That is correct, a Pentecostal Calvinist). This is one of the most readable and easily comprehendable books on Reformed theology that I have yet to encounter. No doubt there will be many who do not agree with the author's theological presuppostions. But for anyone who is curious, or perhaps, is being drawn to the Reformed tradition, this is an excellent place to begin. Horton merely takes "the cookies and places them down on the lower shelf," easily within a person's grasp. Agree or disagree, this book is a must for anyone who desires to understand the essentials of historic Christianity. And yes, there are many who are Pentecostal/charismatic who are also completely Reformed, while not being altogether cessasionist.
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Summary: Scholarly yet extremely easy to read
Review: Michael Horton in this book clears up many false presuppositions of people against Calvinism. In my own journey to Calvinism I struggled particurlarly with the doctrine of Limited Atonement. Horton defines it rather as "Particular Redemption." After reading this spin of it, my own logical fallacies were swept away and I began to rejoice in a God so beautiful as to ransom me. Another interesting part of the book is the end where he in gives the reader a bibliography to pursue furhter study. Also, he quotes extensivley from Church Fathers and their view on the 'Doctrines of Grace'. My only disagreement with Horton is his view on infant baptism. This is only natural, I being a Baptist. Be that as it may, this is a wonderful book and will be very helpful in helping young Calvinists gently and persuasivly explain their beliefs to their Arminian brethren.
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Summary: Love this book!
Review: Michael Scott Horton exalts the sovereignty of God in this excellent work. I highly recommend this book and believe it will make a powerful contribution to a clearer understanding of the Biblical concept of "grace." This is no dry and humorless book ... each chapter is illustrated and comes with questions for further consideration. Good for Bible study groups or individual study.
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Summary: A most excellent introduction to Reformed/Biblical thought
Review: This simple and easily understood volume is one of the best, if not THE best introduction to Biblical Christianity. Horton explains man's helpless condition and his need for a grace that only God can provide. He shows that the Triune God is not only the finisher of faith but also its author. Not only does he document these doctrines with Scripture but he also provides a nice appendix which contains several quotes from Christian thinkers throughout the history of the Church, showing that the idea of sovereign grace is not some new theory of Christianity developed by the Reformers, but that the message of grace is the very heart of Christianity. This book explains how the grace of God through Christ is truly amazing and that 'Salvation is of the LORD.' 5 stars.
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Summary: Gospel Antidote to Cultural Inanity
Review: What St. Horton Really SaidYes, I am basing my title off an N T Wright book (I borrowed the title, I am not critiquing or applauding Wright). I really get annoyed at having to write reviews that are both explanatory of the book and refuting what some anti-Horton apologist wrote. I am speaking particularly of the reader from Portland, OR. I will not spend too much time refuting him, he does a good job of it himself. My aim in this review is to speak of the book, refute the attacking reviewer, and explain how one is to write a review. Horton attempts several things in this book: 1) present historic, reformed Christianity in a popular fashion, and 2) offer this new-found protestantism as an antidote to the self-help psychology group. Since many in the debate are familiar with the five points of Calvinism, I will forego them, sufficing to say that Horton gives them new (and better) names, killing the acronym. Instead of Total Depravity--Rebels without a Cause; Unconditional Election--Grace before Time; Limited Atonement--Mission Accomplished; Irresistable Grace--Intoxicating Grace; Perseverance of the Saints--No Lost Causes. Fear not, Calvinists, these are the same doctrines always taught, just renamed. Horton does several challenging things with this gospel: 1) after affirming that God is Soveriegn, he then critiques Dispensationalism and charges it with affirming that God has lost control over creation. His second to last chapter is on keys to spiritual growth (think: sacraments). I have to disagree with him on baptism, although it is a well-defended chapter. I disagree with Horton on two points: Baptism and his representation of postmillennialism. I know he is aware of the differences between theonomic postmillennialism and pietistic postmillennialism, he tends to blur the lines a few times How Not to write a Review:
The above mentioned reviewer claimed that Calvinists always used Augustine as their prime spokesman; that is only half-true. Calvinists find Augustine has a powerful ally against the Pelagians; however, his views on the sacraments helped plunge the Middle Age Church into darkness. Kevonic is attributing to Horton what the history has revealed about Augustine. Even if his historical analysis were true (which I doubt), that would be totally irrelevant to the issue at hand. HORTON DID NOT EVEN ONCE QUOTE AUGUSTINE, NOR DID HE NEED TO!!!!!! That leads me to infer that the reviewer DID NOT EVEN READ THE BOOK!. And what is the deal with bringing up Tom Oden. Every one knows that Oden is an Arminian. Furthermore, we all welcome Oden restoring the Church Fathers to our reading lists, and we applaud his heroic attacks on liberalism. Does not Mr Kevonic know that Oden appeared as a special guest in Horton's magazine, MODERN REFORMATION? And contrasting Oden with Packer? They have co-authored at least one book, ONE FAITH, I think it is. I know they have thier theological differences. Furthermore, most Calvinists know the difference between a semi-Pelagian (which is what the Evangelical Church is today) and an Arminian. For a difference, of which Horton is aware being that he was a contributor to the book, see FOUR VIEWS ON ETERNAL SECURITY, which has Calvinist, Arminian, and Semi-Pelagian views. In fact, I will quote Horton from that book, "Stephen Ashby's (an Arminian) contribution represents a much-needed correction of the caricatures of Arminius's views" (Four Views, 188). Does that sound like Horton is unaware of the distinction? How to write a Review"
Briefly explain the review, express, with examples, your areas of disagreement/agreement. Correct caricatures made of the book; recommend other books.
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