In spite of his many great achievements, Finney’s expressed views on salvation were more consistent with semi-Pelagianism than with orthodox Christianity. He more than implied that gracious works of God, in and for individuals and groups of people, wait upon human initiative and that all people are capable by will power alone of repenting, exercising faith in Christ, and living virtually sinless, holy lives. Critics of Finney’s theology and revival methods are quite right to suggest that he became a major conduit of enlightenment rationalism, individualism and humanism into conservative evangelical Christianity. No doubt his motives were pure, but his theology was pernicious.(274)

Essentially, Olson is calling Finney a heretic.f you liked this, you’ll probably like:

• I took the "Which theologian are you?" Quiz
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• Neo-Youth Ministry Methods: Education and Teaching

As happens sometimes in life, you don’t do things as early as you had hoped. I didn’t get my next post in the How I Built a Church Website for Free series until late today, and I don’t like posting substantive posts late in the day or on weekends. Look for it Monday.f you liked this, you’ll probably like:

• Mission Accomplished
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