The following is a review of Richard Mouw’s All That God Cares About.

The doctrine of common grace can be a tricky subject. Some may disregard it altogether. Richard Mouw addresses this topic and offers a humble support of common grace, illustrating that which God delights in, and how God’s people can join in that delight.

God delights in all things that glorify Him, and this book is certainly one of those things. Mouw’s description of and application of common grace is fair, comprehensible, and inspiring.

The book ultimately served as a primer, not only on common grace, but on fundamental neo-Calvinist thought and practice, as well as an ode to the theology and legacy of Abraham Kuyper. Mouw’s passion for the subject matter is tangible while reading, and I am left wanting to learn more about neo-Calvinism, Kuyper, and Mouw himself.

To be honest, the book can be difficult to follow at times for those who (like me) do not have a seminary degree. Mouw’s theological vocabulary is rich, and there were several times where I was fascinated by what Mouw said, but I could not understand due to a lack of theological astuteness on my part. In several ways, this book has left me with more questions than answers in regard to common grace and neo-Calvinism, yet I do not take that as a negative.

I greatly enjoyed this book, and I am certain that it’s value will only increase with a second read-through. I am thankful to have had the opportunity to read it, and I do not hesitate to recommend it to those with an interest in, and at least somewhat of a background/education in theology.

Brazos Press sent me a digital copy of this book for the purpose of this review.

Richard Mouw is a big name in Kuyperian circles. He regularly writes about neo-Calvinism and Kuyper’s vision of Common Grace. His latest book, All that God Cares About (available June 16, 2020), continues that work. I will admit that this is my first look at Mouw’s work so I am behind in the conversation but I think it is worth jumping in here since Mouw says that this book is an update on his previous work on common grace.

In considering common grace, the primary question Mouw considers is how God can both bless non-Christians with artistic skills and also allow them to go to Hell. At one point, Mouw points to ancient Chinese pottery and asks: “What does God think of those pots and vases? I don’t think the production of these works of art is explainable simply in terms of the providential restraint of sin. My sense is that the Lord took delight in the talents of the artists themselves in crafting this pottery and wants us to delight in them as well” (Kindle Location 905). In this example, Mouw is pushing back on the frequent description of common grace as merely a restraint on evildoers and instead Mouw suggests that in some way God actually delights in these gifts that he gives to non-Christians.

I appreciate much of Mouw’s discussion in this book and it was edifying to read about other theologians who have talked about this issue: Cornelius VanTil, Klaas Schilder, and Herman Hoeksema.

In discussions on common grace, it is easy to emphasize this grace so much that common grace becomes salvific grace. Mouw is aware of this temptation and error and he is clear that he does not hold or teach that error. I appreciated that point. I do have some concerns about this book and you can read more here: http://kuyperian.com/book-review-all-that-god-cares-about-by-richard-mouw/