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Some thoughts on Calvinism, Arminianism, and all views in between

K
kendall Dec 11, 2008

Some thoughts on Calvinism, Arminianism, and all views in between:


There are Calvinists and Arminians and those in the middle that were holier than most will ever be.

There are Calvinists and Arminians and those in the middle that have won more people to the Lord than most ever will.

There are Calvinists and Arminians and those in the middle that have been extremely ungodly and were not truly regenerate.

Most enter the discussions to persuade not learn. Hence there is no profit only strife.

Most arguments are philosophical (free-will vs. determinism) rather than theological, and by far the smallest number of arguments are biblical (i.e. letting the Bible speak for itself without interpretation or addition.)

Most arguments are thrown at straw men. Most will not let someone else believe what they say that they believe; rather most men “know” what the other “really” believes although it is clearly stated to the contrary elsewhere.

Most people refuse to define their terms (election, depravity, propitiation, atonement, etc.) or accept the definitions of others for the sake of discussion, thus causing endless debate.

Men wiser than most have argued both sides and the middle for thousands of years. All arguments have been exhausted and to no avail. “There is nothing new under the sun.” “Nothing new” includes your arguments and mine.

There are no “gotcha” verses or arguments that Calvinists or Arminians or those in the middle have never read or heard.

The Bible speaks of truths that must be given to men from above (John 3:27, Matthew 19:11, et al) not argued into men.


Conclusion:
Humble yourself, read the Bible, and pray.

F
fuehrerbe21 Dec 11, 2008

Most arguments are philosophical (free-will vs. determinism) rather than theological

this is a good point. there is nothing wrong with discussing these thoughts, but we should focus on scripture first!

D
davym Dec 11, 2008

Amen Kendall. Good points.

We need to look for the Lord in the Bible and read it to get to know Him more. Too many read for head knowledge.

T
tjservant Dec 11, 2008

There are no “gotcha” verses or arguments that Calvinists or Arminians or those in the middle have never read or heard.

This is the truth, but it certainly doesn’t stop people from continually posting and declaring their rival doctrines defeated by some newly discovered fact, understanding, or explanation.

Better men have argued it far better than any of us…and it continues because neither side has ever been successfully defeated…at least not in the mind of the opposition. :-)


Good post.

grace and peace

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