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Bible, Theology & Philosophy
Arminianism
Calvinism

“I think that Calvinism appeals to young Christians because it claims to have all the answers and a highly systematic explanation of God and the Bible. As they mature, many, of not most, of them change their minds.” - Roger Olson

Discussion

Tue, 04/06/21

I haven’t seen many calvinists revert to Arminianism unless they were very ill-informed calvinists to begin with. In fact, I don’t think I’ve personally known one. I do agree with him that calvinists often mis-label Arminians. (Usually as “semi-pelagian”).

Wed, 04/07/21

I’m so thankful that Arminians never misrepresent Calvinists. (Note: sarcasim alert.)

G. N. Barkman

Wed, 04/07/21

I remember asking a former pastor of mine (and current friend FWIW) about whether there were good theological works that fairly presented both sides of the arguments about divine sovereignty, as well as both sides of the arguments between dispensationalists and covenant theologians. He just laughed at me.

To be fair, there’s probably something out there, but you’ve got to look for it.

Aspiring to be a stick in the mud.

Wed, 04/07/21

Too often among the dogmatic or ill informed the debate degenerates into pelagianism vs fatalism.

Wed, 04/07/21

[G. N. Barkman]

I’m so thankful that Arminians never misrepresent Calvinists. (Note: sarcasim alert.)

They of course do but that’s not the subject at hand :). I’m a Calvinist myself but being honest about some calvinists tendency to misrepresent our opponents is a good thing.

Wed, 04/07/21

many so-called Arminians are not Arminians. They are semi-Pelagians.

For example, if you believe the armchair American evangelicalism belief that “God loves everyone” and that “Jesus died for everyone” so anyone can choose to follow Jesus or reject him, you are a semi-Pelagian. That belief is not Arminianism. It’s a democratized American style version of semi-Pelagianism.

How about this? God votes for you. The Devil votes against you. You get the tie breaking vote. That is not Arminianism. That is semi-Pelagianism.

Wed, 04/07/21
How is the first one semi-pelagian? It’s of course wrong but that’s not semi-pelagian assuming they affirm some type of prevenient grace.

Wed, 04/07/21

Arminianism must includes the ability to lose your salvation. It is very critical to the idea of prevenient grace and free will that Jesus bought and paid for. Most evangelicals do not believe that. They pick and choose what they want their theology to be.