Intellectuelle

I love this from Aaron Menikoff at Common Grounds Online, writing on �intentional Christian living":

Dietrich Bonhoeffer knew the importance of Christians investing in each other�s lives. When done right, it is never a shallow exchange. It is, instead, a powerful and loving ministry wherein two people relate, always trusting that they need to be encouraged and challenged by the Word of God.

Aaron lists six characteristics of �a Christian anxious to make disciples for the glory of God�:

• Hopeful � transformed by the Gospel
• Honest � truthful about his or her life to others
• Gospel-centered � considerate of how the gospel might affect every part of life
• Exemplary � an example, a witness
• Loving � loves others as God loves him/her
• Creative � looks for ways to involve others in his/her life

HT: Blogotional ******

Scot McKnight has begun a series looking at the question, �Do Calvinists Understand Arminianism?� He reviews Roger Olson�s book, Arminian Theology: Myths and Realities. (Looks like yet another one to add to my impossible pile of books � the most recent addition to which is Calvin�s Institutes!) There are three installments so far � #1, #2, and #3. I was sure I saw a statement in there about the misunderstanding and mistrust that exists between members of opposite "camps" but can�t find it now. (Certainly the reverse question can also be asked: �Do Arminians Understand Calvinism?�)

Some important points from the posts:

• Arminians are Protestants to the core; they are part of the Reformed movement.


• A major, if not the major, issue is monergism vs. synergism. (not a surprise)


• �The gospel preached and the doctrine of salvation taught in most evangelical pulpits and lecterns, and believed in most evangelical pews, is not classical Arminianism but semi-Pelagianism if not outright Pelagianism� � Olson


• Both Arminians and Calvinists are united on an emphasis on God�s glory and on covenant, or federal, theology.


• A hybrid of Calvinism and Arminianism is impossible (again, no surprise). Three areas where the two systems cannot agree: unconditional election, limited atonement, and irresistible grace.


• The dividing line between the two systems is that God is viewed �as either (1) majestic, powerful, and controlling or (2) loving, good, and merciful� -- Jerry Walls

And, importantly,

• Calvinists and Arminians believe what they do, not simply because of exegesis, but because of perspective. What some philosophers call �blik.�

I think it also has a lot to do with the theology one was brought up with and whether one�s associations with that (and one�s upbringing) were positive or negative. Certain aspects of personality or psychology may factor in as well.

And, lastly,

• Both systems have insurmountable problems.

The comment threads on all three posts are great reading.