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A Calvinist vs. an Arminian

Calvinist: *sigh* Another example of how the Arminian gets it all wrong (i.e., ignores Scripture, etc.)...

Arminian: Well, let me tell you how the Calvinist is just plain wrong (i.e., he misunderstands Scripture, etc.):

C: (misconstrues the Arminian's position)

A: (misconstrues the Calvinist's position)

C: If the Arminian were properly informed, he'd see the error of his ways.

A: If the Calvinist weren't so "well-informed," he'd see the error of his ways.

C: When we follow the Arminian's claims to their logical conclusion, we see he asserts that (X) is true, which obviously can't be true (because of Y, Y, Z, and Z).

A: Ditto, minus the "obviously".

C: When arguing or presenting statements, the Arminian displays (X, Y, or Z) character flaws. (Implied -- or perhaps spoken): I and other Calvinists, on the other hand, argue strictly facts.

A: The Calvinist is in love with his facts but not with people; he really doesn't "get" love (said rather plaintively).

C: (complains about the Arminian)...

A: (complains about the Calvinist)...

C: (takes offense at the Arminian)...

A: (takes offense at the Calvinist)...

C: (insults the Arminian)...

A: (insults the Calvinist)...

Wash, rinse, repeat...

addendum I forgot one:

C: I suspect, from the Arminian's arguments, that he's really a Calvinist; he just doesn't know it.

A: (some sort of ruffled-feather-strutting response)

I didn't pull out the appeals-to-famous-names arguments either...

Comments

Tsk, tsk, tsk, Bonnie.

Do you think you'll resolve this conundrum?

Posted by: Rusty at September 5, 2007 10:14 AM

I'm trying ;-)

Posted by: Bonnie at September 5, 2007 1:11 PM

I suggest this little trick:

If you can figure out who is genuinely interested in working out the solutions to the questions, dialogue with that person. Those who are simply undyingly loyal to their religious veneration should be left to their own devices, they have a different agenda than understanding the truth of a matter.
This trick saves much wasted time and consternation.

Posted by: ilona at September 6, 2007 2:37 PM

As a person raised fully Roman Catholic (mom's side) but with a healthy dose of Greek Orthodoxy (dad's side) and now married to a Baptist (spouse's side).... and having worshiped at both Wesleyan and Baptist churches (as well as 2 other protestant denominations).... and who is now studying theology with the humble goal of entering into pastoral ministry.... I do have an interest in this debate as a seeker of truth. I will confess that my heart and head are stongly leaning toward the Calvinist side but I have yet to study the Armenian side thoroughly. Thanks for bravely raising the question in a public forum.

Posted by: Mike at September 8, 2007 10:04 AM

Mike,
Just keep reading Paul and the rest of Scripture and you will find the truth as you pray for the Spirit's guidance.
It seems like both sides especially the Calvinist needs to learn to speak the truth in love. I say especially the Calvinist because it is my most certain conviction that he is right. But it shows how little the Calvinist has come to understand grace in his heart if he is so quick to insult and belittle the Arminian. Titus 3.1-7 talks about how we need to have patience and humility towards everyone because of what we once were and what God has done for us.

Posted by: Jason at September 8, 2007 10:28 AM

I recently found a book, Arminian Theology: Myths and Realities, by Roger E. Olson, that looks very helpful.

Posted by: Paul Dubuc at September 8, 2007 11:11 AM
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