Keeping the mystery
In the history of the Church, I do not believe there has been a single issue which has been more divisive as the extent of God's control over human events, specifically salvation.
In the scope of evangelical Christianity, some hold to what is called a Calvinistic view, which was originally popularized by Augustine over 1,000 years before him and adopted by the Roman Church.
Others basically hold a view which was popuarized by Arminius and the Remonstrant movement, called Arminianism.
What's at stake in this debate? There is a companion series by InterVarsity Press which tackles both sides of this issue in a very, Christian manner without the hatred and rhetoric characterized by many other works on both sides of this debate.
In the book Why I am not a Calvinist, the authors believe the very character of God is at stake because they believe that God's entire mode of operation is based upon His love.
In the book, Why I am not an Arminian, the authors posit that the integrity of the Biblical story is at stake.
So what is really at stake?
On one hand, there are calvinists who rationalize and systematize their views so they are able to wrap their minds around the mysteries of God's sovereignty.
On the other hand, there are arminians who rationalize and empathize their views so they are able to wrap their minds around the mysteries of God's sovereignty.
Can there be a balance?
I do believe that Calvin himself presented that balance, as well as Augustine.
What did those two really say?
Well, they held to God's choosing and people's choice. I am speaking very generally here.
On one hand, God chooses, on the other hand people come, willingly.
On one hand, God doesn't choose, on the other hand people don't want to come, willingly.
Scripture really presents a mystery when it comes to God's sovereignty in salvation and that is what those who call themselves Calvinists must realize. Not everything can fit in a box. Everyone should take that into account.
The best way to wrap our minds around this is to realize it is a mystery, a quite compatable one. That is the conclusion which seems to arise in Why I Am Not An Arminian by my two wonderful professors, Peterson and Williams.
Books of the day, Why I Am Not An Arminian by Robert Peterson and Michael Williams and Why I Am Not A Calvinist by Jerry Walls and Joseph Dongell.
In the scope of evangelical Christianity, some hold to what is called a Calvinistic view, which was originally popularized by Augustine over 1,000 years before him and adopted by the Roman Church.
Others basically hold a view which was popuarized by Arminius and the Remonstrant movement, called Arminianism.
What's at stake in this debate? There is a companion series by InterVarsity Press which tackles both sides of this issue in a very, Christian manner without the hatred and rhetoric characterized by many other works on both sides of this debate.
In the book Why I am not a Calvinist, the authors believe the very character of God is at stake because they believe that God's entire mode of operation is based upon His love.
In the book, Why I am not an Arminian, the authors posit that the integrity of the Biblical story is at stake.
So what is really at stake?
On one hand, there are calvinists who rationalize and systematize their views so they are able to wrap their minds around the mysteries of God's sovereignty.
On the other hand, there are arminians who rationalize and empathize their views so they are able to wrap their minds around the mysteries of God's sovereignty.
Can there be a balance?
I do believe that Calvin himself presented that balance, as well as Augustine.
What did those two really say?
Well, they held to God's choosing and people's choice. I am speaking very generally here.
On one hand, God chooses, on the other hand people come, willingly.
On one hand, God doesn't choose, on the other hand people don't want to come, willingly.
Scripture really presents a mystery when it comes to God's sovereignty in salvation and that is what those who call themselves Calvinists must realize. Not everything can fit in a box. Everyone should take that into account.
The best way to wrap our minds around this is to realize it is a mystery, a quite compatable one. That is the conclusion which seems to arise in Why I Am Not An Arminian by my two wonderful professors, Peterson and Williams.
Books of the day, Why I Am Not An Arminian by Robert Peterson and Michael Williams and Why I Am Not A Calvinist by Jerry Walls and Joseph Dongell.
posted by Bobby's blog at 3:31 PM
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