Adrian Warnock on the spectrum of Calvinism and Arminianism

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Adrain Warnock has a great post on the fact that Calvinism and Arminianism run across a spectrum.


I find myself residing somewhere between the Moderate and Strong Calvinist positions as listed. Personal responsibility is important to me, and I believe it to be important to all biblically consistent five point Calvinists.

Comments

Steve Martin said…
Well, the 'L' is not consistent with the Bible's view of the atonement...and Calvin has a humanistic (rational) view of the Sacramrents. There is not much in the way of assurance in either camp...

but if I had to only pick from Arminianism and Calvinism, I'd go with the latter.
December 11, 2010
J. K. Jones said…
Interesting, Steve, since the Bible does not teach that all men will go to heaven. Since all men do not go to heaven, the atonement must be limited by something, either man's choice or God's.

I am still trying to understand the Lutheran view of the sacraments. It seems to me to be a form of baptismal regeneration, which I do not accept. Please correct me if I am wrong.

I never thought of Lutheranism being outside the continuum of Calvinism to Arminianism. It sounds like you do. Aren't you glad them is somewhere else to go;-).
December 13, 2010
Steve Martin said…
I never said that "all men will go to Heaven", and Lutheran theology does not teach such foolishness.

It does, however, teach what the Bible actually says about the atonement and forgiveness of sins...that being that Christ died for, and forgave the whole world.

Christ did not die just for some. He died for all. "God does not desire that any should perish." Why do all men not come to faith? That is a question for God, when you see Him.

We just teach what is Biblical.

We don't have to resolve ever unanswerable question, or resolve evry tension with regard to Christian faith.

Thanks, J.K..
December 14, 2010
Steve Martin said…
LOL!!

I AM glad that there is another, more God centered, view of the Christian life. One that really places the most value on the 'external Word'. :)

I have some friends (2 of them) that just recently left 30+ years of Calvinism (each) for Lutheranism. I would love for you to be able to talk to them someday. They speak of their new found freedom in Christ, and their exit from spiritual navel gazing and the 'religious project'.

I'm happy you are reading Rod R..

I would love to send you a few CD's of my pastor's teaching. I think you'd get a kick out of them.

If you'd like a couple of them, send your mailing address to me at sma9231961@aol.com and I'll pop a couple in the mail for you.

Thanks, J.K..
December 14, 2010
J. K. Jones said…
"We don't have to resolve ever unanswerable question, or resolve evry tension with regard to Christian faith."

Neither do we, despite what our acusers say.

JK
December 15, 2010
Steve Martin said…
Well, that is a good thing.

But, to me (anyway) it seems as if many have tried to resolve the 'why some come to faith and some don't' issue, by saying that God only died for some. And that just flat out contradicts Holy Scripture.

And many have decided to resolve the true presence of Christ's body and blood in the Supper (negatively) by saying that Christ can't really be there in it, because He is seated at the right hand of the Father.

Anyway, you get my drift.

Thanks, J.K..

Sent a couple of pastor's classes your way. These are not Lutheranism vs. any body else classes, but they are interesting nonetheless, and I think you will enjoy them.

When I get time to look specifically for some of his classes that outline our doctrine in relationship to other Christian traditions, I will send them to you.

Take care, and stay warm!

- Steve
December 15, 2010
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