No – the doctrine of total depravity is that every facet of man’s being (body, soul, and sprit) has been negatively affected by the sin nature that we inherited from Adam.
Your objection seems to be with the doctrine of original sin. That’s a doctrine common to Calvinsts and Arminians alike.
That doctrine is further elaborated on by Jesus, Paul, and others.
“Fallen men can’t come unless drawn. We can’t understand spiritual things. We must be born again to enter the Kingdom of God. God opened her eyes so that she could understand Paul. Given to the Son by the Father. Elect, chosen, predestined etc.” And on and on it goes – expanding on the concept of original sin and the effect of it on mankind.
Calvinists didn’t write all that stuff in the Bible. They just tried to make it all fit together systematically. In a few cases they messed it up. But in many more cases they pretty much hit the nail on the head.
God “made them that way” only in that they are justly under a curse because of sin.
I don’t like it any more than you do that men are born under the curse because of that first man’s sin. But the Bible teaches it.
But any man eventually goes to Hell
because of his own sin and not because of original sin.
It would be better for a person who ends up in Hell to have never been born. I agree with the Lord on this point.
But the fact that God created/allowed/predestined/decreed or whatever other theological term one uses – doesn’t get God “off the hook” for what He did and is doing.
It doesn’t matter what heading you put on your belief system – if you believe the Bible – you’ll agree that it’s God’s show from start to finish.
He didn't have to make it so that anyone goes to Hell. He knew what would happen when He created man and put him in a garden with a tree that would kill him and a snake that would tempt him. He did it anyway.
I don't care what you choose to call the doctrine. Beating up on a certain group because they have named the doctrine something you don't like won't change those facts.
And if you don't realize that the Bible shows God giving more grace to some than to others - you just aren't paying attention.
Every time you pray for God to reveal Himself to a loved one you are agreeing that this giving of more grace to some than others is something you want Him to do for you.
He says He’s righteous and everything that He does is according to His good and perfect will.
Calvinists and I just agree that that’s the case and that we will likely have it all explained to us in due time.
twin1954 said: ↑
"What the OP states is not predestination it is fatalism. ...
He sovereignly has determined in His wisdom and power every breath and movement of every molecule in order to bring to pass good for His people and the glory of His great name."
I disagree with this person's conclusion.
The statement is right on.
Gotta go. See you in a day or two.