Five Misconceptions About Calvinism

[Foxfyre]

Below are 5 common misconceptions about Calvinism. Please post either in either pro or anti arguments on any of these 5 misconceptions. (yes, they are all misconceptions)

1. It kills evangelism

2. It is a man-made doctrine

3. It eliminates free will and human responsibility

4. It promotes “easy believism”

5. It makes God a moral monster

I don't embrace Calvinist doctrine to any serious degree, but then I don't embrace a lot of doctrines established by congregations or denominations to any serious degree. I have happily worshiped with Calvinist congregations and had no doubt whatsoever that I was among Christians. And I have no problem with those who embrace the Calvinist doctrines.

But let me play devil's advocate for a bit.

The one burning question I think for Calvinists to answer is how can a loving God allow people to be born who have no chance for salvation from the moment of conception?

 

[jimmyjimmy]

When I come across a person who lives immorally, cheats on their taxes, bullies their family, etc, then goes to church every Sunday morning, there's a 99% chance that person is Calvinist.

This is so far out there, there is no need for me to reply other than to let you know that it's also in violation of the rules.

 

[jimmyjimmy]

The one burning question I think for Calvinists to answer is how can a loving God allow people to be born who have no chance for salvation from the moment of conception?

That's a question for all, not just Calvinists.

 

[tryintogrow]

I'm really confused as to how my comment was a violation of the rules. It was just an observation from my personal life. I'm not trying to slander anyone.

I see how much good it did for me to offer an outsider's view. I'll see myself out now.

 

[Foxfyre]

That's a question for all, not just Calvinists.

Not really for those who do not accept is as any kind of truth. And yet it is the very heart of the predestination doctrine.

 

[jimmyjimmy]

Not really for those who do not accept is as any kind of truth. And yet it is the very heart of the predestination doctrine.

You need to think a bit harder on that. You must answer the very same question. Your "side" has the same, "problem". In fact, it's a far more difficult one. It leads only to the conclusion that God is unjust, if followed to its logical conclusion.

 

[-V-]

That's a question for all, not just Calvinists.

Easy. There isn't anyone who "has no chance".

Can you stop dodging it and give an answer?

 

[Hammster]

You can't ignore other passages that state Pharaoh hardened his own heart, though.
Exodus 8:15, Exodus 8:32, Exodus 9:34.

See this article:
Who Hardened Pharaoh's Heart?
(Spoiler: in the Hebrew language, "God hardened Pharaoh's heart," means God allowed it to be hardened; it doesn't mean God forced it on Pharaoh.)

I haven't ignored them. But I'm sure God trumped Pharoah.

 

[-V-]

I haven't ignored them. But I'm sure God trumped Pharoah.

Oh, Hammster is sure. I guess that's all the proof anyone needs.

 

[Friend-of-Jesus]

Below are 5 common misconceptions about Calvinism. Please post either in either pro or anti arguments on any of these 5 misconceptions. (yes, they are all misconceptions)

1. It kills evangelism

2. It is a man-made doctrine

3. It eliminates free will and human responsibility

4. It promotes “easy believism”

5. It makes God a moral monster

I think all five points make perfect sense.

 

[jax5434]

You jumped into the middle of something, and no, you don't have the context right. That's obvious to me. You know, the guy who wrote the post you've misunderstood.

The problem of course is that I have understood it quite well. As have, and will ,everyone else following this thread.

God Bless
Jax

 

[GingerBeer]

Is double predestination part of the kind of Calvinism that this thread is about?

 

[jimmyjimmy]

Is double predestination part of the kind of Calvinism that this thread is about?

No.

 

[GingerBeer]

No.

Why isn't double predestination a part of the kind of Calvinism that this thread is about?

 

[jimmyjimmy]

Why isn't double predestination a part of the kind of Calvinism that this thread is about?

Sorry. I misunderstood. Yes, it is part of it; however, these arguments are presented against true Calvinism, not just "hyper-Calvinism".

 

[Hammster]

Oh, Hammster is sure. I guess that's all the proof anyone needs.

That, and the scripture that clearly supports it.

 

[GingerBeer]

Sorry. I misunderstood. Yes, it is part of it; however, these arguments are presented against true Calvinism, not just "hyper-Calvinism".

What makes double predestination "hyper-calvinism"? It appears to be part of the package.

 

[-V-]

That, and the scripture that clearly supports it.

You haven't posted it yet.

 

[jimmyjimmy]

What makes double predestination "hyper-calvinism"? It appears to be part of the package.

Many Calvinists don't speak in terms of "double predestination", but I misspoke. It's not just hypers who speak of double predestination.

 

[GingerBeer]

Many Calvinists don't speak in terms of "double predestination", but I misspoke. It's not just hypers who speak of double predestination.

You do not appear to know what Calvinists believe. Or if you do then you've been articulating it very poorly. So how do you come to the conclusion that the five things you mentioned are "Misconceptions About Calvinism"? To know if any one of them is a misconception it is necessary to know what Calvinism is, right?