Hi James, I don't waste my time reading articles like this from either side anymore because after reading so many of them I realize what an utter waste of time it is. I normally don't get any further than the titles anymore.
I read over this one however because you posted it, and although less inflammatory than many it, in the end, makes no more sense than any other article of its kind I've read. The only part I found interestingly different was their attempt to paint Calvinists who don't agree with their misuse of reason, Scripture, and basic facts, as the "bad" guy as well ..
When I became a Christian, I started as an Arminian and remained in that camp in a big way for years before becoming Reformed. Dr. R C Sproul (one of the great living Reformed theologians) will tell you the same thing. He will also tell you he very much believed himself a Christian during all those years he lived as an Arminian, as will I.
Since you seem interested in understanding both sides, I recommend you study what each side has to say about itself (I realize that is not always possible because comparisons to what the other side believes are inevitable). Just try to avoid the inflammatory articles and books from either side and you should end up with a balanced understanding of both.
For the Reformed side, if you have not read Dr. Sproul's little book called, Chosen By God, that's where I (and many others) would recommend you begin your study of all things Reformed. It's available in all kinds of formats from DVD (as a teaching series) to Kindle (you can still even get a paperback copy if you'd like to ..
) Whether you end up believing Reformed theology or not, it is well-written and thought-provoking enough that I doubt you will be able to put it down until you've finished it (I know I couldn't).
Then read a book from the Arminian side and see what they have to say.
Yours and His,
David
