Responding to attacks on Calvinism.

[pawnraider]

How do you respond to or answer attacks such as this?

 

[Orange_County_Chopper]

Pick and choose your battles. Most of them are not worth it.

 

[Elderone]

People who attack Calvinism are attacking the Bible as he only brought out, highlighted, and explained what God's Word was saying as best a fallible person can.

We have no problem accepting that there are professionals, or people with a gift, in any field you wish to name, but OH NO not when it comes to understanding and explaining God's Word.

 

[oworm]

I have learned through experience that cyber debates usually generate more heat than light. Unless its face to face its a waste of your God given time.

 

[JM]

What they said.

I would also like to add answering objections from someone who just wants to argue is pointless.

Most of the discussions online start with a long list of scriptures from a strong anti-Calvinist who really resists any attempt to give meaning and context to the passages listed. If "whosoever" or "all" is in a passage, well...that just ends all discussion right there doesn't. Often the poster has underlying presuppositions they haven't begun to acknowledge and their presuppositions are driving their arguments. It is pure emotionalism, not logic or the scripture that motivates these online theological clashes. It is very difficult to get someone to admit they are not theologically neutral, no one is, when it comes to reading the scriptures.

I've learned over the years to make a few posts and just leave it. Recently we have been under siege from a just such a poster in the "Debate a Calvinist forum" and I doubt it will end well.

jm

 

[Eddie L]

It seems to me that most presuppositions are of three varieties:

1. A moral objection to the notion that everyone doesn't get a fair chance to redeem themselves.
2. An intellectual resistance to not being able to fully understand the mind of God.
3. An emotional/logical problem with God holding man responsible for events over which God is in ultimate control.

None of the arguments presented really overcome these objections, but it makes those that present them feel like they do. Maybe that's what JM means when he says they are emotional presuppositions and not logical ones.

 

[JM]

Yes, Arminians are enraged because they believe God's goodness entails all men everywhere to have, at the very least, a chance to be saved.

 

[CalledOutOne]

That link didn't open for me.

 

[student ad x]

It seems to me that most presuppositions are of three varieties:

1. A moral objection to the notion that everyone doesn't get a fair chance to redeem themselves.
2. An intellectual resistance to not being able to fully understand the mind of God.
3. An emotional/logical problem with God holding man responsible for events over which God is in ultimate control.

None of the arguments presented really overcome these objections, but it makes those that present them feel like they do. Maybe that's what JM means when he says they are emotional presuppositions and not logical ones.

Brother, is this the easy invitation to a soteriological discussion?

 

[CalledOutOne]

Yes, Arminians are enraged because they believe God's goodness entails all men everywhere to have, at the very least, a chance to be saved.

I don't think they realize that in some sense even Calvinism teaches that everyone has a chance. It just depends on how you use the word chance. The Gospel offered to all, but only those regenerated will receive it (in a soul saving sense meaning that they won't fall away).

 

[student ad x]

Yes, Arminians are enraged because they believe God's goodness entails all men everywhere to have, at the very least, a chance to be saved.

Is there any wisdom in giving light to gentiles?

 

[JM]

Is there any wisdom in giving light to gentiles?

To keep us humble. Everything we have is grace.

I can't help but wonder if the argumentative Arminian is really my brother. Their idea of God is so different and they strive so hard against any biblical notion of a God who is in control.

jm

 

[JM]

I don't think they realize that in some sense even Calvinism teaches that everyone has a chance. It just depends on how you use the word chance. The Gospel offered to all, but only those regenerated will receive it (in a soul saving sense meaning that they won't fall away).

They are so violently opposed to God's sovereignty, it is frighteningly funny. It's like an ant telling my boot "don't you dare step on me!"

 

[student ad x]

To keep us humble. Everything we have is grace.

I can't help but wonder if the argumentative Arminian is really my brother. Their idea of God is so different and they strive so hard against any biblical notion of a God who is in control.

jm

Yes brother, I understand; yet why am I called to worship? It hurts so....... when I'm not there.

 

[JM]

Yes brother, I understand; yet why am I called to worship? It hurts so....... when I'm not there.

Not sure I understand my man but I'm willing to help talk you through. Send me a private message.

 

[student ad x]

I can make my quandry public..........
God s will is greater than mine. Why cannot I go down the street to worship God?

 

[JM]

I can make my quandry public..........
God s will is greater than mine. Why cannot I go down the street to worship God?

Israel wondered in the desert a little longer then you and I have before they arrived in the promised land.

A. W. Pink worshiped God with his wife privately for the last half of his life. He worked in near obscurity but his work has been blessed. Maybe you are called to wonder the desert in obscurity before reaching the promised land? I don't know. But I do know God has a purpose and plan and it will always be for the good of them that He called.

 

[student ad x]

I pray that I don't have to wait 40+ years to have relief

 

[rturner76]

Nevermind sorry, wrong thread.

 

[student ad x]

nm