Calvinism’s TULIP is a summary of the main doctrines of Reformed theology, which is based on the teachings of John Calvin, a 16th-century French reformer. However, not all Christians agree with Calvinism’s TULIP, and some have pointed out various mistakes and inconsistencies in its interpretation of the Bible and its implications for Christian life. Here are some of the common criticisms of Calvinism’s TULIP:
- Total depravity: This doctrine teaches that humans are totally corrupted by sin and unable to choose or respond to God on their own. However, some critics argue that this doctrine contradicts the biblical teaching that humans are created in the image of God and have a free will. They also point out that the Bible shows many examples of people who sought God or did good deeds before they were regenerated by the Holy Spirit, such as Cornelius (Acts 10), Lydia (Acts 16), and the Ninevites (Jonah 3) 1,2
- Unconditional election: This doctrine teaches that God chooses who will be saved before the foundation of the world, based on his sovereign will and not on any human merit or foreknowledge. However, some critics argue that this doctrine violates the biblical teaching that God loves all people and desires their salvation (John 3:16, 1 Timothy 2:4, 2 Peter 3:9). They also point out that the Bible shows many examples of people who rejected or resisted God’s grace, such as Judas (Matthew 26), Pharaoh (Exodus 9), and Israel (Romans 10) 1,3
- Limited atonement: This doctrine teaches that Christ died only for the sins of the elect, and not for the whole world. However, some critics argue that this doctrine contradicts the biblical teaching that Christ died for all people and offers salvation to everyone who believes in him (John 1:29, 1 John 2:2, Hebrews 2:9). They also point out that the Bible shows many examples of people who were offered salvation but did not accept it, such as Esau (Hebrews 12), Simon Magus (Acts 8), and Demas (2 Timothy 4) 1
- Irresistible grace: This doctrine teaches that God’s grace is irresistible and effectual for the elect, and that they cannot resist or reject it. However, some critics argue that this doctrine denies the biblical teaching that humans have a free will and a responsibility to respond to God’s call. They also point out that the Bible shows many examples of people who were called by God but did not obey him, such as Saul (1 Samuel 15), Jonah (Jonah 1), and Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5) 1
- Perseverance of the saints: This doctrine teaches that the elect will persevere in faith and obedience until the end, and that they cannot lose their salvation. However, some critics argue that this doctrine ignores the biblical teaching that Christians can fall away from grace and apostatize from the faith. They also point out that the Bible shows many examples of people who started well but ended badly, such as Solomon (1 Kings 11), Hymenaeus and Alexander (1 Timothy 1), and the churches in Revelation (Revelation 2-3) 1
