Can We Eliminate the Divide Between Calvinism and Arminianism?

Hi, Everyone -

I proffer that the answer to the question I posed is "yes", and the reason I decided to join this Christian chat service is to get your reaction to my approach on this subject. Perhaps, some will respond to my approach with a convincing and compelling rebuttal to demonstrate the ways in which my approach is flawed.

In the world of physics there are two irreconcilable disciplines: "quantum mechanics" and "relativity". The rules found in quantum mechanics do not apply in relativity, and, likewise, the rules found in relativity do not apply to quantum mechanics. This divide has led scientists to attempt to define a theory that unifies these two disciplines . Despite being unsuccessful for decades, the effort to unite the two approaches continues today.

In light of Scripture, it would seem Christians would have within themselves a similar desire to unite those who adhere to either of these theological traditions. For example, Jesus prayed in John 17 the following:

I do not pray for these [Jesus' 11 disciples] alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.




My Perspective on Arminianism and Calvinism

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Interesting, tying the thought process of those within science, to see if their theory (Hypothesis) works towards the Word of God. Had science been able to connect the gap between "quantum mechanics" and "relativity," Bibles would have already been burnt to nothing.

Nevertheless, I like where your intent is at.

Concerning this issue between Arminianism and Calvinism, this has been a long discussed issue going back many moons ago. What amazes me most, is that I was raised in a strong biblical family. A family full of pastors, preachers, and evangelists. And I never can recall one single time we ever had a discussion about Arminianism and Calvinism. I never heard the actual coined term Arminianism vs Calvinism, before. But, I am well aware of denominations who are greatly concerned about this issue. An issue that looks more like Pharisee vs Sadducee than anything else. From my understanding, no one has made ground one way or another. And each other look at one another like the Hatfield's and McCoy's do. Oddly enough, they are suppose to be Brothers/Sisters in Christ. Now, if that ain't a head scratcher, than I don't know what one is

Interesting, tying the thought process of those within science, to see if their theory (Hypothesis) works towards the Word of God. Had science been able to connect the gap between "quantum mechanics" and "relativity," Bibles would have already been burnt to nothing.

Nevertheless, I like where your intent is at.

Concerning this issue between Arminianism and Calvinism, this has been a long discussed issue going back many moons ago. What amazes me most, is that I was raised in a strong biblical family. A family full of pastors, preachers, and evangelists. And I never can recall one single time we ever had a discussion about Arminianism and Calvinism. I never heard the actual coined term Arminianism vs Calvinism, before. But, I am well aware of denominations who are greatly concerned about this issue. An issue that looks more like Pharisee vs Sadducee than anything else. From my understanding, no one has made ground one way or another. And each other look at one another like the Hatfield's and McCoy's do. Oddly enough, they are suppose to be Brothers/Sisters in Christ. Now, if that ain't a head scratcher, than I don't know what one is

Hi again Nehemiah6, to a 1st Century Jew (like the Apostle John or Jesus) "the whole world" really meant two worlds, Jewish and Greek (Jew and Gentile).

You didn't grow up hearing the debate? Lucky you; you were likely just taught what the Bible says. If you want to get to heaven, you need to believe in Jesus and his blood atonement, and then follow Him.

Simple enough? Yes, indeed it is!
(Be careful - that phrase "and then follow him" probably makes you an Arminian)

But do you wish to join the ongoing debacle on CC? Just answer this question: Can salvation be lost? You answer that question and you will immediately be cast into one of two camps. And if you don't answer it, it will be suspicioned that you are a closet Arminian!

I think Jesus is neither Calvinist nor Arminian, but here is a brief about both doctrines:

i always find it amusing the knots calvinist get into when it comes to original sin, but the opposite is total anarchy. i believe God new whats was going on in the garden but he also new how he is going to correct it.

I don't know if there is an arminian on CC about but i will ask this about the points..

If Christ died for the sins of the whole world then everyone is saved regardless of their belief and there is no point in theology at all.

But the bible is obviously clear in the fact that only Believers are saved. So we have to come to the conclusion that the Lord Jesus died for the sins of the elect. The sins of the unbeliever still condemn them.

I know lots of people hate Calvinism because they get their feelings hurt.

But I haven't heard anyone say they hate Calvinism because they think everyone who was ever born and ever will be born is automatically saved by the death of Christ regardless of their beliefs or actions.

Any Arminian who bases their assurance of salvation on "continued faithfulness" is bound to have troubles with assurance of salvation. Here is a major reason I do not consider myself an "Arminian".

I must have been lucky because we never discussed this issue.

As far as your answer is concerned, that is very simple. God, who provided the necessary requirement for us to to be saved, would therefore not be in a habit of removing our salvation for every bump we hit in the road. And anyone truly saved, whether they sin or not, is not looking to leave God. But to those who have lost their salvation, it was not removed from them by God, it was given away by those who never were actually saved to begin with.

There are very few arminians (real ones) in the world today.

I'd say majority of Christendom would be considered semi-pelagians.

Lol. Now you just confused more people probably..lol explain what a palagian is!!

here is even more confusion: Semi-pelagianism is not the same as pelagianism!

Here is a good description:

Pelagianism is a belief in Christianity that original sin did not taint human nature and that mortal will is still capable of choosing good or evil without special divine aid.

Semi-Pelagianism allows that humanity is tainted by sin, but not to the extent that we cannot cooperate with God's grace on our own. Semi-Pelagianism is, in essence, partial depravity as opposed to total depravity. We are sinful, but we can still recognize the truth, cooperate with God’s grace, and choose to seek Christ. We need God’s grace to be saved, but we can take the first step toward Christ on our own, apart from grace.

"irreconcilable disciplines: "quantum mechanics" and "relativity"."

Both theories are incomplete, flawed and obsolete.

As for Calvinism and Arminianism....
Same criticism applies....

If you have not heard them be careful in CC. You will find most arguments on grace vs works has to do with the long time war between calvin and arminian people. It is one group trying to attack the toehr. Not realising most people are niether one or the other. But they can not fathom that, So you get alot of peole who do not understand the group they are trying to fight. Because they will not remove their calvin vs arminian blinders.. Then of course you add the catholics to that mess, and watch out!!