There is a lot to discuss concerning the issue of debate when talking about and thinking through Calvinism and Arminianism. I’m not going to discuss the extreme theological differences here… a large theological book would be needed for such a task. We must be clear though – It’s not enough just to say, “I’m an Arminian,” or,” I’m a Calvinist” – You must clearly define your terms. Whether you are a Calvinist or an Arminian, you must know and define by Scripture what you actually believe and mean. Ironically, most people who are at extreme odds with Calvinism actually have no idea what Calvinism is and vice-versa. A professor of mine once said, “If you can’t define both positions clearly then that is simply false and lazy intellectualism.”
Here are 10 things I would encourage you to do when thinking through theological issues:
- Pray and ask God to help you be more disciplined and competent in studying his Word.
- Get a good study Bible. I would recommend the ESV Study Bible.
- Get a few theology books on the issue(s) you are thinking through. Ask your pastor for a few good books on both positions (hopefully he can help you out with this). You might want to start with a good systematic theology book (Wayne Grudem) and maybe a couple perspective or 5 views books.
- Read Scripture carefully… don’t just read theology books or listen to someone tell you that this is “the way it is.”
- Study church history and see how the church and other theologians have biblically thought through a certain doctrine.
- Don’t try and ‘proof’ text something. Think through the biblical theology (from Genesis to Revelation) of a certain topic or doctrine.
- Write out your position to help you clarify it and think through it better.
- Discuss your understanding of a doctrine with a mentor, friend, or pastor to see if it is consistent with Scripture and church history.
- Worship! Any doctrine consistent with Scripture should lead us to worship Jesus.
- Continue to pray and study through your position. God is infinite and eternal so our study of him will never be exhaustive.
I pray these would be helpful for you, as they have been for me, in thinking through big theological issues and studying to know God more and how he has revealed himself to us in his Word.
March 12, 2010 at 7:17 pm
Just a note to let you know that there have been many Armenians who were Calvinistic and not Arminian in their theology.
March 12, 2010 at 11:06 pm
lol… This is true.
Beyond that, good post.
March 13, 2010 at 11:41 pm
I would agree. You can always tell by the way people pray what they believe about God’s being and actions.
March 15, 2010 at 10:12 am
I would like to highlight number 9 and say that it’s one of the most important. I know that it isn’t end all because our minds are finite and our feelings subjective. But I have trust in the Spirit that when someone truly understands any teaching in the Bible; it leads to worship. Until a doctrine leads to worship in your life you haven’t come to a complete understanding of the doctrine.