Subject: Is there middle ground? |
Bible Note: Greetings Charis! In a general sense, I would say yes! Consider the following statements from your past posts: 1) "The problem is the arrogance of man to believe that he has 'ascertained' the mind of God, then label it according to his fancy." 2) "These are the Scriptures that are 'explained away' in order to prove their 'counterpart' wrong, often to the denial of the literal application of the Word of God." 3) "Man's zeal to prove his brother's mistake often leads HIM astray." 4) "Shame, shame on the intellectual pursuit of salvation 'theory,' to the end of degrading their brother." It seems to me that these are directed at strawmen, not what we actually believe. Arminianism is a term that I didn't even know for the first 12 years of my Christian life. But, when I began to study theology in college, I found out that it was a label for a theological system of thought which happened to line up with what I had found in Scripture for myself. I don't agree with every point of classic Arminianism. For example, I don't agree with the veiw that election is based upon God's foreknowledge of future faith. But, overall, I think it is an excellent summary of Biblical teaching on salvation. The problem I have had with this thread is that those of us (including Calvinists) who believe a certain way are basically being accused of dishonesy, arrogance, and division. Not based on our actual treatment of Scripture, but simply because we have taken a position. The assumption seems to be that since the "debate" has gone on so long that neither side can possibly be right or wrong. Yet, the Divinity of Christ has been debated since the founding of the Church. Are we wrong to take a position on that? I am not trying to say that everyone must believe the way that I do. I am just saying, "Don't critize me simply for having a position!" If I have handled Scripture incorrectly or falsly, point it out to me. Well, I've got to get ready for work! I care about and respect you my friend! I don't intend to offend you in any way, but I honestly have felt like I (and everyone else who has taken a position) have been critized because we have taken a position. Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |