Arminian Theology: Myths and Realities - 2
Myth #2. A Hybrid of Calvinism and Arminianism is possible
My notes from chapter 2 of Roger Olson's "Arminian Theology: Myths and Realities:
In spite of common ground they are incommensurable systems of Christian theology.
The major difference between the two systems centers on the middle 3 points of the Calvinist’s TULIP – unconditional election, limited atonement and irresistible grace. 63
Almost all attempts to blend the two systems (Calminianism) end up being Calvinistic or Arminian. 68
We need to shoulder the responsibility of choosing between Calvinism and Arminianism. 69
“I have concluded that appealing to Scripture alone cannot prove one side right and the other side wrong.” 70
People of equally good faith come down on different sides.
*We must choose whether we see God as primarily sovereign ruler or primarily loving and compassionate father.
Both struggle mightily to explain large chunks or Scripture; both have to admit mysteries that border on contradictions within their systems. 71
Quoting philosopher Jerry Walls, “the free will theologian cannot fully explain why some choose Christ while others do not. The Calvinist cannot tell us why or on what basis God chooses some for salvation and passes others by. 72
“Both believe God is supremely great and good. But one side starts with God’s greatness and conditions God’s goodness in that light; the other side starts with God’s goodness and condition’s God’s greatness in that light.” 73
The true divide is the guiding picture of God. He is primarily viewed as majestic, powerful and controlling OR loving, good and merciful. 73
Wesley: “It is unthinkable that so much evil would abound if God has determined all human choices.” 74
Arminians do not believe in absolute free will:
“At the point of God’s call, sinners under the influence of Prevenient grace have genuine free will as a gift of God; for the first time they can freely say yes or no to God. Nothing outside the self determines how they will respond.” 76
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I'd love to hear your thoughts on the following:
1. Do you agree of disagree with the statement that a hybrid of the two is not possible?
2. Do you agree that there are portions of Scripture that are difficult to explain in light of your theological preference?
Labels: arminian theology, calvinist theology
posted by Dan Masshardt at 5:59 PM
3 Comments:
Dan-
I think hybrids are out there. I know many Baptists who are all about Eternal Security, but not limited atonement.
But I also make the Argument that Reformed theology stretches beyond Calvinism. That is why I belong to the Unionist Camp. We don't unionize Arminianism and Calvinism, but we there are many of us who join Lutheranism, Calvinism, and Zwiglism.
And yes there are tons of scripture that make me wrestle with my Theology. I think we all have to admit that. If you are super strict about your theological stance I think you have to spend lots of time explaining away scripture no matter what side your on.
i do agree, you can't have both conditional and unconditional election, limited and unlimited atonement, and resistible and irresistible grace (at least in as far as salvation is concerned). these are antithetical to each other, so any logically consistent person must either choose one or the other, or be agnostic. a combination is pluralistic foolish.
"We need to shoulder the responsibility of choosing between Calvinism and Arminianism." - i love this, because if you take no stance (unless you are earnestly seeking to find one and require a little more time to sort it through), it seems to me that you're saying this isn't important, that the sovereignty of God is not a big deal, and with that i vehemently disagree. i do think we ought to be humble enough to continue learning and tweaking our understanding as we grow, but i think ultimately you have to come down on one side or the other.
"We must choose whether we see God as primarily sovereign ruler or primarily loving and compassionate father." & "
The true divide is the guiding picture of God. He is primarily viewed as majestic, powerful and controlling OR loving, good and merciful." - as a calvinist, i reject this dichotomy. i would say that my view of God's grace and mercy, His love and compassion for rebels and sinners, has only grown since i came to understand and affirm the doctrines of grace. that's why they're called the doctrines of grace, and why that's probably my favorite title for them.
Quantum mechanics have shown us in the physical words some things can be completely different at the same time. Light can be a wave and a particle. As far as I know, no one has explained light in any unified way. And God is more complicated than light. So is it possible that atonement is limited and unlimited? My answer would be yes.
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