[Linux4christians] Baptists (was Re: Ex-Muslim's college, speech disrupted by arson.)

[Pastor David]

It is my reading that they both promote error that makes God 
a liar; Calvin saying that God "offers" a free will choice 
for Heaven but really has fixed-the-game and mandated double
predestination - rendering the sacrifice of Christ an 
unnecessary and meaningless charade.  Arminius causing the 
same theological facade - since everyone is saved.

I am applying "The test of the logical extreme" to evaluate 
both philosophies.

Proponents of both views do amazing "dances" to avoid the 
inevitable conclusions of their philosophies - but at the 
end of the day predestination is merely warmed-over pagan 
fatalism and cheap grace denies the eternal consequences
of sin.

Neither philosophy is at all necessary to a right 
understanding of the Word of God - I know that because God 
says so - He included *everything* we need in His Word and 
neither Calvin or Arminius are mentioned nor were they 
invited to author one of His Books.

They were as much political as theological formulations in 
the days when religion was an excuse for thugs desirous of 
control and power - not to say that either was such - only 
that their writings must be understood in proper 
sociological context.

This is why I am so resistant to much, if any, reliance upon 
"church" history for a right Biblical understanding - just 
too much politics and too little unpolluted scholarship.

As a modern example - our current USA president is incapable 
of understanding the corrosive consequences of his policies 
upon the economy, freedom, and national sovereignty because 
he has been indoctrinated his entire life to despise much of 
what makes the USA unique.  He simply lacks the knowledge 
and perspective to be wise - and never should have been 
elected to such an office.

Calvin & Arminius were also "captive" to their culture.

The best Biblical scholarship begins and ends with the Word 
of God - any external template dooms one to error - God says so.

> On Dec 11, 2009, at 9:17 AM, Pastor David wrote:
> 
>> BTW: I still believe that based on the Bible Calvin and Arminius both 
>> promulgated Biblical heresy, as does the
>> RC religious-political entity.
> 
>     Just out of curiosity, do you mean you think both Calvin and 
> Arminius were teaching things that are damnable? Or are you using a 
> broader definition of heresy?
> 
>     -Tim
> 

-- 

Have an http://Ultrafidian.com Day!  Pastor David
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Senior Pastor (Interim) Bethel Missionary Baptist
http://bethelstatesboro.org (new site pending)
Bible Commentary & Daily Reflection-Action-Devotional
http://bibleseven.com/b7/b7studies.html
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