Calvinism vs. Arminianism: Debunking Myths

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Calvinism vs. ArminianismDebunking Myths

• Chris Poteet

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Why Debunk Myths?

• Much of the debate over these issues is clouded
  by characterizations/myths.
• Without clearing up what the debate is really
  over, we will never have fruitful dialogue.
• Much of soteriology debates are clouded by
  misconceptions.
• Both sides are guilty of this.
• Sensational.
• Build support for their position.

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What the Debate is Not About

• Popular characterizations
• Calvinism is about God choosing us, and
  Arminianism is about us choosing God.
• Both sides believe a choice is necessary for the
  to-be believer, and both sides believe in Gods
  choice (election).
• Calvinism and Arminianism are man-made
  doctrines.
• Both are named after famous proponents, both are
  systematic doctrines. The names came about from
  the debate in the 16th century at the Synod of
  Dort.
• Calvinists and Arminians can never agree.
• Calvinists and Arminians agree on much (to be
  explored).
• Well, the Bible says both.
• Even though it would be nice for this to be true,
  the nature of this debate historically sets them
  against one another.
• Both sides spend much time reconciling difficult
  passages.

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Calvinist Characterizations

• Men are robots/fatalism.
• Calvinism denies moral responsibility.
• Calvinism makes evangelism unnecessary.
• Calvinists deny a general offer of the Gospel.
• The characterizations on Double Predestination.
• Once saved, always saved means we can do
  whatever we want after a profession of faith.
• Calvinism makes God the author of evil.

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Arminian Characterizations

• Arminianism denies Gods sovereignty.
• Gods will is impotent to humans.
• Arminian objections are based on moral rather
  than exegetical grounds.
• Arminianism denies the effects of the fall.
• I can be an Arminian and not believe in
  predestination.

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What Do They Agree On?

• God has perfect and complete foreknowledge.
• Human agents have freedom (defined differently).
• Man is responsible.
• We are to evangelize relentlessly.
• That God is not the source of evil.
• We are born into Adams sin.
• Sin is taken seriously.

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What Do They Disagree On?

• The causal relationship of regeneration and
  faith.
• Arminianism faith precedes regeneration.
• Calvinism regeneration precedes faith.
• The extent of prevenient grace (all or
  particular).
• Arminianism prevenient grace given to all
  hypothetical depravity.
• Calvinism prevenient grace given to elect
  maintains total depravity.
• Assurance of salvation.
• Arminanism can lose/conditional salvation.
• Calvinism cannot lose salvation.
• The extent and intent of the atonement.
• Arminianism died for none (historically), died
  for all (today).
• Calvinism died for those the Father gave to Him.

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What Do They Disagree On?

• What is the source of Gods election.
• Arminianism
• Election based on forseen faith (conditional
  election).
• Election is corporate (elect in the Son).
• Calvinism
• Gods election is not based on anything forseen,
  because humans are totally depraved
  (unconditional election).
• Gods election is individual.
• Efficacy of Gods grace.
• Arminianism man can always refuse Gods grace.
• Calvinism man will refuse Gods grace until God
  overcomes that disobedience.
• Freedom.
• Arminianism traditionally holds to a libertarian
  account of the will (Principle of Alternate
  Possibilities).
• Calvinisms conception of freedom is that freedom
  is compatible with Gods meticulous sovereignty
  (determinism).

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Tips For Fruitful Dialogue

• Always explain weighty terms such as sovereignty,
  freedom, etc.
• Dont accuse the other of not reading their
  Bibles.
• Never accuse the other of being philosophical and
  not theological.
• Watch out for straw man arguments.
• Listen and think thoroughly before you respond.
• Communication in person is always best.
• Dont further characterizations.