Calvin vs Arminius

[Baptist Renegade]

There is no such thing as "passive decree".
It is a modern philosophical invention that Calvinists attempt to avoid the direct statement of Calvin himself, to wit:
..." God ...determined whom he would admit to salvation, and whom he would condemn to destruction".

The Westminster Confession says God "freely and unchangeable ORDAINED whatsoever comes to pass". By definition and logically that would include sin, unbelief and damnation.

"Passive decree" contradicts Theological Determinism which Calvinists themselves affirm. If every event is predetermined then the damnation of the reprobate is not 'passively allowed' it is actively determined.

Calvinism says the reprobate CANNOT believe unless God gives irresistible grace. Withholding that grace is therefore an ACTIVE determination of their damnation.


(Claiming God decreed for Adam to sin is identical to Mormon doctrine that the Fall MUST happen so that redemption may come)

OK, why did God allow Adam to partake of the tree of knowledge? Could he have prevented it? If so, why didn't he?

And Why did God place that tree in the garden to begin with?

Does God ordain all things that come to pass or was God "taken by surprise" when Adam disobeyed him?

 

[JimKnox]

OK, why did God allow Adam to partake of the tree of knowledge? Could he have prevented it? If so, why didn't he?

And Why did God place that tree in the garden to begin with?

Does God ordain all things that come to pass or was God "taken by surprise" when Adam disobeyed him?

Rhetoric.

Why did God take Enoch before his sins were paid for by Christ?
What about Elijah?
Why was Lazarus resurrected before Calvary or the 'Rapture' ?

Does God have favorites?

Theological Determinism and/or Christian Fatalism. Same net effect as Calvinism.

 

[abcaines]

And Why did God place that tree in the garden to begin with?

I've always appreciated Greg Koukl's perspective on many issues. I think he definitely makes some valid points in this podcast. Listen from the 3-12 minute mark.

Why Did God Put the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil in the Garden?

Greg responds to questions about why God put the tree of the knowledge of good and evil in the garden of Eden, taking a job at a Quaker school, the implications of all biological men starting off like females in the womb, and whether the stories of Gilgamesh and Horus are evidence the Bible...

www.str.org

 

[Ekklesian]

OK, why did God allow Adam to partake of the tree of knowledge? Could he have prevented it? If so, why didn't he?

And Why did God place that tree in the garden to begin with?

Does God ordain all things that come to pass or was God "taken by surprise" when Adam disobeyed him?

And why did He let the Devil in?

 

[Baptist Renegade]

Rhetoric.

Why did God take Enoch before his sins were paid for by Christ?
What about Elijah?
Why was Lazarus resurrected before Calvary or the 'Rapture' ?

Does God have favorites?

Theological Determinism and/or Christian Fatalism. Same net effect as Calvinism.

This is inane nonsense sir! None of his has anything to do with the topic at hand.

Now answer my question.

You said you wanted to have an intelligent, bananced discussion and I am trying to give you that opportunity.

 

[JimKnox]

This is inane nonsense sir! None of his has anything to do with the topic at hand.

Now answer my question.

You said you wanted to have an intelligent, bananced discussion and I am trying to give you that opportunity.

You listed SIX questions in that post.
Which one do you want answered.


"Intelligent, balanced..."? ???o


None of you guys on the Calvin cheer squad have even bothered to address any of my posts refuting Calvin and his Theological Determinism. Many atheist philosophers hold the SAME philosophy. Everything is already determined, therefore it doesn't matter what you do in this life because you were ORDAINED to do it.

 

[Ransom]

None of you guys on the Calvin cheer squad have even bothered to address any of my posts refuting Calvin and his Theological Determinism.

What is asserted without evidence may be dismissed without evidence.