Why waste time on an argument
between Christians, and instead focus on the unsaved?
Why waste time on a controversy between Christians?
The argument goes on to suggest that it’s just Satan trying to distract Christians with foolish arguments. Obviously, this was not the view of an Arminian or a Calvinist, but of a non-Calvinist who is perplexed by all of the controversy and wishes for it to just go away. I, myself, did not wish to enter the debate. I would listen to my Calvinist, brother in law, exchange verses with my non-Calvinist, father, and would be perplexed at how each side could make such bible-based statements, and yet still have room to disagree. One side emphasized the sovereignty of God, and the other side emphasized the love of God.
Question: Is the discussion on Calvinism vs. Arminianism worthwhile?
Answer: If someone asks you a question about the Bible, shouldn’t you be able to answer it, without blankly stating, “I don’t know”? Believe this: When a Calvinist first meets another Christian, the very first question in their mind is: “Are they Reformed?, and if not, have they heard of John MacArthur and John Piper, or more historically, John Calvin and Martin Luther?” Such Calvinists will consider you as biblically illiterate and even baby Christians or immature Christians, and as such, candidates for their indoctrination, and few things give Calvinists more joy than to convert Christians over to Calvinism, which some Calvinists refer to as a “salvation within salvation.” So you should be informed on these matters, just as anyone else who asks you to give a defense of what you believe: “But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence.” (1st Peter 3:15) Be warned that at first, a Calvinist will act as if they are only trying to help you, but should you resist their theological perspective, they can become aggressive, abusive and accusatory.
Why bother with this discussion? But you might also ask, why discuss any Bible topic? The fact is that Calvinism and Arminianism leads to dramatically different perspectives on how God relates to man. I have personally witnessed how dramatic of a change that takes place within the world-view of a person who embraces Calvinism. There are some Calvinists who even teach that it is wrong to randomly tell anyone that God loves them, because you might be lying to them if Jesus never died for them. There are significant issues involved, and you should be informed of what to expect from both sides. This website affirms the Arminian perspective, while examining what Calvinism has to say about God and the Bible.
Walls and Dongell: “If our labors will not eliminate doctrinal or ethical uncertainties but instead only deepen divisions within the body of Christ, then it is no wonder that many Christians consider biblical and theological study to be a waste of time and a dangerous diversion from the real work of the church. And if we all agree that the Bible does communicate a saving knowledge of God quite apart from the technical study and theological argument, why should we press into uncertain territory? Whether at a conscious or subconscious level, many evangelicals much prefer this pathway of minimal theology. They wistfully ask, ‘Why can’t we all just get along, loving Jesus and sharing the gospel?’” (Why I Am Not A Calvinist, Downers Grove, Illinois: InterVarsity Press, 2004, p.34)
However, their ignorance is to their own shame, as these things really do matter, in as much as the Bible itself matters.
1. Theology matters because life follows doctrine. I once wondered why God chose not to spell everything out in black and white. After all, look at the damage! Look at all of the cults! Look at all of the different denominations! However, God is like a wise parent, knowing and seeing things in a way that we, as children, cannot readily see. God chose to have Scripture written in exactly the way that it is, knowing that controversies would occur. Figuratively speaking, God has left enough ambiguity in Scripture so that those whose heart is not right with God would have enough rope to hang themselves.
2. Those who ignore theology will be the most susceptible to erroneous theology. Besides that, what if their children become exposed to erroneous theology? How will their minimalist parents be able to resolve their theological controversies?
