To many, Calvinists come across as self-righteous, condescending, arrogant, unfriendly, argumentative, and even stingy. The fact that we're not all that way is irrelevant....
It won't be easy to change the pejorative stereotype that clings to Calvinism, but we can start by admitting that it is accurate far too often. Then we can make sure we are manifestly not self-righteous, condescending, arrogant, unfriendly, or argumentative. Also, you can count on us to buy dinner or coffee sometimes.
Paying attention to those who disagree with us and taking them seriously, even if we're pretty sure we'll still disagree, is part of what it means to be in the body of Christ. It's humbling; it sanctifies. It will make us better husbands and wives. It will make us better Christians, and maybe even better Calvinists.
OK, I admit - I probably can come across as one of "those" Calvinists - the relentless, uncompromising, condescending, argumentative, etc. type. It's not my intention, it's not actually how I want to be seen. But I may very well come across that way, especially to those who don't know me well.
Yesterday, I wrote on how the "middle ground" between Calvinism and Arminianism. This comes specifically in response to discussions I've had over this issue in online doctrinal forums. (You can find them here and here). There always seems to be that one guy who pops in and says "well, let's stop arguing, because the Bible talks about both God's sovereignty and our free-will." I'll re-affirm here that I think that's an ignorant statement. Read my rationale for that in yesterday's post. So, in that sense, I am uncompromising.
Yet, at the same time, I've had some fruitful and honest discussions with Arminians lately. One thing that I've noticed is that even the most ardent Arminians don't always deny the sovereignty of God, or the glory of God, or even that the will is tainted by sin. Calvinists are convinced that Arminianism fails to give due glory to God - but this is not because the Arminian is unconcerned about God's glory, or sovereignty. In fact, even John Wesley, possibly the foremost Arminian in all of history, sounded downright Calvinistic in many of his hymns.
So there is at least common ground between Arminians and Calvinists. In fact, Charles Spurgeon, in the midst of an article he wrote defending Calvinism, said this:
So, while there is no middle ground between Calvinism and Arminianism, we do not necessarily need to be constantly at war with each other. It is possible, in fact, it is urgently necessary, that while we don't pretend our two views can be easily reconciled, we do show brotherly love to each other - to the point where we are willing to lay down our lives for the sake of our brother or sister in Christ who does not share our views on God's decrees.
So, I stand with Spurgeon when he says:
Yet, at the same time, I've had some fruitful and honest discussions with Arminians lately. One thing that I've noticed is that even the most ardent Arminians don't always deny the sovereignty of God, or the glory of God, or even that the will is tainted by sin. Calvinists are convinced that Arminianism fails to give due glory to God - but this is not because the Arminian is unconcerned about God's glory, or sovereignty. In fact, even John Wesley, possibly the foremost Arminian in all of history, sounded downright Calvinistic in many of his hymns.
So there is at least common ground between Arminians and Calvinists. In fact, Charles Spurgeon, in the midst of an article he wrote defending Calvinism, said this:
Most atrocious things have been spoken about the character and spiritual condition of John Wesley, the modern prince of Arminians. I can only say concerning him that, while I detest many of the doctrines which he preached, yet for the man himself I have a reverence second to no Wesleyan; and if there were wanted two apostles to be added to the number of the twelve, I do not believe that there could be found two men more fit to be so added than George Whitefield and John Wesley. The character of John Wesley stands beyond all imputation for self-sacrifice, zeal, holiness, and communion with God; he lived far above the ordinary level of common Christians, and was one "of whom the world was not worthy." ("A Defense of Calvinism")In that same article he equated Arminianism with heresy and Calvinism with true Christianity, yet he spoke so highly of John Wesley's character and his work for the Kingdom of God.
So, while there is no middle ground between Calvinism and Arminianism, we do not necessarily need to be constantly at war with each other. It is possible, in fact, it is urgently necessary, that while we don't pretend our two views can be easily reconciled, we do show brotherly love to each other - to the point where we are willing to lay down our lives for the sake of our brother or sister in Christ who does not share our views on God's decrees.
So, I stand with Spurgeon when he says:
I have my own private opinion that there is no such thing as preaching Christ and Him crucified, unless we preach what nowadays is called Calvinism. It is a nickname to call it Calvinism; Calvinism is the gospel, and nothing else.But I also need to learn from his high praise of John Wesley. I will never accept any "middle ground" on the issue of Calvinism. But may God give Calvinists and Arminians alike the grace to admit that the other side isn't all that bad. If we believe in Christ, we are all one body in Him.
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