It seems to me that the reason why Calvin was so persistent in pushing the doctrines of predestination and total depravity was that the Roman Catholic Church of that era had trivialized the problem of sin by turning forgiveness into a commodity which could be bought and sold, primarily through indulgence peddling. Calvin and the other Protestant reformers were rightfully upset with this state of affairs and I believe that he, through his teachings, wanted to put the issue of sin in its proper perspective by emphasizing in the strongest possible terms that sin is worthy of punishment, that forgiveness is not a right and that it comes only through God’s grace. To invest one’s hopes of salvation in such a corrupt and hypocritical organization as the late-medieval RCC was both futile and preposterous, and the reformers were extremely aware of this.

The mistake that many modern Calvinists make, in my opinion, is that they often fail to have this historical perspective in mind. That’s why they often over-emphasize the doom-and-gloom aspect of the relationship between God and man, and fail to give the love, forgiveness and hope entailed in Christ’s teachings the attention it deserves (and which human beings so often need to be reminded of).

I wonder if you could please direct me to any forums, Facebook groups etc devoted to this kind of subjects? I find it very interesting to discuss such matters.

From what I know of what Calvin himself taught, I infer that this was not his original intention – but it seems dangerously easy for some Calvinists to end up in that position.

As to hell, sure there’s a hell. It’s all over the New Testament. It’s even a word in the New Testament. But to be honest, I don’t want this post to turn into a “is there a hell or not” debate. I really would like to keep this thread/post on what I posted. If other people are going to want to debate that on this thread, I’ll just start a new post so not to take away from this one or you can leave your blog address so people can debate that with you

I’ll head over to your blog later today and leave my comments

I gotta make some points here. You don’t have to worry about Babies going to hell when they die. Here’s why:

1. God is love. Babies haven’t sinned (Rom 6:23) So they get the gift of God, which is eternal life given to us when Christ comes again.
2. There is no hell.
http://wp.me/pFkoL-2p
http://wp.me/pFkoL-1O

Those teachings of aborted babies going straight to hell contradicts the very character of God, and his Word.

The Calvinist that I did cite was cold and his words were chilling. Even God said He does not take pleasure in the destruction of the wicked and this person was encouraging that we not only take pleasure but take pleasure that even children and infants were suffering in damnation.

I do hope that anyone who reads my post reads down far enough to read your response. Thank you for your response.

Thank you for an excellent and beautifully written article. I found it most useful and enlightening!

Now, I would like to say this. Please, please do not think that the person you cited is a typical “Calvinist”. They most assuredly are not!

I fought against Reformed Theology (aka Calvinism) tooth and nail for over 30 years. When I first heard of it back in the mid 1970′s, I thought it was the most evil thing I had ever heard of. For all those years I read hundreds of articles on both sides of the Arminian/Calvinism debate, along with scripture, searching for ways to disprove it. I never could, but I could not accept it either. Finally, last November (2008) I got fed up with the never ending struggle and told God to either convince me, or leave me alone! Within two weeks, I was convinced, after God brought to mind all that I had read and studied and gently gave me understanding and acceptance of it.

For the first time in 30 years, when I read the Bible now, it is ALIVE! Just as I’d always heard it was but never experienced. So much that was unclear and confusing became crystal!

I used to think I became a Christian in 1972, but now I believe I became one in November!

I used to hear people speak of the “comfort” and “joy” of Calvinism, and I thought they were off their rockers! I could never conceive of those emotions coming from a believe in Calvinism. I do now! There is comfort, and joy, just like I heard there was, but refused to believe.

Your article is right on, and I don’t have any problems fitting it into my current beliefs! Thanks again for writing it.

A parting note to everyone: Please be aware that the word “Calvinism” is just a convenient handle to refer to Reformed Theology; and Reformed Theology is nothing more than the very Gospel itself as found in scripture. It was not invented by John Calvin, or Martin Luther or Augustine and many folks believe.

Okay, a second parting note , John Calvin never heard of TULIP. That acronym came into being after he had died.

Thanks for the opportunity to reply.

Cici