If you are Christian, do you consider yourself Calvinist, Arminian, or something in between?
Asked by
GrandmaC (
470
)
October 31st, 2013
I am neither. For those unfamiliar with the theologies, it’s basically predestination vs free will. There’s 5 main points to Calvinism which are represented by the Acronym TULIP. Sometimes Calvinists and Arminians are called Tulips and wildflowers. Some people agree with some of Calvin’s points, but not all. They call themselves 3 point Calvinists or 2 point Calvinists.
I am Catholic and Catholics are neither Calvinists nor Arminian because Catholicism predates both of those theologies. I grew up Methodist, though, which is Arminian. I have a daughter who is a 5 point Calvinist. As a child, I used to listen to 2 of my great aunts argue about predestination for hours. They never changed the other’s mind, but never gave up, either. They argued as long as they both were living.
Observing members:
0
Composing members:
0
8 Answers
The fact that Catholicism may be older than these established philosophies doesn’t necessarily mean you are neither. One can be a Catholic who holds a Calvinist philosophy, or a Catholic who holds an Armenian philosophy. Just as one can be Platonic or Aristotelian without actually being Greek.
I am not sure how I feel about free will vs. predestination. It was something that bugged me quite a bit when I was a Christian – if God is omniscient, how do we have free will? And there are plenty of secular arguments in both directions. Philosophy isn’t my strong suit. I don’t like to ruminate on questions that cannot be answered. So I abstain from labeling myself in this regard.
@GrandmaC Seek didn’t mention it, but she also isn’t a Christian. She is in fact an atheist.
Anyway, I used to go to a rather “rabid” Calvinist church, one of the most extreme in philosophy, with lots of rules regarding behavior (meaning they were very legalistic). I never agreed with them, just went. Now I lean toward Armenian, but not totally. After that (horrid) experience I doubt I’ll ever join a church again, but it could happen. I still go to church regularly.
I used the exact words ‘when I was a Christian.’
I am a Christian, and some points of each make sense to me. Essentially I was raised Southern Baptist and Fundamental Baptist, both very strict. Around 17 I went through a lot of soul searching and religious study then converted to Catholicism.
Due to several incidents throughout my life, I no longer attend church much and no longer consider a church family my family, I just found that for me, a lot of people were living hypocritical and judgemental lives, and not representing the LOVE of Christ as I know Him to unbelievers, which I find unacceptable for my honest interpersonal relationships.
Predestination is found in other religions, and to some degree I find it comforting, and the Bible says something about it as well. I do believe God has a plan for all of us, non-theists included, but that doesn’t mean we don’t deviate from that path due to human will and choice.
I’m a follower of Jesus. I don’t bother fretting over these issues. “I just keep doing my best and pray that it’s blessed. Jesus takes care of the rest”
Kieth Green
I am a Baptist, and do not give any credence to the 5 points of Calvinism.
As a Roman Catholic, I was always taught that there was free will. I even asked a priest in catechism once about pre-destination, and was given kind of a dumbed down version of “well, it’s like watching your train set at home, God watches it happen”.
The whole thing confused me then and now. But I sure don’t believe in pre-destination, otherwise there would be no reason to make any effort at all for anything.
I thought I responded to some of the answers. I hit, “thank ____” I guess that doesn’t show on the board. Bear with me. I’m an Askville Refugee.
There’s some good answers. All interesting.
Answer this question 
This question is in the General Section. Responses must be helpful and on-topic.
Composing members:
0
