Simple Arguments

I have listened to a series of debates in the last few days, and have noticed that most of these types of discussion really don’t seem to accomplish much. Watching the aftermath of the debate in various posts indicates that both sides are simply reinforced in their position. I wonder how many are moved from their specific theological view?

My belief in the simplicity that is Christ means that I try to keep faith and life in Christ on the simple side. One of the reasons that I don’t self-identify as a committed Calvinist is that I still have problems with a lot of that system, even though there is much that I agree with. I have recently read a book on Calvinism vs. Arminianism, and the exercise left me tense. I found a lot to agree with on both sides, and found things on both side that just left me scratching my head.

Maybe its just my desire for simplicity in all areas of my life that make me want to keep faith in Christ simple. I tend to gravitate toward those types of passages in Scripture, where faith is plain and simple and Christ is most clearly portrayed as being “for me”. By that I mean, the message God speaks that clearly shows what is true about me because of Christ, what He has accomplished on my behalf.

I am not saying that Calvinism is not a worthwhile study, and I have benefited greatly in the past by reading the writings of committed Calvinists. But I am simply not willing to be primarily identified as a “Calvinist”. I don’t make a habit of introducing myself in that manner, but rather simply as a Christian.

Unfortunately though, even that word though needs to be explained today. With all of the ‘ists’ & ‘isms’ out there, saying that your a Christian is usually not enough. The conversation often moves to what church I attend, and when I say it is a small Bible church the box is almost complete in the questioner’s mind. Most just ask because they want to know if I belong to a cult, or am a regular christian like they are. Time usually reveals that I am not like them, because most of the people I work with are denominational Christians who hold their Christianity like they hold their nationality.

I try to speak of Christ and Him crucified, and stick to the simplicity of faith in Christ with those the Lord sends in my direction. I tend to take a rather simplistic view of the Bible, and explain that God has spoken plainly and clearly, and that His Word can be understood even by small children. Most of what I read on-line and in books seems to be overly complicated and lead people away from Christ rather than toward Him.

So I wonder about the value of debates and forums. I have some questions that I need to ask if I can find some Calvinists who will answer on a level that I can understand, but hesitate even asking the questions for fear of being sucked into an argument. I can see the need to defend the faith against false teachers, and against the incursion of liberalism and other destructive heresies that have invaded the church today. I have done my share of arguing in the recent past, and recognize the need to speak the truth when people are actively seeking to undermine the authority of Scripture. But I wonder if anyone is really listening?

Just my musings for the day, as I look for a place to ask my critically important life altering questions to a knowledgeable Calvinist who can answer in less than 10,000 words …

Peace.