tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5021346565171482910.post4256175874498092450..comments2023-05-26T10:55:27.696-04:00Comments on Jc_Freak: Why I Am An ArminianPart I: HistoryJc_Freak:http://www.blogger.com/profile/14780031497091443526noreply@blogger.comBlogger9125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5021346565171482910.post-59594110772311481342008-12-10T20:27:00.000-05:002008-12-10T20:27:00.000-05:00Actually, my next post is essentially about that m...Actually, my next post is essentially about that militant wing. It's taking longer than I had anticipated in part by my trying not to say that I believe it represents all Calvinists. It is a very fine line to tote.Jc_Freak:https://www.blogger.com/profile/14780031497091443526noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5021346565171482910.post-9316411475876609492008-12-10T18:37:00.000-05:002008-12-10T18:37:00.000-05:00Also, I am sorry that you have such poor experienc...Also, I am sorry that you have such poor experiences with Calvinists online. Don't let that give you the impression that all people who seem themselves as theologically Reformed/Calvinist are like that. <BR/>I'm a Calvinist, though have my criticisms of it, and I am as disgusted as you are by the way I have seen the militant/radical wing of Calvinism attack people and give the rest of us a bad name. <BR/>There really are Calvinists who are a bit more humble and thoughtful about their theology, and who don't see Arminians as the enemy or as raving Pelagians.Masonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12865044615971862266noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5021346565171482910.post-66613966138533808622008-12-10T11:30:00.000-05:002008-12-10T11:30:00.000-05:00JC,I just found your blog through Witherington's, ...JC,<BR/>I just found your blog through Witherington's, and it definitely peaked my interest. I'm posting through the Calvinism/Arminianism issue myself right now, specifically my struggles with the TULIP points as one with Reformed leanings, so I was happy to see a well done take on the Arminian side here. I look forward to hearing more of your thoughts on a very complex issue.<BR/><BR/>P.S. I was glad to see that in an earlier post you mentioned that Calvinism and Arminianism are not polar opposites but instead relatively close (and historically interrelated). I tire of hearing the debate framed with what in the end are straw men of either side in order to make the person writing seem more correct.Masonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12865044615971862266noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5021346565171482910.post-86813608174610191582008-12-08T16:44:00.000-05:002008-12-08T16:44:00.000-05:00Welcome t-ham! RE: Thomas Oden - I'm currently wo...Welcome t-ham! <BR/><BR/>RE: Thomas Oden - I'm currently working my way through "The Transforming Power of Grace". I love it, but he pushes my comprehension level.Kevin Jacksonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13472900037134045450noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5021346565171482910.post-17876974167687014362008-12-07T05:33:00.000-05:002008-12-07T05:33:00.000-05:00JcF, TrueHope,Thanks for the tips.Oden's Systemati...JcF, TrueHope,<BR/><BR/>Thanks for the tips.<BR/><BR/>Oden's Systematic Theology was probably the most beneficial set of books I've found so far. I couldn't put it down.<BR/><BR/>Additionally, historical writing, and early church history is what I am most drawn to, exactly for the reason you mention, the test of time.<BR/><BR/>So apparently I'm on the right track, even while I keep in mind the primacy of Scripture. I think some people are reluctant to explore early writings because they are uncomfortable with their non-canonical status. I think it might start with pastors who never use the material in sermons, the congregation is then unexposed and unfamiliar with, let's say the Anti-Nicene Fathers, and then, when exposed to them, they seem too strange, or somehow not quite right(if it's not in the Bible, is it legitimate?).<BR/> At my church, I would say less than 10% attend Bible Study on a regular basis. From what I've seen, they seem to be the more pro-active individuals in the congregation, yet even there, several people sent me emails stating they were unfamiliar with the whole field of extracanonical writings until I handed out some books I found on sale.<BR/><BR/>Thanks again, you are bookmarked for my daily rounds.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5021346565171482910.post-69885478135386879802008-12-07T02:43:00.000-05:002008-12-07T02:43:00.000-05:00JC,Thank you for sharing the story of why you're a...JC,<BR/><BR/>Thank you for sharing the story of why you're an Arminian, and thank you for your weekly devotionals in SEA.<BR/><BR/>t-ham,<BR/><BR/>Like JC, I also recommend the book "How to read the Bible for All Its Worth". This book really helped me mature as a Christian.TrueHopehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08468797209411273315noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5021346565171482910.post-39478224052937756232008-12-06T21:32:00.000-05:002008-12-06T21:32:00.000-05:00Thanks t-ham. Your length is fine. My point is sim...Thanks t-ham. Your length is fine. My point is simply to avoid rants, but feel free to use the space you need in order to make your point. Instead of holding back, I would prefer if you pushed the boundries, and just let me tell you when you go too far. <BR/><BR/>If you have any questions about Arminianism, you can send an email to the SEA website, requesting me. I would prefer that than posting my email here. You'll see "Contact us" in the upper box on the left. <BR/><BR/>For a good understanding of Christianity in general, focus on Scripture and historical writings. But more concerned with works that have withstood the test of time rather than what's new and sounds good. Thomas Oden is a great guide for learning who to read. For understanding Scripture, I would recommend "How to read the Bibld for All Its Worth" by Gordon Fee and Douglas Stuart. It is a fantastic introduction into hermeneutics.Jc_Freak:https://www.blogger.com/profile/14780031497091443526noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5021346565171482910.post-81216927368202232322008-12-05T18:07:00.000-05:002008-12-05T18:07:00.000-05:00Hello JcF, The Spirit does work in amazing ways. ...Hello JcF,<BR/> The Spirit does work in amazing ways. I've followed Ben Witherington's blog for a bit now, and found you by tracking you backwards through a comment you left. I came to Jesus Christ about a year ago, and being a voracious reader, have been devouring whatever I can get my hands on ever since. I recently became aware of the Arminian/Calvinism tension and have been digging in that direction recently. Google sent me to the SEA site(bookmarked), but this is much better, having a "live" blog to go to, not to mention your list of blogs you follow. <BR/> I've read all your rules and I understand your "verbosity" regs, so the next comment won't be so long. I would have preferred to email you with some questions but couldn't find one listed, so I just wanted to let you know that you've gained another reader.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5021346565171482910.post-49639896222629902602008-12-05T16:44:00.000-05:002008-12-05T16:44:00.000-05:00Interesting read, my experience has been somewhat ...Interesting read, my experience has been somewhat similar. I'm looking forward to the series.Kevin Jacksonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13472900037134045450noreply@blogger.com