Calvinism or Arminianism? How do you answer?

[Matt Souza 832]

This is a question I get asked ALL the time when knocking on doors...... My current answer is I'm a Biblicist in which they usually say that was not one of the answers, and I say they did not give me enough choices. Then we get into the Bible.

My question is how do you answer this question?

[Alan 2,784]

I would repeat my previous answer. I am a Biblicist. Neither John Calvin, nor Jacob Arminius, were correct in there writings.  And, neither one is a standard for doctrine.

If the person is seeking a good answer, and he is a just man, than your answer will help him in his quest for the truth. Proverbs 9:9 "Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning."

If he is a fool, and just looking for an argument, then don't waste your time.

Edited February 3, 2018 by Alan
grammer

[Matt Souza 832]

I find it alarming that too many people think that there are only two choices here. Neither Calvinism or Arminianism lines up with Scripture.

[heartstrings 2,340]

I tell them I am neither..  After a couple of Bible verses, those are out. Then they try to pin me as a "universalist", "synergist", "pelagian" or "semi-pelagian" but as we get further into the Bible, it shows that I am none of those either. Got any more names?

[DaveW 3,675]

2 hours ago, BroMatt said:

I find it alarming that too many people think that there are only two choices here. Neither Calvinism or Arminianism lines up with Scripture.

Unfortunately, it is the almost universal question surrounding this issue - that people believe that you must be either one or the other.

And the minute you argue with a Calvinist, they immediately assume you think you can lose your salvation.

I am always happy to discuss it further, and as has already been said, it becomes plain that I am neither, and there is a third option.........

[HappyChristian 3,436]

Heh. Here in this area it's not arminian or calvinist...they just want to make sure we aren't Mormons or JW's.

[Salyan 1,704]

On 2/3/2018 at 1:29 AM, HappyChristian said:

Heh. Here in this area it's not arminian or calvinist...they just want to make sure we aren't Mormons or JW's.

Yes, here too.  You get good at identifying '...BAPTIST church' really early in the conversation, before they can shut the door on you. 

[DaveW 3,675]

On 05/02/2018 at 5:10 AM, Salyan said:

Yes, here too.  You get good at identifying '...BAPTIST church' really early in the conversation, before they can shut the door on you. 

Where I am it makes no difference - as soon as they find out you are "religious", they close the door - often mid sentence.....

 

[swathdiver 1,768]

I say the Bible makes me a Baptist!  Don't remember what those positions are and don't care to relearn them at present.  It's foolishness to an unsaved person anyway, stick to the gospel and salvation before they're eyes are opened and can begin to understand such things.

[Baptist_Bible_Believer 76]

On 2/2/2018 at 6:42 PM, Alan said:

 I am a Biblicist.

Amen! I prefer the designation of Biblicist as well. It rather sums it all up pretty nicely.