Calvinists, Arminians, and the Next Theological Battle

Ah, how times change! I fear that I am beginning to find myself confronted at every turn by the pugilistic factions of Christianity, putting a definitive end to my relative charismatic-Pentecostal evangelical tranquility, with a very simple doctrine: 'love Jesus passionately.'

And what do you mean! Don't look at me like that, I'm not responsible for anything. It's surely the fault of all those overly stubborn Calvinist cave bloggers wrapped up in their theological arrogance, ranting on and on about those on the other side.

Or it would be the fault of the Pentecostals who are resistant to research, whose lack of Systematic Theology has pushed me to an excessive consumption of Reformed theological works. Indeed, inconvenienced, I rushed to Google to find a work, any, of systematic theology with a Pentecostal tendency. It must exist, don't be mean.

And if you don't understand any of this, you're lucky, but read it anyway, it will amuse you.

Well, as expected, my search led me to the library of the (global, of course) village Amazon, where I came across this little book, in English 'Why I am not a Calvinist', 'Why I am not a Calvinist'. Interesting, I thought. Immediately I began to read the publisher's presentation, which I quote verbatim: (translation made by me, could you ask for better?)

“Where did Calvinism go wrong? Since the Reformation, Calvinism has occupied a dominant position in evangelical thought. The proof of its deep roots is that many Christians imagine that it is the only true expression of Christian doctrine. But Calvinism has serious biblical and theological weaknesses that cause unease among laypeople, pastors, and theologians alike. God is sovereign. All evangelical Christians, whether Arminian or Calvinist, have little doubt about this fundamental truth. The question is how God exercises His sovereignty. Is God a puppet master pulling our strings? Or has He graciously given His children the freedom to respond to His love? In this fascinating book, Jerry L. Walls and Joseph R. Dongell explore the weaknesses of Calvinist theology. A must-read for anyone wondering about the inadequacies of this dominant perspective in the world. within evangelical theology.

There you go, I knew that there were many of us 'wondering', that's the word, we don't shout, we don't point fingers, and we don't use or abuse the ugly word 'heresyyyyyy', no, we simply 'wonder', about the 'insufficiencies' of Calvinism; 'dominant', aah, that hurts, well, let's admit it, on the web at least.

And I, who thought that the Pentecostals were about to dominate the world, I read too much of certain magazines, it's not good. Well, I was still savoring this little title when my wandering eyes fell on another book, similar, entitled 'Why I am not an Arminian' 'Why I am not an Arminian', of which I quote the presentation text, photo in support. No, I did not invent it.

“Where did Arminianism go wrong? Arminian theology is a sweeping tide shaking evangelical churches in North America. Although most Arminians are good, sincere, and orthodox Christians, authors Robert A. Peterson and Michael D. Williams argue that some aspects of Arminian thought are troubling theologically and biblically. Among other things, they believe that Arminians have too lofty a view of human nature and an insufficient understanding of God's sovereign love in Christ. This book explores the biblical, theological, and historical context of the Calvinist/Arminian debate. Lay people, pastors, and theologians will appreciate the book's irenic quality and the insightful authors.

Wow! So Calvinism has 'serious biblical and theological weaknesses that cause unease among lay people, pastors, and theologians' - in short, everyone; Arminianism has 'theologically and biblically troubling' aspects.

Then, lay people, pastors, and theologians will 'appreciate' the first book against Arminianism, surely not the same ones who previously felt 'unease' about Calvinism? One last one - Calvinism 'occupies a dominant position in evangelical thought' while Arminianism 'is a breaking wave on the churches...'.

If all this is true, would we not be on the verge of a new theological battle of cosmic proportions? A quick glance, still with wandering eyes, at the names of the publishers of these works (authors of these combative paropos) reveals one name, a single 'intervarsity press', publisher of both works; disappointment, no ideology, no pugilism, a simple business matter. So the theological war will not take place? We are unfortunately reduced to deploying our vast energies elsewhere, to bring men to God.

I still haven't found my Pentecostal-leaning Systematic Theology book. I'll go back to Amazon later.