Calvinism, Arminianism and Interior Decorating

If my good friend Donald Trump invited me to his home, I’m certain that I would have the same visceral reaction in person that I have to seeing his pictures of his palaces in the media. I am very much the opposite of the man in our tastes; I tend toward classic lines and a touch of austerity while he tends toward gaudy flash and ostentatiousness. But, since he’s my friend, I would not blurt out, “That is the ugliest gold plated faucet on a marble sink supported by two carved cherubs I have ever seen!” as he shows me the downstairs powder room. Evaluating the long term effects of him enjoying his home and my retaining his friendship, I would probably nod and say that it was very nice, maybe adding that it was not my style if prompted to install a similar room in my house.

This week, perhaps goaded on by the increasing shrillness of modern politics, I was moved to write responses to two posts with Calvinist tags. I felt that each one had either been snarky or inappropriate in their presentation but moreover, they showed an uncharitable attitude toward anyone who didn’t agree with the Calvinist theological system. In other words, the connotation of the words was “We’re right, you’re wrong, so quit being a fool and accept it.” The danger in the increasing obstinacy that is creeping into the Calvinism versus Arminianism debate is that it has much larger implications that affect those outside of details of the debate.

Reading the titles and snippets of posts that appear in Calvinist forums, blog aggregators, or even print media often gives the impression that there is a hubris toward anyone who doesn’t agree. Rather than making a case for the efficacy of the system, the posts taunt and challenge those foolish enough to believe otherwise. But I ask, is this how the Master Teacher taught?

1 Peter 3:15 is taken to heart by many Christians. The problem is that many have only partially memorized and internalized the scripture. “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” An excellent verse and one that I’m willing to wager that nearly everyone who reads this post will agree with. Except that is not the complete verse. In its complete form it reads:

But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,“

and the last line continues into verse 16:

“keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.”

So I ask my Calvinist brothers and sisters, are we speaking and writing with gentleness and respect? Is our conscience clear in that we have fairly and accurately considered both sides of the debate and with full knowledge of both positions, decided in which camp we will plant our tents? Are we charitable in our words, so much so that those who disagree with us are ashamed by their slander?

In an Oprah dominated world where some gnosticism like ‘The Secret’ can dominate the popular imagination do we really want to present ideas that have eternal implications in the form of the the Dave Hunt & James White book ‘Debating Calvinism’ where it looks like nothing more than a name-calling schoolyard rumble. I don’t think so. If we are willing to be kind to others in insignificant matters like their taste clothes or paint color, why are we not willing to also temper our debate when the eternal destinations of others are at stake?

Technorati tags: Calvinism, Arminianism, Faith, Christianity