tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3563948728142405444.post7019514011020460359..comments2023-08-10T07:18:16.879-04:00Comments on Borrowed Light: What Should a Newtonian Calvinist Say In a Pastoral Interview?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08034192017775511612noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3563948728142405444.post-59833106031341796232011-09-16T18:26:09.341-04:002011-09-16T18:26:09.341-04:00I don't think Jesus was a Calvinist...or an Ar...I don't think Jesus was a Calvinist...or an Arminian. I think it's our own arrogance when we want to smack labels on him that came 1600 years after him. <br /><br />If Jesus were here, he'd probably point out the errors of both theologies, show how they both insufficiently represent God, and tell us to get in the business of bringing the kingdom of God on earth instead of standing around debating whose side Jesus is on. <br /><br />I'm reminded of the scene in Joshua 5 when Israel's going out to war and Joshua sees the Angel of Yahweh and says, "Whose side are you on?" And the Angel responds and says, "Neither." <br /><br />I'm an Arminian for all the reasons you listed above. But I have no grand illusions that Jesus was one. I think he'd tell me it's idolatrous to limit him to my system. It's a reduction of God. <br /><br />I'm not a Calvinist because I believe Arminianism represents God's love more faithfully, represents God's character as revealed in scripture more faithfully. But, still, Arminianim, itself, is not to be equated with God and God is not to be reduced to my system. That is very dangerous ground, imo. <br /><br />Do I wish everyone was an Arminian? No. Calvinists bring unique things to the table. Though I disagree, I think you're faithful and Orthodox. <br /><br />Do I wish everyone was Orthodox? Yes. Beyond that, let's disagree, for sure. But let's not reduce God to our level.Tom 1sthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16281465700829698800noreply@blogger.com