Lack of Understanding In recent days, I've been invited to join groups that bash both Calvinism and Arminianism. Here's the rub: Differences of opinions about the theological issues that arise from these two groups are not differences that affect “the salvation we share” (Jude 3).
I have good, solid, Christian bothers and sisters in both camps. I have also attended colleges that were Reformed and I have attended colleges that were Arminian, and what astounds me is the lack of understanding that each group has about the other. I've heard Arminians utterly misrepresent Calvinist theology and I've heard Calvinists completely adulterate Arminian theology.
I fear that this sort of “brother bashing” shall continue as long as we simply do not take the time to truly understand what our bothers and sisters really believe. This sort of bashing is nothing more than the straw-man tactic.
A Voluntary Ignorance One Christian brother was bashing the theology (and members) of the other camp, and when I asked him from where he got his information about the opposing theological camp, he said that he had gotten it from the writings of those in his own camp. Seriously? That's the best we can do? Too many Christians from both camps live in a voluntary ignorance. There are good writings by scholars in each camp that all believers could read so that they could genuinely understand one another. Now, that does not imply that they have to agree.
Arminians and Calvinists Don't Have to Agree
Please do not misunderstand me: I am NOT saying that Arminians and Calvinists must agree with each other, far from it.
I AM saying that Arminians and Calvinists should truly understand what the other believes before they attempt to represent their opponent's position.
Bashing is Not Debating
Furthermore, I am not saying that there should be no debate. I am saying that (1) we should truly know our opponent's position before we attempt to refute it (and you are not going to get that by reading what your camp has to say about the other camp) and (2) bashing is not debating. Bashing is beneath debating, and it should be beneath Christian bothers and sisters. And, (3) uninformed bashing is not academic. It should go without saying that such bashing is non-academic, but I'm continually astounded (and saddened) by the bashing (not debating) that goes on even by scholars. Here’s a quick lesson in logic and argumentation: Stick to the facts, don’t make Ad Hominem attacks, and leave the red herrings for snacks.
Contrary to our Lord's command
As a believer in Christ, I find the ongoing Arminian-Calvinist bashing not only in bad taste but it is also contrary to our Lord's command:
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another (John 13: 34-35).
“Oh, come on"
On one occasion I actually mediated between a Calvinist and an Arminian who were locked in an unseemly bashing contest. During that time, I quoted this verse, and one man actually rolled his eyes at me as if to say, “Oh, come on.”
My Final Question
I'm sure that there will be those who will roll their eyes at this Coffee Talk as well, but here's my final question, will you also roll your eyes at the Lord who gave the command to love one another?
