Discussions of Calvinism vs. Arminianism are becoming more common, and more heated, within the Christian church.  While I have met many professing believers who do not even know the meanings of the terms, those who do often hold very strongly to their positions, even to the point of ostracizing those on the other side, or even declaring them to be idolaters.  And while I think think the issues surrounding how God saves us are important, even vital, to a right understanding of who God is, I will not immediately declare someone unsaved who disagrees with me on the fine points.  But I do think every Christian believer needs to think deeply about them.

I began my Christian walk, as I believe most Christians do, leaning heavily toward an Arminian perspective, but am now strongly Calvinistic.  By God’s grace, when I became aware of what are commonly called the Doctrines of Grace, I was introduced to them by men who, though uncompromising, believed in and practiced courtesy and respect in presenting and defending those doctrines.  The first two videos below are a good example of the right and Biblical way of approaching disagreements about important, but secondary, issues of debate within the church.  The third is the closing statement from a debate on the subject, and I think is a good presentation of what I believe and why I believe it.  I pray that they will help inform and encourage you.