Originally Posted by AllToHim
I have never understood the utter intensity of hatred wrought up in some non-Calvinist Christians against Calvinists and the Reformers in general. With statements like "How can you as a Calvinist tell anyone with a straight face that God loves them?" Where does this come from?

Greetings.

Calvinism was a part of my spiritual journey that found its destination in the holy Catholic Church. I don't regret any part of this journey, even my Calvinist days, though I thoroughly reject Calvinism today. My understanding of 5 point Calvinism was profound and I could explain to any skeptic exactly why God loves EVERYONE and how this does not conflict in the least with TULIP or the golden chain.

I have a friend who has recently become Calvinist and we've had some serious debates on the merits of this teaching, but none of it I have argued out of ignorance of what Calvinists really believe. The answer to your question is, they've never been Calvinist, so they speak from ignorance. They have never felt the exhilaration of understanding God's sovereignty; that God chooses, based on nothing we deserve or offer, redeems those He's chosen, and brings them infallibly to eternal life without violating the freewill of man. Apart from this understanding, Christians will assail and pillory what they don't know. How do I debate Calvinists? With understanding and all the love in my heart.

And why am I even on this discussion board? Because Pilgrim is a very tolerant individual and I keep my presence respectful of the Highway's theological platform and rules.

In Christ's most Sacred Heart.

Liberalism -- Ideas so good, they have to be mandated.