The Highway Forums General Discussion Theology Discussion Forum What doctrine is most hated?

Unfortunately Tom, your experience is woefully limited and thus not a sound basis upon which to make an accurate judgment. There can be no question that Dr. Gerstner's experience is more than perhaps that of all of the member's experience here combined, he having taught thousands of people, spoken to 10's of thousands of people, traveled the world over, etc. So, in his case, perhaps experience has some merit.

OBJECTIVELY, it seems that when one comes to understand how foundational and pivotal the doctrine of Total Depravity is, then it is more than logical to conclude that it would be most hated.

Now, in my own experience of 40+ years, if it is of any import, I would have to say that even among those churches which claim to be Reformed, the majority avoid the doctrine of Total Depravity to one degree or another. Just a quick reading of various "Reformed" churches websites "Statement of Faith, "What We Believe", etc. will clearly show that hardly any mention of even the word "depravity", never mind "total depravity". Most of them externalize sin and rarely mention the corruption of nature that ALL are conceived and born with, never mind the "guilt" of which ALL have by imputation of Adam's sin and thus are ALL under God's wrath and judgment and destined to eternal Hell.