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1) Liberal Presbyterian sects such as “Presbyterian Church U.S.A” is hardly committed to Calvinist doctrine. While the more conservative sects, “Presbyterian Church of America” and “Orthodox Presbyterian Church” are.

2) By “conservative” do you mean politically/socially conservative or theologically conservative? Sure, one can say the two are linked—but there are plenty of non-Christians (Mormons) who are politically conservative as well, it does not make their doctrines any more valid spiritually.

3) I think one of the problems with some aspects of the Arminian-based “Christian Right” is the idea that bigger government and control of secular government in general, is the answer to solving the moral and social crises facing our society. Think the views of Mike Huckabee or even Rick Warren. Hence things like tax-payer funded “faith-based” initiatives

* A strong belief in man’s ability to “be good” by his own volition can lead to the idea that human beings can improve society by virtue of their own efforts and manmade means. Which is why “free will” thinking tends to coincide with statism. While a Calvinist “total depravity” worldview will promote a skepticism of over-concentration of power in any one place or person. And oftentimes, putting too much faith in politics can lead to de-emphasis of our spiritual duties—which are unchanging regardless of who’s in charge at the secular level.

CP, it's funny that you attribute certain attitudes to Free-will types, and no basis for the generalization. I grew up and am strongly Full-Gospel Pentecostal, but even that is stereotyped. For me, my free will and relationship to God is such a personal responsibility to daily walk in faith(Romans/Hebrews), showing my works in that faith(James), knowing this faith originated and strenghtened by God alone can be chosen to be weakened and lost by sin and disbelief (God to Cain, Ezekiel 18, Hebrews 4).

With that said, Jesus said we're to be the salt of the Earth - "If the salt has lost it's savor, what good is it, it is tossed to the ground and trampled on". As I humbly seek God's strength and walk in His Spirit daily (Gideon, David, Paul: Romans 8) He can use me. If I try to perform my 'religiousity' in the flesh, I reap that reward also (Paul speaking of one being saved - just barely through the fire, although fleshly works being burned up).

I was convicted many years ago to stop battling back and forth with some of the ardent Calvinists that frequent here. The Lord showed me that Satan loves the derisiveness and division (Proverbs full of these cautions, likewise Paul). There is such an arrogance and puff-uppedness (sp?) as well.

To respond specifically to your assumption in the post - my 'Free Will' choice way of Biblically thinking and living is exactly why I don't believe Big Gov should nanny people - it appeals to the laziest and most selfish parts of human nature. Just think of all the verses that God and Jesus speak of giving and being generous and helping others - ALL by one's personal choice. Read in the book of Acts the story of Annanias and Saphira, husband and wife. God struck them dead - not for withholding some monies on the sale of property when giving to the church, but for lying to the Holy Spirit about it. Peter even said "While it was yours, you had the power to do as you chose". With free will, Love, Giving - it's all the same - if one's heart isn't in it - then it's not real - thus the need to want to choose - but, to tweak the Calvinists - the wanting to do what's right only comes from the Spirit leading us to follow the law that God has written on our hearts.

by the way - according to the Bible - and my core that follows that - we’re all sinners (’depravity’ without God’s redemption in Christ), there are none righteous. The only good that men do is by following that part of God’s law inscribed on their hearts whether they acknowledge it from God or not. Like Sarah Palin has repeatedly stated it (she being raised similarly to me) - can’t trust government ‘cause we’re all Fallen Man.

Liberal Presbyterianism, you see, moves away from Calvinism by their own free will. They could be more Calvinistic by moving towards Calvinism and putting the beliefs to use in their lives. You still have the problem of free will here and in every belief system in the churches.

Most of the time, if not all the time, Calvinism is preached to the people who are already saved. They accept it because it looks right but not all of it is.

The Jews in the Bible practiced a form of Calvinism back in the early days of the New Testament. They thought they were saved by the virtue of being a Jew (the chosen ones) but Paul says no, that everyone who has heard the gospel will have to make a decision to become born again by the Spirit of God or not.