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Arminianism -- False Doctrines of the "Pope" of Modern Pelagianism
Response to: Calvinism- False Doctrines of the "Pope" of Geneva ^ | August 13, 2003 | OP

Posted on 08/13/2003 6:04:31 PM PDT by OrthodoxPresbyterian

Arminianism -- False Doctrines of the "Pope" of Modern Pelagianism

Introduction: the Anti-Predestinarian Syllogism

In debates between Reformation Protestants and Arminian neo-Protestants, it is common for Arminians to invoke a peculiar and logically-fallacious syllogism in an effort to deflect attention from the evidentiary insurmountability of the Biblical Case for Reformation Protestantism. This syllogism is constructed in the form of a classic ad hominem Guilt-by-Association argument, according to the following general Form:

Needless to say, it makes little impression upon the Arminian neo-Protestant that the Doctrines of Absolute Predestination were believed by Godly Christians for centuries before Calvin (i.e., 10th-15th Century Waldensian CredoBaptists, the 6th-9th Century Presbyters of Iona, the 4th-10th Century Ambrosian Catholics, Saint Augustine, the Apostles, Jesus Christ Himself, etc). What matters is the argumentative usefulness of being able to lay this charge to the particular account of John Calvin, and thus evade the theological defeat of the UnBiblical Arminian systematic heresy by re-framing the debate as a mud-throwing competition directed against one particular Reformer.

Now, before we proceed, we should observe: the Arminian neo-Protestant assertions against Calvin are not borne out by the Facts of History in the first place.

Uncomfortable Facts about Michael Servetus

Michael Servetus was:

In point of History, Michael Servetus was executed as a matter of State Punishment, as sentenced by the Civil Council of Geneva – which itself was controlled at the time by Calvin’s political enemies, the Libertines. In fact, as the Libertine Party itself rejected Calvin’s doctrine of Predestination, it is more historically accurate to say that Servetus was killed by the Anti-Predestinarian “protestants”, than to attribute the deed to Calvin (who at any rate pleaded for a more merciful execution “by the Sword”, rather than the slow burning-to-death on which the vicious Anti-Predestinarians insisted).

Be that as it may, however, it needs be asked – if it is appropriate for Arminian neo-Protestants to employ such a Syllogism against the Reformer John Calvin, is it not equally appropriate to measure by the same standard the heretical Schismatic who, perhaps more than any other single man, was fundamentally responsible for sundering the Godly unity of Reformation Protestantism into a thousand confused and competing sects – James Arminius? To that Question we now turn:

Arminius – his teachings on Politics, Religion, and the Sword of the State

Phew.... Thank God that America was founded primarily by convinced Calvinists, and not Arminians. Moving along, though, let us now apply the Arminian's Favorite Syllogism -- to Arminius himself.

Arminius at the Bar of the Arminian Syllogism:

Hmmmm. Howzabout that.


TOPICS: Apologetics; Ecumenism; Evangelical Christian; General Discusssion; History; Mainline Protestant; Theology
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To: OrthodoxPresbyterian; RnMomof7
Okay, I read the article. It is filled with lies and odious slander.

Calvin didn't "force" anybody to do anything. The Geneva City Council as a lawful body made decisions.

Calvin did not "boast" of killing Servetus.

Servetus was executed by the civil authorities, and Calvin had zero civil office.

Calvin was not the "Pope of Geneva". A Pope (errr.....that the "Bishop of Rome") is a Romanist convention.

Calvinists believe in Presbyterianism...and there ain't no bishops or funny-hated cardinals in Calvinism.

You can read the article for yourself. It is venemous, and is stinks of the foul spirit of The Adversary.

Cheers.

61 posted on 08/14/2003 2:22:18 PM PDT by Aggressive Calvinist
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To: Dr. Eckleburg
oops, I meant "funny HATTED" cardinals.

You know, those peculiar head-dressings like some character in "Mars Attacks"....

Why do they put those funny hats on their heads?...

62 posted on 08/14/2003 2:27:00 PM PDT by Aggressive Calvinist
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To: Aggressive Calvinist
***Why do they put those funny hats on their heads?...***

They ran out of tinfoil???
63 posted on 08/14/2003 2:28:48 PM PDT by drstevej
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To: Aggressive Calvinist
When you do not like the message attack the messenger:>)
64 posted on 08/14/2003 2:40:29 PM PDT by RnMomof7
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To: Corin Stormhands
Thank you. That was a good response.
65 posted on 08/14/2003 3:15:07 PM PDT by irishtenor (I AM in shape, round is a shape, ya know.)
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To: Aggressive Calvinist
Servetus was executed by the civil authorities, and Calvin had zero civil office.

Yeah, and the Pharises had nothing to do with the crucifixtion of Jesus Christ.

66 posted on 08/14/2003 3:48:46 PM PDT by connectthedots
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To: Aggressive Calvinist
Those head-dressings are called Mitres.
67 posted on 08/14/2003 3:50:32 PM PDT by connectthedots
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To: connectthedots
***Those head-dressings are called Mitres. ***

Kinda makes you wonder what a mitre saw is used for.
68 posted on 08/14/2003 3:52:33 PM PDT by drstevej
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To: connectthedots
I agree with your concern.

I understand the grace of God to grant us efficacious grace and a common grace, but primarily as a gift for us before we have received salvation. A mechanism to 'kick start' our acceptance of things eternal.

The additional meaning,...for example if one asserts that even after salvation, acceptance of Christ, that any and all thoughts and decisions are only by His mandate, then I can understand that theology to fail in regards to glorifying Him and studies of angels.

69 posted on 08/14/2003 3:54:07 PM PDT by Cvengr
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To: connectthedots
Thanks for the answer.

Now, here's a tougher question. Why do they wear them?

70 posted on 08/14/2003 3:57:39 PM PDT by Aggressive Calvinist
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To: connectthedots; RnMomof7; rwfromkansas
Actually, you're correct.

If the Jews had killed Christ, they would have stoned him to death as they did St. Stephen. Remember?

Crucifixion was the Romanist form of execution.

The Romans killed the Son of God and blamed it on the Jews. Sweet trick, ain't it?

And Calvin had no authority to execute Servetus.

Cheers

71 posted on 08/14/2003 4:04:26 PM PDT by Aggressive Calvinist
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To: Aggressive Calvinist

"Mitres are the official "hat" of the Bishop worn whenever performing a definitely epsicopal act. Worn when in processions, at confirmations, ordinations, and when giving the blessing. It's shape is symbolic of the Holy Spirit, who descended in the form of tongues of fire to rest on the heads of the apostles on the day of Pentecost."

---from http://www.aheavenlystitch.com/vestments/mitres/

72 posted on 08/14/2003 4:04:46 PM PDT by Cvengr
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To: Cvengr; RnMomof7
Okay...thanks. So, they wear them as "symbols" of the Holy Spirit?

It's just wardrobe and theatre, right?

It isn't necessary is it?

Like show business. They do it because they like to dress up. It's kind of fun, but it's not part of dogma, is it?

73 posted on 08/14/2003 4:14:07 PM PDT by Aggressive Calvinist
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To: Aggressive Calvinist
Funny, I relish and thoroughly enjoy worshipping God and studying Scripture, but I haven't found myself immersed in the prosecution and capital punishment of some 55 believers with whom I disagree on theologic issues and I haven't prosecuted another 85 without the death sentance.

When I attempt to place myself in the shoes of such an admired zealot, I find that such an endeavor must surely have taxed such a prosecutor's ability to remian steadfast in his relationship with God so as to avoid any temptation of stepping out of His guidance.

Even more noteworthy is how such an emulated personality as John Calvin found no need whatsoever to assist others around him who might not be of such stout character.

Just think, even though the law of the day mandated the accusor would be placed in custody as a check so that if the accusation was found to be false, the false accusor bore risk for his behavior, John Calvin was able to accuse and convince others to bear that risk for him. What an admirable fellow.

74 posted on 08/14/2003 4:16:03 PM PDT by Cvengr
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To: Aggressive Calvinist
You have a problem understanding obvious rhetorical comments?

Being the Biblical scholor you are, do you think Pontius Pilate would have ordered the crucifixtion of Jesus Christ absent the Jews demanding that Christ be crucified? After all, Pilate found no fault with Christ that deserved crucifixtion.

What you fail to understand that ist was both the Jews and the Gentiles that killed Christ. The Jews could not have killed him on their own, and Rome would not havr killed Christ absent the demand that Pilate execute Jesus.

For you to say that Calvin bore no responsibility for the execution of Servetus is very naive or a denial of reality.
75 posted on 08/14/2003 4:16:57 PM PDT by connectthedots
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To: Aggressive Calvinist
Perhaps camouflage, so those bishops not so blessed aren't as obvious to onlookers.
76 posted on 08/14/2003 4:18:25 PM PDT by Cvengr (<0:^))
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To: connectthedots
A few notes on the death of Christ on the Cross.

A good point was raised about a month back in these discussions, (The Passion, I believe). Jesus Christ, Himself relinquished His spirit, soul and hence death on the Cross.

This is an important point of significance.

1) A Perfect Sacrifice was performed.
2) The Jews and the Romans were both guilty of sins against Jesus Christ. They both displayed intention and omission to act when accountable to not attempt to killm falsely accuse, murder, and attack Jesus Christ.
3) Regardless of their intent, which was sinful, they did not possess power stronger than God. The crucifix and the Sacrifice was allowed to occur.
4) Death is a state of separation. Remember that this is not a situation of non-existence. Death doesn't imply nonexistence. When a believer dies now, they are are separate from the body and with the Lord. Prior to the Cross, those believers who died went to Abraham's bosom, inbelievers to the Torments. There are some finer points regarding body, soul and spirit regarding the death of Christ which aren't always discussed regarding salvation.

Simply spoken, Christ's death on the Cross provided a substitutionary atonement for sin, a perfect sacrifice, thereby fulfilling the law with respect to sin. The body returned to the earth for three days, while His Spirit was relinquished to the Father, and He descended.

He was raised up again, resurrectted in the body, and filled with the Spirit, and He communed with many until He ascended.

The fine point of significance I wish to make is that Christ in His Divinity controlled His life. He remained obedient to the Father. Even though others intended His death, they associated His death as a removal of bodily life and an association with nonexistence. A significant point is that no matter what they performed, they didn't cause a separation,....a death,...of Jesus Christ which was so significant.

I recognize that a considerable amount of theology may be rightfully studied and gleaned from a dichotomous understanding of man, but there are some richer aspects within the tricotomous view provided within Scripture.
77 posted on 08/14/2003 4:36:34 PM PDT by Cvengr (<0:^))
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To: Aggressive Calvinist
Bad hair days?
78 posted on 08/14/2003 4:45:23 PM PDT by irishtenor (I AM in shape, round is a shape, ya know.)
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To: RnMomof7; xzins
Hope you both are safe.
79 posted on 08/14/2003 5:27:12 PM PDT by Dr. Eckleburg (There are very few shades of gray.)
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To: Dr. Eckleburg; xzins
In our area it was sporadic outages, depending on who was on what grids

God was gracious and our power stayed on as did my aged mom across the border

The power is restored in Cleveland so I am trusting that xzins is OK..Check in xzins

80 posted on 08/14/2003 6:20:07 PM PDT by RnMomof7
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