CD I try to take all, well most, of your questions seriously. ;^)
How does all this affect salvation? (Pre-determination or free will).
I don't think it does. Salvation is still by Grace through faith. In both systems only those that God knows will ever come to faith in Christ.
It's just on the one hand we Calvinists believe that a man had to acted on by God first in order to be able to believe in Christ.
On the other hand it is said that a man can come to faith in Christ without God having to act upon him.
But we both believe it is "whosoever will."
Kevin you will be an awesome teaching elder some day !
Cindy ask any Calvinist here if they believe you are saved. You will get a resounding YES .
So then why the doctrinal discussion? It is very important to Calvinists that not one drop of the Glory of God be wasted. Most all the Calvinists here were saved in Arminian churches or as Catholics . We are not "more" saved as Calvinists , what we are is a people that want God to be glorified in all His works and creation..that is why is it important to us