[SoothingDave]

one of the primary complaints I came across over and over again on the many anti-Calvist websites I visited is how Calvins have their "theological ducks in a row" but the theology is "too cold and heartless".

There's no doubt you are very systematic. It is, apart from its fundamental flaw, a very coherent system.

It is also guilty of the "cold and heartless" claim. When atheists hate God, they hate this Calvinist conception. I was even told it was bad of me to think of God as a friend!

If that's not cold, I don't know what is.

SD

[ksen]

When atheists hate God, they hate this Calvinist conception.

Really? I've seen atheists on a different board claim that at least the Calvinist's description of God is consistent. But then again why listen to a person who has declared he hates God?

I was even told it was bad of me to think of God as a friend!

It certainly is bad to tell the unsaved that God is their friend. He is not. He explicitly says in John 3:36 that those who do not believe on His Son currently have the wrath of God abiding on them. Hardly the description of a friend.

[HarleyD]

"When atheists hate God, they hate this Calvinist conception. I was even told it was bad of me to think of God as a friend!"

There are many people of many denominations who would like to tell others how they should relate to God. That is a personal issue.

When I read through the Reform doctrine for the first time I saw nothing that I would disagree with. Quite frankly, what amazes me is this "cold and heartless" accusation in saying God is sovereign and is in control.

This “free will” morass the church has sunk into is nothing more than the Pelagius heresy the church fought since Augustine-apparently not very successfully. Man is in control-not God. It’s no wonder atheists prefer it over the Reform doctrine.