[connectthedots]

I'm reading his book right now. I've seen what you're talking about, and I have wondered about it, but for now I have chalked it up to him being honest enough to admit that he personally didn't understand it, and wasn't going to try to baffle with bull***t to get past it. I took it as a certain honesty on his part which many so-called authors and self-appointed "authorities" seem to lack, especially in this day and age.

I think it is admirable that you are making the effort to read his book in order understand what he wrote and my perception of it. No one can question Palmer's openness and honesty concerning his inability to fully comprehend what he believes about predestination. No one can question his sincerity, nor his tremendous cotributions toward the spead of the Gospel.

I happen to think that if someone agees that there are some logical problems with their viewpoint, that person should not dismiss, out of hand, another explanation. I am not saying that Palmer did that in his book. The rest of his book seems solid, at least as far as I've read, so I see no reason to reject his whole book just because he admits he doesn't understand predestination.

There certainly is much to recommend the book for. It articulates a very commonly held viewpoint of Calvinism from, for lack of a better word, a Dutch reformed position.

I think Palmer was also fair when he stated that the Arminian position is within the basic tenets of Chrisitanity, even if he doesn't agree with it.

[nobdysfool]

I happen to think that if someone agees that there are some logical problems with their viewpoint, that person should not dismiss, out of hand, another explanation.

I can agree with that in principle, but also believe that a person has a right to reject an alternate viewpoint if it has more problems than their own, wouldn't you agree?

I think Palmer was also fair when he stated that the Arminian position is within the basic tenets of Chrisitanity, even if he doesn't agree with it.

I don't think I've ever said that an Arminian was not saved, based only on his Arminian Soteriology. In America especially, everyone seems to start off Arminian, because the overwhelming doctrine taught in churches in America is Arminian. A case where majority does not mean it's right, though. Some of it cultural, some of it is simply Christian laziness, for lack of a better term. Most professing Christians will not spend the time we do in examining our beliefs and making sure they line up with the Word. I include you in that "we", as well as most of the regular participants in these forums.

My own experience has taught me that I need to remain flexible on some things, because just when I think I've got it down, God sends someone along who challenges it, and shows me where I've got holes in it. I don't think anyone can afford to get "set" into a doctrinal position on things other than the very basics. Sadly, most do. Hence the proliferation of denominatiosn.