This paper discusses the conflicting views of Calvinists, Arminians and Karl Barth about the predestination of humans and then presents Millard Erickson's solution.
1,125 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 1 source, 2005, $ 44.95
Abstract The paper uses Millard Erickson's book "Christian Theology" to compare and contrast the belief structures of the Calvinists, Arminians and Karl Barth. This includes a brief summary of Erickson's perspective on how the conflicts between these theologies can be resolved. The topics discussed in this paper include predestination, the elect, human depravity and free will as pertains to these concepts.
From the Paper "The Calvinists and Arminians have some very basic conflicting views of the predestination of humans in relation to God, grace and free will. Theologian Karl Barth devised a series of arguments that attempted to walk a path between or perhaps around these conflicting arguments, while still not completely disagreeing with either position out of hand. In this paper, I will discuss the similarities and differences between these three perspectives and describe Millard Erickson's solution to the apparent discrepancies. The Calvinist beliefs on predestination are complex, and are best described, according to Erickson, as falling into one of five basic tenets. These are: "total depravity, unconditional predestination, limited atonement, irresistible grace and perseverance." Each of these concepts is important to understanding their basic belief system, although there are variations in the theology."
Abstract This paper looks at Millard Erickson's discussion of the concepts of perseverance and apostasy in the Calvinist and Arminian theologies. The paper compares and contrasts his presentation of their views on salvation and briefly summarizes the suggestions Erickson provides for reconciling the views. The paper concludes with a personal interpretation of their reconciliation.
From the Paper "The Calvinist and Arminian views on perseverance, that is, the ability of the believer in God and Jesus to retain his or her status of a Christian and one of the saved, vary widely. Perseverance is described by Erickson as the ability of the Christian to "successfully endure all the trials and temptations of this life and remain true to the Lord until death." The two groups' views depend on whether or not a person's salvation is permanent or not, which is to say whether or not a person can commit apostasy, which will be discussed below before presenting some possible solutions for reconciling these perspectives. The Calvinist viewpoint on perseverance is that once salvation is granted by God, which is foreordained and unalterable by human action, it is impossible to lose this salvation or status of being elect."
Abstract This paper explores the state of Man prior to the fall in the Garden of Eden and Man's relationship with God. The paper then uses this exploration as a basis for understanding the effects that sin has on the world. The paper explains that the loss of direct communication between Man and God has resulted in the need for Man to find alternative forms of communication.
Table of Contents:
Thesis Statement
Abstract
Introduction
Ascertaining the Historical Accuracy of the Fall
Before the Fall
The Fall
Consequences
Sin
Depravity
Remedy
General Revelation
Natural Theology
In Opposition of Natural Theology and General Revelation
Special Revelation
Calvinism
Arminianism Conclusion
From the Paper "The state of man before the fall is not something that can be concretely ascertained anymore. Most theologians hypothesize that man had a purer nature which, rather than allowing him to naively follow the Lord's commands without thought, allowed for a clearer mind frame, perhaps even augmenting his intelligence and reasoning capabilities far beyond what they are now. While the state of man before the fall is not entirely possibly to construct, his relationship with God is. Clearly there has been a falling away from God. In the Garden direct face to fact communication allowed for little to no confusion between what God meant for man to do, should confusion occur, God was right there to clear it up. After the fall, God had to rely on a new method for man to eventually be allowed back into His presence: salvation through Jesus Christ. However, communicating His new plan now had limitations that were not present within the Garden. Sin, with its clouding effect upon humanity, has built a barrier between God and humanity. God breaches this barrier through both methods of general and special revelation."
Tags: original sin, revelation calvinism arminianism
Abstract This paper traces the life of Jonathan Edwards, zealous New England religious leader whose fiery sermons and brilliant oratory resulted in people flocking to churches across the country in a bid to redeem their sins. The paper shows how Edwards' conversion sermons grew into a conflagration in the entire East Coast in 1743 and soon came to be known as the "Great Awakening". Edwards' fiery description of hell and its damnations ? especially in his horrifying sermon, entitled "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" -- drew people to such ferventness and trembling that those who could not take it even committed suicide.
From the Paper "Edwards viewed the overwhelming change of hearts in the people as evidence of God's Hand, redeeming New England and expounded this in his works, "The Distinguishing Marks of a Work of the Spirit of God" (1741) and "Some Thoughts Concerning the Present Revival" (1743), wherein he defended that view of the revival as an authentic sign of God's working with them and in their midst. He was deeply passionate over the revival and its authenticity and brought to the people the constant awareness of the need to enter through the narrow gate to God's Kingdom. He urged for constancy and mercilessness in searching oneself, and reminded them endlessly about their congregation with God. He was a severe and severely demanding pastor who left nothing to chance by leaving everything to God, so that in 1742, he drew up a formal covenant through the blood of Jesus Christ and had his followers sign it to bind them visibly as true and sincere believers (Hollinger)."
