Arminian and Calvinist Views Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Arminian and Calvinist Views - Research Paper ExampleChristianity denotes a religious grouping that believes in paragon as a Supreme Being and Jesus Christ as his begotten son through which valet de chambre receive salvation. For God so loved the world that he gave his one and the only son that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have an everlasting life1 Christianity as a godliness has two major(ip) groupings, Catholics and protestants, which are further divided into numerous groups with different doctrines. The paper will look Calvinism and Arminianism as two different views in the Christian fraternity and evaluate their merits. Nosorto states that, There are several(prenominal) notable differences between the two theologies of Calvinism and Arminianism.2 Let us examine these two views to bring bulge out the differences and to empathise them. The term Calvinism was coined by John Calvin who was a close ally of Martin Luther for a long time before they parted ways du e to divergent religious ideologies.3 Calvinism is a religious viewpoint that holds five major pillars and each of the pillars have biblical backings. One of the pillars as documented by Nosorto is total depravity that states that, a man 1. world(prenominal) Bible guild. Holy Bible New International Version. USAInternational Bible Society Press,1973. 106. 2. Nosotro Rit. Calvinism and Armianism.Hyperhistory.net. 2010. http//www.hyperhistory.net/apwh/essays/comp/cw20calvinismarminianism.htm (Accessed April, 24 2012) 3.Norsoto does not have a freewill but only in consonance to his nature.4 This is a proposition that mans heart is naturally wicked and therefore cannot claim God. It is a belief that unless man is prompted by the Holy Spirit, he will remain wicked. This believes are back up by Jeremiah 179 that state that, the heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. 5. This brings out the fact that mans heart is wicked from creation and will remain so unless God interven es. You cannot choose God because you are unclean but God can choose you and cleanse you this is the summation of total depravity and lack of freewill. On the other hand, Arminianism advocates for freewill. It argues that even though man is sinful in nature, they have the ability to choose to do-good or do bad. God does not impose decisions on humans beings but gives them an opportunity to make their own decisions. These decisions do not depend on nature. This position is support by John 717, that states that if any one chooses to do well then they will shaft that my teachings are from God.6 According to Coulter, other areas of divergent opinions between the Calvinist and Arminianist perspectives are on the election to salvation, where it is qualified in Arminianism and unconditional in Calvinist, limited atonement for Calvinism but universal atonement for Arminianism and irresistible favor for Calvinism and grace that can be resisted in Armianism.7 4. Norsoto 5. .International Bible Society. Holy Bible New International Version,817 6. International Bible Society. Holy Bible New International Version,112 7. Coulter B. Paul. Devine Sovereignity and Human Responsibility.Paulcoulter.net. 2011 Web 23 April 2012 http//www.paulcoulter.net (Accessed April, 23 2012) How do these views relate with Gods providence? What is providence? The word providence is derived from the Latin noun providentia, foresight, forethought, and the related verb providere, to provide for, take precautions for or against something.8