The real turn off of Calvinism
Calvinism, a theological viewpoint that spotlights the sovereignty and grace of God, isn't a popular theological school. Is it because of the doctrines of grace that seem so tightly woven into Scripture? Or the ideology totally dependent on God?
No, most Christians and non-Calvinists love these things. However, if you browse and search various blog posts and Christian forums you might get a hint at what really steers a person away from Reformed theology. Calvinists. The people who so love these sovereign doctrines are the ones sometimes making it hard for others to love. And it's because of the lack of love shown by Calvin's followers.
For us to be people that love God and his grace so much, we (well I've gotten much better lol) don't show a lot of it to non-Calvinists. Calvinists can often come off as arrogant, inciteful, and downright belittling.
I admit, such beliefs are too glorious to be easily accepted but it doesn't help when such beliefs are backed by such argumentative and hostile people. I run into (as well as run into online) people I've found to be hardcore Calvinists but sorry Christians when you see their interaction with those who do not hold or have not come to the same understanding. This is not the case with all Calvinists, especially those we have come to admire as leaders in this reformation, but bedroom-seminarians are becoming more numerous in these heated debates.
If we are convinced we hold to the right view of the gospel, let's show how that changes our lives to be better Christians—ones who are quick to show grace to others in light of the grace that's been shown to us.
Mahatma Gandhi is quoted as saying "I'd be a Christian, if it were not for Christians." Let's not let the same be said about Calvinism...especially from fellow (yes, fellow) Christians.
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