Why I'm Not a Calvinist (Ben Witherington)

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The speaker, born into a Methodist family, emphasizes freely giving and receiving love, advocating that Jesus died for all, not just a select few. Critiquing the Five Points of Calvinism, the speaker argues against the tenets of total depravity, unconditional election, limited atonement, irresistible grace, and perseverance of the saints, believing these points contradict the character of God and the nature of salvation.

Insights

  • The speaker, rooted in a Methodist background, challenges Calvinist theology by advocating for a broader, more inclusive understanding of God's love and salvation, emphasizing universal atonement.
  • Through a critical lens, the speaker dismantles the core tenets of Calvinism, highlighting the discrepancies between these doctrines and their perception of God's character, thus advocating for a more compassionate and expansive view of divine grace.

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Recent questions

  • What are the speaker's religious beliefs?

    Methodist

  • What does the speaker critique in Calvinism?

    Five Points of Calvinism (TULIP)

  • How does the speaker view salvation?

    For all, not just a select few

  • What influenced the speaker's religious beliefs?

    Methodist upbringing and Evangelical Seminary

  • What does the speaker emphasize in their beliefs?

    Freely receiving and giving love

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Summary

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Rejection of Calvinism in Methodist Beliefs

  • The speaker was born into a Methodist family and has been involved in the Methodist Church throughout their life.
  • Despite attending an Evangelical Seminary, the speaker's Methodist beliefs were reinforced as they found discrepancies between Calvinist theology and their understanding of God's character.
  • The speaker emphasizes the importance of freely receiving and giving love, believing that Jesus died for all, not just a select few.
  • The speaker critiques the Five Points of Calvinism (TULIP), arguing against total depravity, unconditional election, limited atonement, irresistible grace, and perseverance of the saints, asserting that these points do not align with the character of God or the nature of salvation.
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