Based on my experience, when Calvinists (Reformed Christians) defend their doctrinal beliefs, they usually read from large passages in the Bible (John 6, John 17, Romans 5, Romans 9, Romans 10, Ephesians 1, etc.) and let the words of scripture speak for themselves.
In contrast, Arminians and other Anti-Calvinists usually quote a "nugget" from scripture (totally removed from its context) and then talk for 30 minutes attempting to explain why Jesus really didn't mean that Christians were chosen when he said they were chosen and why Paul didn't really mean that Christians are predestined when he said they're predestined.
I would be embarrassed (and scared) to speak against the scriptures simply because they don't say what I would like them to say. Christians are supposed to align their theological beliefs around scripture; not to bend the Bible around their own preconceived ideas.
If scripture does not support our theological position, shouldn't that tell us something
manofgod you said: "so are you saying you should use stupidity to fin truth?"
the bible says in 1 Corinthians 1:20-31 (King James Version)
20Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?
21For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.
22For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:
23But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;
24But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.
25Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
26For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:
27But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;
28And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:
29That no flesh should glory in his presence.
30But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:
31That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.
nyanda:purpleangel:
p.s all hail the pow'r of Jesus name, let angels prostrate forth!
