The Calvinist doctrine of predestination (as I understand it) holds that only the elect will be saved: a portion of mankind redeemed by God's grace from the total corruption brought to all mankind by the Fall. The elect are saved through no merit or actions of their own, but only by God's free gift of grace to them. The remainder of mankind is fully depraved and worthy of damnation. Moreover, because grace is irresistable, the question of worthiness or even morality does not enter into it; one cannot 'choose' to be saved, nor can one opt not to be.
But does this doctrine suggest a God who is arbitrary and tyrannical, picking out His favourites at whim? And if it does, would it have any meaning if we were to describe this God as irrational, or even evil? Do Calvinists have a way around this, or do they accept this image of a terrible God?
What do you think?
2007-03-22
03:16:58
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10 answers
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asked by
completelysurroundedbyimbeciles
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Religion & Spirituality