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Should Arminians and Calvinists Attend the Same Church?

S

Steven Yeadon

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Should those holding to Calvinism and those holding to Arminianism commune together in the same local church, despite deep disagreements on Soteriology?

This is an honest question from me. Because it seems such deep disagreement would presage going to separate churches and approaching each other as holding to false doctrine in regards to salvation.

It just seems a bridge too far for Calvinists and Arminians to ignore our theological differences and act in such unity. Am I wrong?
 
Reformed

Reformed

Well-Known Member
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Like so many other things, it depends. If the issue vexes your conscience and you cannot keep silent about it then it may be best for you to seek a like-minded church. However, I know many Christians in churches that they are not in agreement with over this issue and they not only remain, but thrive. They are willing to keep the issue to themselves and only talk about it if asked. There is also the issue of being providentially hindered. You may have a spouse who believes different than you, so you both agree to compromise. There is no one answer here.
 
Earth Wind and Fire

Earth Wind and Fire

Well-Known Member
Site Supporter
Steven Yeadon said:
Should those holding to Calvinism and those holding to Arminianism commune together in the same local church, despite deep disagreements on Soteriology?

This is an honest question from me. Because it seems such deep disagreement would presage going to separate churches and approaching each other as holding to false doctrine in regards to salvation.

It just seems a bridge too far for Calvinists and Arminians to ignore our theological differences and act in such unity. Am I wrong?
Click to expand...
No
 
Earth Wind and Fire

Earth Wind and Fire

Well-Known Member
Site Supporter
Steven Yeadon said:
Should those holding to Calvinism and those holding to Arminianism commune together in the same local church, despite deep disagreements on Soteriology?

This is an honest question from me. Because it seems such deep disagreement would presage going to separate churches and approaching each other as holding to false doctrine in regards to salvation.

It just seems a bridge too far for Calvinists and Arminians to ignore our theological differences and act in such unity. Am I wrong?
Click to expand...
Why would I act in unity with an Arminian?
 
B

Barry Johnson

Well-Known Member
Steven Yeadon said:
Should those holding to Calvinism and those holding to Arminianism commune together in the same local church, despite deep disagreements on Soteriology?

This is an honest question from me. Because it seems such deep disagreement would presage going to separate churches and approaching each other as holding to false doctrine in regards to salvation.

It just seems a bridge too far for Calvinists and Arminians to ignore our theological differences and act in such unity. Am I wrong?
Click to expand...
Arminianism is a branch of Calvinistic thinking, and it is wrong for all the same reasons that Calvinism is wrong.
My journey away from Calvinism was through being in a Church that was kinda in middle . So I had to research both sides . I think its the Consistent Calvinist that won't tolerate mixing . The rest sometimes don't really understand and are floating in the middle . Unless someone brings up limited atonment directly an Arminan can unwittingly sit under a calvinist pastor for years without realising it . There are plenty of reformed- 'undercover ' calvinists in non calvinist churches. I approached a visiting speaker at a church at i was attending and asked him outright if He was a Calvnist . Because he was subtlety preaching on perseverance of the saints and Election to salvation. He said He was and was pleased I noticed. But the non calvinst church had no clue . Even the ones ( the elders ) who were opposed to Calvnism did not notice . They were actually irritated at me for asking him questions like that . Because I did not realise he was a potential candidate for the churches next pastor. He just ticked all their other boxes and was a 'nice man 'with a ' lovely wife and Family .
 
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Earth Wind and Fire

Earth Wind and Fire

Well-Known Member
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Salty said:
Just have different Sunday School Classes
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Barry Johnson said:
Arminianism is a branch of Calvinistic thinking, and it is wrong for all the same reasons that Calvinism is wrong.
My journey away from Calvinism was through being in a Church that was kinda in middle . So I had to research both sides . I think its the Consistent Calvinist that won't tolerate mixing . The rest sometimes don't really understand and are floating in the middle . Unless someone brings up limited atonment directly an Arminan can unwittingly sit under a calvinist pastor for years without realising it . There are plenty of reformed- 'undercover ' calvinists in non calvinist churches. I approached a visiting speaker at a church at i was attending and asked him outright if He was a Calvnist . Because he was subtlety preaching on perseverance of the saints and Election to salvation. He said He was and was pleased I noticed. But the non calvinst church had no clue . Even the ones ( the elders ) who were opposed to Calvnism did not notice . They were actually irritated at me for asking him questions like that . Because I did not realise he was a potential candidate for the churches next pastor. He just ticked all their other boxes and was a 'nice man 'with a ' lovely wife and Family .
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define Calvinist then
 
Earth Wind and Fire

Earth Wind and Fire

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Barry Johnson said:
Basically someone who holds to the 5 points. Whilst it's not monolithic. Essentially someone usually is a Calvinist ( or a believer in reformed theology) who holds to the T.U.L.I.P .
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OK well I hold to the Doctrines Of Grace but I do not follow Calvin nor am I into Sacraments or any books used to help me be a better Christian, nor Catechism. For those you need to speak to Presbyterians or Reformed Brethren. There are forums that cater to those types. I’m not even a Protestant, I am a Primitive Baptist and happy (extremely happy) to be so.
 
Y

Yeshua1

Well-Known Member
Site Supporter
Reformed said:
Like so many other things, it depends. If the issue vexes your conscience and you cannot keep silent about it then it may be best for you to seek a like-minded church. However, I know many Christians in churches that they are not in agreement with over this issue and they not only remain, but thrive. They are willing to keep the issue to themselves and only talk about it if asked. There is also the issue of being providentially hindered. You may have a spouse who believes different than you, so you both agree to compromise. There is no one answer here.
Click to expand...
I am a Calvinist who attends a Baptist church and fellowship with a few fellow Calvinists, but majority are non cals!
 
Y

Yeshua1

Well-Known Member
Site Supporter
Barry Johnson said:
Basically someone who holds to the 5 points. Whilst it's not monolithic. Essentially someone usually is a Calvinist ( or a believer in reformed theology) who holds to the T.U.L.I.P .
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All Reformed are Calvinists, but not all Calvinists are reformed!
 
B

Barry Johnson

Well-Known Member
Earth Wind and Fire said:
OK well I hold to the Doctrines Of Grace but I do not follow Calvin nor am I into Sacraments or any books used to help me be a better Christian, nor Catechism. For those you need to speak to Presbyterians or Reformed Brethren. There are forums that cater to those types. I’m not even a Protestant, I am a Primitive Baptist and happy (extremely happy) to be so.
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Most Calvinists haven't studied Augustine or Calvin .
 
Salty

Salty

20,000 Posts Club
Administrator
Salty said:
Just have different Sunday School Classes
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Did anyone really think I was serious???

Steven Yeadon said:
Should those holding to Calvinism and those holding to Arminianism commune together in the same local church, despite deep disagreements on Soteriology?
Click to expand...

On a serious note: IT DEPENDS.
It depends on how deeply held of a belief a person has and how important tha doctrine is.

For example - Many years ago, I was asked to be the youth director of a church which had Landmark beliefs. (I had not yet joined) I told them - that I would be glad to - but I would not be able to teach the doctrine of closed communion - so it would be up to them. They chose not to have me fill that position.

Several years ago - I was asked to be the interm pastor of a Free will Baptist Church. After reading their "Treatise of F&P" (Doctrine Statement) I was surprised when I found out that they believe a person can loose salvation. The Church was extremly small. Well, we agreed I would not preach on Eternal Security - pro or con. I was there about for 6 months - and it worked out very well.

So, as I said - It Depends.
 
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