Anyone like to study an RC Sproul book?

I've just begun reading Willing to Believe wherein Sproul looks at the various views of the will of man in salvation.

I'm finding that when we say we disagree with others "isms," we don't really disagree "en toto." There are actually points of truth that ought to be considered in an unbiased way (remember, many of these debates focused on the extremes of each position without acknowledging the common ground).

Anyway, I got mine for $17 at Lifeway and I bet in a week everyone that wants to could have a copy. Then we will begin down the list: Pelagius - Augustine - Semi-Pelagius - Luther - Calvin Arminius - Edwards - Finney - Chafer each on their own thread. I'll try to open each thread with a synopsis of the view (if I can do so without being plodding and ponderous and we can go page-by-page in discussing the issues raised).

I think this will help us see the development of a theological paradigm, how one is tested, and hopefully, what the truth is about the will of man. If anyone has any format suggestions, drop them into this thread in the next few days. These "book studies" can be fun and Sproul seems to do a good job of condensing the views I've read so far.

skypair

 

I guess...

...I need to generate a little more interest than has been exhibited so far.

One thing that the book raises is how Augustine can be "sainted" by both Catholicism and it's antagonist, Reform theology?

Here's the explanation: Augustinianism (of the 3rd century) was full-blown Calvinism! "This doctrine of grace came from Augustine's hand in its positive outline fully formulated:..." says Warfield. But the Catholic Church could accept it as the Catholic experience by merely placing the "regeneration" at infant baptism! Now people have the "free will" to be saved and it originated with faith.

So what got the Catholics at odds with those who believed Luther, Calvin, etc.? I infer from my reading so far that the RCC had clearly "strayed" from Augustinian principles and from scripture via their "traditions" and the RE-formers wanted to bring them back. These were principles that they at least allowed to be debated (and whose originator was "certified" through sainthood as majesterial) for almost 1200 years!

Anyway, do you see what discussions we can have? :1_grouphug:

skypair

 

BTW...

... Let me know if you are "in." :type:


skypair

 

Simple answer -- "the invisible hand." It's not about me, Ruby.

skypair