You see, I have no problem with this statement. I know this is what you think, and I can accept that you hold this opinion. In turn, I also believe you are deceived by false doctrine. I am sure that does not take you by surprise either. But understand this; I came to believe the Doctrines of Grace after spending nearly 20 years in various forms of Synergist evangelicalism. I did not stumble into the Reformed faith. I came kicking and screaming. My belief in the Synergist system was rock solid. I was a rabid and dye-hard believer. The Bible College I attended is well known for stocking the Synergist pool throughout this country. My journey included much reading, contemplation, and prayer.
Winman, I tell you this so that you will understand that I am not some neophyte that got caught up in a false teaching. I came to this understanding with not a little bit of trepidation and much anguish. What I have found is a community of people with a deep love for God and His Word. I see a profound sadness in the Reformed faith over the effects of sin; both in the world and also among God's people. Reformed evangelism is alive and well, albeit different than Synergist evangelicalism. While there is nothing wrong with handing out Gospel tracts, Reformed evangelism sees the Word as the primary means of conversion. Personal witness is a powerful tool that should lead to the sinner hearing the Word. One of the often voiced criticisms of the Reformed faith is that it creates a group of people who think they are privileged since they are God's elect. In actuality it creates a group of Christians who are profoundly humble and thankful that they have been rescued from sin.
As in all aspects of Christianity there are those who have fallen into error. There are Reformed churches who have become more enamored with their doctrine than Christ, just as their are Synergist churches that fallen into hyper-contextualization and embrace any new "thing" that comes along. These departures from the faith serve as a warning that the path off the Kings Highway is never far away.
Winman, we are not going to cease to disagree. That is fine. This is, after all, a debate forum.
All I can say is that if you went to a Bible College and you do not easily see the MANY errors of Reformed Theology, you need to get your money back, because you were absolutely ripped off.