In May I walked across the stage, took the pictures and received the
congratulations on graduating from Seminary. But I knew I wasn't
finished. No diploma resided in the handsomely apportioned case handed
me as I confidently strode across that stage. No, inside was a single
sheet of paper that read, "Return this case. You will receive one with
your diploma when you finish your graduation requirements." This
sentiment was underscored when my theology professor whispered, "now
remember, you're walking by faith." as I shook his hand before leaving
the stage.
What was left for me to do? Well, I still needed to pass my seminary orals.As part of that process,
I've been working in fits and bursts on a 2 final papers for my
Seminary degree. The first on Pre-Tribulation Rapture and the second on
God's sovereignty (you know, the whole Calvinism/Arminism thing).
Both
of these topics have knowledgeable and thoughtful scholars who disagree
on how to interpret scripture. The tenor of the disagreements are quite
different from each other. In the timing of the rapture debate, people
are civil and their critiques have an attitude of "Well, I probably
can't get the other guy (or gal) to change his (or her) position, but I
sure can have fun with it by poking a little fun at them."
On
the other hand the sovereignty debate is vicious. Both sides are
playing for keeps. throwing down gauntlets as requests for proof and
then refusing to accept what proof is offered. (And please note, I did
say BOTH sides.) It's hard to even consider entering into a debate where
arguers are routinely accused of ignorance and stupidity in
interpretation and intentionally misleading Christians in this "most important of all
doctrinal issues." (As if they would just read the right book or article and go, "Oh my! I've had it all wrong. Now I get it!")
I find this particularly frustrating
in that I hold to parts of both traditions, but adhere to neither in
its entirety. So, my question is this: Why is this issue such a
contentious one? Why would people say that Arminians and Calvinists
shouldn't even work together (as one friend of mine was advised)? I
haven't come across this advice over End Times theology or many other
theological issues. Why is this the common response for this one?
