There is probably no other better showcase with regards to the relationship between faith and works in justification and salvation than the position of the theologians John Calvin and Jacobus Arminius. John Calvin was one of the leaders of the Reformation while Jacobus Arminius studied under Calvin’s successor, Theodore Beza. Calvin’s soteriological views (together with that of other compatible views of other Reformers) became the default view of what is known as “Reformed Soteriology” and is otherwise known as “Calvinism” whereas Arminius’ views are summarized in what is known as “Arminianism.”Calvin’s view was later on summarized what is later known as the five points of Calvinism. The five points were raised in response to the five points raised by the Arminians against Calvin’s position. In discussing a part of the five points of Calvinism, we will be able to compare the difference between Calvinists and Arminian views on the interplay between faith, works, justification, and … [Read more...]
A Critique of Brian Abasciano’s Corporate Election Theory
Do you agree with Brian Abasciano's corporate election theory? Why or why not? With regards to corporate election, well of course there is such a thing as corporate election (church, nation) and yes, definitely there is individual election. Even Dr. Abasciano acknowledges this as you quoted above. However I do not subscribe to Dr. Abasciano’s view because for the following reasons:1.) Dr. Abasciano engages in word play, argues on semantics and argues fallaciously – No matter how he states it either way, the group and the individual are inseparable. There is no group without the individual, no “ekklesia” without the “called out ones.” His insistence on somehow drawing a fine line between corporate election and individual election borders on committing the fallacy of equivocation. Trying to make a distinction when there should be none and then saying that both views are logically coherent, borders on the fallacy of circular reasoning. Of course, it is logically coherent because … [Read more...]