Question: Explain the relationship between Faith and Works in justification and salvation. Compare the positions of two different theologians: John Calvin and Jacobus Arminius. There is arguably no better demonstration of the relationship between faith and works in justification and salvation than through the soteriological perspectives of John Calvin and Jacobus Arminius. John Calvin, a pivotal leader of the Reformation, and Jacobus Arminius, who studied under Calvin’s successor, Theodore Beza, represent two distinct views within Christian theology. Calvin’s soteriological doctrines, alongside those of similar Reformation thinkers, refined what is now known as "Reformed Soteriology," or more commonly, "Calvinism." In contrast, Arminius’s teachings are encapsulated within "Arminianism." As a side note, the standard of Calvinist doctrine is established by the Canons of the Synod of Dort (1618 to 1619) and various Confessions of Faith that clearly articulate … [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...]