Reformed Theology, often prevalent in Christian colleges, teaches that salvation and faith are entirely dependent on God's will, with no role for human choice or free will, which raises questions about the goodness and fairness of God in saving only some. In contrast, scriptural teachings emphasize the importance of free will and faith, highlighting the role individuals play in their spiritual journey and relationship with God, and challenging the deterministic views of Calvinism.
The ability to choose exemplifies the concept of free will, highlighting the importance of personal decision-making and autonomy. This teaching emphasizes the significance of individual choices in shaping one's path and the potential for self-determination.
Understanding Reformed Theology in Today's Christian Colleges
Introduction to Reformed Theology
If you've been with us long enough, you know that within colleges and universities, especially Christian colleges today, Reformed Theology, also known as Calvinism, is taught. It has become the predominant way of interpreting God within Protestantism. It’s fascinating how Calvinism and Reformed theologians portray their faith. They seem to offer all their worship and glory to a God characterized as completely sovereign, loving, kind, and powerful.
The Perception of Reformed Theology
These theologians often express sentiments like, "I can do nothing; it's God." At first blush, this sounds rather admirable and respectful. Hearing it might make someone who doesn’t subscribe to those beliefs feel like they aren’t honoring God as fully, as if they need to embrace Reformed Theology to ensure everything is centered around Him. Yet, there's crucial context needed.
The Role of Humanity in Reformed Theology
In Calvinism, human beings, as part of God's creation, are seen as incapable of contributing to their salvation in any way—there is no space for choosing God, doing good, or exercising righteousness. According to this belief system, everything is up to God, who is sovereign, omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent. If one is fortunate enough to receive His grace, He is then perceived as an incredibly cool God. But what about everyone else?
Critique of Reformed Theology’s Concept of God
Reformed Theology posits that if someone is saved, it's because God decided so. He chooses, grants faith, and gives the ability to do His will. While this appears praiseworthy to believers, it brings us to a tough question: Is this really a good God? He is good to those He chooses to save, but what about those He doesn't? If God does everything and doesn't elect or save some, is He still good? Many are left to wonder about the fate of those not chosen: what happens to people who live decent lives but aren't elected by God?
Consequences of Reformed Theology
For those not elected, Reformed Theology teaches that they are destined for hell—a literal, eternal hell where they burn forever. This doctrine is a significant topic in Christian colleges, where intellectuals of faith use systematic theologies to support such ideas about God.
The God of Free Will
In contrast, let's talk briefly about the God of free will. Yes, He calls, He elects, guides, and provides within His wisdom and foreknowledge—all for the ultimate betterment of everyone involved. Yet, Scripture repeatedly emphasizes the role of free will in the human experience of connecting with God. Apostles and even Jesus Himself encouraged individuals to believe and exercise their will of faith.
Encouragement to Live by Faith
Scripture exhorts us to live by faith, suggesting that we have the choice to do so—implying the existence of free will. This encouragement to trust God, to have faith, is a fundamental aspect of Christianity that suggests our freedom in relationship with Him.
The Struggle for Faith and Free Will
The Willingness of Jerusalem
In the Bible, Jesus laments over Jerusalem, saying, "Jerusalem, Jerusalem, how I would gather you as a chicken gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing." This passage highlights a recurring theme of the willingness—or lack thereof—of individuals to accept what is offered by Jesus. It underscores the idea of free will and the choices people make regarding their faith.
Faith and Commendation in Scripture
Hebrews Chapter 11, often referred to as the "Hall of Fame of Faith," applauds various Old Testament characters for their unwavering faith. These individuals walked by faith, without immediately seeing the benefits. This raises an important question: Why would they receive commendation if faith and the ability to believe were entirely gifts from God? Scripture states we cannot please God except by faith. So then, how can our faith be pleasing to God if it is not something we actively choose to exercise?
These considerations challenge the Calvinistic view of a God who predestines belief, compelling some to faith while allowing others to remain in unbelief. Such a perspective suggests a lack of individual choice, which seems contradictory to scriptural exhortations to have faith and belief.
The Implications of Faith and Free Will
The call to have faith and the biblical commendation for those who exhibit it imply that God offers a choice. The critique of a deterministic view of faith, such as in Calvinism, arises from the notion of a God who coerces belief in some while condemning others to eternal damnation without offering the same opportunity. The essence of faith in Scripture, then, serves as evidence that God provides humanity with the ability to choose—a testament to free will.
