Comments on: How does a belief in causal determinism influence how one lives?

By: kai5263499

kai5263499 — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 22:42:24 +0000

Yes, I recently had a conversation with a well-known apologists wherein we discussed how it is encouraging to see in Africa a growing core of Christianity with a solid theological ground but it is sad that this theological ground is largely reformed and as such almost completely uninterested in apologetics and, by extension, evangelism.

By: Kirb Brimstone

Kirb Brimstone — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 19:39:36 +0000

It's wonderful to see Molinism grow on the popular level. Keep it up. I too came from a reformist background and found the same ideology lead to this why do anything (including pray) because of the logical conclution. Much like the Nihilist I have to believe that my actions mean nothing. Anyhoo I cam across Philosopher William Lane Craig and learned about Molinism and felt that I could be a more rasional and complete Calvinist.

Now my dad is a Reformist and he too has a world view about things like apologetics and witnessing to athiest that buggs me. He thinks "well if the athiest doesn't understand then it wasn't mean't to be" I worrry becuase that is so unbiblical.

Thanks again.

By: Wes Widner

Wes Widner — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 13:15:10 +0000

Of course this wasn’t taught “from the pulpit” or in any concrete form. However, I am one of the curious and precious few individuals who attempts to take what I believe and apply it practically to every aspect of my life.

The “Que Sera, Sera” (though causal determinism turns that into “whatever will be must be) attitude displayed in us through not locking our doors isn’t really all that uncommon. I hear people utter sentiments of this sort all the time, usually in the form of “well God will just take care of it”.

The problem with causal determinism, and it’s Christian implementation known as Calvinism is that it is simply unable to be lived out consistently and with any rational justification.

Why do you find it odd that I decided, based on the teachings I received, not to lock my doors? If you were to believe that God were in control of all things and brought about events regardless of the wills of men (or angels or demons), why would you lock your doors?

By: Wes Widner

Wes Widner — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 13:06:43 +0000

No, this is the logical outcome of a belief in causal determinism. My hope is that my account would serve as a warning or at least a speed bump for pastors who teach these sorts of things.

Ideas have consequences.

By: Douglas

Douglas — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 12:29:03 +0000

This is a joke, right?

By: Tweets that mention How does a belief in causal determinism influence how one lives? | Reason To Stand -- Topsy.com

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 12:27:32 +0000

[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by kai5263499 and Joshua Whipps, Joshua Whipps. Joshua Whipps said: kai5263499 RT: @kai5263499 How does a belief in Calvinism influence how one lives? http://bit.ly/7s6Ef0 //- It drives molinists crazy! [...]

By: RazorsKiss

RazorsKiss — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 12:20:53 +0000

Wow, you went to a weird church if they taught you that. When did Calvinism start teaching folks not to lock their doors, or other suitable precautions? I've never heard that taught by a Calvinist. I've heard it used as an objection by a lot of semi-pelagians of various stripes, but never actually taught.