I must admit I am getting more and more "negative" toward Calvinism the more I read on here and on the internet. Some adherents to this theology seem to use a "pidgeon hole" strategy. Where they pin you into a certain heresy, and no matter which direction you move, you are in some heresy.
Or I guess I could call it "boogeymen strategy" as one guy on youtube called it. You will be called: Catholic, Pelagian, Arminian, Synergist, Universalist, wanting credit for salvation, worshiping free-will, cant stand a sovereing God and on it goes. We also have many false dichotomies, playing around with Augustine/Pelagius, Sufficient/Efficient and listing of scholars of the past. There is a good video about it where someone breaks down these different tactics used. This causes you to be constantly on the defensive, meaning you have to say "No I am not in this heresy and here is why:". It balances out the conversation to the favor of the one pressing the issue.
The funny thing is that most Christians probably dont even know what many of those words mean. I would consider myself a fairly simple person. I like the KISS method (keep it simple stupid!). I pick up my Bible, I read it, I compare Scripture with Scripture, I pray about it, I believe it and come to a final conclusion and settle in a doctrine or a teaching from it.
I try not to pin any labels on myself, because if I did, I would be rejected by most or some in that camp anyway. I would be considered a Dispensational, moderate charismatic, pre-trib rapture believing synergist mishmash of things lol.
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