Beyond Calvinism and Arminianism: Embracing the core foundation of our faith

Rediscovering Unity in Christ Amidst Man-Made Doctrinal Divides

In the ongoing discourse of sanctity and reason, we often find ourselves navigating the complex interweaving of theology and modern church practices. Even pastors who do not strictly adhere to Reformed theological doctrines, such as total depravity and limited atonement, frequently draw on the foundational philosophies of thinkers like Augustine and Calvin. This paradox presents a compelling conundrum: one can become deeply engaged in debates defending or opposing Reformed theology, yet these arguments often miss the true core issues.

It’s intriguing to meet individuals who deem themselves authoritative purely based on academic credentials. As some cynically phrase it, they are “cemetery school graduates,” motivated to defend positions within theological discourse. However, what these factions often overlook is a fundamental truth: the early church was neither Calvinist, Arminian, Baptist, Lutheran, nor Presbyterian. These denominational distinctions arose from a common origin—a faith deeply rooted in events occurring several centuries after Christ’s ascension. The early church’s identity was intrinsically Jewish, and Gentiles were grafted into this lineage—a premise highlighted in Romans 11:17-24 and crucial to understanding our spiritual heritage.

Recognizing that Christianity’s roots are Jewish and that Gentiles are integrally grafted into this tradition should reshape our ideological foundations. Romans 11 underscores the unity and continuity of God’s people, underscoring the importance of acknowledging our shared spiritual heritage. Jesus’s teachings emphasized a direct relationship with the divine, embracing a universal message that transcends denominational divides, as highlighted in John 4:24.

Historically, Roman authority transformed this emerging faith into a state-sanctioned religion, giving birth to Catholicism. Figures like Augustine, a known Gnostic convert, and John Calvin, influenced by Augustine’s ideas, played significant roles in shaping theological developments. This foundation has sometimes been used to justify prejudices, as seen in historical anti-Semitic rhetoric. Such interpretations deviate from the core message of love and unity found in the scriptures.

The cyclical engagement with and subsequent rejection of Calvinistic doctrines every 150 years or so reflects humanity’s ongoing search for spiritual truth. Misconceptions often arise when popularity is mistaken for truth, leading congregations to overlook Jesus’s Jewish roots and teachings. This tendency is warned against in Matthew 7:15-16, where Christ cautions against false prophets and urges discernment.

The wisdom of Solomon, who asserted “there is nothing new under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 1:9), remains relevant as people continually seek to redefine divinity in their own image. Institutionalized structures often introduce intermediaries between humanity and Christ, despite His explicit rejection of such proxies in Matthew 23:8-10. These distortions can obscure the essence of faith and lead to confusion.

Theological arguments should be firmly rooted in scripture and historical context rather than subjective positions. The early church’s Jewish origins were neither Calvinist nor Arminian, reflecting the fundamentally Jewish identity of Jesus’s life and teachings. Romans 11 and Revelation 7:4-10 highlight the significance of the Jewish people in God’s covenant and prophecy, maintaining an unbroken thread within the biblical narrative.

In conclusion, rather than conforming to prevailing theological frameworks, which are human constructs, we should revisit the origins of our faith. Jesus addressed a Jewish audience, conveying an uncomplicated truth that transcends denominational and doctrinal boundaries. By acknowledging this foundational simplicity, we can engage with spirituality that is both authentic and transformative.

Throughout history, theological systems like Reformed theology have sought to explain complex divine truths but may also complicate the simplicity of the gospel. Jesus warned against elevating human traditions above divine commandments (Mark 7:8-9), and Paul emphasized adherence to the original gospel without distortions (Galatians 1:6-9).

Shalom.