tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2159101388355001570.post190044340124140987..comments2023-09-06T01:08:43.420-07:00Comments on Wesleyan Arminian: Why I Became an ArminianKevin Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13472900037134045450noreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2159101388355001570.post-7949112286074949162009-11-15T19:08:30.982-08:002009-11-15T19:08:30.982-08:00Martin, thanks for kind words. I just ran across ...Martin, thanks for kind words. I just ran across your blog the other day and enjoyed several of the posts. God bless, KevinKevin Jacksonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13472900037134045450noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2159101388355001570.post-56517329144872710872009-11-15T13:25:48.440-08:002009-11-15T13:25:48.440-08:00Thank-you for your interesting and personal testim...Thank-you for your interesting and personal testimony. I never really knew of Calvinism until about three years ago. Thanks, too, for the 'stuff' on your site - it's obvious you've put a lot of time and effort into this endeavor.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2159101388355001570.post-71851725186977522932008-12-23T21:16:00.000-08:002008-12-23T21:16:00.000-08:00BTW, Kevin, I hope you're going to submit this pos...BTW, Kevin, I hope you're going to submit this post at SEA.Arminianhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06255206726241506362noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2159101388355001570.post-39867554717502461342008-12-23T21:12:00.000-08:002008-12-23T21:12:00.000-08:00Hey JCF,Since you have been having trouble, I publ...Hey JCF,<BR/><BR/>Since you have been having trouble, I published a Christmas related blog post on SEA, the one on Matt 1:21, and plan to have that serve as Wednesday's post. If you're not yet able to access the site by Christmas day, I plan to publish Ben Henshaw's Christmas post (something like, "Enjoying Christ's Birth from an Arminian Perpsective") on Christmas. With all the holiday activity, we can then let the blog stand until Monday if necessary.Arminianhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06255206726241506362noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2159101388355001570.post-29289842390123664082008-12-23T10:11:00.000-08:002008-12-23T10:11:00.000-08:00Hi Martin, I just sent an email to Justin.Hi Martin, I just sent an email to Justin.Kevin Jacksonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13472900037134045450noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2159101388355001570.post-40484681516892663562008-12-23T06:04:00.000-08:002008-12-23T06:04:00.000-08:00Kevin, can you do me a favour? For some reason I c...Kevin, can you do me a favour? For some reason I can't access my email, and the SEA website isn't letting me sign in. CAn you tell Justin so I can sign in and update the blog?Jc_Freak:https://www.blogger.com/profile/14780031497091443526noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2159101388355001570.post-7637275572074112502008-12-22T19:25:00.000-08:002008-12-22T19:25:00.000-08:00Thanks Tony, glad you enjoyed it. I think the fac...Thanks Tony, glad you enjoyed it. I think the fact that the early fathers were synergistic is one of the many glaring problems with Calvinism.Kevin Jacksonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13472900037134045450noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2159101388355001570.post-75459242706618912682008-12-21T21:58:00.000-08:002008-12-21T21:58:00.000-08:00I've been meaning to respond to this a long time, ...I've been meaning to respond to this a long time, but have been busy for one reason or another. IT was an excellent read, and I could sympathize with you in your spiritual journey as you encountered doctrines you did not agree with. Thankfully, the Orthodox Church does not approve of it, although there are claims of a Calvinist patriarch, but those beliefs were condemned by the Church long after.<BR/><BR/>It always amuses me when I hear some popular Calvinist apologists claim they can prove the Doctrines of Grace with the Church Fathers. They've obviously never read Saint John Chrysostom's take on John 6, or read Saint John Damascene's interpretation of Free Will and Grace.Tonyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04232209481041145155noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2159101388355001570.post-27535698840307761132008-12-20T11:32:00.000-08:002008-12-20T11:32:00.000-08:00I attended two different Parishes, but I joined on...I attended two different Parishes, but I joined one.<BR/><BR/>I attended Shepards Heart in Uptown, and I joined an Anglo-Catholic Parish.. "Grace Episcopal Church" on Mount Washington.<BR/><BR/>Yes, a few former members at my Orthodox Parish told me that they use to go to "Church of the Redeemer". I know of one professor of Pittsburgh theological Seminary who may still go there. I could be wrong about that, but the last time I spoke to her at my Parish, I think she said, that's the place where she goes. But yeah, there are a few former members of that Parish that I know. However, I really didn't know that much about the Parish when I was Episcopal.<BR/><BR/><BR/>As far as Patristics from the Pre-Nicene era........My personal favorites are the Martyrdom of Polycarp, and Justin Martyre's "dialogue with trypho a jew".<BR/><BR/><BR/>As far as books go,<BR/><BR/><BR/>Penguin classics published a translation of the Apostolic Fathers. This one is pretty easy to read. I bought it 3 times and gave it away each time. The next time I get it, I plan on not giving it away. But it's a pretty good read. <BR/><BR/>The same with Michael W. Holmes who teaches at Princeton, His book (The Apostolic Fathers) has the Greek on one side and the English translation on the otherside. This book is more for the scholar and seminarian who might need to do more exercises in translating Kione Greek into english. This one also costs more than the Penguin classics.<BR/><BR/><BR/>And Jack N. Sparks who is an Orthodox Priest (he came in with Ft. Peter Guilquest's group). He translated his own edition of the Apostolic Fathers. His format is different from the other two, His format seems more like an aid for Bible study for he cites (more than Michael W. Holmes does) where they quoted scripture or at least referenced it.<BR/><BR/><BR/>As far as The term "Apostolic Fathers" go, it just simply mean, the collection of Christian Writings outside of the New Testament from 70 A.D. to about 150 A.D.<BR/><BR/>Origen isn't considered a Father in the Eastern Christian World, but the way he handled Romans chapter 9 will always be a classic.<BR/><BR/><BR/>Take care and God bless<BR/><BR/><BR/><BR/><BR/>JNORM888Jnormhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06749159886390240183noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2159101388355001570.post-23052873489939826052008-12-18T15:21:00.000-08:002008-12-18T15:21:00.000-08:00No need to apologize Jnorm, it's interesting to he...No need to apologize Jnorm, it's interesting to hear a little of your background and journey. What Patristic authors do you recommend, if I wanted to get my feet wet? :)<BR/><BR/>Also, you are from Pittsburgh, right? I'm curious, which Episcopal church did you attend? My sister and brother-in-law used to go to an E church when they were going to CMU, and I wondered if it happened to be the same one. I think they attended Church of the Redeemer.Kevin Jacksonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13472900037134045450noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2159101388355001570.post-89512836273553119242008-12-18T13:08:00.000-08:002008-12-18T13:08:00.000-08:00Renny,My own personal experience maybe different f...Renny,<BR/><BR/>My own personal experience maybe different from other peoples choices for going EO or Rome.<BR/><BR/>But it had alot to do with my dislike(at that time hatred) of Augustinianism and Calvinism(because my girlfriend/fiance at the time became a Calvinist...along with alot of my friends. (I don't hate Augustinianism and Calvinism anymore)<BR/><BR/>It also had alot to do with my high convictions of the Mysteries, what some call Sacraments. (I had a hard time taking communion at other places, my conscience just wouldn't let me)<BR/><BR/><BR/>It also had to do with how I understood the Doctrine of the Trinity. I knew that the way I understood it was Eastern, and I knew that alot of western Churches rejected the Eastern view.<BR/><BR/>And last but not least, I love Church History, and I love reading Patristic stuff. I'm not an oddball over here.......like I was when I was Protestant. But what kept me Protestant over the years was David Bercot. I use to follow him until his fellowship in Tyler Texas fell apart, and when he changed his mind on a few things, I got upset and stopped following him. Also when another movement (The convergence movement, mainly the Charismatic Episcopal Church) broke up, over a scandel they had some two years ago.......that was the last straw, and so I started visiting an Antiochian Orthodox Church, and some months after that, I left the Episcopal Church I was in to become Orthodox.<BR/><BR/>I was raised Baptist, but after college I joined an Episcopal Church.<BR/><BR/>But that's what happened.<BR/><BR/>1.) I didn't like Calvinism & Augustinianism and Rome is Augustinian, and at the time I wanted to get far away from both John Calvin and Saint Augustine so no Rome for me.<BR/><BR/>2.) My interpretation of the Doctrine of the Trinity was already Eastern Orthodox so I really wouldn't fit in with Rome<BR/><BR/>3.) Most of my Patristic reading was Pre-Nicene, and Nicene. And the Orthodox view is alot closer in Theology and practice of that age......so no Rome for me.<BR/><BR/>Plus I was tired of not having a place to rest my head. I knew with the beliefs I had....I would have to argue and constantly defend myself.....if I was Roman Catholic.<BR/><BR/> Most of my views were already Eastern so I went East, because I knew that if I didn't feel like arguing or was just too tired too argue......then that would be just fine. I could just rest my head and forget about it, because the infrastructure teaches what I believe anyway......so I don't have to constantly defend myself if I don't want to.<BR/><BR/>But those are the reasons why I chose to go East instead of Rome. There are other reasons (in dealing with the papacy) But the ones I mentioned above were the main reasons.<BR/><BR/><BR/><BR/>I'm sorry for Rambling on your com box Pizza man.<BR/><BR/>And yes, Thomas Oden has alot of Golden nuggets in the stuff he writes. I think he is the general editor of the ACCS(Ancient Christian Commentary) series.<BR/><BR/><BR/><BR/><BR/>JNORM888Jnormhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06749159886390240183noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2159101388355001570.post-20507899657353826032008-12-17T17:34:00.000-08:002008-12-17T17:34:00.000-08:00Thanks for the kind comments Jnorm.Renny, have you...Thanks for the kind comments Jnorm.<BR/><BR/>Renny, have you read any of Thomas Oden's work? He's a big proponent of Classical Christianity, and also comes from a Wesleyan perspective.Kevin Jacksonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13472900037134045450noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2159101388355001570.post-39181015908873346662008-12-17T13:33:00.000-08:002008-12-17T13:33:00.000-08:00Jnorm888, if thats the case then they would more l...Jnorm888, if thats the case then they would more like be included in the Arminian group since Assembly of God is Arminian and Southern Baptist though originally Calvinist in nature has in the last century leaned toward Arminian beliefs or a combination of both. <BR/><BR/>I was just trying to relate to denominations that try to connect to the more ancient.. to what theology the early fathers and jews suscribed to. I noticed on your blog that you converted to Eastern orthodox. My family actually comes from a Eastern orthodox background last with my great grandfather or so. On my moms side from a catholic background, but we are all pentecostal now. What sort of enlightenment or benefit have you gained upon becoming Eastern Orthodox? and What differences do you see from Roman Catholic or Protestant theology? I've done very little research on the subject so I am just wondering again.Rennyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04556287046892084506noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2159101388355001570.post-22127353382616108092008-12-17T12:33:00.000-08:002008-12-17T12:33:00.000-08:00Renny,Most Messianic Jews are either Southern Bapt...Renny,<BR/><BR/>Most Messianic Jews are either Southern Baptist or Assembly of God in ethos/Theology.<BR/><BR/>That's where most Messianic Jews come from.<BR/><BR/>There are Jews who are Prespyterian, but unlike their Southern Baptist and Assembly of God counter parts, they are not allowed to start their own churches/fellowships. So most Prespyterian Jews are no different from their Prespyterian counterparts.<BR/><BR/>There is one exception, but I forgot his name. He is seen as controversial in Reformed circles.<BR/><BR/>But most Messianic Jews are either Baptist or Assembly of God in essence.<BR/><BR/><BR/><BR/><BR/>JNORM888Jnormhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06749159886390240183noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2159101388355001570.post-77827397771221266282008-12-17T12:21:00.000-08:002008-12-17T12:21:00.000-08:00Wow, thanks for writting this post. It was very pe...Wow, thanks for writting this post. It was very personal and insightful.<BR/><BR/><BR/><BR/><BR/>JNORM888Jnormhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06749159886390240183noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2159101388355001570.post-87711355110207111392008-12-12T11:02:00.000-08:002008-12-12T11:02:00.000-08:00Thanks for your thoughts Mike.Renny, thanks for st...Thanks for your thoughts Mike.<BR/><BR/>Renny, thanks for stopping by. That's an interesting question about Messianic Jews. I don’t know what they think of the A/C issues. I would image though that Romans 9-11 would be of special interest to them.Kevin Jacksonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13472900037134045450noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2159101388355001570.post-10706853641270514752008-12-12T09:25:00.000-08:002008-12-12T09:25:00.000-08:00I am in the same point of research as you were in ...I am in the same point of research as you were in your years past. I was raised Arminian, but my interests piqued as well at certain aspects of Calvinistic theology. In studying more, I am leaning back towards my Arminian beliefs. Do you think Messianic Jews who are somewhat removed from this (I think) Arminian or Calvinists in theology?Rennyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04556287046892084506noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2159101388355001570.post-38269428643399988222008-12-12T07:41:00.000-08:002008-12-12T07:41:00.000-08:00'Perciate it Kevin.I was raised in a Calvinist chu...'Perciate it Kevin.<BR/><BR/>I was raised in a Calvinist church and still have family members who are on the "other side".<BR/><BR/>They don't want to talk about the differences between Arminian/Calvin for some reason :)<BR/>I guess it seems safer that way. <BR/><BR/>Continuing to pray...Crowmhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17972336038762974441noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2159101388355001570.post-15120331926136375882008-12-11T19:49:00.000-08:002008-12-11T19:49:00.000-08:00Thanks Martin. Your recent post got the wheels sp...Thanks Martin. Your recent post got the wheels spinning for me. :)Kevin Jacksonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13472900037134045450noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2159101388355001570.post-79184488922761843442008-12-11T17:44:00.000-08:002008-12-11T17:44:00.000-08:00Thank you for that excellent story. It gave a lot ...Thank you for that excellent story. It gave a lot of insight into your motivations and convictions.Jc_Freak:https://www.blogger.com/profile/14780031497091443526noreply@blogger.com