Do Calvinists Have a Reputation Problem?
Typing "why are Calvinists ..." in Google is one clue into a serious debate among Christian denominations over whether Reformed Theology, also called Calvinism, actually pushes seekers away from Christianity instead of attracting them, according to CP interviews with theologians who study the subject.
When one enters the phrase "why are Calvinists" in Google, the first few auto-fill responses that appear are: "wrong," "so angry," "so arrogant," "such jerks," and "so negative." A recent brouhaha in late November at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, which caused four students to walk out of a lecture, is just the latest in a series of events that keeps the subject simmering.
Calvinism is a theological construct that places such a high priority on God's sovereignty that it draws a conclusion that all believers are predestined by God to believe, casting confusion over whether those who place their trust in Jesus Christ as Savior have done so of their own free will.
