Doing theology is hard. But we here at The Babylon Bee want to make it easier than the first world in Super Mario Bros 3! In this article, we'll briefly explain key differences between Calvinism and Arminianism, so you'll be smart enough to blast people on your Facebook feed the next time the discussion comes up.
DEFINITIONS
Calvinism: Theological framework that centers around God's sovereign choice in salvation. The points of Calvinism include total depravity, unconditional election, limited atonement, irresistible grace, perseverance of the saints, and being a condescending jerk.
Arminianism: Theology that focuses on man's free will to choose or reject God. The five points are kinda-sorta depravity, election but not really, errybody gets some atonement, grace that looks pretty cool but you can say no if you want to, and better hang onto that salvation pretty tightly.
ORIGINS
Calvinism: Originally discovered in a remote California forest by a pipe-smoking lumberjack, Calvinism was first codified in book form by John Piper in his 1986 classic Desiring God. Piper was said to have yelled "Eureka!" and hugged his Jonathan Edwards plush doll in joy upon discovering the beauty of the doctrines of grace.
Arminianism: Grew out of the backwoods of Appalachia in the 1950s, where the Holy Ghost is active, preachers wear suits, church signs are hand-painted, and snakes are handled.
FAMOUS ADHERENTS
Calvinism: Anyone named John, that really annoying guy on your Facebook feed, the Apostle Paul.
Arminianism: Jacobus Arminius, John Wesley, Billy Graham, Satan.
PROMINENT WORKS
Calvinism: That long-winded Facebook rant your Calvinist friend goes on almost every week, Final Destination 3, the Book of Romans.
Arminianism: Back to the Future, The Matrix, Chick tracts.
HOW TO SPOT A FOLLOWER
Calvinism: Look for long, flowing beards, flannel T-shirts, and empty bottles of craft brew strewn around their location. The Calvinist can also be identified by that smug sense of superiority he carries about his person.
Arminianism: Look for an expression of concern on their face as they desperately try not to lose their salvation today. Calvary Chapel summer camp T-shirts, acoustic guitars, and Rainbow sandals are also key indicators.
So there you have it! We hope this helped you make an informed decision on which of these theological systems to choose - or is it "which of these theological systems chose you?" ?