HANDOUT 2: Calvinism versus Historic Universalism

CALVINISM	HISTORIC UNIVERSALISM
Humans are inherently sinful and depraved	Humans are flawed but not inherently depraved. All should be loved, respected, and forgiven because they are loved by God
God arbitrarily chooses who will be saved	God saves everyone, without exception
Christ died only for the chosen	Christ came to save everyone
People can choose to follow God only if they are already chosen	All people can choose to follow God through the teachings of Jesus.
The chosen cannot be damned no matter how badly they behave; those not chosen can never get to heaven no matter how well they live	All people will ultimately join God in heaven. Living a "bad" life will be punished, but God is merciful and forgiving. Good works do matter.
God's nature is unknowable	God's nature is love
Holiness and happiness have no connection	Holiness and happiness are inseparable

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Last updated on Thursday, October 27, 2011.

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