I've heard about Calvinism. I don't remember much about it though. But I'll ask my dad about it k. I'm kinda curious....

Ick. It's a lovely thing, Calvinism... Detect that sarcasm? In one hand, it kind of makes perfect sense: If God is all-knowing, wouldn't it make sense that he has everything pre-destined? On the other hand, it doesn't make much sense: If God pre-destines everything, and we have no choice (because He's already chosen for us), and He's in control of all evil (I have scripture Skip gave us last night supporting this idea- I don't want to believe it, though), He's the one telling us to sin againt Him.

I'd love to hear your dad's opinion on Calivinism. I don't know anyone who knows anything about it, and I'm having a heck of a time trying to get someone to explain it to me. Because it's sure 'nough thrown me for a loop!

Oh, wait I remember Calvinism now. We learned about it in World History last year and I asked my dad about it. I believe the man who started it was John Calivin??  The whole pre destiny thing, and pre ordained thing, well,  I actually agree with that. A couple of reasons why is that what is going to happen with our lives is pre- destined. What happens is supposed to happen, and even though at the moment or even later we don't understand why, because sometimes, things don't seem too great, we find out eventually in the end why that certain thing occured, or sometimes, while we're on earth we still don't understand, (or sometimes, we choose to not understand, like in the case of a loved one's death, we tend to close our selves off to why it happened and blame God) so, it isn't til we get to heaven that we'll get some real answers.

Yes God controls everything, but I don't really think that He's telling us to sin against Him. But rather that He knows that we will. Why? Well, because we're man, we aren't perfect. We are supposed to make mistakes and sin, even if it isn't intentional. I'm sorry, but I'm not angelic and I do wrong things, but that's why there's forgiveness. What I think it is, is that He knows that for us sinning is inevitable, but we can repent and start again.

Another thing is that yeah, things happen because they're supposed to, but what plays a big part is the choices that we make ourselves. Believe it or not, even though God can control everything, He cannot, and won't force us to do anything, because He just isn't like that. It's up to us to believe in Him. It's up to us to obey, and accept our "destiny" if you want to call it that. We have places in our "journey" where we have choices to make, and it's up to us to make them. Now, the big and confusing question is are we gonna make the wrong choice? And if we did, was it meant for us to be the wrong choice???? Well, yes and no, because, God already knows what choice we're gonna make, once again, He can't force us to make the right choice, but there are ways to make the right decision.

Like, praying, seeking counsel from others who may be more spiritually developed I guess you'd say, thinking it through, etc. And you'll know if what choice you made is right or wrong, because of what follows after the decision. If it's right, good things will come, if not, chaos ensues.

I guess, what I'm trying to say is, God chose us yes, but, it's up to us, to choose Him. And after that, it's up to us to accept the plan that He has for our lives.

I really hope that helped some, and if ya have any other questions, ask. And I haven't had a chance to talk to my dad yet, but I will, and that will probably help some more. Life is confusing, and unpredictable, but to me, that's what makes it interesting!

Yes! I believe the same things! However, when I sat and listened to Skip and heard some speakers (I won't name any), I found that while we may believe that- it is not Calvinism. Because, at first, I thought I might be Calivinist. Until I learned more about their beliefs. I'm not sure what I wrote in this journal- or the other one, either- but it is more... crap!!!! It's so confusing. I'll have to make a fairly decent sized (which most likely means very long, because I could talk about this subject forever) entry. I really wish you had AIM. This is going to be difficult...