Calvinism & Arminianism | Part 1: Introduction

Links: https://bit.ly/Ask-KnowGrowGo https://www.instagram.com/theknowgrowgo_pod?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr In this episode of Know, Grow, Go, we continue our discussion on Calvinism vs Arminianism and the deeper question that sits beneath the debate: How do divine sovereignty and human responsibility fit together in Scripture? Before diving into the theological systems themselves, we take time to establish an important posture for the conversation. Sound doctrine should ultimately produce doxology... worship, awe, and gratitude toward God. Whether someone emphasizes God’s sovereign grace or humanity’s responsibility to respond, both truths should lead believers to marvel at the kindness of God in the gospel. We also explore the surprising amount of common ground between historical figures like John Calvin, Jacob Arminius, John Wesley, and George Whitefield. While their theological frameworks differed, they shared deep agreement on core Christian orthodoxy and a commitment to the authority of Scripture. Along the way we discuss: • Why theology should lead to worship, not tribalism • The importance of steel-manning opposing views instead of straw-manning them • Why real conversations with real people matter more than internet debates • How Charles Spurgeon navigated the tension between God’s sovereignty and human responsibility • The limits of theological systems when compared to the authority of Scripture Spurgeon famously described these two truths as parallel lines that seem separate to us now but will meet somewhere in eternity near the throne of God. That image helps frame the central tension Christians have wrestled with for centuries: God is sovereign over all things, and yet humans are genuinely responsible for their choices. We also briefly discuss the dangers of theological extremes, including hyper-Calvinism and open theism, and why the goal of this series is to carefully examine the biblical data rather than defend a system. In the second half of the episode, we answer listener questions on politics, Christian unity, leadership, and personal formation—including how childhood experiences shape the way we lead in church and family today. If you enjoy thoughtful conversations about Christian theology, biblical doctrine, church leadership, and cultural issues through a biblical lens, this episode is for you. Have a question you’d like us to tackle in a future episode? Use the link in the description to submit it. If this episode helped you think more clearly about Scripture, it’s a big help when you like, subscribe, comment, and share. It helps more people find the show and join the conversation. New episodes of Know, Grow, Go release every Monday.