Theology for the Rest of Us

297: “Total Depravity”: The Heart of the Debate

In this episode Kenny again tackles the “Calvinism and Arminianism” debate (which happens to be one of the most heated debates amongst Protestants). Herein episode 297, Kenny unpacks the doctrine of “total depravity” and explains how this doctrine is at the heart of the debate. What is Total depravity? Total depravity is the doctrine that asserts that 100% of a human being’s soul, mind, and will are radically impacted and corrupted by sin. There is not one element or part of the human essence or existence that is not impacted by sin, therefore rendering every human being incapable of ever seeking God of their own volition of free will. Total depravity is the “T” in the well-known acronym “TULIP” (which is often used to describe the five points of Calvinism). Proponents of “total depravity” assert that human beings are sinful from the time of conception because we all have inherited sinful nature from Adam and Eve, and our sinful nature is so damaging that it causes us to be incapable of ever wanting to choose or seek God. In order for a person to ever want to seek God, God must first do something supernatural in that person’s soul. However, Calvinism and Arminianism have differing ideas of how God does that supernatural thing. In short, both Calvinists and Arminians agree on the “T” of the five points of TULIP, but disagree on the next four points. Arminians argue for a concept called “prevenient grace.” They assert that God bestows a supernatural grace which leads a person to have the ability to believe in God, if they choose. which then leads to regeneration. However, Calvinists argue that the supernatural thing that God does is in fact regeneration, which then causes the person to be regenerated. Therefore, Arminians argue that faith proceeds regeneration, while Calvinists argue that regeneration proceeds faith. Arminians argue that a person could receive prevenient grace and still choose to reject God, while Calvinists argue that 100% of the persons who receive God’s proactive regenerative grace will choose to believe on him. Understanding these differences is essential to understanding this infamous debate. Episode 297 also builds on the content of episode 295 wherein Kenny covers the “five points of Calvinism” and he assumes listeners have some understanding of those five points. This episode also leverages content covered in 296: “Calvinism vs. Arminianism” in which Kenny explains that we’re often not framing the debate in the most helpful manner.

296: Calvinism vs. Arminianism: Are We Even Asking the Right Question?

In this episode Kenny tackles one of the most heated debates amongst evangelicals: Calvinism vs. Arminianism. Kenny gives the history of Calvinism and Reformed theology, and then explains the Dutch Remonstrance movement that came out of the Reformed movement and would give birth to the theological system we now call Arminianism and led to the debates at the Synod of Dort. Finally, Kenny explains that the “Calvinism vs. Arminianism” debate isn’t the most helpful way to frame the debate and isn’t the ideal question because there are actually other camps to consider; but rather the more helpful framing for the debate is Monergism vs. Synergism. What is Monergism? Monergism is the theological term used by Christians to explain that salvation is fully the work of God. The prefix “mono” means “one” and it is used to signify that salvation comes from “one” being—in this case referring to God being the one who brings about salvation. If any person is saved by Jesus, the proponents of monergism would argue that the Spirit of God must first grant that person the desire and ability to believer. What is Synergism? Synergism is the theological term used by Christians to explain that the salvation of humans is a cooperative work between God and man. If any person is saved by Jesus, the proponents of synergism would argue that the Spirit of God works on the heart of the person to woe them to God, but that  the decisive action that leads to salvation is ultimately in the hands of the person—they must use their free will to believe, and God cannot override their will. Note: Episode featured image was drawn by ChatGPT.

295: What Are the 5 Points of Calvinism? What is TULIP?

In this episode Kenny explains the historical origins and evolution of Calvinist soteriology. He then explains that the acronym TULIP is a helpful tool to remember the five main points of Calvinism: T- Total Depravity U- Unconditional Election L- Limited Atonement I- Irresistible Grace P-Perseverance of the Saints

294: What are the Five Solas? Why do they Matter?

In this episode Kenny explains the heart of Protestant theology, which can be summed up in five key theological statements known as “The Five Solas.” The Five Solas of the Protestant Reformation distinguished the 16th century Protestant Reformers from the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church. They include: Sola scriptura (Scripture alone), Solus Christus (Christ alone), Sola fide (Faith alone), Sola gratia (Grace alone), and Soli Deo gloria (Glory to God alone).

293: What is Reformed Theology? Is it the Same as Calvinism?

In this episode, Kenny briefly explains and outlines the history and essence of Reformed Theology (also known as Calvinism). This podcast episode is designed to be a foundational episode, laying the foundation for future episodes of the podcast that dive deeper into this topic. Kenny argues that there were four types of Protestants in the 1500s: Lutherans, Anabaptists, Anglicans, and Reformed/Calvinists. To hold to “Reformed Theology” would be to affirm the theology of that fourth group. Kenny gives us eight observations of that specific group: Unconditional election Covenantal theology Spiritual reality in participating in the sacraments Primary and secondary uses of the Law Christ-centered hermeneutic Pedobaptism Regulative Principle of Worship Particular application of theology to the public square Additional Resources “What was the Protestant Reformation?” “If the Reformation Caused Division, Why Was it a Good Thing?” “Why Are There So Many Denominations?” “Where’d All These Calvinists Come From?” “Book Review: ‘The Anabaptist Story’ by William Estep“