Why should you read this former Calvinist Southern Baptist? There are so many “voices,” if you will, on the Internet that are vying for your attention. I have read so much nonsense and inaccuracies on the internet that I realize many will question the viability of my contribution to many theological conversations. (Who am I to speak about any subject, and who should care what I think?)
I do my best to represent various views accurately because my intention or motivation is not to deceive. This is why I reference or footnote the sources from which I quote. I do not expect anyone to “take my word for it.”
Some readers will find this aspect of reading me a bit tedious or annoying, but from my perspective, I am greatly annoyed by those writers who quote others and rarely provide the actual source material. I am hoping that by citing primary and secondary sources, I will earn the trust of the reader. I am merely one voice among millions. I think that my “voice” needs more authority beyond my own personality or accomplished degrees.
ABOUT:
My name is William Watson Birch. Friends call me William or Will, Billy or Bill. I have no preference. I am a graduate of The College at Southeastern in Wake Forest, North Carolina, where I am affectionately known as "the Arminian." Having earned two degrees at Southeastern's college, one in English and another in Christian and Biblical Studies, I began the Master of Divinity program at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary the fall semester, 2011, and plan to enter a Ph.D. program elsewhere upon graduating.
I was born again in 1995, and became a Calvinist and joined a Presbyterian church (PCA) by 1998. I argued against Wesleyans and Arminians at every turn, with all the passion and zeal of a cage-stage Calvinist. I used all the same arguments which Calvinists use today, and touted a nasty rhetoric to boot.
A year and a half later I began to question Calvinism’s presuppositions as well as its overall perception of the nature and character of God, and subsequently abandoned Calvinism altogether. For further information on why I, by the year 2000, rejected (and continue to reject) Calvinism, I offer you a brief post: Why I Rejected Calvinism.
A year and a half later I began to question Calvinism’s presuppositions as well as its overall perception of the nature and character of God, and subsequently abandoned Calvinism altogether. For further information on why I, by the year 2000, rejected (and continue to reject) Calvinism, I offer you a brief post: Why I Rejected Calvinism.
Not until I matriculated at Southeastern in 2006, however, did I first read the Works of Arminius. Having read of Arminius's Classical Arminianism, I discovered it is not tantamount to semi-Pelagianism, nor is it the seedbed for theological liberalism, though that is exactly what some popular Calvinists maintain. I began blogging about Arminius's views in 2007 because of all the misrepresentations and caricatures made by these Calvinists (and other non-Calvinists) about his theology (link). Ignorance is certainly not bliss.
I do, however, consider born again Calvinists to be my brothers and sisters in Christ, and they deserve respect as such.
Finally, I want to add that there are some who tout the name "Arminian" today who actually do hold to the doctrine of Perseverance, though that has not been the case historically. Others reject being called Arminian, even if they do hold beliefs in common with Arminius and the Remonstrants. (See, for example, the excellent article "Neither Calvinists Nor Arminians but Baptists.") Yes, I hold to Perseverance. Some Arminians think that I am a two-point Calvinist (holding to the "T" and "P" of TULIP), others a four-point Arminian, still others a "non-Calvinist" Southern Baptist. Whatever helps you all sleep better at night is fine with me.
For some statements of faith, please see the Beliefs page.
I do, however, consider born again Calvinists to be my brothers and sisters in Christ, and they deserve respect as such.
Finally, I want to add that there are some who tout the name "Arminian" today who actually do hold to the doctrine of Perseverance, though that has not been the case historically. Others reject being called Arminian, even if they do hold beliefs in common with Arminius and the Remonstrants. (See, for example, the excellent article "Neither Calvinists Nor Arminians but Baptists.") Yes, I hold to Perseverance. Some Arminians think that I am a two-point Calvinist (holding to the "T" and "P" of TULIP), others a four-point Arminian, still others a "non-Calvinist" Southern Baptist. Whatever helps you all sleep better at night is fine with me.
For some statements of faith, please see the Beliefs page.
CONTACT:
I can be reached via e-mail: williamwbirch@gmail.com (or) remonstrants@hotmail.com
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