Evangelical Christianity is a diverse theological tradition unified by shared core beliefs. Yet, key theological debates shape how different groups within Evangelicalism interpret the Bible, live out their faith, and engage the world. Christian ministers should have at least a basic understanding of these theological differences so that they can maintain a spirit of unity with other believers. Below, we expand on ten pivotal issues, incorporating deeper explanations and relatable everyday illustrations to clarify these theological positions. This article builds on the theological differences outlined by Dr. Gregory A. Boyd and Dr. Paul Rhodes Eddy.
1. The Nature of Biblical Inerrancy #
The debate over biblical inerrancy focuses on whether the Bible is free of all errors or only authoritative in spiritual matters.
Inerrantist View: Advocates believe that the Bible is entirely free from error, including in historical and scientific details. This view emphasizes God’s perfection and the divine inspiration of Scripture, as seen in passages like Psalm 19:7: “The law of the Lord is perfect.” For inerrantists, admitting even minor errors would undermine the Bible’s reliability.
Infallibilist View: This perspective maintains that the Bible is fully trustworthy in matters of faith and salvation but may reflect human limitations in historical or scientific areas. For example, they argue that the Bible’s ancient cosmology reflects cultural context rather than scientific inaccuracy.
Everyday Illustration
Imagine a manual for assembling furniture. The inerrantist insists every instruction and diagram must be perfect. The infallibilist agrees the manual is effective for assembling the furniture but notes minor errors, like a typo, do not undermine its purpose.
Practical Implications
This debate affects how Christians interpret challenging passages, particularly those related to science, such as creation accounts, and historical accuracy, like genealogies. Inerrantists typically favor literal readings, while infallibilists are open to contextual and symbolic interpretations.
2. Divine Providence #
Divine providence addresses how much control God exerts over creation.
Calvinist View: Calvinists emphasize meticulous sovereignty, meaning every event is part of God’s predetermined plan. Verses like Isaiah 46:10, “I make known the end from the beginning,” affirm God’s control over all events, from global history to personal decisions.
Arminian View: Arminians believe God works sovereignly but allows humans genuine freedom to make choices. They emphasize relational cooperation between God and humanity, as seen in Joshua 24:15, “Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve.”
Everyday Illustration
Consider a parent planning a vacation. The Calvinist parent schedules every stop, leaving nothing to chance. The Arminian parent sets the destination but allows children to choose some activities along the way. Both ensure the trip’s success but approach it differently.
Practical Implications
These views shape how Christians understand suffering. Calvinists see hardships as part of God’s plan for a greater purpose, while Arminians view suffering as a consequence of human freedom that God can redeem. Both emphasize trusting God’s ultimate control.
3. God’s Foreknowledge #
The foreknowledge debate explores the scope and nature of God’s omniscience regarding future events.
Classical Arminian View: This view asserts that God knows all future events, including human choices, without predetermining them. God’s knowledge transcends time, allowing Him to see past, present, and future simultaneously.
Open Theism: Open Theists argue that God knows all possibilities but not every specific choice humans will make because these choices have not yet occurred. They emphasize verses like Genesis 6:6, where God is described as “regretting” making humanity, suggesting relational and dynamic knowledge.
Everyday Illustration
Imagine a chess master playing a beginner. The master knows all possible moves the beginner might make and plans accordingly (Classical Arminian view). In Open Theism, the master allows the game to unfold and adjusts strategies dynamically as moves are made.
Practical Implications
This debate influences prayer and decision-making. Arminians believe God’s perfect knowledge ensures His guidance. Open Theists emphasize that prayer can influence God’s actions, fostering a dynamic partnership.
4. Human Free Will vs. Predestination #
This debate examines whether salvation results from God’s choice or human decision.
Calvinist View: Calvinists believe in unconditional election, meaning God predestines individuals for salvation independent of their actions. Ephesians 1:4, “He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world,” supports this view.
Arminian View: Arminians hold that God predestines based on His foreknowledge of who will freely choose Him. This maintains that salvation requires human cooperation, as seen in John 3:16, “Whoever believes in Him shall not perish.”
Everyday Illustration
Consider a teacher assigning project partners. One teacher preassigns groups to ensure the best outcomes (Calvinist), while another lets students choose their own partners (Arminian), knowing some might make poor decisions.
Practical Implications
This debate impacts evangelism. Calvinists emphasize proclaiming the gospel to reveal God’s elect, while Arminians focus on encouraging every individual to freely respond to God’s call.
5. Atonement #
Atonement theories address how Jesus’ death reconciles humanity to God.
Penal Substitution: This theory explains that Jesus bore the punishment for human sin, satisfying God’s justice. Isaiah 53:5 describes this vividly: “He was pierced for our transgressions.”
Moral Influence Theory: This view focuses on Jesus’ death as a demonstration of God’s love to inspire moral transformation. Romans 5:8, “God demonstrates His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us,” supports this perspective.
Everyday Illustration
Penal substitution is like a friend paying your speeding ticket to satisfy the law. The moral influence theory is like a sacrificial act of kindness that moves you to live better.
Practical Implications
Preaching and counseling often reflect these views. Penal substitution highlights guilt and forgiveness, while the moral influence theory appeals to those seeking to understand God’s love.
6. Eternal Security #
The eternal security debate centers on whether salvation can be lost.
Perseverance of the Saints (Calvinist View): Once saved, always saved. Calvinists trust in God’s ability to preserve His people, citing John 10:28: “No one will snatch them out of my hand.”
Conditional Security (Arminian View): Salvation depends on continued faith and obedience. Hebrews 6:4–6 warns of falling away, suggesting that salvation can be forfeited through persistent rebellion.
Everyday Illustration
Eternal security is like a bank vault: Calvinists believe it’s sealed forever, while Arminians see it as secure unless deliberately unlocked and abandoned.
Practical Implications
This debate affects Christian living. Calvinists emphasize trust in God’s grace, while Arminians encourage vigilance in maintaining faith.
7. Baptism #
Baptism raises questions about who should be baptized and what it symbolizes.
Credobaptism: Baptists and similar traditions baptize only those who consciously profess faith. It represents a public declaration of personal commitment.
Paedobaptism: Reformed and Anglican traditions baptize infants as members of the covenant community, much like circumcision in the Old Testament.
Everyday Illustration
Joining a club illustrates this difference. Credobaptism resembles choosing to join after careful consideration, while Paedobaptism is like being enrolled as a child, with full participation expected later.
Practical Implications
Baptismal views influence church membership, discipleship, and family practices. Credobaptists prioritize personal conversion, while Paedobaptists emphasize covenantal identity.
8. Eschatology (End Times) #
Eschatology explores how history ends and God’s ultimate plan unfolds.
Premillennialism: Christ returns before a literal thousand-year reign. This view emphasizes prophetic fulfillment and future restoration.
Amillennialism: The millennium symbolizes Christ’s current reign through the church, focusing on spiritual realities rather than literal timelines.
Everyday Illustration
Premillennialism is like waiting for a big event preceded by visible signs. Amillennialism is like discovering the event has already begun in a less obvious way.
Practical Implications
Eschatological views influence mission priorities. Premillennialists focus on urgency in evangelism, while Amillennialists highlight transforming society as part of God’s kingdom work.
9. Women in Ministry #
The debate on women’s roles involves biblical interpretation and church leadership.
Complementarian View: This perspective assigns distinct roles to men and women, reserving pastoral leadership for men, based on passages like 1 Timothy 2:12.
Egalitarian View: Egalitarians emphasize equality in all areas of ministry, citing Galatians 3:28, “There is neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
Everyday Illustration
Complementarians see church leadership as structured like a team with defined roles. Egalitarians view leadership as open to all based on individual gifting.
Practical Implications
This debate influences church governance, mentorship, and inclusivity in ministry opportunities.
10. Charismatic Gifts #
The continuation of miraculous gifts like prophecy and healing sparks debate.
Cessationism: These gifts ceased with the apostles, as suggested by 1 Corinthians 13:10.
Continuationism: These gifts remain active today, supported by Acts 2:17, which promises the Spirit’s outpouring “in the last days.”
Everyday Illustration
Cessationists use a limited toolbox, relying on essentials like Scripture and preaching. Continuationists see the full toolbox, including miraculous gifts, as available for ministry.
Practical Implications
Worship styles and spiritual practices reflect these perspectives, shaping how churches engage in ministry.
Refrences
Across the Spectrum: Understanding Issues in Evangelical Theology by Gregory A. Boyd (Author), Paul Rhodes Eddy
