In this inaugural debate to the “Essential Christian Debates” series, Christopher M. Date and Gil VanOrder Jr. examine the biblical teaching and philosophical implications of individual predestination to salvation. Does the Calvinistic position, as taught, render God a moral monster? Conversely, would the Arminian position logically lead one to pray like the Pharisee, “God, I thank you that I am not like other men?” A Calvinist and an Arminian tackle these pressing questions, among others, and explore a number of key biblical teachings, taking us beyond the caricatures of each position. This debate is for both beginning and experienced students of Scripture and provides an indispensible resource on a controversial topic hotly debated within the church for centuries.
