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Answers for Calvinists

Eastern Orthodox replies to the arguments of James White and Reformed Protestantism / Calvinism

Dr. James White is the Director of Alpha and Omega Ministries and an elder at Phoenix Reformed Baptism Church. He is the author of many books (including excellent ones from an Orthodox perspective, such as the King James Only Controversy) and a well-known public debater. Because James White is such an active, scholarly and articulate defender of Reformed Christianity, many Orthodox Christians (or people considering Orthodoxy and/or Roman Catholicism) stumble on AOMIN or James White’s videos and would like to hear a sound Eastern Orthodox response to many of his arguments. In particular, because Dr. White has debated many Roman Catholic apologists on themes of interest to Orthodox Christians (Perpetual Virginity of Mary, Sola Scriptura, the Canon of Scripture, Predestination, Primacy of Peter, Faith Alone, Eternal Security, Icons and Images, Infant Baptism, etc.) there is a certain level of frustration on the Orthodox side because the Roman Catholic speaker may not have expressed the Orthodox viewpoint to our satisfaction.

Another well-known and Reformed / Calvinist is R. C. Sproul (of Lignonier Ministries). These pages will of course also address the same themes and are applicable to a more general dialogue between Orthodoxy and Protestantism.

To answer this need, this section of OrthodoxAnswers will provide debate reviews and comprehensive audio / video presentations on the following topics (note – we are providing a reference to James White’s debate references):

  • Sola Scriptura? – an Orthodox perspective on Scripture, Church and Tradition

  • An Orthodox discussion of Baptism and Infant Baptism
    • 437, 601
    • Listen to the lecture pt. 1
    • Listen to the lecture pt. 2

Reconsidering TULIP

For an excellent treatment of the five points of calvinism, often referred to as TULIP, you might consider looking into the book Reconsidering Tulip, by Alexander Renault..

Conversion Stories

We recommend that you take some time to read the stories of people who have converted from Calvinist Protestantism to Orthodoxy.  Hearing from those who have been down this same path, working through the same questions and challenges as you, is a powerful witness to the truth of Orthodoxy.  You are definitely not alone in your journey.  Come and see!