In two weeks the annual convention of Southern Baptists takes place in Greensboro, NC. For those of you attending the Pastors conference, you will be treated to a debate between Al Mohler, and Paige Patterson on the topic of election. This should prove to be one of the highlights of the Convention for pastors as many of us will be eagerly listening in hopes that our belief on election wins the debate. Some of you will be cheering for Mohler, while others will be rooting for Patterson to make a clear and decisive point for their respective views on Calvinism or Arminianism. As I finish this article, I will bodly predict the outcome/winner of this debate that is highly anticiapted.

Unfortunately, for some, possibly for many, election is a topic that divides the body as we struggle to understand free will, God’s sovereignty, and who in the heck is right! I tend to believe that God really isn’t concerned who will come out on top during this debate between Al and Paige, but God is more concerned with what unites us, not divides us. This topic is teetering on the pendulum of becoming a hot topic among evangelicals, especially Southern Baptists. If not handled correctly, it could become an explosive device that could cause divisions between friends, churches, and denominations.

In preparing us for this upcoming event, SBC Life Magazine ran two articles on this subject. Perhaps you had a chance to read the articles, “Divine Sovereignty and Human Responsibility” by Daniel Akin, President of Southeastern Seminary and “The TULIP of Calvanism” by Malcomb B. Yarnell III, Dean and Professor at Southwestern Seminary. Both articles were informative and interesting reading as both men succinctly stated their views and beliefs. The articles were done in a way that would not be divisive to those reading the articles.

For those of you unfamiliar with the terms Calvinism and Arminianism, let me give you a couple of short definitions from the April issue of SBC Life. Calvinism is a theological tradition named after sixteenth-century French reformer John Calvin that emphasizes the sovereignty of God in all things, man’s inability to do spiritual good before God, and the glory of God as the highest end of all that occurs. Arminianism is defined as a theological tradition named after seventeenth-century theologian Jacob Arminius that seeks to preserve free choices of human beings and denies God’s providential control over all details of all events.

After looking at those definitions, it is easy to see why we have confusion and division over topic of election. Most of us want to mix the two and come up with a theological belief we could call Calminianism, but theologoically we can’t do that. This is an area where we have freedom to study the scriptures, writings of others, and trust and rely that God will guide our thoughts. My challenge to us all is that we don’t let this become a divisive issue in your church or relationships.

My predicition: Since this debate is taking place twice during the Pastor’s conference the winner of the debate between Al Mohler and Paige Patterson will be no one! They will both state their views and end the debate agreeing to disagree and will declare to all those attending, “This is what makes Southern Baptists a great people. We can agree to disagree and serve together to reach the world for Christ.” Just watch and see!