I think Steve (and a few others) summed it up well. How we conduct ourselves and how we respond to people is extremely important in witnessing and apologetics: in the past my witnessing to both Christians and non-Christians has had the most success when I responded politely and respectfully, even if I was not as articulate and persuasive in my defense or response as I could or should have been. That applies even more so when people do not simply object to Christianity or the Reformed worldview, but attack, misrepresent, and disrespect it. Jeff--your response reminded me of F. Schaffer's apologetics, and how much he loved those whom he witnessed to. I do not think it would side-track this thread to question the nature of Arminian theology--historical and modern--and whether or not it is heretical or worthy of condemnation, because the question has a direct bearing on how we as Reformed Christians witness to them. I am inclined to make a distinction between the Arminian as a person and his or her theology or worldview (not that the distinction between the person and the worldview can be absolutely maintained, as it clearly cannot): ultimately, the salvation of the Arminian comes down to the sovereign will and mercy of God, but if we hold to the 3 Forms or the Westminster Standards, we must concede that the Arminian gospel is in some respects a different gospel, and that numerous doctrines in the Arminian worldview are unbiblical and thus possibly heretical, depending on how loosely or strictly "heretical" is defined, so the Arminian worldview could rightly be condemned by God. I view my role as a Christian witness living with other Christians whom hold false doctrines, especially false doctrines as serve as that of Arminianism, in many ways as dire as when I lived with non-Christians. These Christians, whom I view, prima facie, brothers and sisters in Christ, hold dangerous, false beliefs on major points, and thus it would be wrong of me to neglect my duties as a witness and defender (and student) of the biblical worldview. On that note, can anyone recommend any good debates between Arminians and Calvinists, whether online, audio, or written? Thanks for all your comments

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Patrick
Covenant OPC, Brighton, MI