Thread: Calvinism Refuted!

The following email was sent to James White over at Alpha and Omega Ministries. It concerns a guy that White debated on air about 5 years ago. I remember the broadcast, remember it was devastatingly one-sided, remember that White told the guy he was teaching Pelganism (which the guy had never heard of), and remember thinking how bad Paltalk must be for this guy to be a "legend" there. Here's the email:

Dear Dr. White,

It's been a while since we've either spoken or exchanged e-mails. I hope this letter finds you in good health.

The reason why I am contacting you is to let you know that my publisher is currently preparing for publication my completed manuscript refuting Reformed Theology. My finished work places special attention on the doctrinal errors found in your Potter's Freedom book as well as R.C. Sproul's What is Reformed Theology? and John Piper's The Justification of God.

This will not be just any book. It has been fully endorsed by a well-known and highly respected acquaintance of yours. In fact, he's done me the honor of writing a Foreword for it.

Because of this, I am prayerful that this book will reach many. Just before it becomes available (in about 6-8 weeks or so) I intend to make a public challenge to you on youtube to defend the TULIP. We can debate either in person or on the radio. I, naturally, will be exposing and wilting it in a very methodical and systematic fashion.

I'll keep you informed as my publisher's work progresses and send you the link to amazon.com when the book becomes available.

Should you have any questions at all please feel free to contact me at ******.com. If you would like to speak to me on the phone, send me an e-mail and I'll forward you my number.

Your friend,
Louis Ruggiero

I'm guessing that the foreword is by Dave Hunt. Just a guess, mind you.

Here's a video where Dr. White plays a portion of the on air debate.

Oooh, a throwdown. I wonder if Dr. White is quaking in his boots?

I would look forward to hearing/seeing this!,I really enjoyed the White/George Bryson (The Dark side of Calvinism-book)

Does anyone know if Dr White and Dr. Norman Geisler have had any debates?

What a pompous fool.

Originally Posted by Jesus is my friend

Does anyone know if Dr White and Dr. Norman Geisler have had any debates?

They have not. I don't think Dr. Geisler likes to debate. I saw him once on the "Faith Under Fire" TV show and he did not look comfortable debating with an atheist.

This is ridiculous. It doesn't even qualify as a debate.

Originally Posted by Calvinist Cowboy

This is ridiculous. It doesn't even qualify as a debate.

I agree, Ben. But this guy is some sort of legend on Paltalk, I believe.

We just adopted two new kittens. If one of them challenges the neighbor's German Shepherd to a duel, can I really say that the dog has been seriously challenged?

In this sense, I suppose Calvinism can be called a dog...

Theognome

Reminds of the western movies where the young gunslingers are always challenging the old gunslinger to a duel so they can make a name for themselves.

Dave Hunt is a joke...and I say that with all seriousness, having heard and met him in person and read a couple of his books. He is only respected in fundamental, dispensational churches, because he feeds into the left behind/rapture/end of world predictions type of thing.

Personally, the email sounded arrogant.

Originally Posted by Whitefield

Reminds of the western movies where the young gunslingers are always challenging the old gunslinger to a duel so they can make a name for themselves.

Yeah, make a name for themselves by being shot full of holes!

Originally Posted by reformed trucker

Originally Posted by Whitefield

Reminds of the western movies where the young gunslingers are always challenging the old gunslinger to a duel so they can make a name for themselves.

Yeah, make a name for themselves by being shot full of holes!

precisely

Lou doesn't need to be familiar with Pelagianism? Sounds awful solo Scriptura to me, "me and my Bible."

I know Lou Ruggiero from Pal Talk and I can assure you that the arrogance of this man is not a passing fad.

I honestly do not know what grieves me more: The fact that he thinks he can do what so many in the past have tried to do (and men far smarter than him): -- that is, refute the Reformed doctrine of predestination -OR- his arrogance and gross lack of humility on these matters. It honestly grieves me. Much prayer should be offered for this man.

How should James White respond? Personally, I would encourage him to simply ignore him. No good can come from a discussion with a man who demonstrates this level of arrogance.

I'm guessing that the foreword is by Dave Hunt. Just a guess, mind you.

I would second that guess. It is very likely Dave Hunt.

Originally Posted by reformed trucker

Oooh, a throwdown. I wonder if Dr. White is quaking in his boots?

Yea, I'm sure he is. Given that letter, I would wonder if it would be worth J.W's time to even reply....

I will give Ruggiero this: most people try to hide their foolishness, he broadcasts it.

I pray much for this type of person...the studied and willful Arminian will find out exactly how sovereign God is on judgment day. May the Lord grant him mercy.

Originally Posted by re4med

I
How should James White respond? Personally, I would encourage him to simply ignore him. No good can come from a discussion with a man who demonstrates this level of arrogance.

Most likely he would feed off of any response. It would lend him validation.

"No one came come to me until they exercise their free will to fear the Lord???"

May Lou Rugg needs to learn about the law of noncontradiction

Knowing nothing of this man or Paltalk, my reaction to the note was to wonder whether it was received on April 1.

Breathtaking arrogance, and I would say the same about some guy who just discovered TULIP thinking he could throw down an accomplished Arminian apologist.

Possible topic for a humor thread: we could put together a sort of top-ten list of other titles offered by his new publisher. But such a thing could too easily devolve into mockery, when much prayer is needed, for this man and for those he influences.

Heh...This is typical of Arminian thought.. To argue and fight for their own free will, when reformed theology gives all power and sovereignty to the Almighty God.

I never argue with people anymore, I used to do Creation/Evolution debates, but i have learned that there is never a "winner" no matter how well you present your evidence, or scripture, it all comes down to whom God chooses to bestow his knowledge to.

Originally Posted by Iakobos_1071

I never argue with people anymore, I used to do Creation/Evolution debates, but i have learned that there is never a "winner" no matter how well you present your evidence, or scripture, it all comes down to whom God chooses to bestow his knowledge to.

Debates very seldom convince and change the mind of the person with whom you are debating; that is why I recommend one never do debates in a private setting. Public debates allow onlookers to see who they think won, and they are often much less pompous or invested into a specific position as the people in the debate.

This is also a reason why I never view a personal conversation with someone else regarding Calvinism as a debate, because that will often lead to hardened hearts.