The Highway Forums General Discussion Theology Discussion Forum What doctrine is most hated?

I have to agree with Robin on this one, i.e., the most hated, despised, distorted and rejected doctrine of all of Calvinism is the doctrine of "Total Depravity". Did you ever notice that our beloved "T-U-L-I-P" is really a rearrangement of the original response/conclusion of the great Synod of Dordt, which we know as the "Canons of Dordt" (1618-19)? If you read the original order, which you can do here: The Canons of Dordt, the acrostic is actually "U-L-T-I-P".

The "5 Points" are an integral whole, which is undeniably true. But if you diminish, distort or deny the doctrine of Total Depravity, then none of the other 4 Points is necessary. Now, I could spend the time to expound on this truth, but it would occupy far too much space for a forum post. Soooo, I will simply refer your attention to what the late John Gerstner said back in 1978 at the PCRT conference in Wheaton, Illinois in his first address. The transcript can be found here: "TULIP". After the introduction of the five points, Dr. Gerstner begins his exposition of the individual points beginning with "T"; Total Depravity. The entire lecture was emblazoned in my mind, heart and soul and I can still hear the sound of the "growling professor" in the recesses of my mind. But this first section on Total Depravity, in my estimation was the best. Do read it.