Gibbon on difference between Augustine & Calvin

Edward Gibbon (1737-1794), in "The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire," made this observation about Augustine of Hippo (354–430) and John Calvin (1509–1564),

"the real difference between [Augustine & Calvin] is invisible even to a theological microscope...."

See the quote in a scanned edition of the book at Google Books, or in an edition retyped for the
web.

The New Calvinism?

Time Magazine has a new article on the resurgence of Calvinism, "The New Calvinism - 10 Ideas Changing the World Right Now."

In my humble opinion, the pendulum is simply swinging back. In their attempt to combat liberalism and modernism with traditionalism, some have replaced Biblical illiteracy with misguided philosophy, and in so doing, removed all incentives for morality, repentance and worship.

The Pharisees were guilty in part for shutting the gates of heaven from some. True Calvinists in all cases have either shut up heaven or hell, depending upon the individual. To make matters worse, no one knows which door was shut to him and Calvinism offers no incentive to change your behavior. Calvinists do not offer an objective test for determining whether a person is saved, or at least one that can give assurance to an individual Christian.

Calvinism Bibliography

I am not a Calvinist, but below is a list of sources on both sides of the the issue. Check back often as this post will be updated periodically.

Sources Against Calvinism
Picking the Brighter Tulip
By Alger FitchPublished 1997
College Press Publishing
Company, Incorporated
Google Books Amazon

Sources in Favor of Calvinism

Christian Christianity Church of Christ Church of Christ