Reformed Calvinism on Absolute Determinism
First, I think we must begin where we agree. That is, God is neither the author of sin, nor does he condone it. Having said that, I think the differing kinds of Calvinists would clear up many misconceptions, if they wouldn't all use the same words, but mean different things by those words. Some Calvinists believe (as do I) that God has a "perfect and permissive" will, which allows human freedom. Yes our choices are limited. We cannot "freely choose" to defy gravity. If we jump off a cliff, we will fall. Once we jump, we have no other choice but to fall, we cannot choose otherwise. But did God "decree" that we fall? I would say "yes" however He did not decree that I would jump. That was my choice. So God can "decree" a certain thing, and yes be "accused" of "causing" the RESULT of that jump, without decreeing my choice to jump. Within this context, I can agree with those Calvinists who say God "determines...