Lecture 1 ~ The Distinctives of Calvinism & Non Calvinism

About 400 AD, Augustine of Hippo attempted to syncretize Scripture with the fatalistic philosophy of Manicheanism. Augustine's blending of Pagan and Christian doctrines became the prevailing doctrine of the Roman Catholic Church. Augustine is considered by some to be the Father of Roman Catholicism.

Eleven hundred years later, John Calvin broke from some aspects of the Roman Church, but not from Augustine's teachings on God's sovereignty and man's salvation. Calvin's teachings sprang from Augustine's, and what was previously known as Augustinianism has subsequently become popularly known as Calvinism.

Ever since Augustine, a debate has continued between his followers and those who hold to the pre-Augustine Biblical doctrine that God created humanity with real free will and, consequently, actual individual responsibility.

In January 2014, Bible teacher Steve Gregg delivered a series of nine lectures that thoroughly cover the differences between the Calvinist and non-Calvinist positions. "The Distinctives of Calvinism and Non-Calvinism" is the first lecture in that series.