Calvinism

John is having a small discussion on Total Depravity over at his place. As a Closet Calvinist, as opposed to one of the Truly Reformed, I have found the discussion somewhat interesting.

Some background for those not versed in Calvinist Theology. Total Depravity is the first of the five points of Calvin's theology regarding salvation. The five points are total depravity, unconditional election, limited atonement, irresistable grace, and perseverence of the saints and are often abbreviated using the anagram TULIP.

Total Depravity states that people are inherently sinful and incapable of contributing to our own salvation. All that is good about us as human beings is graciously given to us by a loving God as part of being made in His image. Calvin based this theological concept heavily on Romans 3:9-20.

Just how "totally" we are depraved is up for grabs though as John's comments attest.