>>It follows the that a man can't be blamed for lack of faith. Yes, that is what would seem to follow logically according to our finite reasoning, but that is the argument and the 'contradiction.' The scriptures still teach that man is responsible and will be blamed. This is what Martin Luther's work "The Bondage of the Will" was about, that man is responsible exactly BECAUSE his will is corrupt and blind. He wrote it centuries ago so the argument has been going on for a very long time. The apostle Paul talked about man's arguments against it in the book of Romans (arguments like, well if I can't help myself, if I'm too blind and ignorant then I can't be held responsible - exactly what you said). There are many good books on the subject. Like I said, one preacher I know said that these two things, the responsibility of man versus the sovereignty of God are two contradictory pillars on earth that meet only in heaven (and are only reconciled in heaven). Finite man can only accept what God has revealed in the scriptures. Believe me, this has been argued, like I said, for centuries, and I do understand what you are saying about it.