I am planning on going to seminary, majoring in Missions/Theology. I believe that Theology is vital to our walks with Jesus not only because it expands our knowledge, but it enhances our thoughts and understandings not only to the ways/person of Christ, but insight into the scriptures.

So in the great debate of Calvanism vs. Arminianism (Total depravity/Election vs Free will), where do you stand, and why?

I'm glad you're going to a Seminary to study scriptures more. What's your ultimate goal to achieve from going? Are you planning to be a over-seas missionary? Wanting to become a pastor?

I don't understand the other words you described, so I don't have any answers.

How I've always thought of such issue is this:
There are x amount of choices we have in any given situation, and option A is the way that God would have us go, and options B-Z are also viable contenders in our decision. Say we don't choose option A, then we stray away from God, but that doesn't mean he won't have another path open for us to get back onto option A's path. Thus, I would say I believe in free will. Why would anyone want to create robots that either loved you or didn't? Most humans who have experienced "the chase" of a relationship, know how fun it can be. While I hate comparing a relationship with God to a earthly relationship, it's likely that hardly anyone would want to make someone love them without working -- or dating if you will. It's not genuine, it's not satisfying. This is no different that God creating humans so that they should love him, and would only be fulfilled by completely doing so -- in no way are there the "chosen" or "predestined".

My thoughts, feel free to respond, question, clarify.

This is a late reply but I thought it'd be worth it to revive this post. I believe that your question must be answered through Scripture regardless of our presuppositions. After all, I believe we are fallen and that our logic in its very nature is flawed apart from Scriptural examination. With that being said, I'd encourage you to read Eph. 1:4-14. I believe Paul speaks of election there. There is no doubt that free will is taught in Scripture, meaning that there is a human component in faith. I've been led to my believe that Scripture teaches both, and we must affirm both, even if these two principles are seemingly contradictory.

Romans 9. Nuff said.