Calvinism vs Arminianism

[Never]

My thought tends to fall in line with Arminianism. I can't really say I agree with Calvinism much at all, especially there being an "elect" as opposed to God's grace available to anyone and everyone willing to accept. God desires all to be saved, not a predetermined group

My feelings exactly.  While the Bible does mention predestination in some spots, I think I have to agree with the traditional Lutheran view: God predestines everyone for salvation, but they have to accept it first.

That's how I feel too. I have some trouble with the concept of predestination, and I think that issue is one of Calvinism's weak points. This might be simplistic, but I've always felt that even if there is an "elect", how exactly are we supposed to know who is a part of it and who isn't? It seems more Christ-like to tell everyone about the gift of salvation, since it is available to all, and then let each person accept or reject that gift on their terms.