Yes, I believe the Bible teaches that all mankind is born with a sin nature, a bent toward sinning - but, if it is impossible for someone to respond to God’s love unless they are given a special call, then God chooses some for salvation and chooses some for Hell. I just cannot believe that God predestines people to Hell. I also do not see how God is not responsible for evil if everything that happens, even our choosing to sin, is preordained by God. That is not the God of the Bible.
I know that there is, somehow, involved in salvation, God’s sovereign work taking place, but I also believe we have the ability to respond to God’s grace. Without that ability to respond to that grace we cannot be saved. I believe God gives that ability to everyone. Some believe, some reject, and all are held responsible for their choices. I do not believe that God fixes it so certain people cannot respond. That is not the God of the Bible.
We cannot achieve salvation by our own merit. God alone provides that finished work of salvation, but God gives us the choice. How many times in Scripture does God tell us to choose? To choose to obey. Jesus said, “Whosoever will may come”.
The Apostle Paul argues in Romans 1 that no one has an excuse not to know that God exists, because God’s work in creation is clearly seen. How can people be without excuse if they have no ability to comprehend God’s acts?
I have many friends who are Calvinistic in their view point and I know they love the Lord. I just do not believe that we are robots who just follow some pre-programmed map. We just agree not to argue about it.
This premise is not accurate. It is possible for one to respond to God's love, first hesitantly or instinctively, and then gradually growing in faith and knowledge. Divine predestination occurs outside of human linear time and therefore takes into account the free-will response of faith. "when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son" (Romans 5:10)
So God does not choose anyone for hell: "[God] will have all men to be saved, and to come to the knowledge of the truth" (1 Timothy 2:4).
I have many friends who are Calvinistic in their view point
Then witness to them. It is a severe error.