I have, on many occasions on my blog over the years talked about issues around "Reformed Theology" or what is popularly called "Calvinism." I wrote Why I Am A Calvinist and more than once about why I am not a Calvinist. It's pretty clear, though, that I am convinced by Scripture of the basic theology that most people recognize as "Calvinism" (keeping in mind my distaste for that label and those who abuse it).
I don't beat that drum as much anymore. I haven't flagged in my convictions. I've just realized my concerns. There are far too many angry Calvinists out there, intent on convincing others to their position -- making "converts." I realized I wasn't interested in converts. You see, I don't think "Calvinist" defines "Christian" and I'm absolutely certain that there are genuine, born-again believers going to heaven from all sorts of other Christian lines of thinking. We are not to believe on the Lord Calvin to be saved. What, then?
Rachel Held Evans once wrote about how Calvinism makes her cry. She said it was not because she didn't think it was true, but because she was afraid it was. Of course the "Calvinism" she feared wasn't Calvinism -- not an accurate representation of the beliefs or views. She did express the most common objection I've found. "If that's what God is like, I don't want any part of Him." Her conviction was that if God is like "that" (her distorted version of Calvinism) He is not love and we are, above all, most to be pitied.
It's not that I want to convince brothers and sisters of my view. It's not that I think I'm smarter or better, or that those that disagree are less -- less faithful, diligent, loving, whatever. It's just that I think that the firm conviction of and confidence in the Sovereignty of God is the most comforting, satisfying thing I know. The Rachel Held Evans of this world look at pain, suffering, disasters, crimes, and all the bad stuff as "Oops!", something that got over on God, something that He couldn't or wouldn't handle, and that makes them feel better. I cannot fathom a God like that or why the thought would make me feel better. If I can show people (from Scripture -- always from Scripture) that God is Sovereign, that Man has a sin problem, that God cannot fail to save whom He intends, that God does all that is necessary to overcome the problems we have in getting to Him, that we "by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time" (1 Peter 1:5) -- all that -- then I believe that those who come to believe it will be in a better place in life, in practice, in spirit.
That is, I think I have something wonderful to share. I think it is biblically and historically sound, consistent and rational. And I think it makes life far, far better. Why wouldn't I want to share that? You may not want it. It doesn't offend me that you don't. It's not my job to make converts on this. I just want you to have "nice things," even in your theology (which defines your practice). There are indeed angry Calvinists. I'm not one of them.
11 comments:
Feodor, so much for "I'm done with you," eh? (Rhetorical question. If you respond, it won't be read or published.)
The problem with Calvinism is that its not really a thing. But reformed theology is...
we can trace reformed theology back to the original confessions of faith. but you will never find Calvinism as a historical sect. now the interesting thing is that most people that have trouble with Calvinism don't realize that they are at odds with Scripture and the theology of the Reformation. i would also add; that many protestant Christians are more aligned to Catholic theology then they realize.
It’s amazing how much effort and value people continue to attach to a god who isn’t sovereign.
It seems like removing sovereignty from God’s list of attributes removes virtually every other attribute as well. Or, it removes them as anything meaningful in a larger sense.
Now, Bob, don't go all "biblical" and "historical" on us. I mean, we know that's so last year.
I'm with you, Craig. Why prefer a god who is NOT sovereign? It eliminates his omnipotence, omniscience, omnipresence. It removes justice since, as NOT sovereign he lacks the capacity to carry out and enforce his will. Such a god is NOT love, not biblical, not meaningful.
I’m just saying that narcissism and a lack of self control are a bad combination.
Also, without sovereignty, things like love, salvation, and grace are either diminished or rendered valueless,
And I was agreeing.
I know. Just pointing out some things that might not be considered as things affected by God’s sovereignty.
God is all of His attributes, and all of His attributes are God, so I don't think there is any attribute that is not affected if you eliminate any other attribute. Including Sovereignty.
I agree, I just see folx who seem like they want to pick and choose which attributes to prioritize, while denying God’s sovereignty.
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