I something float by on Facebook and it made me sick. Built only on man’s thoughts, it attacks Christ – not the Christ of Arminianism, but Jesus Christ Himself. A Calvnist blogger I admire, Brian LePort, wrote last week:
Dec 21 2009
Who started the War on Christmas?
Every year, about this time, we are hit with two things – Christmas and the War on Christmas – generally from the same ’side’. The Comedy Central FoxNews pundit, Bill O’Reilly, has made it his mission to make a war on the war on Christmas, whether there is such an animal is of no consequence to him. (More than likely, the perceived War on Christmas is the actual ‘war’ on demonstrations of religion on the public square, serving as a confluence of political forces, left and right.) Further, it would most likely not matter to Mr. O’Reilly that the original war on Christmas was began by the Religious Right and that Americans did not celebrate Christmas until the middle of the 19th century, a generation or two after the founding of the Republic and centuries after the first colonies. Nor, I doubt, would it cross his mind that the long-standing Christmas traditions were but recently invented, and that Christmas has been historically derided as a ‘popish’ holiday.
Oct 09 2009
Myths and urban legends about John Calvin
I must admit, I have some preconceived notions of Calvin(ism) myself.
Myth No.1: John Calvin was a sour puss.
Martin Luther is usually cast as the fun-loving, beer-swigging, warm-hearted Reformer while Calvin is caricatured as dour, the sort of person who (as one Episcopal bishop once notoriously described him) “sucked sour persimmons for fun.” In fact, Calvin was the Reformation’s chief apologist for fun. For example, he reminds us that God created food and drink “for delight and good cheer,” not simply for nourishment. Quoting the Psalms he tells us that wine is given to us to gladden the heart, and olive oil was made for dipping bread. Here’s a person who knew his way around a Michelin Star restaurant (never forget that Calvin was French!). According to Calvin, God did not create the world merely for utilitarian purposes, but for beauty and pleasure.
Read the rest, here:
Oct 05 2009
George Marsden on Jonathan Edwards’ Surrender
Today is the Birthday of ‘America’s Theologian.’
Almost all his life [Edwards] had been preparing for this moment. He had often preached to others about how they should be ready for death and righteous judgment at any minute, and he disciplined himself with a regimen of devotion so that he would be prepared. In the weeks when he was wasting away he must have wondered why God would take him when he had so much to do. But submission to the mysteries of God’s love beyond human understanding was at the heart of his theology. When he knew the end was near, he dictated a message to be sent to Sarah in Stockbridge, to “give the kindest love to my dear wife, and tell her, that the uncommon union, which has so long subsisted between us, has been of such a nature, as I trust is spiritual, and therefore will continue forever.”
I have never been a real fan of Jonathan Edwards, or the of the Puritan intrusion into the heritage of these United States; however, I can recognize a sound man when I see one. One of things that I admire about the Puritans those that they birthed, or birthed them, is their preparation in mind of the things that may or may not come, and the certainty of that which comes to us all.
HT.
Sep 24 2009
On the New Calvinists
Below is a video on John Piper from a recent conference on the New Calvnists, for those pre-selected to attend. For some reason, if it does not work, click the link at the bottom of the page. (No, Jeff, this does not make me a Calvinist)
Sep 05 2009
Is this your presentation of Calvinism?
During the course of biblioblogging, I have met some real fine Reformed people. I am almost persuaded to explore Calvinism further – but I come across a video like this and I have to ask – is this what I am supposed to explore?
Is this how you would present the Gospel, if you were a Calvinist?
Sep 01 2009
John Calvin on Baptismal Regeneration
As with Luther, I am posting these, after only brief study, for discussion. Did Calvin believe in a form of baptismal regeneration? Maybe not as closely as what others would, but maybe somewhat? I am not a Calvinist – so I open this up to discussion (as always) concerning what this great theologian thought, taught, and practiced. Perhaps he is more closely to the view of baptismal generation?
Aug 25 2009
Review: Pillars of Theology: Calvin
Click to Order
Product Description
Abingdon Pillars of Theology is a series for the college and seminary classroom designed to help students grasp the basic and necessary facts, influence, and significance of major theologians. Written by noted scholars, these books outline the context, methodology, organizing principles, primary contributions, and key writings of people who have shaped theology as we know it today. John Calvin (1509-1564) continues to be read and discussed because he illumines our human experience. Although inseparable from his context, Calvin’s theology speaks for itself, thus identifying ways Calvin remains a living voice for those who struggle with the meaning of Christian faith.
- Paperback: 85 pages
- Publisher: Abingdon Press (August 2009)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0687659132
- ISBN-13: 978-0687659135
- Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.3 inches
Jul 21 2009
Why I’m a Calminian
I was always Arminian, but lately I have developed a taste for what I might call corporate Calvinism, in that the Body of Christ is predestinated, but their is still human free will. As I explore where I stand on this issue, I find different posts, such as Craig Blomberg, who has posted something today that interests me…middle knowledge…
….middle knowledge affirms, with classic Arminianism, that God’s predestining activity is based on his foreknowledge of what all humans would do in all possible situations that they could find themselves in. But it also observes that God’s omniscience is so great that it is not limited just to what all actually created being would do but to what all possibly created beings would do in all possible situations. Because God creates only a finite number of persons between the beginning of the universe and Christ’s return, his sovereign choice is preserved, because he must choose to create some beings and not others. Thus, with classic Calvinism, his sovereign, elective freedom is preserved….
Something that I am firm on is that humanity has free will to choose God’s call, but they can only choose in response, not as one who initiates the call.
Jul 15 2009
Some of the Posts I Missed Today
I was out all day, working, and didn’t get to read my daily dose of blogs – so, I thought that I might read a few now and share some with you. By the way, I am now collecting a retirement fund so that I can sit and read blogs all day long. Please feel free to donate.
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