What is Hyper-Calvinism?

[BobinKy]

Why do some turn to hyper-Calvinism?

Why do some turn to hyper-Calvinism?

. . .

To get the discussion going, here are a few links on hyper-Calvinism that I retrieved from Google.

A Primer on Hyper-Calvinism (Phillip R. Johnson, Grace to You ministry of John MacArthur).

Hyper-Calvinism article at Wikipedia.

Hyper-Calvinism (Directory of Theology, Monergism website). Scroll down to view numerous links the author has collected on Hyper-Calvinism.

What is hyper-Calvinism and is it biblical? (Got Questions Ministries).

Danger of Hyper-Calvinism (Nick Bibile).

A Critique of Hyper-Calvinism: A heresy that continues to plague today's church, especially in the realm, of Dutch Calvinism (C. Matthew McMahon, A Puritan's Mind).

The Bane of Neo-Gnostic Calvinism (Greg Fields, mongerism.com).

A review of Spurgeon v. Hyper-Calvinism: The Battle for Gospel Preaching (Iain H. Murray, Banner of Truth).

Half-Truth Hyper-Calvinism (Greg Gibson, Jesus Said Follow Me).​

And a few graphics...

...Bob

 

[jbh28]

Why do some turn to hyper-Calvinism?

...Bob

- Reading only portions of the Bible while ignoring others.
- Putting priority in a system instead of the Bible. Systematic theology can help us understand the Bible, but it should have it's place.

 

[preacher4truth]

I hope you enjoy my attempt at humor here!!!!

- Reading only portions of the Bible while ignoring others.

- This would make the JW's, Mormons, and a whole slough of Believers hyper-calvinists!!!! :thumbsup:

- Putting priority in a system instead of the Bible. Systematic theology can help us understand the Bible, but it should have it's place.

- This too could also make many hypers that are not!!!! :smilewinkgrin:

Also, what exactly is a hyper-calvinist, by definition?

I really should read Calvins works. But, I'd rather read the Bible so I'll pass for now.

 

[Winman]

Overemphasizing how God gives the gifts of repentance and faith, and minimizing your responsibility to repent and believe.

If this is an accurate description of a Hyper-Calvinist, then there are several here at BB.

 

[MB]

If this is an accurate description of a Hyper-Calvinist, then there are several here at BB.

It would seem most are hyper. Amen
MB

 

[Winman]

It would seem most are hyper. Amen
MB

How about these?

Making the standard of Christian maturity Calvinism, instead of total Christ-likeness.

Claiming that Calvinism is the gospel, or essential part of the gospel.

An imbalanced over-emphasis on God's sovereignty, while minimizing our responsibility. For example, in public teaching or private fellowship, a Hyper-Calvinist may speak twice as much about God's sovereignty as man's duty.

Too much about what God does, and not enough about what we must do: A mere half-truth.

Does this sound familiar?

 

[Tom Butler]

Here's a quick definition of Hyper-Calvinism:

God elects, and the elect will be saved whether they ever hear the gospel or not.

I know of no Calvinist who believes God saves anyone independently of the gospel.

 

[Benjamin]

Why do some turn to hyper-Calvinism?

I think they get too wrapped up in Determinism.

My definiton of a hyper-Calvinist is a "Hard Determinist".

I can respect if a Calvinist has a theory which includes compatablism or calls himself a "soft determinist" and even though I personally believe Determinism and creaturely volition to be logically mutually exclusive it is usually enough for me to drop the "hyper".

 

[Winman]

This article is the best and most accurate to what I see from many here at BB.

http://www.apuritansmind.com/PuritanWorship/McMahonABriefCritiqueOfHyper-Calvinism.htm

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

This article is the best and most accurate to what I see from many here at BB.

http://www.apuritansmind.com/PuritanWorship/McMahonABriefCritiqueOfHyper-Calvinism.htm

So are you saying you feel that there are hyper calvinists on this board? Are you accusing your baptist bretheren of being hyper calvinists?

 

[quantumfaith]

This article is the best and most accurate to what I see from many here at BB.

http://www.apuritansmind.com/PuritanWorship/McMahonABriefCritiqueOfHyper-Calvinism.htm

Interesting article Winman, thanks for sharing.

 

[Winman]

Interesting article Winman, thanks for sharing.

That was one of the links Bob listed in the OP, I just thought it very well written and very accurate to the arguments we see from many Cals/Ref here at BB.

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

That was one of the links Bob listed in the OP, I just thought it very well written and very accurate to the arguments we see from many Cals/Ref here at BB.

I think you already dropped the other shoe in your preceding post.

 

[Iconoclast]

Interesting article Winman, thanks for sharing.

Good article Winman...:thumbs: Calvinists who have a biblical balance can spot ...hyper calvinist thought when they see it.
to be honest....arminians cannot see it as readily [Some can, if well read] but mostly arminian persons recoil when they read elect, or foreknow,etc
because calvinism is scriptural.....and logical......some go to far on the logic side of it and depart from the scriptural base needed to see that men are fully responsible...and God has ordained the ends, and the means......

the hyper calvinist does what the arminian frequently does.....depart from scripture and turn to human reasoning and philosophy... rather than stay inside the protection of the scripture ,once for all given to the saints.
this caution is contained in the 1689 conf;
7._____ The doctrine of the high mystery of predestination is to be handled with special prudence and care, that men attending the will of God revealed in his Word, and yielding obedience thereunto, may, from the certainty of their effectual vocation, be assured of their eternal election; so shall this doctrine afford matter of praise, reverence, and admiration of God, and of humility, diligence, and abundant consolation to all that sincerely obey the gospel.
( 1 Thessalonians 1:4, 5; 2 Peter 1:10; Ephesians 1:6; Romans 11:33; Romans 11:5, 6, 20; Luke 10:20 )

 

[preacher4truth]

Good article Winman...:thumbs:

I especially liked the "arminianism is all doors no house" quote.


This link calls Arminianism a "heresy" I totally disagree with this premise and this link needs to be looked at by the mods.

To quote:

"...Gill’s Hyper-Calvinist work focused on dismantling the heresy of Arminianism, the opposite extreme on the theological spectrum."

The arminians who posted this link obviously didn't pay attention to this portion of the link.

I disagree that Arminianism is heresy.

 

[Winman]

Good article Winman...:thumbs:

OK, I will repeat myself, that article was originally listed in the OP by Bob, I copied and pasted the link he (Bob) provided in my post. I simply think it a very well written and very accurate article. I don't expect you to agree for the very reason the author expresses, Hyper-Calvinists tend to deny or ignore any scripture (or argument from scripture) that refutes their view.

 

[Iconoclast]

OK, I will repeat myself, that article was originally listed in the OP by Bob, I copied and pasted the link he (Bob) provided in my post. I simply think it a very well written and very accurate article. I don't expect you to agree for the very reason the author expresses, Hyper-Calvinists tend to deny or ignore any scripture (or argument from scripture) that refutes their view.

Winman,

I was just happy to see you read something solid:thumbs::laugh:

I am glad BoB posted it...just looked quick...will look at the other links in detail later on,and respond more.
All error needs to be opposed. if you see what you think is error by all means offer scriptural correction......i will keep an eye on your posts also:thumbs:

 

[Iconoclast]

I especially liked the "arminianism is all doors no house" quote.


This link calls Arminianism a "heresy" I totally disagree with this premise and this link needs to be looked at by the mods.

To quote:

"...Gill’s Hyper-Calvinist work focused on dismantling the heresy of Arminianism, the opposite extreme on the theological spectrum."

The arminians who posted this link obviously didn't pay attention to this portion of the link.

I disagree that Arminianism is heresy.

Some have seen it that way P4TRUTH,
here are some links that look into it....
http://www.all-of-grace.org/pub/pribble/damnable.html
http://www.apuritansmind.com/arminianism/Arminianism.htm
http://www.outsidethecamp.org/heresyarmin.htm

 

[Winman]

Winman,

I was just happy to see you read something solid:thumbs::laugh:

I am glad BoB posted it...just looked quick...will look at the other links in detail later on,and respond more.
All error needs to be opposed. if you see what you think is error by all means offer scriptural correction......i will keep an eye on your posts also:thumbs:

Well, like Paul Newman said in Cool Hand Luke after the warden beat him over the head, and then explained to the other convicts that he did it for Luke's own good,

"I wish you didn't care about me so much boss!"

I have been showing scripture for nearly two years that I believe clearly refutes Calvinism, haven't you noticed?

I have never been big on reading theologians, I have owned one commentary in my life, Matthew Henry, and that was a gift. I used to read it some, but I misplaced it about 20 years ago and have never been able to find it. I have moved several times in those years, maybe it is packed away in a box somewhere.

Since coming to BB and debating Calvinists I have read many articles, MOSTLY written by Calvinists. You will get angry, but it is these articles written by Calvinists that provide me with much ammunition to debate against it.

I will say this, according to those articles, most Calvinists here are Hypers. I see the over-emphasis of God's sovereignty and the minimalization of man's responsibility often here.

 

[Dr. Bob]

Most calvinists on the BB are "hyper"? There are terms to describe something as false and erroneous and as egregious slander . . but am amazed that any would willingly state such openly.

Sorry that elevating salvation to GOD'S work alone and standing up for HIS sovereignty is so offensive to some.

Reminder: This subject is fraught with more heat than light and while we might deperately like to use it, words like "heresy" are not allowed (unless dealing with a "heresy" acknowledged by the Church (like Arian or Pelagian or Mormon or such).