If a Calvinist Preached on the Gospel from your Pulpit

There were an estimated 4,000,000 slaves in 1860. The type of slavery practiced in the United States was chattel slavery; where slaves were deemed as property (see Dred Scott v. John F.A. Sandford). All the other issues such as the abuse of the Northern states, Southern economy, worldwide practice; these in no way justified man-stealing. Over 600,000 Americans were killed during the Civil War. The Southern economy was destroyed. There was never national repentance over that great sin, just as there is no national repentance over the sin of infanticide (abortion).

 

That is as it should be.

 

This is going to be my last post in this thread on the topic of slavery.

So, what is your point? It seems like you are trying to cushion the impact chattel slavery had on this nation. It should be condemned without any qualifying statement.

Anyway, I will not discuss this topic further in this thread.

 

Then you misunderstand me. I am not advocating any type of apology or reconciliation, just a recognition that some of our theological heroes come with baggage. I am sure some of my own favorite characters from history have their own skeletons in their closets. It is helpful to know these things because it allows us to see what the person was like warts and all. Does Spurgeon have ghosts from his past? Bunyan? Gill? I do not know. I am not particularly worried about it but it helps to know.

I read an online article once about why the P.C.A. was having a difficult time attracting black members. There was one black gentleman who was quoted as saying (and I paraphrase), "Did you ever think the systemic racism of 19th Century Presbyterians is reason enough for blacks to feel unwelcome?" The man had a point. So, if I am a fan of Dabney, I may want to know more about the man than just his theological writings. After all, is his written theology in sync with the way he lived his life?

 

I brought slavery up when talking about some historical figures who were mentioned. I regret doing that as I derailed my own thread.

 

As this thread is about to be closed, let me offer some concluding thoughts. If a Calvinist preacher were to proclaim the Gospel from your pulpit this Lords day you would hear that Gospel boldly proclaimed. I am referring to a sound, biblical preacher; one who confesses that the Bible is the sole authority for all matters of faith and practice. You may not agree with his Monergist theology, but you will be hard-pressed to find any fault with his message, so long as that message is steeped in God's word. And there is the key, for it is not because it is not anything special that the preacher possesses, but rather it is the power of the Gospel itself when proclaimed in power and truth.