I think that we are often hard on the group of people to which we belong because we have an intimate knowledge of that group and see the issues associated therein. I typically associate with a Calvinistic minded segment when the topic tends towards soteriological predestination within Christian philosophy because this segment most represents my view (I’d lean towards Edwards on the issue, which would make me a bit left of center).
What I’ve noticed, both in the “real world” and on the Baptist Board is the extent to which Calvinists would comprise a group Scripture defines as “false prophets” or “false teachers” based not necessarily on their teachings but on their fruit. I am sure this is true of other camps and subgroups as well.
This does not mean these people are not saved. I have been guilty of producing poor fruit when it comes to interactions on this board and in other life situations. Christians are disciples who are on the journey of sanctification. Scripture reminds us of an ever-present need for repentance and belief.
But when the fruit betrays a disease in the plant that condition must be address appropriately. As John Owens wrote, “Be killing sin or it will be killing you.”
Francis Chan wrote that when we “submit to the leading and guidance of the Holy Spirit, He helps us become more holy—more like Jesus. It is a lifelong journey of putting our flesh to death, or as Paul puts it in Galatians 5, of walking by the Spirit and not gratifying the desires of the flesh. We cannot live submitted to the Spirit and at the same time gratify the flesh because these two “are opposed to each other” (Gal. 5:17). The works of the flesh are things like strife, fits of anger, dissensions, and idolatry. The works of the Spirit are things like love, self-control, joy, and faithfulness.”
Is this the effect of your position? When I look at Calvinism “on the ground” (rather than from academia) it is apparent to me that Calvinists have in a large part earned the reputation as hateful, prideful, and arrogant. But why does the doctrine produce such fruit?
As a whole are we a more loving people than non-Christians? Are we more forgiving to others? Are we more just a people? More peaceful?
(Reference: Chan, Francis. Forgotten God: Reversing Our Tragic Neglect of the Holy Spirit; John Owens, The Mortification of Sin; Galatians 5:22-26; Matthew 7:15-16 ; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 )
