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Christians and the perception of others
- Thread starter JonC
- Start date
Yes.
Yes. It is loaded. I lean towards one view and I want to see how one (not all) theological positions are preceived by those who do not hold that view.
Perhaps later I will have a thread about other positions. But I find asking about how others view Calvinism as taboo is telling in itself.
37818
Well-Known Member
Calvinism proports to be the Biblical teaching. While I do not agree Calvinism I find Calvinism has some real Biblical roots.
I do as well. But that is not my intent here.
I am asking how many believe that Calvinists are more hateful towards people.
I know the question is general and subjective, but that is the point.
My experience with Calvinists is that some are very loving (exhibiting the Spirit in their lives) and others are hateful (exhibiting the fruit of the "spiritually dead" in their lives).
I am wondering how others have fared.
Full disclaimer
What I am looking at is how Calvinists perceive themselves, how they are preceived, and to what extent they will defend people based on theirv"Calvinism".
We could argue this about any view, but that is not my purpose at this time.
The most godley person I ever met was a pentecostal woman with horrible theology. The most hate filled man I have ever encountered was a Reformed Baptist.
What I am looking at is how Calvinists perceive themselves, how they are preceived, and to what extent they will defend people based on theirv"Calvinism".
We could argue this about any view, but that is not my purpose at this time.
The most godley person I ever met was a pentecostal woman with horrible theology. The most hate filled man I have ever encountered was a Reformed Baptist.
alexander284
Well-Known Member
I would not use the word "hateful" in referring to select Calvinists I have personally encountered in my lifetime, but I might venture to say I have met some who may fit the description of "self-righteous."
Of course, one could argue that this is true of many "Christians," regardless of theology.
Of course, one could argue that this is true of many "Christians," regardless of theology.
I haven’t met enough Calvinists IRL to make a sweeping judgement like that.
The ones on this forum don’t seem any more or less hateful.
It is not a sweeping judgment, I am just wondering about experiences.
Some of my best friends are Calvinists to include professors. There are a wide range of people because we are all different.
I was trying to see how things are perceived.
alexander284
Well-Known Member
Well, I was a Calvinist for years. I don't hang out with hateful people.That's a great line. "Some of my best friends are Calvinists ..."
I think part of the issue is Calvinism is so precise. The Calvinist has an answer (right or wrong) where sometimes the non Calvinist doesn't (perhaps they believe the question itself invalid).
Particular
Well-Known Member
I suspect Calvinist's are perceived as less loving. The reason is that humans love to think they have full control over their lives and they gnash their teeth at anyone who says they don't have full control. Rather than allow God's word to speak truth, the natural reaction is to call a bearer of the message (that God chooses, you don't) unloving and prideful.
It is ironic, because the seed of pride is the idea that humans control their own destiny.
Roman Catholic synergists have spent 1500 years wanting to eradicate Reformed monergists. The claims that Reformed monergists are unloving is nothing new. Synergists demand they hold the reins. Monergists insist the reins cannot be held by humans and result in salvation. When synergists have no biblical argument, they claim the monergist is unloving. I take the claims for what they are...a desperate response to win social support when they have little to no biblical support.
It is ironic, because the seed of pride is the idea that humans control their own destiny.
Roman Catholic synergists have spent 1500 years wanting to eradicate Reformed monergists. The claims that Reformed monergists are unloving is nothing new. Synergists demand they hold the reins. Monergists insist the reins cannot be held by humans and result in salvation. When synergists have no biblical argument, they claim the monergist is unloving. I take the claims for what they are...a desperate response to win social support when they have little to no biblical support.
I attend a church that promotes a ‘free grace’ theology so you might think that Calvinists might be frowned upon, yet our family pastor leans towards Calvinist doctrine and the video we are currently watching in adult Sunday school is taught by DA Carson.
I think that Calvinism draws out a more aggressive group, those that are prone to a black and white approach to doctrine.
But over time the Spirit can work with any Christian to soften them.
Rob
I think that Calvinism draws out a more aggressive group, those that are prone to a black and white approach to doctrine.
But over time the Spirit can work with any Christian to soften them.
Rob
Particular
Well-Known Member
Of course, over time, the devil can work on hearts to cause them to imagine they have control over their salvation and thus get the believer to be self-centered on their own works as a means of salvation or maintenance of salvation.
Sigh you don't gave a clue what the reason is. If you did you would fall on your knees and repent.
RighteousnessTemperance&
Well-Known Member
No, but some come across as more prideful, the very thing they often accuse others of. Oh, the irony.
OK... the most Hypocritical People are today’s Evangelicals