Erwin W. Lutzer Is A Calvinist

[Rippon]

Someone was saying on a thread now closed that Dr. Lutzer wasn't a Calvinist. I find that not credible. Have you heard of James White's wonderful book called The Potter's Freedom? It is thoroughly Calvinistic. It has 25 endorsements from well-known Calvinist scholars,authors and preachers. No Arminian would dare endorse this book! It runs entirely against their theology/philosophy.

Here is what Dr. Lutzer said: "Many of us,who have otherwise profited from the writings of Dr. Norman Geisler,have been grieved by his hapless attempt to harmonize Calvinism and Arminianism. With the skill of a surgeon,Dr. James R. White dissects Geisler's arguments and reveals them to be based on convoluted thinking,inconsistencies,and misinterpretations of Scripture. I pray that this book shall have a wide audience,not just a definitive rebuttal to Geisler,but also as a helpful exposition of the Calvinism/Arminianism debate."

 

[preacher4truth]

Someone was saying on a thread now closed that Dr. Lutzer wasn't a Calvinist. I find that not credible. Have you heard of James White's wonderful book called The Potter's Freedom? It is thoroughly Calvinistic. It has 25 endorsements from well-known Calvinist scholars,authors and preachers. No Arminian would dare endorse this book! It runs entirely against their theology/philosophy.

Here is what Dr. Lutzer said: "Many of us,who have otherwise profited from the writings of Dr. Norman Geisler,have been grieved by his hapless attempt to harmonize Calvinism and Arminianism. With the skill of a surgeon,Dr. James R. White dissects Geisler's arguments and reveals them to be based on convoluted thinking,inconsistencies,and misinterpretations of Scripture. I pray that this book shall have a wide audience,not just a definitive rebuttal to Geisler,but also as a helpful exposition of the Calvinism/Arminianism debate."

I've read several things showing Dr. Erwin Lutzer to be a calvinist.

I've been listening to him for well over a year now, and never once had I ever considered if he were "calvinist." I simply enjoy his insights. Only recently has this been brought up somewhere, and have I discovered that he is a "Calvinist." This man preaches some evangelistic messages, and recently about the blood of Christ alone that saves, urging men to believe.

Of the preachers I listen to, they include Swindoll (reluctanly often) Dr. Michael Youseff, Dr. Charles Stanley, Alistair Begg, Dr. Ravi Zacharias, Ron Moore, Dr. Tony Evans, Dr. Jack Graham, Chip Ingraham, J. Vernon McGee, James MacDonald, Dr. John MacArthur Jr, of course Dr. Erwin Lutzer, Dr. Adrian Rodgers, I enjoy Dr. D. James Kennedy, and R.C. Sproul (though I disagree with the paedobaptism and their eschatology) and many more. Keep in mind I've listened to some of these for years as an IFB pastor and never once considered their theological position.

A couple or so among the above I don't really get a whole lot out of, as they raise more questions in my mind than that I think they actually exegete Scriptures concisely. But this is also helpful in my learning and study.

I find many above to be very scholarly, and some overly simplistic, and full of illustrations, quaint quips, matching points that become ad nauseum, compared to (versus) good theological exegesis.

Quantumfaith, you've asked on a now closed thread if I only listen to Calvinist (reformed) preaching. Not at all. I don't seek out preachers by their theological stance. There are many preachers I listen to, and honestly cannot tell you what their individual theologies are, whether reformed, or other.

- Peace

 

[Tom Bryant]

I've read several things showing Dr. Erwin Lutzer to be a calvinist.

I've been listening to him for well over a year now, and never once had I ever considered if he were "calvinist." I simply enjoy his insights. Only recently has this been brought up somewhere, and have I discovered that he is a "Calvinist." This man preaches some evangelistic messages, and recently about the blood of Christ alone that saves, urging men to believe.

Of the preachers I listen to, they include Swindoll (reluctanly often) Dr. Michael Youseff, Dr. Charles Stanley, Alistair Begg, Dr. Ravi Zacharias, Ron Moore, Dr. Tony Evans, Dr. Jack Graham, Chip Ingraham, J. Vernon McGee, James MacDonald, Dr. John MacArthur Jr, of course Dr. Erwin Lutzer, Dr. Adrian Rodgers, I enjoy Dr. D. James Kennedy, and R.C. Sproul (though I disagree with the paedobaptism and their eschatology) and many more. Keep in mind I've listened to some of these for years as an IFB pastor and never once considered their theological position.

A couple or so among the above I don't really get a whole lot out of, as they raise more questions in my mind than that I think they actually exegete Scriptures concisely. But this is also helpful in my learning and study.

I find many above to be very scholarly, and some overly simplistic, and full of illustrations, quaint quips, matching points that become ad nauseum, compared to good theological exegesis.

Quantumfaith, you've asked on a now closed thread if I only listen to Calvinist (reformed) preaching. Not at all. I don't seek out preachers by their theological stance. There are many preachers I listen to, and honestly cannot tell you what their individual theologies are, whether reformed, or other.

- Peace

That's the way I am in who I listen to. The ones I stay away from usually are the ones who have a hobby horse and ride it constantly.

I have gotten some wonderful truth from God's Word from some very different sources, even from those I differ with greatly.

 

[quantumfaith]

Yes, Ravi, is a perennial favorite of mine. I also like listening to William Lane Craig debates and Peter Kreeft.

 

[Rippon]

Yes, Ravi, is a perennial favorite of mine. I also like listening to William Lane Craig debates and Peter Kreeft.

Do you also enjoy listening to any Calvinists?

 

[quantumfaith]

Actually, I don't "listen" much to anyone, just whoever might be on the radio when traveling. But I do read (often sporadically) I do like NT Wright and John Polkinghorne. I know NT Wright is Reformed, I only assume that Polkinghorne is also. Obviously, I like Geisler, which I know the reformed community somewhat excludes him. I like Kreeft (Catholic) he was reformed prior to becoming catholic. Not sure if Kenneth Keathley is considered reformed, loved his book Salvation and Sovereignty. I like Christopher JH Wright, not entirely sure where he comes down. I do want to read Rob Bells controversial recent book (before I migh cast any dispersions on it). I met a devout calvinist on Facebook through discussions, we became "good" friends and I currently support him financially as a missionary in Albania (doe that count? )

 

[Rippon]

Actually, I don't "listen" much to anyone, just whoever might be on the radio when traveling. But I do read (often sporadically) I do like NT Wright and John Polkinghorne. I know NT Wright is Reformed, I only assume that Polkinghorne is also. Obviously, I like Geisler, which I know the reformed community somewhat excludes him. I like Kreeft (Catholic) he was reformed prior to becoming catholic. Not sure if Kenneth Keathley is considered reformed, loved his book Salvation and Sovereignty. I like Christopher JH Wright, not entirely sure where he comes down. I do want to read Rob Bells controversial recent book (before I migh cast any dispersions on it). I met a devout calvinist on Facebook through discussions, we became "good" friends and I currently support him financially as a missionary in Albania (doe that count? )

I'm in a bit of a rush.

It's not that the Reformed community has excluded Geisler --it's that Geisler calls himself a "moderate Calvinist" while going along the lines of a semi-Pelagian/Arminian. He's being dishonest.

Rob Bell is in no way,shape or form a Calvinist!

 

[quantumfaith]

I'm in a bit of a rush.

It's not that the Reformed community has excluded Geisler --it's that Geisler calls himself a "moderate Calvinist" while going along the lines of a semi-Pelagian/Arminian. He's being dishonest.

Rob Bell is in no way,shape or form a Calvinist!

Bell, was not a calvinist, prior to the release of his "book"?

 

[Rippon]

Bell, was not a calvinist, prior to the release of his "book"?

His latest? He wasn't a Calvinist before he released Velvet Elvis in 2005. His doctrines don't even come up to the level of classical Arminianism,much less Calvinism.

 

[J.D.]

Lutzer is a Calvinist. He wrote a book a while back in which he pretty much laid it out in the open. I didn't read the book but I read a review by a disgruntled non-C who opined over it. And I've heard him on the radio flatly say that he believes in the Doctrines of Grace as expressed in the Reformed schools of theology.

Doctrinally he is much the same as John MacArthur - Calvininist Dispy.

Hear is a question for the trivia buffs: Lutzer is pastor of Moody Church. What denomination was Moody originally assoicated with?

 

[quantumfaith]

His latest? He wasn't a Calvinist before he released Velvet Elvis in 2005. His doctrines don't even come up to the level of classical Arminianism,much less Calvinism.

Shows I don't know much about Bell, I "thought" he was a well respected reformer. I mean NOTHING derogatory.

 

[JesusFan]

Shows I don't know much about Bell, I "thought" he was a well respected reformer. I mean NOTHING derogatory.

isn't he part of the 'Emergent Church?"

that has Universalism tauhgt now?

WHATEVER he once was, NOT that anymore!

 

[J.D.]

isn't he part of the 'Emergent Church?"

that has Universalism tauhgt now?

WHATEVER he once was, NOT that anymore!

He (Bell) never was a Calvinist, not even close to it. It seems that anyone with new-fangled ideas (which are just old heresies recycled) receive the title "Reformer" these days.

 

[quantumfaith]

He (Bell) never was a Calvinist, not even close to it. It seems that anyone with new-fangled ideas (which are just old heresies recycled) receive the title "Reformer" these days.

JD,

I was not trying to imply or assert that "oddballs" are by necessity reformers. I had my impression through some internet articles I had read, dont' know which ones, just remember that they left me with the impression that he was at one time in the reformer camp, but now no longer. I am not trying to denigrate reformers in any way.

I do plan to read his controversial book to see and know for myself just what exactly all of the "hullabaloo" is.

 

[quantumfaith]

isn't he part of the 'Emergent Church?"

that has Universalism tauhgt now?

WHATEVER he once was, NOT that anymore!

I have often heard that term, Emergent Church. Not quite sure what that means. Do you have any clarity on what it is exactly? I ask, because I do attend a Contemp Church, and would like to know if it is considered "Emergent".

 

[JesusFan]

I have often heard that term, Emergent Church. Not quite sure what that means. Do you have any clarity on what it is exactly? I ask, because I do attend a Contemp Church, and would like to know if it is considered "Emergent".

based upon what I have read and heard about them..
claims to be taking the word of God/Gospel/Jesus in a "fresh new way" to todays culture

say that the Church needs to adapt and recoin vocab in order to have current generation "get it"

Like a Christian 'repackaging" to meet/fit needs of today society

problems arise though, as when they "redo' the vocab, include things like Universalism and "soften stances" on jusy what is considered as sinful behaviors!

try to make Jesus and Gospel more Paletable for today by "redoing" some truths, and NOT in a good way!

 

[preacher4truth]

based upon what I have read and heard about them..
claims to be taking the word of God/Gospel/Jesus in a "fresh new way" to todays culture

saythat the Church needs to adapt and recoin vocab in order to have current generation "get it"

Like a Christian 'repackaging" to meet/fit needs of today society

problems arise though, as when they "redo' the vocab, include things like Universalism and "soften stances" on jusy what is considered as sinful behaviors!

Brian Maclaren, concerning "Emergent" church (not "emerging") says that he and his wife became angry listening to preachers on the radio dogmatically preaching the Word, saying basically that no one can really know what it means. This ticks them off. Wonder who it was preaching? What an indictment to throw at a preacher.

Then we have Mark Driscoll who I believe to be "Emerging" which is different, and they are very socially involved, evangelsitic, he is also reformed in beliefs, and probably uses a few more "words" in his vocabulary in the pulpit than we do. They also have brewery classes at his church.

I'd certainly attend Marks church sooner that Brians if given one of two options. Attend, not join.

Rob Bell is I believe an open-theist, universalist, with other erroneous views.

- Peace

 

[quantumfaith]

based upon what I have read and heard about them..
claims to be taking the word of God/Gospel/Jesus in a "fresh new way" to todays culture

say that the Church needs to adapt and recoin vocab in order to have current generation "get it"

Like a Christian 'repackaging" to meet/fit needs of today society

problems arise though, as when they "redo' the vocab, include things like Universalism and "soften stances" on jusy what is considered as sinful behaviors!

try to make Jesus and Gospel more Paletable for today by "redoing" some truths, and NOT in a good way!

You are welcome to poke around. I go to Wiregrasschurch.com. A Andy Stanley satellite campus church. We are very contemporary, socially active to a degree, through small groups. I know for a fact our membership comes from all over the "theologic landscape". I would say with confidence, the majority of the membership is Non-Cal, however, my golfing buddy and small group partner is very much reformed.

 

[JesusFan]

You are welcome to poke around. I go to Wiregrasschurch.com. A Andy Stanley satellite campus church. We are very contemporary, socially active to a degree, through small groups. I know for a fact our membership comes from all over the "theologic landscape". I would say with confidence, the majority of the membership is Non-Cal, however, my golfing buddy and small group partner is very much reformed.

I have NO problem with your Church from what you describe, you do mean Charles Son . correct?

I mainly refer to groups ike "seeker' churches that try so hard to make Gospel and jesus agrreable, that tends to end up watering down the full message of God!

 

[quantumfaith]

I have NO problem with your Church from what you describe, you do mean Charles Son . correct?

I mainly refer to groups ike "seeker' churches that try so hard to make Gospel and jesus agrreable, that tends to end up watering down the full message of God!

Yes, Andy is the son of Charles Stanley. There are three large campuses in the Atlanta area, We are the largest satellite out of the Atlanta area. We average approximately 900 or so each Sunday. BTW, I teach a class for "seekers" called Starting Point. It is designed for those who have little or no exposure to Christianity, and/or for those who have been away from Church for a long time. It simply addresses the major themes/doctrines of scripture and Christianity.