RipponRedeaux
Well-Known Member
I have before me six well-appreciated books. Three of them are by Baptists. But a number of Baptists enjoy and profit from some non-Baptist works. We cross denominational lines when the doctrine over all is biblically sound. "In the main" is what Spurgeon said with respect to the works of Calvin. Do you agree with Calvin's theology? "In the main, I do."
It is my supposition that an open-minded individual should read widely among classical works by Christians. I had said on another thread that an honest non-Calvinist would agree with at least 75% of the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith. Instead of hurling abuse and calling books by the Reformed "Calvinistic fiction" --a person should demonstrate a degree of integrity and diligently read works by Calvinists to see whether or not their bias is blinding them. I don't mean that people need to spend an inordinate amount of time --just devote some quality time to some prominent Calvinistic authors.
I challenge the non-Calvinists out there to take me up on an offer. You don't have to spend a dime. Go to your local library and get an inter-library loan to secure some of the following books. Who knows? Maybe your own non-Calvinistic church has some of them in your library. Stranger things have happened.
Grace Abounding To The Chief Of Sinners by John Bunyan.
Comfort For Christians by Arthur W. Pink.
Morning By Morning by C.H. Spurgeon
Out Of The Depths by D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
Knowing God by J.I. Packer
Devotions And Prayers Of John Calvin
The shortest books in this list are the ones by A.W. Pink, D-M-L-J, and John Calvin.
I suspect that if anyone dares to accept the challenge and reads one of the six items a certain conclusion will occur. You will exclaim that what you read was edifying and didn't really sound "Calvinistic" after all. You might even give a mighty endorsement.
It is my supposition that an open-minded individual should read widely among classical works by Christians. I had said on another thread that an honest non-Calvinist would agree with at least 75% of the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith. Instead of hurling abuse and calling books by the Reformed "Calvinistic fiction" --a person should demonstrate a degree of integrity and diligently read works by Calvinists to see whether or not their bias is blinding them. I don't mean that people need to spend an inordinate amount of time --just devote some quality time to some prominent Calvinistic authors.
I challenge the non-Calvinists out there to take me up on an offer. You don't have to spend a dime. Go to your local library and get an inter-library loan to secure some of the following books. Who knows? Maybe your own non-Calvinistic church has some of them in your library. Stranger things have happened.
Grace Abounding To The Chief Of Sinners by John Bunyan.
Comfort For Christians by Arthur W. Pink.
Morning By Morning by C.H. Spurgeon
Out Of The Depths by D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
Knowing God by J.I. Packer
Devotions And Prayers Of John Calvin
The shortest books in this list are the ones by A.W. Pink, D-M-L-J, and John Calvin.
I suspect that if anyone dares to accept the challenge and reads one of the six items a certain conclusion will occur. You will exclaim that what you read was edifying and didn't really sound "Calvinistic" after all. You might even give a mighty endorsement.
