Reformed Fundamentalism

I may not completely agree with article (or I may ), but I thought it interesting.

“The most common symptom of a cage-stage [Calvinist] is the complete disregard for kindness—as though it were not a fruit of the Spirit. Humility, gentleness, love, and patience are not luxuries. They aren’t something we pursue if we have time—they are marks of discipleship with the risen Lord. Jesus commands us to love our neighbors—Calvinist, Arminian, or atheist—as ourselves. Always.”

Calvinists: The Worst of White People

 

Thank you.

It is important to consider the views of other Christians. Many times those outside of our circles see what those inside cannot (even if we disagree with their conclusions).

That Calvinists are viewed as arrogant and unkind (often as religious bigots) by many outside of Calvinism is not in dispute. But the description is typically noted in a paticular segment of Calvinists.

As you note, we should ask why. Why are the fruits of some Calvinists so ungodly while other Calvinists are Christ-like? Why is the reputation of Calvinists determined by the worst of that sect?

Anyway, thanks for the reply. I agree - article is edifying. I was worried it would be beyond the grasp of some here as a few tend to be extremely "campish" and intolerant of any criticism of their sect.

In what ways do you believe Calvinists can help repair this reputation? What makes the "cage stage" the way they are?

My solution is an emphisis on pastoral in seminaries. But this only takes care of the ministry. Often, it seems, the problem is within the laity.

 

Yes, Calvinists have identified the issue (your acknowledgement is odd as you suggested it was only in my mind).

On another thread I mentioned those like John Piper addressing the issue (John Piper is a Calvinist).

Re-read what you posted, @Iconoclast , and ask yourself where it stacks up to the quote:

“The most common symptom of a cage-stage [Calvinist] is the complete disregard for kindness—as though it were not a fruit of the Spirit. Humility, gentleness, love, and patience are not luxuries. They aren’t something we pursue if we have time—they are marks of discipleship with the risen Lord. Jesus commands us to love our neighbors—Calvinist, Arminian, or atheist—as ourselves. Always.”

You have assumed that I am somehow "anti-Calvinistic", that for reasons you only imagine I do not understand Calvinism, etc. Why the assumptions?

I propose it is because I have pointed out a problem (a well known problem) and asked how we got here. I say "we" because the areas we disagree are not in the points of Calvinism.

You and I share a common view in Calvinism (we both affirm the 5 points, we both affirm the "doctrines of grace") but we disagree on other theological issues.

Why does your belief not yield charity? Why does it produce hostility?

When I was in your shoes it was because I was dogmatic about Christian philosophies over that of Christian truth. I have reexamined that in my life

I suspect it is the same with you. You ignore that we belong to the same "camp" in terms of the 5 points in a sort of blinded defense. But what about the gospel? Is this how Christians act towards each other?

That is the question of the thread. What good us your faith if it does not produce a more godly you?

 

I may be getting old but I'm not that old. You have a very vivid imagination, @Iconoclast . In the future please leave me out of your creative recollections.

I am trying to be charitable while discussing topics that interest me. While you may have been inventive to get a rise out of me, false claims can actually be a stumbling block to me. Let's keep the discussion honest, OK? Pretend your actions matter because they do.

I never claimed the Baptist Board slienced anyone, much less thanked them for it.

In the interest of honesty, let's put our cards on the table -

1. I affirm the 5 points of Calvinism (the doctrines of grace). It is offensive for you to claim otherwise simply because we disagree on another topic.

2. I understand Calvinism (I studied it at a graduate level probably longer than you have been Reformed). This includes historic Calvinism and the 5 points. You do not know what I understand and what I do not understand - nor I you.

3. This thread is not about Calvinism but about a segment of Calvinists. Stop pretending any critique is an assault on the whole.

 

I can help - I never thanked the Baptist Board for silencing anyone. I do not know where or how you got that idea. I really do not even know how that was supposed to look.

Perhaps you think inventing disagreements is clever, but it is the type of ungodly behavior to which I alluded before. Engage the topic if you choose, but stop with the false accusations. There is no place on a Christian forum for that type of behavior. We are all in the same "Christian" camp.

On your more honest (I think) question - I do not know why no one can access my posts. I assumed all you would have to do is click on my profile. I click on people's profile and then on "recent activity" or "posts". @Squire Robertsson or @rsr , can you help out on this one?

 

Do you have a reference?

I've heard R.C. Sproul also use the phrase and did not know James White came up with it.

 

It was preordained.