What is your definition of a Calvinist?

[Salty]

1) How would you define a Calvinist in 25 words or less?

2) The term "TULIP" defines a Calvinist - If so, do you have to believe all five to be
considered a Calvinist?
Calvinism - Wikipedia

3) What is the difference between a Calvinist and a hyper-calvinist?

 

[JonC]

As a Baptist, I would define Calvinism according to the 5 points. This is not "historic Calvinism", but it is usually what we ate talking about. I would include Penal Substitution Theory as this is the basic context of the 5 points.

You don't have to hold all 5 points to be a Calvinist, but you do if you want to be a consistent Calvinist.

Hyper-Calvinism are those doctrines that logically come out of Calvinism (like witnessing only out of obedience to God's command, not witnessing at all, considering God the ultimate cause of sin, etc.).

 

[canadyjd]

I believe scripture teaches salvation is a work of God from the moment I desire to seek God until He brings me to heaven.

Hyper-Calvinists believe faith is not necessary for salvation. If a person is elect, they are already saved. That is not biblical.

peace to you

 

[Reynolds]

1) How would you define a Calvinist in 25 words or less?

2) The term "TULIP" defines a Calvinist - If so, do you have to believe all five to be
considered a Calvinist?
Calvinism - Wikipedia

3) What is the difference between a Calvinist and a hyper-calvinist?

A person who believes ALL 5 points of TULIP is a Calvinist.

 

[AustinC]

Calvinist:
Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Paul and Peter.

 

[DaveXR650]

I would say Calvinism is the system of theology mostly based on the work of Calvin (obviously) to differentiate and separate from Roman Catholicism using scripture and philosophy. It was most notably practiced by and further developed into a system by the Puritans.
The TULIP is a good working way of identifying those who are Calvinists and it should be mentioned that the modern YRR type of Calvinist has almost no knowledge of Calvinism beyond the TULIP but they do have a well developed debate system set up to defend the TULIP points.
A hyper-Calvinist is anyone more Calvinistic than me. I have noticed that in the past few years non-Calvinists have come up with better and more sophisticated arguments against Calvinism. It sort of reminds me of UFC, where if you watched if over the years Brazilian Jujitsu appeared and seemed unbeatable until wrestlers figured it out and boxers learned how to wrestle. I personally think Calvinism as a popular "in" movement in Christian circles is on it's way out. The counter arguments against it are getting better, and the ones who really practiced it, the Puritans, were far too rigorous for modern men. Their level of self judging and introspection and their constantly bumping up of the requirements for a Christian do not fit modern life very well. And I say that even though they benefited me greatly going all the way back to when I picked up a copy of Jerry Bridges "The Pursuit of Holiness" back when I was still in college. (It was based loosely on Owen's writings on sin).

 

[JonC]

I would say Calvinism is the system of theology mostly based on the work of Calvin (obviously) to differentiate and separate from Roman Catholicism using scripture and philosophy. It was most notably practiced by and further developed into a system by the Puritans.
The TULIP is a good working way of identifying those who are Calvinists and it should be mentioned that the modern YRR type of Calvinist has almost no knowledge of Calvinism beyond the TULIP but they do have a well developed debate system set up to defend the TULIP points.
A hyper-Calvinist is anyone more Calvinistic than me. I have noticed that in the past few years non-Calvinists have come up with better and more sophisticated arguments against Calvinism. It sort of reminds me of UFC, where if you watched if over the years Brazilian Jujitsu appeared and seemed unbeatable until wrestlers figured it out and boxers learned how to wrestle. I personally think Calvinism as a popular "in" movement in Christian circles is on it's way out. The counter arguments against it are getting better, and the ones who really practiced it, the Puritans, were far too rigorous for modern men. Their level of self judging and introspection and their constantly bumping up of the requirements for a Christian do not fit modern life very well. And I say that even though they benefited me greatly going all the way back to when I picked up a copy of Jerry Bridges "The Pursuit of Holiness" back when I was still in college. (It was based loosely on Owen's writings on sin).

I disagree about Calvinism being developed by the Puritians (I think it rests primarily with Beza and then with the Arminian issue). The Puritians were seeking to reform the Church of England. They were influenced by the Scottish Presbyterians.

 

[DaveXR650]

Jon. You might be right but I took it that Salty was asking in terms of the common use we make of terms today. The fact it when there is a question about the particulars of Calvinism on this site and everywhere else everyone refers to the WFC. And the Puritans were heavily represented in writing that. Also, when debating Arminian philosophy Owen and Edwards are usually sited. (And I know some people don't count Edwards as a true Puritan).

 

[JonC]

Jon. You might be right but I took it that Salty was asking in terms of the common use we make of terms today. The fact it when there is a question about the particulars of Calvinism on this site and everywhere else everyone refers to the WFC. And the Puritans were heavily represented in writing that. Also, when debating Arminian philosophy Owen and Edwards are usually sited. (And I know some people don't count Edwards as a true Puritan).

Jonathan Edwards?

 

[kyredneck]

Jonathan Edwards?

Uneasy?

 

[canadyjd]

1) How would you define a Calvinist in 25 words or less?

I would say Calvinism is the system of theology mostly based on the work of Calvin (obviously) to differentiate and separate from Roman Catholicism using scripture and philosophy. It was most notably practiced by and further developed into a system by the Puritans.
The TULIP is a good working way of identifying those who are Calvinists and it should be mentioned that the modern YRR type of Calvinist has almost no knowledge of Calvinism beyond the TULIP but they do have a well developed debate system set up to defend the TULIP points.
A hyper-Calvinist is anyone more Calvinistic than me. I have noticed that in the past few years non-Calvinists have come up with better and more sophisticated arguments against Calvinism. It sort of reminds me of UFC, where if you watched if over the years Brazilian Jujitsu appeared and seemed unbeatable until wrestlers figured it out and boxers learned how to wrestle. I personally think Calvinism as a popular "in" movement in Christian circles is on it's way out. The counter arguments against it are getting better, and the ones who really practiced it, the Puritans, were far too rigorous for modern men. Their level of self judging and introspection and their constantly bumping up of the requirements for a Christian do not fit modern life very well. And I say that even though they benefited me greatly going all the way back to when I picked up a copy of Jerry Bridges "The Pursuit of Holiness" back when I was still in college. (It was based loosely on Owen's writings on sin).

Good info: However….
You may have exceeded the requested 25 words just a bit.

peace to you

 

[JonC]

Uneasy?

I can't open the link.

I like Jonathan Edwards. Some Calvinists do not consider him a Calvinist. But most do.

I guess he would be along the lines of Puritianism, especially later in his life. Edwardsians brought the Congregational Church closer to Puritianism.

His legalism ended up being his downfall as a pastor. (He was not a good pastor, but an excellent Christian philosopher).

 

[37818]

For a non-Calvinist, such as my self, to define Calvinism is problematic.

From the perspective Calvinism is defined by it's five points.

Total depravity, man on his own does not seek out God, Romans 3:11. That God's election of His is not conditional on His elect, Ephesians 1:4. That the atonement is limited, in that, Christ died solely to redeem those God gave to Him, John 6:39. For those whom He saved God's grace will become irresitable. And the perserverance of the saints is that God keeps those whom He saves, John 10:28-29.

Hyper-Calvinism takes the five points to unBiblical positions. So from a general anti-Calvinist view, five point Calvinism is hyper-Calvinism.

Now personally I believe the same Scriptures the five-point Calvinist does. At best I would be a two point Calvinist. A view of total deravity and a view of perserverance of the saints.

 

[37818]

Total depravity, man on his own does not seek out God, Romans 3:11. That God's election of His is not conditional on His elect, Ephesians 1:4. That the atonement is limited, in that, Christ died solely to redeem those God gave to Him, John 6:39. For those whom He saved God's grace will become irresitable. And the perserverance of the saints is that God keeps those whom He saves, John 10:28-29.

That was to be a very short explaination. That was more than 25 words.

 

[kyredneck]

His legalism

...different link same content:

The 70 Resolutions Of Jonathan Edwards - Coming In The Clouds

 

[JonC]

That was to be a very short explaination. That was more than 25 words.

You're a wordsmith.

 

[DaveXR650]

His legalism ended up being his downfall as a pastor. (He was not a good pastor, but an excellent Christian philosopher).

I think he was probably just too introverted and tended to appear unfriendly according to some reports. His church problems stemmed from the outrageous legalistic idea that people who wanted to be members of the church and have their children baptized should at least be willing to make a profession of faith. The "resolutions" above were not a requirement I don't think, and had nothing to do with his church political problems. They are worth taking a look at, especially for young people. But you are quite correct in that while there was some interest in Edwards among the YRR at first, his rigorous, self examining type of Christian living doesn't set well with most people nowadays, which is why I think the YRR are moving in a different direction. Piper did a good job of marketing Edwards philosophy under the idea of "Christian hedonism" but that ain't gonna last.

 

[JonC]

I think he was probably just too introverted and tended to appear unfriendly according to some reports. His church problems stemmed from the outrageous legalistic idea that people who wanted to be members of the church and have their children baptized should at least be willing to make a profession of faith. The "resolutions" above were not a requirement I don't think, and had nothing to do with his church political problems. They are worth taking a look at, especially for young people. But you are quite correct in that while there was some interest in Edwards among the YRR at first, his rigorous, self examining type of Christian living doesn't set well with most people nowadays, which is why I think the YRR are moving in a different direction. Piper did a good job of marketing Edwards philosophy under the idea of "Christian hedonism" but that ain't gonna last.

I think what caused most of the issues is Edwards took upon himself what we Baptists would leave as a matter of conscious.

That said, I agree with you that many churches are moving towards liberalism (of lifestyle). There seems to be extremes on both sides - an "anything goes" mentality vs "do it my way" legalism.

I do not see most at either extreme, but I also do not see most at a balanced middle either.

BTW, Desiring God is one of my favorite books. I gained much from Piper's words (so much so I bought 30 copies and made them available to those interested).

 

[SovereignGrace]

1) How would you define a Calvinist in 25 words or less?

2) The term "TULIP" defines a Calvinist - If so, do you have to believe all five to be
considered a Calvinist?
Calvinism - Wikipedia

3) What is the difference between a Calvinist and a hyper-calvinist?

One who does their very best to adhere to the word of God.

 

[SovereignGrace]

What is the difference betwixt a Calvinist and hyper-Calvinist?

The latter drinks way too much coffee.