Please tell me your opinion on Calvinism
I always appreciate people who ask "easy" questions! Here are just a few comments:
First, Calvinism is a theological position. John Calvin himself lived in the 16th century. I tend to be reluctant to put a label on myself. If I were to have a label it would be "biblical." That is, what does the Bible teach? The problem at times with any theological system is that the system becomes the dominant force rather than the Scriptures. We begin to look at Bible verses through the lense of our theology. While it is difficult to avoid this entirely, we need to be careful we are not letting a system predetermine how we read the Bible.
Second, calvinism throughout church history has often led to a mighty movement of God. That is because it tends to uphold a "high" view of God. That is always crucial if you are to see God work powerfully in your midst. Unfortunately, Calvinism can be taken to extremes. Many churches have died or shrunk significantly because the pastor believed that God would do all the work and therefore missions and evangelism were unnecessary. When taken to its extremes, Calvinism can be deadening to human effort.
Third, Calvinism, like any theological structure, can lead to endless theological debates as well as to pride. Unfortunately I have met many Calvinists whose theology might have been exalted but their pride and arrogance turned people away from their beliefs. Some calvinists seem more enamored with their theology than with their God or with reaching people.
Fourth, that said, there are a number of similarities between Calvinistic doctrines and Experiencing God. Both hold a high view of God and His activity. Both see God as taking the initiative etc.
The key is to not adopt a theology and then use it to understand the Bible, but rather, study your Bible and let the Holy Spirit open the eyes of your understanding for the verses you are reading.
Hope that helps!
I would add that you need to define exactly which Calvinism you are talking about. I say that because the Reform church has a slightly different view of Calvinism than say, a Baptist church does. As with any theological or doctrinal position, there are many different views held within the belief structure. The danger is always defining people according to their doctrinal position rather than their position in Christ. Those who will not fellowship with others because they differ on doctrinal viewpoints are allowing the doctrines of man to divide the body of Christ. Remember Calvinism, Armenianism, etc. are not inerrant nor are they inspired by the Spirit. They are man’s best guess at explaining certain theological standpoints.
Here’s an excellent quote:
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“Gripped by the Soverienty of God”
What about Calvin?
As I am writing about our choosing, I can hear some of you say, “But what about Calvin? And, don’t you believe in T-U-L-I-P (which includes, under “I”, Irresistable Grace)? ‘Cause if you don’t, you don’t really believe in sovereignty.”
Listen, I am sure John Calvin was an OK guy. I think it would be great to have coffee with him in heaven and talk about all the stuff he got from Augustine, etc. But Calvin is not in the Bible. I am not loyal to him, and neither should you be. I am not of Apollos, and I am not of Paul (1 Corinthians 1:12), and I am not of Calvin or Scofield or Charles Hodge. (But I hope to hang out with them too.)
I am of Jesus Christ, and I am of the Word of God. The faith ONCE for all delivered to the saints (Jude 1:3). Don’t allow anyone to intimidate you into thinking they have a hgher view of God because they focus on certain portions of Scripture at the expense of others. Above all, don’t get caught up subscribing to a theological system that seeks to put scaffolding around the Bible and God in a box.
There are things God has not explained, and there are tensions between some of the truths He has revealed. Those tensions are called mysteries. To live with them comfortably, just try to remember that He is God and we are not.
~ “Gripped by the Greatness of GOD” by James MacDonald ~
I found this after searching Henry Blackaby and Calvinism. I really appreciate your response.
I do wonder, however, how you would handle individuals in your home church that seem to be pushing Calvinism. In the last few months, several key members of our church are suddenly ‘outing’ themselves as Calvinists. This would be fine, but they have been slipping Calvinist theology in everywhere they are involved. These are not the pastors. Also, our church is vulnerable, because several years ago they broke off from their national church over Leftist ideals (ie gay weddings); the church has been an independent ever since.
I understand the best way is to approach these people privately, but when we are in class and they are pushing TULIP talking points, do I respectfully refute it? No one else says anything, and it is frightening me. We love our church, and don’t want to see division or upheaval.
Any advice/insight you have is greatly appreciated.