1. Welcome to Baptist Board, a friendly forum to discuss the Baptist Faith in a friendly surrounding.

    Your voice is missing! You will need to register to get access to all the features that our community has to offer.

    We hope to see you as a part of our community soon and God Bless!

Talking with Calvinists

Discussion in 'Evangelism, Missions & Witnessing' started by matt wade, Nov 29, 2011.

  1. matt wade

    matt wade Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 6, 2009
    Messages:
    6,156
    Likes Received:
    78
    I'd be interested to hear the methods that others use to speak with Calvinists about the errors in their theology.
     
  2. Ruiz

    Ruiz New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 9, 2010
    Messages:
    2,021
    Likes Received:
    0
    Actually understand what they believe and not your own preconcieved notions of their belief. This is most frustrating to me and one reason I hate discussing this issue.
     
  3. mandym

    mandym New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 3, 2011
    Messages:
    4,991
    Likes Received:
    0
    What I have seen happen on both sides is not so much preconceived notions as it is characterizing the other side in the worst possible light simply because one disagrees. It is intentional
     
  4. TCassidy

    TCassidy Late-Administator Emeritus
    Administrator

    Joined:
    Mar 30, 2005
    Messages:
    20,080
    Likes Received:
    3,490
    Faith:
    Baptist
    Well, first of all I would suggest supporting your foundational assumption that their theology is in error. After you get past that hurtle you can go on to discuss soteriology. :)
     
  5. TCassidy

    TCassidy Late-Administator Emeritus
    Administrator

    Joined:
    Mar 30, 2005
    Messages:
    20,080
    Likes Received:
    3,490
    Faith:
    Baptist
    Excellent point. I have found that most who think of themselves as being anti-Calvinists don't have a very clear understanding of what Calvinism really is. :)
     
  6. webdog

    webdog Active Member
    Site Supporter

    Joined:
    Mar 31, 2005
    Messages:
    24,696
    Likes Received:
    2
    Odd since calvinists differ on what they believe. Maybe calvinists need to understand what calvinism really is first before attempting to undermine the non-cal's knowledge,
     
  7. TCassidy

    TCassidy Late-Administator Emeritus
    Administrator

    Joined:
    Mar 30, 2005
    Messages:
    20,080
    Likes Received:
    3,490
    Faith:
    Baptist
    Yes, of course, and it is well known that all non-Calvinists believe exactly the same thing. :rolleyes:
     
  8. plain_n_simple

    plain_n_simple Active Member

    Joined:
    Oct 18, 2011
    Messages:
    1,887
    Likes Received:
    6
    Holy Smoke! You mean not only do I need to read about Calvin, Calvinists, and Non-Calvinists, but there is another group within Calvinists that differ?
     
  9. preacher4truth

    preacher4truth Active Member

    Joined:
    Nov 18, 2010
    Messages:
    8,121
    Likes Received:
    17
    Actually, you non cals already do talk to us about the errors in your theology. This happens daily on the BB.
     
  10. plain_n_simple

    plain_n_simple Active Member

    Joined:
    Oct 18, 2011
    Messages:
    1,887
    Likes Received:
    6
    I'd be interested to hear the methods that others use to speak with Calvinists about the errors in their theology.
    Ok that is not a fair opening statement. It's a loaded question. Maybe another thread should say " I'd be interested in hearing what a Non-Cal thinks about the major dispute with Cals, and visa versa. Loading it right off the bat invites trouble.
     
  11. Earth Wind and Fire

    Earth Wind and Fire Well-Known Member
    Site Supporter

    Joined:
    Jun 5, 2010
    Messages:
    33,375
    Likes Received:
    1,568
    Faith:
    Baptist
    Yea, generally approaching me like that would elisit a "Drop Dead" response! :laugh:
     
  12. Jim1999

    Jim1999 <img src =/Jim1999.jpg>

    Joined:
    Aug 10, 2002
    Messages:
    15,460
    Likes Received:
    1
    First, let them attempt to delineate their own errors with corrections!

    Cheers,

    Jim
     
  13. webdog

    webdog Active Member
    Site Supporter

    Joined:
    Mar 31, 2005
    Messages:
    24,696
    Likes Received:
    2
    Don't recall ever stating this, but I also never made the initial accusation. You cannot say the non-cal doesn't know calvinism when calvinists do not even know.
     
  14. glfredrick

    glfredrick New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 5, 2010
    Messages:
    4,996
    Likes Received:
    2
    How about we just talk like brothers and sisters in Christ? :thumbsup:
     
  15. 12strings

    12strings Active Member

    Joined:
    Feb 10, 2004
    Messages:
    2,743
    Likes Received:
    0
    I would start here:

    2 Tim. 2:23 Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. 24 And rthe Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, table to teach, patiently enduring evil,
    25 correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.

    and here...

    2 Timothy 4:2 - preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.
     
  16. gb93433

    gb93433 Active Member
    Site Supporter

    Joined:
    Jun 26, 2003
    Messages:
    15,549
    Likes Received:
    15
    While we may believe they are misled we will also find that they may have some correct theology. It is always important to listen and ask good questions. I believe the key ingredient is listening and asking good questions. To correct anyone we must have a very good understanding of the Jewish mindset of the time. The more I study the more it appears that little is studied and taught in that area. Too often scripture is interpreted with that left out and taught with a Greek mindset instead.
     
  17. plain_n_simple

    plain_n_simple Active Member

    Joined:
    Oct 18, 2011
    Messages:
    1,887
    Likes Received:
    6
    Maybe they should have a whole new sub-listing called Calvinism where Calvin people can go. And another that excludes them?
     
  18. preachinjesus

    preachinjesus Well-Known Member
    Site Supporter

    Joined:
    Feb 9, 2004
    Messages:
    7,406
    Likes Received:
    101
    First of all, what if they aren't in error? What if it is simply another theological formulation that is wholly orthodox?

    Second, why in the world would you think of putting this question in the "witnessing/evangelism" forum? Do you really want us to believe you think Calvinists need to be witnessed to?

    :BangHead:
     
  19. Iconoclast

    Iconoclast Well-Known Member
    Site Supporter

    Joined:
    Mar 25, 2010
    Messages:
    21,242
    Likes Received:
    2,305
    Faith:
    Non Baptist Christian
    Calvinists do not differ so much on what they believe.the confessions of faith attest to that.
    it is true that their are different levels of maturity....some are recently studying themselves into the position.....we are all still learning....

    But for example...I have never met some of the cals on here....but when herald, archangel, JD,ruiz,luke ,p4t ann,jbh28,and several other post on DoG...alot of times we are almost on the exact same page.....

    I have had some comment that they would correct some of my understanding on an issue or two...which I welcome all such imput as I know they are seriously trying to build me up in the faith.
    WD.....many of us are sort of self taught.....and with that we take in some wrong ideas. What you would refer to as a disagreement could very well be biblical correction or improvement being offered.
    Some of us have been in many a situation where we could not wait to fellowship with like minded brothers so we could learn and grow,rather than contend and dispute.
     
  20. TCassidy

    TCassidy Late-Administator Emeritus
    Administrator

    Joined:
    Mar 30, 2005
    Messages:
    20,080
    Likes Received:
    3,490
    Faith:
    Baptist
    If you intend to correct the "errors" of Calvinists perhaps you should start here:

    "And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye?" Matthew 7:3.

    :)
     
Loading...