Featured Is Cal/Non-Cal important enough to divide?

EWF, is this wrong, for a local church to state clearly that they are not calvinistic in their beliefs? Much like Icon says about reading certain confessions and documents and not feeling as though one agrees or accepts some, most or any of it? Should they "ban" someone, certainly not. However I see nothing wrong with being up front as to the theological leanings and proclivities of any church, if fact, I appreciate it when things are clearly communicated in advance.

 

I don't think it is wrong for any church to prohibit someone holding different views from being a member. If a church is Reformed and wants to prohibit those who are Free Will from being members, that is their right.

It would be like someone who wants a woman to be pastor or a gay person to be pastor. They are welcome to attend as long as they don't start trouble, but I do not think it is wrong to prohibit them from becoming a member.

I would not want to attend a Reformed church, and I do not understand why a Reformed person would want to attend a Baptist church that believes in free will.

 

Is that the Church of Jesus Christ or is it a guarded man-made church that misrepresents Christ? Look at it through that lens Dave. We have two testimony's from the two Tom's (One Calvinist & one not) & both SBC. Neither church bars Calvinists. Both encourage honest Christian interaction. Also have you seen 12 Strings recent thread? In short, his pastor is a Calvinist & invited a Non Calvinist Pastor to preach at his church....both have respect for one another apparently. Whats the problem then?

 

You just to get that little jab in at the end didnt you?

Well, since you started us down this road....[edited] with the intent to discourage lost people from responding to God for fear not being one of the "elect'

Some people have lived such a sinful life that Calvinism and the thought of having to be predestined plainly discourages sinners.

It is your doctrine that is NOT the truth of the Bible. It is man-made.

I can use 'systematic theology' to prove or disprove any doctrine I want to, just like Calvinists do by linking together unrelated scriptures to make them say what you want them to say.

I despise Reformed Theology, and the damage it is doing to God's people.

I did not wish to go this far in this discussion, [personal attack deleted]

John

 

Judge & Jury...... I rest my case. No more questions.

 

Calvinism is essentially a completely different religion than most SBC or even IFB churches.

Why would a Calvinist want to join a church that they disagree with unless the intent was to Calvinize them?

John

 

I agree with you here.

Calvinism is a seperate religion of itself.

Calvinist and regular Christians don't mix.

John

 

1 Peter 4:12-14

12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you

 

Maybe you should ask that question to Tom Butler & Guy Fredericks? Or perhaps you should rephrase the question to say, Why would a Calvinist want to join up with Christians who hate & ostracize them?

 

The operative word here is "Trying" LOL, but I dont believe that is the brother's goal. It was to lash out at Icono by attempting to disqualify "Calvinism" as a legitimate soteriological position in Christianity. I thank you Jon for pointing out the Calvinists long & productive history in both creating & supporting the Southern Baptist movement. :wavey:

 

I just have a question. How can a church stand when Christ said;
Mar 3:25 And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand.

Certainly we have had Calvinist come to our church. Although if they cannot refrain from telling others about their doctrines in our church they will be told to leave.

It isn't a mater of hate but a matter of what the majority wishes their doctrines to be. I go to church to worship God not to argue doctrines. Our congregation agreed on which doctrine a new comer may not like that but it's really none of their bussiness. Just like a Calvinist church would not like it if I went there and started to teach freewill.
MB

 

My views, as indicated in an earlier post that I will repost....


We all live in an age of weak theology & casual Christian conduct. If you wish to marginalize , then look to those folks that enter the church with with secular, humanistic, relativistic, materialist & anti-intellectual agenda's who will corrupt & destroy; not the Calvinist wishing to Honor & Glorify God. In that regard, I am convinced that you are on the wrong path. True Christianity needs to be unifying.

 

Thats hilarious Jon...... Maybe you should read the commentary again for clarification. Note also that it was done in red print.

"I believe that Calvinism comes straight from the pits of Hell"

This is not only a lashing out at one individual that the guy is PO'd at, it is clearly a slur against all those who are Calvinists. Do you agree with my assessment?

 

Calvinists can only unite with other Calvinists.

Yes Ive read the exceptions on here, but it isnt over yet. Basically, having a church that is half Cal and half regular Christians would stiffle the pastor. There would be many scriptures he could not teach on. And how would he present the gospel to new people? Or does he give a freewill gospel this week, and a reformed gospel next week to make it all fair? And please, dont tell me that the gospel of Calvinism is the same as the gospel of regular Christians, because Cals dont believe that the gospel is for all men....that their gospel a false gospel.

Calvinists are their own special breed, with their own special gospel, and their own special religion, and regular Christians should have no fellowship with a false, man-made doctrine.

John

 

I agree with you. I meant it just the way you put it.

But, it is the Calvinists that continuously make slurs about regular Christians being "ignorant" and "spititual babes".

Why is it that you can insult millions of Christians, but you get all upset when one Christian fires back at you with some truths?

John