John Piper: Loving MLK and Calvinism

Only a hyper-Calvinist would find a way to connect the fight against racial inequality to what he perceives as "prejudice" against Calvinism.

 

Piper wrote that because many point out that Calvinist were not very friendly to MLK

 

Funny, when I read his tome, I got out of it that he was saying Calvinists shouldn't be judged harshly for what they believe. He was kind enough to include "Arminians" -- the short-hand insult used by Calvinists who don't even realize that Arminius taught very nearly the exact same thing Calvin taught, that being the concept of "the elect." It just reinforces, for me, the fact that those who claim Calvinism or Reformed theology as their mentor and guide really don't have a clue what either Calvin or the reformers taught.

 

I can't speak for Dr.Piper, but from what I have read from his books and his website, I would say that he has read all Calvin's books (obviously he doesn't hold to all of Calvinism) and has a good grasp of Arminianism. However, I am biased, his ministry has been a great blessing to me!

 

I took it as him stating that one can do great things, such as MLK for black civil rights, and a Calvin for reformation, and yet NOT be a perfect saint, that just because not perfect, does not doscredit all that was said and done!

And there are some areas calvinists/arminians do indeed seem to agree upon, its just that many so called arminianist seem to be really non cals !

 

I can agree with that! :thumbsup:

 

Martin Luther King was not perfect, but he did accomplish great things, and I firmly believe the Lord was behind it. He certainly accomplished more than anyone on this board, regardless of delusions to the contrary. TNB has nailed this exactly. What does civil rights have to do with reformed theology?

There were many reformed theologians that wrote great commentaries on Scripture, and furthered our understanding of Scripture. Martin Luther King greatly advanced equality in this nation, from spiritual and human reasoning. One has nothing to do with the other.

I do not believe MLK ever burned a person at the stake or tortured fellow human beings.

 

You have a certainty about it huh?A firm belief that the Lord was behind it? MLK brought about significant change for the better. But I am not so sure he worked to the glory of the Lord. I am not sure that he was even saved. He was a theological liberal. He put a lot of emphasis on Mahatma Gandhi than Jesus. Paul Tillich was another philosophical hero of his --not good --not good at all. And for "a man of God" having a series of extra-marital affairs is a man not fit the office of pastor or preacher.

And they did it to the glory of God.

 

I do think MLK was saved, however, I do not believe those who were the movers and shakers of the segregation machinery were saved.

 

regardless if MLK was aved or not, belived that the Lord used Him to further the agenda/cause to have Black American receive their constitutional rights!
And you will interact with John calvin in heaven, so just "deal with it!"