Those who have been on the board reguarly...why is there so much discussion now with regard to Calvinism? I know it used to come up from time to time, but why so much now?
This board is seemingly dominated by those of the Calvinistic persuasion, and many of these folk, like Luke, discuss almost nothing else.
It might be that they feel it is their duty to both attempt to win people over to their side, and show the supposed error of those who disagree with their position.
I think it is because of my views which are at odds with the TUL and I of the Tulip.
Thus no matter what I post, Calvinists jump in with disparaging remarks.
I even posted a rather straightforward presentation of the gospel over in the general forum, and guess what, it was disparaged, hindering my effort to present the gospel.
If we look at the first page we see 11 threads either for or against some or other premise of Calvinism.
I wrote only one of them, but I have commented in ways opposed to Calvinim in nearly all of them.
RB, Without naming names & throwing a brother and/or sister under the bus.....I suggest you go back & do a search thru the archives & see for yourself just who repeatedly brings up this subject matter & instigates. Its all there for your perusal. Frankly I think it's an obsession with some but then that's my own personal opinion.
I imagine that the Calvinists will answer, but if they believe, as Spurgeon said, that Calvinism is the Gospel, they would think that those who differ are not correct about the gospel.
So it keeps getting brought up.
If I thot that someone was wrong about the gospel, I would keep trying to correct them.
But on a more general basis, in spurts it is the non-Calvinist who bring the subject up and other times it's the Calvinists.
No.. it is ALWAYS the discussion on here. The specifics come out in various ways.. actually one of two ways.. either Calvinists questioning non-cals, or non-cal questioning Cals.
It comes in tides but it is and has been the focal point.. and is really irritating to me. It is as though, most on here can't think of other aspects needing to be discussed in a time where false teachers, views, and out-right heresies are coming into play.
Example:
Hell doesn't exist
Real Univeralsim
Salvation by works
Baptismal regeneration (and infant baptism in that same light)
Or even fun or disturbing portions of scripture to understand:
examples:
Why, with God being all powerful and able to bend the will of all creatures to His will, does Heaven have angels of war.. or that they even need to do battle at all for God.
Or.. why under OT law.. if a virgin is raped, the rapist is/can to marry her
or.. why did God have the soldier of Israel bash the heads of children against the rocks..
Well Allan, good points all. Suggestion, since you are one of the many pastors on here, why dont you get the ball rolling on some of these very good topics? hopefully others will then follow the leader....Hint, Hint...:laugh:
To be honest.. I don't have much time.. tonight I popped in quickly (as now) cause I my family taking a quick break before we get back to games and fun :)
But can't you.. pastor or not.. they are interesting topics..
Another one I was thinking about, while thinking on another subject..
Is salvation, in scripture, described as merciful or maybe better, that because of mercy we are saved?
(don't really know how to articulate that question).. but it was an interesting thought since 'mercy' is not getting what you deserve. Just fun thoughts :)
Robert, I agree with you. I have found it interesting how quickly many Calvinist turn nasty when some of the errors of their ways are pointed out. I am glad that Home Depot or Lowes gave up selling "burning posts" a few centuries ago. :laugh:
Quite an interesting remark Crabby considering its your group practicing all the errors. You must be very proud that the end result of your theology is not exclusively God centered but is distorted in the direction of the self.
One issue for the repeditive discussions, is that little effort is made at reaching a mutual understanding.
Calvinist says "A", I say taint so cause of "B" scripture and then the subject is changed to why I need to spend more time learning.
How about a thumbs up to that?????
Better no history than basing one's theology of a bunch of dead people who were in error themselves.
The difference is, we base our theology on what the bible says, not on what other men say.
One day you may learn that old doesn't always mean correct, but I'm beginning to doubt it!
Meanwhile, keep drinking at the broken cistern; forget about the fresh, pure water of the Gospel.