I do not wish to continue with a so-called "christian" forum, where the Truth of the Holy Bible is suppressed by those who do like things that are said that disagrees with their "pet theologies". Interestingly there are some like TCassidy, who can be rude and arrogant with others, and nothing gets done! It is no wonder that the Church of Jesus Christ is in a mess, because people take pleasure in promoting LIES, like elements of Calvinistic/Reformed teachings, which are AGAINST the Holy Bible! I have asked for my posts to be removed and my account closed.
Many times our right position can be clouded by a wrong disposition. We have lost the art of being "wise as serpents and harmless as a dove" (Mat. 10:16) and "speaking the truth in love" (Eph. 4:15).
My prayer is that I can have a right stance along with a right spirit.
Bro, I am really sorry for you. Don't conclude calvinism ( The name give by them who are against it) as a heresy. First of all study, second study third study the Bible. For this John Calvin gave three set of rules. Humility, Humility and Humility.
If you have time, after reading Bible, go and study the works of John Bunyan. Sorry to say, He is not a Calvinist, a unlearned tinker, who wrote great deal about the doctrines of grace, not only that He wrote on Reprobation. Compare his theology with reformed Theology. Then you will understand what calvinism is.
Do you have any idea about political and cultural situation in Europe at the time of John Calvin. First study that. The state and Church are not separated at that time. The Roman Catholic Church had a powerful influence on political affairs. The so called murder John Calvin of whom you speak also will be condemned if he speaks against Trinity or Virgin birth of Christ. Servetus whom at that time as a unitarian was condemned by the church of Rome.
When Rome want to kill somebody it will comes with the empires approval. Go and study history books
there is NO justification for ANY Christian to side with the unlawful (in God's eyes) the murder of any human being. It is like calling for the killing of Jehovah's Witnesses, because they say Jesus is a created being! Show me from the Bible, not books, where the New Testament says we can do this?
Remarkable patience has been extended to your rants.
TCassidy nor anyone else is to blame for your attitude, you own it by yourself.
However, I observe that your discomfort comes more from finding your own view successfully challenged and your not yet willing to modify some areas. That “resistance to reorder”
(my term) is strong enough that it can become obstinate.
You claim that others lied, are not conformed to the Scriptures when you have been the one found in error.
You are obstinate and opposed to Scripture truth.
Just as I demonstrated with Ephesians, you can’t handle the truth, but hide behind your own comfort zone of disagreement.
So, the recommendation to take a break, look back over what was presented to you, and then come back more refreshed is a very good suggestion.
One other, don’t. expect to be greeted with anymore then you received from this visit. Therefore, take time to learn the truth, not some flash evangelical frothing, but serious in-depth knowledge of what you are uncomfortable in at this time yet is Scripturally sound.
Read from Charles H. Spurgeon and from John Albert Broadus.
One regularly preached to over 5000 people each Sunday in England, the other the greatest (to date) American preacher and President of Southern Baptist Seminary.
No matter the theological view, these two have been recognized as truth bearing giants.
Out of respect for full disclosure:
Some two years after Broadus’ first wife died in 1857, he married a woman who bore him more children.
One of the daughters was Ella, who became wife of A. T. Robertson who taught and mentored my grandfather.
Sadly, I was young, foolish, too interested in my own world, and far to headstrong to listen to the reflections of my grandfather.