The claim has been made more than one on this board. While I disagree with much of Calvinism this claim seems to be simply an over the top accusation with a spurious foundation at best. I have found no credible scholarly sources that support such a notion.
I believe that the accusation at best is nothing more than inflammatory demonization rather than a reasoned critic.
Is Calvisnism Gnostic
Discussion in 'Other Christian Denominations' started by Revmitchell, Feb 16, 2013.
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Revmitchell Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
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Crabtownboy Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
Other sources
You can find much more by doing some research. -
Earth Wind and Fire Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
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Revmitchell Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
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Revmitchell Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
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http://www.gospeltruth.net/aug/sinsofaug.htm
But simply Google Calvinism Gnostic and you can literally find dozens of articles all associating Calvinism with Gnosticism.
http://www.libraryoftheology.com/writings/calvinismarminianism/TheGnosticismOfCalvinism-Lavender.pdf
http://orthodoxbridge.com/response-to-robin-philipps-are-calvinists-also-among-the-gnostics/
http://www.monergism.com/thethreshold/articles/onsite/neo_gnostic.html
I could list dozens more. So obviously this is a serious question. -
You can freely disagree with HOW we have intepreted what they said regarding salvation method, but NOT that it was not based on the Bible itself! -
No, I would not. I believe that Calvinism REVERSES what Paul taught. Calvinism often teaches the EXACT OPPOSITE of what Paul taught in scriptures. I have pointed this out dozens of times, you know that. -
Revmitchell Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
Please show me a scholarly paper published only after having been sourced by anyone in theological circles. Written in a format such as MLA, APA, or Turabian. Not just web sites created by any old Tom, Sam, and Harry. They are nothing but poorly written opinion pieces. -
Earth Wind and Fire Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
Ahhhh, Thank you, thank you & thank you!:applause: -
Again, Calvin's greatest influence was Augustine, and many scholars agree that Augustine was heavily influenced by Manichaen and Gnostic beliefs. If you choose to disregard this truth, that is your choice. -
Revmitchell Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
The point I am making is that there are no credible sources who holds to this inflammatory and sophomoric notion. Those who do hold to it are only wanting to find the most possible and strongest means to demonize Calvinism and it is not honest.
Making such a statement does not provide any evidence to your claim. And since you are not willing to do your own research but are willing to buy into anyone who makes a claim that looks most damaging to that with which you disagree then you are willing to be the water carrier for it.
This behavior does not give an avenue for reasonable discussion but only works to poke a finger in the eye of those you disagree with. It is this type of junk that causes so much of the fuss on this board. -
I did not start this thread, why do I have to defend myself against your claim? You said you do not consider anyone who claims Calvinism is Gnostic credible. How am I supposed to convince you that a writer is credible, you can dismiss whoever you wish and have already.
I might show you 100 articles from known scholars, you could poo-poo them all.
Here is a page with many, many quotes from scholars, whether you find them credible is up to you.
http://www.examiningcalvinism.com/files/Articles/History.html
It is like doubting Thomas, all the disciples said they had seen Jesus, but he refused to believe. I can show you a thousand articles relating Calvinism to Gnosticism, but if you refuse to believe you cannot be convinced. -
Revmitchell Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
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Crabtownboy Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
In this thread he began he gives his opinion, refuses to consider answers given, but does not give citations supporting his position ... whatever that is at the moment.
Frankly I believe the whole subject is new to him as are the links and sources given.
My reply will not receive a reasoned reply. I expect an insulting or attempted insulting reply. -
You know, if one or two people told you a UFO landed behind City Hall, you have good reason to dismiss their claim. But if thousands of people run by you all shouting that a UFO has just landed behind City Hall, I would begin to consider it credible.
All you have to do is study Gnosticism itself and see how similar it is to Calvinism.
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Revmitchell Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
Now wikipedia good grief.
While wiki is sourced no scholarly field accepts them as a legitimate source. And there are many reasons for that.
You refer to other people who make the same claim as you but refuse to accept scholarly sources?
A rather inconsistent position. And it is false that you rely mainly on scripture with regards to this issue.
It is clear you cannot back up your claim in a reasonable way
I have access to a couple of online scholarly libraries. I am going to see if I can find anything on this next week. -
I hope you do spend some time studying this subject, because then you will come back and admit that Calvinism was greatly influenced by the Gnosticism of Augustine.
By the way, you should listen to that 2nd video by Jesse Morrell. I do not agree with everything he believes, but he is a very knowledgeable fellow who quotes many scholars in that video. Give it a look and see for yourself.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhLF-llpFX0 -
Revmitchell Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
The bigger problem is whether or not Augustine was at all influenced by Gnosticism does not prove any relationship between Calvinism and Gnosticism. It is a week link at best.
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