Why Are Calvinists So Mean? - JARED C. WILSON

Why are noncalvinists pansies?

 

Thin skinned, delicate, have no business being on a debate forum if they’re so easily offended…

 

I heard a black radio preacher preaching very fervently. And then he pauses! And, says with a downcast voice as if shaking his head... "Some people have the strangest love!"

 

I don't believe John Wesley willed the denomination and the UMC was the offspring of Asbury. Here in a letter to Francis Asbury he chastises Asbury for such activity and reminded us that we are not out for the Calvinist like control and domination....

LONDON
September 20, 1788

My Dear Brother:

There is, indeed, a wide difference between the relation wherein you stand to the Americans and the relation wherein I stand to all the Methodists. You are the elder brother of the American Methodists: I am under God the father of the whole family. Therefore I naturally care for you all in a manner no other persons can do. Therefore I in a measure provide for you all; for the supplies which Dr. Coke provides for you, he could not provide were it not for me, were it not that I not only permit him to collect but also support him in so doing.

But in one point, my dear brother, I am a little afraid both the Doctor and you differ from me. I study to be little: you study to be great. I creep; you strut along. I found a school: you a college! [Cokesbury College] nay, and call it after your own names! 0 beware, do not seek to be something! Let me be nothing, and "Christ be all in all!"

One instance of this, of your greatness, has given me great concern. How can you, how dare you suffer yourself to be called Bishop? I shudder, I start at the very thought! Men may call me a knave or a fool, a rascal, a scoundrel, and I am content; but they shall never by my consent call me Bishop! For my sake, for God's sake, for Christ's sake put a full end to this! Let the Presbyterians do what they please, but let the Methodists know their calling better.

Thus, my dear Franky, I have told you all that is in my heart. And let this, when I am no more seen, bear witness how sincerely I am Your affectionate friend and brother,

John Wesley

 

Or so wearisome by tripping over their own inconsistencies and becoming irrational.

But, I have also seen (in all fairness) Calvinistic thinking that is flush with hypocrisy and malevolence.

 

This can't possibly be right. It's not one of the 9 Marks of a healthy church.

 

Very well written and honestly introspective article. As a former Calvinist, I also agree with the Calvinists who have said that this is a problem common to all persuasions. Some of us behaved, and still behave, that same way, for the same reasons, regarding dispensational truth.
Moreover, sometimes there is a need to be confrontational or crusading.

That being said, there is something unusually pride-inducing about a doctrine whose core tenant is I AM SPECIAL, howsoever much one then tries to look humble by blaming the grace of God.

 

As you well know, being a former Calvinist, this is very true. And those who were arrogant as Calvinists remain so when they move on to the next thing they are sure of. I don't know how many times I heard non Calvinists say "Well at least I had sense enough to believe!". We're all in the same boat there, brother.

 

I doubt you have heard it so expressed so "many times".
Be that as it may, Calvinists hold the false notion that just because a doctrine can in any way open a way to pride, then the doctrine must be wrong. But that is a foolish position to so adopt. Every doctrine, especially Calvinism, has a built-in loophole for pride. Our flesh will always find a way to boast, whether:
"At least I believed"
or
"I'm a special elect person for deep and mysterious reasons".
However, between the - albeit misplaced - boast of a beggar that he had sense enough to receive a free gift, and a man who boasts he was preselected in eternity past WHILE STILL OUTSIDE OF CHRIST because he is special in some inscrutable sense, and who simultaneously flashes his oh-so-great humility, I am certain, knowing the God of the Bible that I know, that the latter is a far great stink in his nostrils than the former. Thankfully, unlike men, the Lord is not manipulated by affected humility.

 

George, you make my point for me. A little self deprecating humor would benefit us all once in a while. Besides that, get your stuff straight. The whole point of the "U" like it or not, is that there is NOTHING special about anyone who is elect. That's what it means. You are correct that pride is very common in all of us. I would leave it at that and everything is fine. That's my point.

 

I personally have not met or know a mean or arrogant Calvinist. The ones I know are godly and kind.
When people get saved they have a new nature and want to do the right thing. However if they are immature they are still immature after they get saved. In time with godly help they mature and their behavior gets better. We must be gracious to all.

I have met mean and arrogant IFB pastors who don't have the spirit of Christ. That's why I won't set foot in an IFB Church
To be fair, I am talking about Southern not Northern IFB

 

Calvinist give the truth revealed in God’s Word. Some call that being “mean”. It is mostly a caricature designed to shut people up.

Those that disagree with Calvinism rarely argue the facts of scripture, since the doctrines of grace are firmly founded on scripture, so they use personal attacks, like calling Calvinists mean, arrogant, unloving, philosophers etc.

peace to you

 

Do you understand the op was written by a reformed individual and posted on a reformed site?

 

What you wrote is true. In the circles I travel in the Gospel Coalition is not highly thought of for many of the reasons stated. As I get older the less impressed I become with groups outside the local church. I was an enthusiastic participant in Promise Keepers back in the 1990s until I realized how the organization embraced all sorts of nonsense and silliness. So, an article from a Gospel Coalition member is not a ringing endorsement in my book.

THAT SAID, I think this thread serves a useful purpose. We should look at our behavior. We should examine ourselves. Paul tells us to examine ourselves in 2 Corinthians 13:5. Peter commands us to be holy in all our behavior (1 Peter 1:15). If someone points out to us our fault regarding our behavior, we should look beyond their motive and take a sober look at ourselves. Is our behavior sinful? Are we mean spirited? Are we easy to take offense? If the shoe fits... Is this unique to Calvinists? Of course not. One only has to scan the C&A forum to see the threads started by some prolific anti-Calvinists to know that no one has the corner on bad behavior. But even here we need to take care. We need to have our house in order before we deflect to someone else.

So, I am thankful for Rev starting this thread. It is a helpful reminder to act like a child of the King in all areas of my life.

 

No, does that matter in some way?

peace to you