Before and after Calvin.

[Faith.Man]

Actually, I started toward the road to Calvinism as I was leaving the Roman Catholic Church, and studying Philosophy in College. (It was an elective.) Thomas Aquinas started me on the intellectual path, while I struggled with the world around me.

What I really don't understand is how difficult it is for people to have a civil conversation about Calvinism and/or the Reformed Faith without these people picking up rocks to stone you are getting out the tar and feathers. (I exaggerate of course.) There is an emotional attachment to "Free Will" that some are unwilling to release to give God the credit due. If you look at prophecy (which amounts to ~25% of the Bible or more), you look at the references to predestination, you look at God's sovereignty, etc., what other rational position could one have?

 

[JM]

Just to recap...

...I’ve noticed is that of those that accept Calvinism they do so only after reading “The Institutes of the Christian Religion” or other material communicating Calvinism.

Your assumption was shown to be incorrect and is slightly offensive. It's as if you don't believe we can arrive at "Calvinism" via scripture.

How is it that they do not believe in it or any of its major tenants until after reading such material and not before?

Again, assuming we are "following" Calvin. This is offensive since both the Arminian and Calvinist claim to be biblicists.

And why is it that such people were unable to come to any of Calvin’s conclusions until then?

This is offensive as well. You are suggesting Calvinists follow a man and not scripture.

Just an observation on my part.

...that was shown to be incorrect.

I know that this may be asking a lot, especially for this forum, but do try to keep the responses civil. I and everyone else will appreciate it.

After insulting us you then tell us to be good little boys and girls and just take it. If I respond with sarcasm and poke fun at you, you cry foul.

Interesting how JM is given a pass and I'm not.

People have come to know my posting style and know I really don't mean to be offensive. I use sarcasm, hyperbole, etc. as a way to express my point.

jm

 

[bsd058]

Pawnraider, I draw your attention to the testimonies of the people who have posted.

You didn't mention what they said, and I would like to know your thoughts on them.

I became a Calvinist through Calvinist literature and media which explicitly taught Scripture and taught me how to properly interpret in context and all of that. A big thing that helped was watching a video called, "Amazing Grace: The History and Theology of Calvinism." I would post the link to Amazon but I must wait until I hit 50 posts to be able to include links. My wife, before she became my wife, bought it for me because I was trying to understand Calvinism in order to refute it or believe it. I found it very convincing. I would suggest it for anyone who at least wants an honest representation of the Calvinist viewpoint, and why we believe what we believe.

In love.

 

[JM]

Amazing Grace - The History & Theology of Calvinism - YouTube

 

[bsd058]

Thanks, JM. I think if the OP clicked on the link, the whole video (which is about3 - 3.5 hours long if I remember correctly) can be viewed from YouTube. This is just a 10 minute clip of the beginning. There may be more clips that form the whole video for the OP to watch. Definitely worth the watch if you would like to know what and why the Calvinist believes what he does.

 

[gord44]

...

 

[bsd058]

Hey, Pawnraider. Did you get a chance to watch the video, yet? I wanted to know what you thought of it and possibly of the testimonies in this thread. If you haven't got around to it, take your time. It's a really good video, though. Have a good one.