D James Kennedy?

[Wilfred of Ivanhoe]

I was visiting with an old friend from my old Baptist church earlier today. In the course of the conversation, I asked if she was still at First Baptist. She said she was and naturally asked me where I was attending since it was obvious I was no longer at First Bapist. I explained in basic detail that I attended Reformed Presbyterian in another city and discussed that I go there because it is a very Bible based church and that I believe them to preach the full counsil of God.

She mentioned that she does enjoy listening to a Presbyterian minister named D. James Kennedy, of whom I have never heard of. I checked out his website and dug around. He seems to be primarily involved in politics, although I did notice that he has started a place called Knox (Scottish Reformer) seminary and that he has worked on other projects with Reformed Theologians such as James White and R.C. Spourl. My question is this: How outspoken is this man on his actual doctrinal beliefs? Is he primarily a voice of conservative, moral America? If I see her again, I'd like to actually know what I can and cannot say about my faith without starting the great Calvinist debate. To rephrase my question, does her listening and reading Kennedy's work mean that she is reformed in her beliefs of the Bible, or is does it only necessarily mean that she is politically active on issues of morality?

Thanks

 

[bliz]

I would think that you need to ask her what her listening to Kennedy means.

 

[AndOne]

Wilfred -

D. James Kennedy has written a lot of books and the few that I have read were outstanding! You are the first person I have heard refer to him as being politically active. The books I have read by him have been strictly on doctrinal and theological issues. I would say that your friend is definately of the reformed persuasion if she enjoys his works. Probably the only difference between you and her in your beliefs centers around padeobaptism (infant baptism). I can honestly say that about myself too. Being a Reformed Baptist - baptism is the only difference I have with Presbyterians - and I'm still not convinced that we (the baptists) have it right on this issue. It is something I am currently studying with diligence - as I have an infant new to my family!

 

[ClementofRome]

Kennedy is reformed in theology. His approach is a tad glitzy for me (he wears his academic regalia in the pulpit for crying out loud...academic regalia is reserved for academic ceremony...my dad is a retired pastor who has a doctorate and his only markings were the three stripes on the sleeve, other than that, he wore the clergy stole) and he comes across on TV as a bit on the pompous side, but that is just his style. My father-in-law (may he enjoy his present and eternal state of glorification) was a staunch reformed Baptist and loved Kennedy!

 

[frumanchu]

D. James Kennedy is definitely Reformed. I catch him every now and then on the radio or on the local Christian TV station. His speaking style is a bit different than some others, but not as distracting as someone like Ernest Angsley

Kennedy is the founder of Evangelism Explosion, one of the most successful missionary efforts in the world and, IIRC, the farthest reaching (being in more countries than any other ministry). And they say Calvinism discourages evangelism!!

BTW, if you ever get a chance, pick up Amazing Grace: The History & Theology of Calvinism on DVD. Kennedy is one of the contributors and is very clear in promoting the Doctrines of Grace.

 

[Wilfred of Ivanhoe]

Hey everyone,

thanks for the answers.

Behes Boy: this is the website I found of which which makes me think that he is politically active.

http://www.reclaimamerica.org/PAGES/djkbio_new.asp

Once again, I appreciate all the comments!

 

[JM]

I watch'em.

 

[VictorianVelvet]

I have heard him speak a couple of times on TV. I have never been put off by his sermons. I do watch Diane Bish (pipe organist for Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church in Fort Lauderdale Florida) far more than listen to D. James Kennedy. **shrugs**