Have you ever been criticized by others for being Calvinists?

[II Paradox II]

I always find RT to me the more reassuring position since I'm 100% grateful that my salvation totally does NOT depend on me. I'd screw it up in a heartbeat.

In that sense, Calvinism is more reassuring. In the sense I was talking about, it isn't.

It just seems that lately there are some who are taking every opportunity (or manufacturing opportunities) to take pot-shots at RT. It's sad if you ask me.....

I've seen it pretty bad on some other boards. I was at one where we had one guy who called us Devil Worshippers. Unfortunately, some of the other board members picked up his comments and it turned into a three week flame fest that almost got the board shut down permanently (it was a very intellectual board with a broad mix of Catholic, EO, Anglican, Lutheran and Reformed people).

ken

 

[Knight]

It's just been getting on my nerves lately..... (I think I'm starting to see why Don isn't around anymore.)

 

[bigsierra]

I think things are much better here, since PRE has been split up. I've seen post made in forums that never should have been there, that cause heat, but for the most part things seem to pretty good, these days.

Don't go anywhere guys.

 

[Knight]

As long as you avoid General Theology........

 

[bigsierra]

I avoid GA

 

[Knight]

I avoid GA

As do I (typically).

 

[theseed]

I always find RT to me the more reassuring position since I'm 100% grateful that my salvation totally does NOT depend on me. I'd screw it up in a heartbeat.

It just seems that lately there are some who are taking every opportunity (or manufacturing opportunities) to take pot-shots at RT. It's sad if you ask me.....

Yes, some people make a hobby out of it. And some Calvinismt make a hobby out of calvinism

 

[theseed]

I avoid GA

I' don't but I pick and chose my battles. I only argue the theology stuff which athiest think they know so much about.

 

[theseed]

No clue but I heard that he got fed up with the attitudes of some people here and left for awhile.

I can definately understand his feelings.....

Well, Don is not the most charimatic person either. Sometimes he would not come off as so polite--telling people they earn thier salvation.

Don't get me wrong. I know Don does not mean to hurt anyone. But like us all, he is imperfect too.

I will admit that I have become inflammed and posted some things that were unChristlike--often going back and deleting them before the mods see it.

 

[Agent Spy]

I go to a school that's run by an Independent Baptist church... whooo it's a party during Bible class.

Teacher: "Well now you see there's this doctrine out there that you guys should stay away from, it's called 'Reformed Theology' and it's heresy!"
Me: *raises hand* "Uh.. sir.. I believe in that."
Teacher: "Oh. Well, you're wrong."


Anyway, a lot of kids don't know what Calvinism is. And there's a kid in our class who's family is from Armenia.. and they're always calling him an Arminian instead of an Armenian so I always feel like I hafta explain the difference.

 

[ksen]

It's just been getting on my nerves lately..... (I think I'm starting to see why Don isn't around anymore.)

Maybe we just need some more Reformed Mods.....*hint*

 

[Gabriel]

I believe we have one or two more on the way.

 

[ksen]

I believe we have one or two more on the way.

That'll be nice.

I looked at your pic......I love it!

 

[Gabriel]

Thanks. Here's my all American family dressed for church.

 

[Grace_Alone4gives]

Yes, but I don't let it bother me. Something we need to remember is that God is sovereign. If He wanted them to understand it right now, they would. Nothing we say or do will convince them until He wants them to understand.

I was saved when I was in first grade. I was a Baptist Arminian until I was 31. No one ever told me about Reformed theology. I am as stubborn as they come and never like to admit I am wrong. Furthermore, I hate change. Can you imagine the struggle it was for me to change my whole theology? Suprise, it took about 5 minutes. Someone opened up their bible and pointed out Ephesians 1:4-14. God opened my heart and the beautiful truth poured in. Now I see it in every other verse. After all it is apparent throughout for those whom God has revealed it to. Don't sweat them. God has plans for them and they will understand in His time.

not only did your change from Rminian to Calvinist...but Baptist to a padeo Presby - that is another biggy

 

[rnmomof7]

Have you ever been critized by others for thinking that God only choses some people to redeem form himself, and not all?

I imagine that some of my fellow S. Baptist fellows would not agree with that, even though, they believe OSAS. So I imagine if I shared my convictions, I would recieve criticism from some. However, i would point out that it is the SBC stance, and the traditional stance of the SBC, and the SBC big whigs.

One blessing though, about being Baptist, is that we believe that only God is Lord of the conscience, and we don't have to agree on every doctrine. Because we are all priestly believers.

Some of the finest Calvinists I know are Baptists.

Have you ever read John Piper? He is my sons Baptist Pastor. Then there is always John Mac Arthur

Yes, I have been mocked , and belittled . But you know something? it is more important to rightly divide the word of God that to be universally loved.

I do not mean to be disrespectful to our fellow Christians, but I find that people that are devoted to the study of the word will come to Calvinism when it is taught to them.

Suddenly scripture we have always read past because it did not "fit" our doctrine jumps off the pages at us.

I had 5 Calvinists arguing Calvinism with me for 2 years , before I "got it"

One of them said he KNEW I would become a Calvinist because I loved the word of God.

Hang in and do your study. You will find that the entire bible teaches the sovereignty of God in the affairs of men

They really bless us when they mock


Mat 5:11 Blessed are ye, when [men] shall revile you, and persecute [you], and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.

Luk 6:22 Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you [from their company], and shall reproach [you], and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake.

 

[steve@OU]

I am involved in Campus Crusade for Christ here at Ohio University and I get it all the time. The weird looks, sighs, stares, and quite often, the look of admiration for being "bold". Whatever happens, it's very interesting to be 1 of about 5-6 professing Calvinists in a movement of 500+ students.

It seems like every week I will have someone approach me, and out of the blue, ask me about Calvinism because they have "heard of me". Sometimes, it's a genuine question and others it's a "how can you believe..." In addition, others approach me about particular arminian speakers and ask me what I think. Those are special.

All in all, it's sort of fun. Our group of Calvinists enjoy the reputation that we have received (until we get labeled as a cult). I'm pretty thick skinned and all I can think about right now is studying a year outside the classroom with one of our philosophy professors who went to RTS.


Steve

 

[alaurie]

I'm pretty thick skinned and all I can think about right now is studying a year outside the classroom with one of our philosophy professors who went to RTS.


Steve

Prof's initials J. S. by any chance? If so, I know him from my Calvanist days. Brilliant guy if we're talking about the same person.

 

[alaurie]

Disregard the above post. I googled my old friend. He's teaching in Indiana.

 

[Beoga]

have you seen the christian teen section lately and the debate on predistination?