Reformed Relations

[doulos_tou_kuriou]

With reformed traditions being very big into Covenental Theology, what is your take on Calvinists in relationships/marriage with Christians of other denominations such as Episcopal, Lutheran, or Baptist. Feel free to comment on in general (that is one statement about all three denominations) individually. Answer about one or all three. Thanks.

 

[heymikey80]

With reformed traditions being very big into Covenental Theology, what is your take on Calvinists in relationships/marriage with Christians of other denominations such as Episcopal, Lutheran, or Baptist. Feel free to comment on in general (that is one statement about all three denominations) individually. Answer about one or all three. Thanks.

Generally, no problem.

People can have the deepest of relationships with Christ, and yet be clueless. I think some of Calvin's best points about this were made in his commentaries on 1 Corinthians.

"Leave it to the God of the universe to draw closer to us after we've messed up His Creation, than when we were still in the Garden." (Joe Novenson)

But in this perspective Calvinists have the habit of not leaving people where they are, spiritually. We owe it to God's call to reformation (ie, repentance, redemption) to redeem the time as well, and to redeem people from this world -- all the time knowing we're also captive to it as well, but looking forward to our release with those we love.

 

[AndOne]

I can't speak to the Lutheran denomination - but it is certainly possible to maintain a Calvinist set of beliefs within the Episcopal and Baptist churches. Both the 39 Articles of the Episcipal Church as well as the London Baptist Confession are Calvinist in regards to their soriteology.

I don't really have a problem with it. If you find someone who loves Christ and submits to His Word - then you are doing great - that is ultimately the most important thing to look for in a spouse.