Reformed?

[Blackhawk]

Does someone have to be a 5 point Calvinist to call themselves Reformed?  I ask this because I believe in most of what the Reformed tradition teaches and much of TULIP but not all 5 points as presented by the Synod of Dort. 

Also I am not sure about what I think about Communion any longer.  I used to think the bread and wine were just symbols but now I am starting to see that it could be a more mystical event.  I am starting to think that the Calvin side of the reformed tradition could be right about it.  Can someone give me a good explanation of exactly what the they teach about the real presence in communion and how it differs from the view of the RCC, the Lutherans, and the ones who view it as symbolic?  not wanting to start an argument just wanting to discuss the definitions of the beliefs. 

 

 

[dignitized]

black hawk - if no one else answers for the calvinists - I'll tell you what I know. But I'm sure reformationist will be answering soon.

 

[Reformationist]

Well, I don't think I'm going to be able to give you a very adequate answer but for the first question I'd say no, you don't have to agree with all 5 points of Calvinism to consider yourself reformed, though I'm not sure how one can agree with 4 of the 5 and not the other.  I have talked to a few people who have felt that way and, for the most part, it seems that their hesitancy to commit to the last point, whichever that may be, is due more to a lack of fully understanding each of the other points (I mean no offense by that).  The way I see it, each of the points is rather contingent on the truth of each of the other points.  So, again, I'm not exactly sure how one adhere's to 4 points, but not five.  Would you care to share which point you take issue with?  My guess would be "limited atonement" as that is the one that many have trouble with.  I know that you and I have had numerous discussions on this subject matter and I think that was the point you were having a problem with before.

As to your second question, all I can tell you is that I am not nearly learned enough about either the Catholic view, nor the view of the Reformed faith to accurately compare the two.  I would, however, love to hear from someone who might.  I'll talk to my Pastor and see what he knows as well.

God bless,

Don

 

[Blackhawk]

To all who hve responded thus far...Thanks.  It seems that I am not the only one who is confused about the different beliefs on communion.  Br. Max go ahead and tell me what you know.  I know the very basics of it but not too much more.  I get confused though about what the difference is between the spiritual presence in the reformed tradition and the kind that is in the RCC and the Lutheran traditions.  I nderstand that the Lutherans are different than the RCC because they believe that the elements are both the bread and wine and the body and blood while the RCC says that they become just the body and blood only.  I do not know what real ramifications this has but I know that is the difference in beliefs. 

As far as my first question thanks Reformanist for your response.  That was the response I was hoping to get.  I guess although I am very eccumenical with all orthodox Christian traditions and try to learn something from all of them I want a home tradition if that makes sense.  I know Baptists come from the Zwingli side of the reformed tradition after the split with the anabaptists so I know my historical roots are reformed.  I just needed more clarity on it.  Thanks.