A friend of mine asked me of the best, popular non-calvinist blogs that I knew of. I had no answer. It certainly seems that most of the really popular blogs are written by Calvinists (maybe this has to do with the growth in Calvinism?).
For instance, 4 of the top 6 Christian blogs(6 of the top 10 and 14 of the top 25) are by Calvinists, according to churchrelevance.com.
So I ask two things:
1) What are the good, popular non-Calvinist blogs? (please dont give me Brian McLaren, etc. I want good as in quality content and popular- as in most people know them).
2) Why do you think Calvinists dominate the blogosphere?
{ 1 trackback }
{ 86 comments… read them below or add one }
After I wrote this I remembered that Scot McKnight definitely belongs in the good, popular non-calvinist blog category. It should also be noted that I am not an avid blog reader- there are only two in which I read everything they write.
Who else belongs in the good, popular non-calvinists blog category?
In the Baptist category, I have to recommend SBC Today. I don’t know if they would call themselves non-Calvinist, but they definitely lean that way.
Since Dr. Lemke and others resurrected the long-inactive blog, it has become a voice for a certain segment of the SBC. Generally non-Calvinist. Slightly more BI than not. But the articles are generally well-written and well-argued.
Even when I disagree with articles there (and I often do), I appreciate the tone and tenor of the posts. I don’t really know about the discussion sections there. Managing this doesn’t really leave me much time to browse comments on other sites.
But if you want to know the non-Calvinist side of things in the SBC world, then SBC Today is the first place to go.
I’m fascinated by how the blog ranking systems work. For instance, there are four Baptist blogs (whose names I recognize from their appearance here on our blogroll) in the top 100 at Technorati. Trevin Wax is a perennial top-10. Denny Burk is currently around 15 or 18, we are around 30 and Peter Lumpkins is in the 80s. There are wild fluctuations in that, of course.
But I don’t think any of those blogs made the top 200 in the ranking system you mentioned.
All these ranking systems confuse me – probably some kind of young whippersnapper conspiracy.
Dave,
Thanks for kindness shown to SBC Today.
As a commenter and occasional writer on SBC Today, I feel they are fair and evenhanded in their variety of practical articles with some related to doctrinal differences in the SBC world.
Blessings!
Question #1. – I don’t know of any good “non-Calvinist” blogs that I would recommend. SBCToday certainly professes to be non-Calvinist but their posts have been, too often, so full of misrepresentations and historical inaccuracies that I can’t recommend it as a good alternative to Calvinist blogs. Billy Birch does a good job representing a Southern Baptist Arminian perspective.
#2. I think Calvinists dominate the blogosphere because they are young (thus web savvy), passionate about theology, and a minority in evangelicalism (especially SBC life). The fact that most of the Christians in one’s family and community aren’t Calvinists does much to motivate a person to share and articulate their beliefs, and blogs are a great medium for doing just that.
Don’t you think that non-Calvinists feel the same way when they read Calvinist blogs?
I often do not agree with SBC Today. But most of the writers articulate their positions clearly, refrain from the kind of vituperation that use to mark a lot of Baptist blogging, and provide insight into what a certain segment of Baptists believe.
Since the unfortunate Jerry Nash incident last year, I’ve not read what I would consider a mean-spirited article there. Just because I don’t agree with them does not mean they are somehow bad.
Dave,
I’m sure many non-Calvinists feel the same way when reading some Calvinist blogs. That doesn’t change the fact that SBCToday’s posts, too often, have misrepresentations and inaccuracies. Just check the comments sections. They have been documented.
Also, I didn’t mention anything about “mean-spirited” or other possible “motives.” My concern is with the constant errors in their posts.
I would go a step further. In my opinion SBCToday is one of the leading anti-Calvinist blogs, although clearly that is not their sole emphasis.
When you constantly link to the most well known anti-Calvinist SBC blog…you deserve that reputation.
Good grief.
Also, I think you’d have to put Peter Lumpkins blog as one of the top blogs..non-Calvinist ones.
Also, Bart Barber’s blog “Praisegodbarebones”
While I love Bart neither one of those blogs are even close to as popular as I am talking…
Think Challies, McKnight, etc.
David Fitch’s “Reclaiming the Mission”
The Internet Monk is still running under the direction of Chaplain Mike
Ben Witherington’s and John Stackhouse’s blogs
“Thoughts from Fabs” and “She Worships” are a couple of top notch Christian women’s blogs
Just to name a few.
One of the answers is obvious. Calvinists dominate the blogosphere because the non-Calvinists are too busy with evangelism.
Not sure whether to ban you or give you a gold star. I’ll think about that.
@Bill Mac, You’d love for that to be true, but sadly it is nothing more then a straw man.
It was a joke. I’m a Calvinist.
lol…good grief, again.
I think it’s interesting that the categories have been defined by Calvinism. There are blogs by Calvinists that would not be considered explicitly Calvinistic. I imagine that there are blogs by non-Calvinists that are not explicitly non-Calvinistic. Typically, either doesn’t seem to be very popular…
The only non Calvinist who I would spend anytime reading would be the late Leonard Ravenhill. Outside of that I, like yourself, have no answer.
This answer kind of amazes me. Leonard Ravenhill is the only non-Calvinist you would read? I think it is good to read people who disagree with your perspective.
If you only read people you agree with, you are essentially only reinforcing your preconceived ideas. You don’t push yourself on to greater understanding.
I think Calvinists should do a lot of non-Calvinist reading and vice-versa.
Brother Dave, you might not like to admit this, but it true none the less, the most popular non-Calvinist blogs/authors/folks are the Olsteens, Bells, Jakes, and Meyers of the world. Could you in good conscience read such material?
I understand your point and yes iron sharpens iron. But I think you would agree that you have to look alot harder to find a “non-calvinist” who, in terms of faithfulness to the Bible [read quality], is iron and not warm butter. Thus, you have the dilema of Mr. Matt Svoboda.
I read almost all Calvinists because I know that I’m going to get sharpened, which, if you are honest, is the same reason you read Calvinists.
good grief
sbc plodder
kinnontv
thearminian (william birch0
Matt,
You are correct that non-Calvinists have few leading blogs. That could change a bit. I’m hearing talk of a group of non-Calvinist mega church pastors talking about forming a large coalition blog in the future.
BTW … I haven’t noticed SBC Tomorrow mentioned.
Alvin Reid is not a Calvinist, according to Timmy Brister. (See this link: http://timmybrister.com/2009/02/19/alvin-reid-to-the-calvinists-in-the-sbc/ )
I have always found Reid to be about the Father’s business in communicating solid, practical, and intellectually stimulating material that bloggers can live out. With him, it’s not just about discussion, but about applying truth to Christian living. I think most anyone would enjoy reading his blog, whether Calvinist or non-Calvinist.
Yes, I am big fan of Alvin Reid.
Maybe I should have clarified what I meant by popular… What I mean is that if someone spends hardly any time in the blogosphere than they will know of these people- such as Challies, Justin Taylor, McKnight, etc.
Thanks for mentioning SBC Today, Dave. SBC Today was created in part to offer an alternative to the overwhelming number of Calvinist blogs that are so out of proportion with their presence in the SBC. I would agree that most SBC Today articles do not favor Calvinism, though some articles (such as mine listing 12 points of disagreement with Arminianism) have equally disfavored Arminianism as well. However, many of the comments do favor Calvinism, and the Top Blog Posts of the week usually list a few Calvinist posts. However, when we have articles dealing with Calvinism, the readership tends to go up. As I noted recently, I would rather our readership went up when we had our edifying articles, which are the predominant majority of our posts.
As far as “popular” is concerned, as Dave noted, the Technorati ratings vary widely. We have been as high as ranked in the 20s, and then a few weeks later we’ll be in the 200s. Our other ranking systems indicate that this wide fluctuation is inaccurate. We’re ranked 40th in Religion in the Investp ratings. The more accurate Google Analytics say that in the last year (as of today) we had about 76,000 visits, 35,000 of whom were unique visitors. We had 132,000 page views. Since we didn’t restart SBC Today until mid-Spring (and thus had several idle months in this count), I imagine that our reader count will probably be higher this year.
Please note the irony of Calvinists looking for a non-Calvinist blog that you like. Since the views represented are usually not strongly Calvinist, . . . it shouldn’t be a suprise that you find yourself disagreeing with them.
Joshua, I can assure you that non-Calvinists can list just as many mischaracterizations and inaccuracies about non-Calvinists in Calvinist blogs and publications as you allege about some non-Calvinists in SBC Today. (For a well-documented starter list, see Roger Olson’s ARMINIAN THEOLOGY: MYTHS AND REALITIES). Furthermore, you correctly note that these comments that concern you are primarily in the “comments” section. This is part and parcel of an open forum on a blog this popular. It IS a blog, not a Theology class. We don’t censor our commenters, Calvinist or non-Calvinist (unless they violate Christian propriety). Actually, I think that is a very positive function of a forum like ours — people can air opinions and receive feedback from other voices about their views. We can learn from each other. I think that is constructive for the body of Christ. I don’t think that Calvinists talking to Calvinists is as constructive as Calvinists and non-Calvinists talking with each other. I think both SBC Today and SBC Voices (in particular) afford such a forum.
Dr. Lemke, we share a perspective on this. I think we need to talk to each other in a reasonable way.
And you are right about hits when we talk Calvinism! Wow.
When I was a coach, I was kind of a stats-freak, which is why I like to view the stats. Problem is, I don’t understand them.
Dr. Lemke,
I think you misunderstood me. My concern is not with the comments in the comments section but the actual posts of Hale, Hadley, etc. My reference to SBCToday’s comments section was to point readers to where the errors of SBCToday’s posts are plainly documented.
As I previously said to Dave, pointing to other blogs that have misrepresentations does not excuse one’s own blog not being in order.
I think this popularity thing has just begun, and none of it is for reasons mentioned. Behind all of this is the driving, moving, motivating, compelling, grossly intense and all consuming desire and prayer for a Third Great Awakening that, hopefully, shall begin in this generation and, winning every soul on earth, continuing for a 1000 generations and perhaps a million million worlds as mankind spreads to the stars and anywhere from 20,000-100,000 years (as mankind’s conditions improve and lifetimes lengthen. One question by the wisest man I ever met in a lifetime of study and experience, having attended 10 institutions above the secondary level and taught in three and served as a minister for four churches, and that question being, “Have you ever thought about the fact that at any one time every last soul on earth could be the elect of God?” I answered at the time, “No, I never thought of it.” How could I? My eschatology precluded it. Then, perhaps seven years later, Jonah’s unconditional prophecy that was given for another purpose (namely to bring the Ninevites to repentance) showed how the prophecies of gloom and doom could have another purpose than simply to forcast disaster. The gentleman who asked the question, soft-spoken, slow commenting, jack-leg (his terminology) Baptist Historian, author of one printed pamphlet, “A Study of United Baptists,” one Charles Hampton, had spent 10 years doing research, much of it with an old homemake microfilm machine that put the film on the wall, so out-of-focus that two nights of viewing it almost left me blind, and the information he gained opened the doors for a future for fallen mankind, hitherto undreamed and unimagined, a future of Sovereign Grace, of believers becoming the subliminal seduction techniques of goodness for God’s Gospel as reflected in their becoming and being balanced, flexible, creative, constant, and magnetic. We are on the verge of the stone cut out of the mountain without human hands becoming the great mountain that fills the whole earth. And satan is really distressed by such, to the point that he is beginning to act rashly, tipping his hand, revealing his scaley disposition, remorseless, careless, cruel, incalculably evil, but still unable to resist the overwhelming flood of grace coming upon the earth that shall produce enough redeemed in Heaven for God’s jocular remark about a number that no one can number.
How about Chris Rosebrough’s blog The Museum of Idolatry? He’s a Lutheran.
A What?
Searching: Southern Baptists who don’t give a rip about whether someone is a Calvinist or not but whether they preach and believe the gospel or not.
My all-time favorite Baptist blog is Trevin Wax’s, which is always worth reading.
As for other favorites to read, which are hardly known among present company:
my own faith: ‘Word On Fire’
Jewish faith: ‘The Velveteen Rabbi’
Greek Orthodox: ‘Father Orthoduck’
And, in a category all of its own: ‘ imonk ‘
(I appreciate Chaplain Mike,
but I miss Michael Spencer, of blessed memory)
The NRA Blog is an excellent blog for Calvinists and Non-Calvinists alike to learn about life, freedom, and the maintaining of both.
I am a fan of the NRA blog. Also like the the guns.com twitter feed.
I need to add that one.
First of all I would like to say that I am for Calvinists and Non Calvinists living in harmony with one another in SBC life. I am a NonCalvinist but I have a number of friends who are Calvinist and I have them in my pulpit often. There is not eough room here for me to tell everybody how much I appreciate Calvinists. I mean you’re conservative, you have a high view of God, and you have an high view of scripture.
Yesterday, I had a conversation with a preacher friend of the Non Calvinist persuasion and he was telling me that we need to get rid of the Calvinists. I told him we need you guys and that I was against any thought of that. He told me that y’all intend to take over and that it it was y’all who had declared war on us. I disagreed with him strongly.
That being said, having read many of the arrogant comments on this post has made me reassess my position. Oh, I remain resolute in my position that we need each other. I remain convinced that we must respect one another in Christian love. But it is obvious that many of you guys think the non Calvinist side is less than scholarly, and you obviously have little respect for our position. The conclusion I have come to is that the Calvinists and their arrogance is at least partially to blame for the rift, something that I never believed before. It’s a shame.
John, it is very hard to be a Calvinist in the SBC. The them vrs. us mentality of your preacher friend is often the default position of those who are not calvinists. As a Calvinist I go back and forth if I am even a Southern Baptist, because of it. There are, afterall, reformed baptist associations. I stay for a lot of reasons.
Anyway, I just wanted to say on the behalf of those calvinists you have extended the hand of fellowship to – thank you. It means alot to us that you see more than just our soteriology. That you see us as redeemed by the same Savior.
John,
Now, you are beginning to see the problem with some of these aggressive Calvinists. Most of us having been dealing with this smug, arrogant, obsession for years, especially true amongst the YRR.
David
Reformed,
And yet, you see no value in reading anyone who’s not a 5 pt. Calvinist, and you equate all non-5 pointers as the Olsteens, and Meyers, and Bells, and Jakes????? Really, Dude?
Wow.
David
@volfan007: If that where true I wouldn’t read Ravenhill and I wouldn’t sing hymns by Wesly. I am open to reading non calvinists, but seeing as it’s somewhat of a mystery of who one is, who is worth reading, (as evidence I submit this thread/post) I’m left reading mostly calvinists.
Does my comment about “Olsteens, and Meyers, and Bells, and Jakes” bother you? It should because it rings true that they are both popular and non calvinists. You might not agree with their teaching, and to be honest I pray to God that you don’t, but the fact remains that they are non calvinist and popular (two of three attributes asked for). I don’t equate all Christians who don’t hold to a calvinist view as of the same cloth as those mentioned. Those were words you put into my mouth. I was simply saying that the popular non calvinists are unsound in doctrine, NOT that all non calvinists are unsound.
On a side note, post something that adds to the convo before you go straight to your work of criticizing commentors. It gives the impression that you’re nothing but a troll.
Reformed,
I would expect an aggressive, obessed Calvinist to say exactly what you just said. Your answer is the typical parsing of every word; denying that you actually meant something; “you misrepresent Calvinism, me, etc;” and calling names, ie, “troll.”
God bless you, Brother. Preach Jesus. Preach the Gospel.
David
Volfan,
I agree that there are several aggressive, obsessive calvinists… Do you realize that you come off exactly as they do except on the other side? There are equally aggressive, obsessive non-calvinists and you often come off as one of them. Which is ironic since you always bemoan the aggressive, obsessive calvinists.
Matt,
You cant see the difference? I’m just responding to the smug, arrogant statements which have been made, and that continue to be made.
Something else I’d tell you is that about the only time I ever talk about this issue is when it’s brought up by others…for example, your blog post! If you walked around with me in everyday life, you’d hear almost never talk about this subject….I mean, you take a 24 hour day of my life…the time spent on this subject would be less than an hour…way less….on most days…no time….
But, I do see a problem in the SBC with aggressive, obsessed Calvinists…especially amongst the YRR. And, when it raises it’s head, I speak out.
David
Pot…kettle…
Now I am beginning to see the problem with some of these aggressive non-Calvinists. Most of us have been dealing with this smug, arrogant, obsession for years, especially true in contemporary Evangelicalism.
All one needs to do is read the comment streams on certain non-Calvinist blogs, and they are every bit as smug and arrogant as anything I have read on Calvinist blogs.
Matt seems to see it too (comment #44).
Two of the non-Calvinist blogs I’d mention would be:
SBC Today
http://sbctoday.com/
SBC Tomorrow
http://peterlumpkins.typepad.com/
I’ve noticed that when some bemoan the “inaccuracies” of a non-Calvinist blog, they are sometimes just bemoaning their “disagreements” with the blog. “Inaccuracies” and “disagreements” are two separate issues.
David R. Brumbelow
It’s technically not a blog, but Dr. Craig’s Reasonable Faith has a news feed now. Last time I checked he didn’t have one. Now that I see he does I’ve added it to my reader.
For those of you who just like to be mad…
I am not putting anyone down by saying they “arent as popular as I am talking.”
Yes, SBC Today and SBC Tomorrow are popular blogs in one sect of SBC blogging… When I say popular I mean popular all throughout Christian blogging- such as Challies, McKnight, Justin Taylor, etc.
I wouldnt put SBC Voices on that list either.
Stop being mad about nothing. Grow up.
I asked because I have two blogs- Justin Taylor and Douglas Wilson- that I read everything they blog. I know they both come from my perspective so I was hoping for a good one that I wont always agree with, but will definitely sharpen me… It looks like Scott McKnight is probably what I will go with.
In terms of popular blogs throughout evangelicalism- SBC Voices, SBC Today, and SBC Tomorrow do not fit that criteria. This isnt a shot, it is a fact. Stop acting like I just said Tim Tebow sucks.
Matt,
I’m just curious/confused and I’m not trying to argue for the sake of arguing. So why do they need to be “popular” if what you are looking for is “a good one that I won’t always agree with, but will definitely sharpen me”?
I know some really solid blogs that sharpen me that don’t get top 200 traffic.
Good question Mike:
1) Just because, typically, the product is better. Which is why they are typically popular.
2) They usually deal with issues that move across all of Evangelicalism rather than little pockets. (such as SBC blogs).
3) They more often deal with other popular writers in a fair and balanced manner.
These three things proved true to me when I used to read a ton of popular and not as popular blogs.
I also want to note that I said, “good.” This is obviously a matter of opinion, but there are some popular calvinist and non-calvinist blogs that I simply dont think are good and worth my time.
But yes, typically, most really good blogs are pretty popular.
why is my comment in moderation?
David
crickets chirping……
Have some patience… Sometimes they get locked up. I dont typically ever look at them because that is Dave’s deal. It means he simply hasnt checked them in the last 20 minutes.
I approved it.
Matt,
It wasnt the time of being in moderation that made me write. It was that a comment was showing me…on my computer…on that comment….that my comment was in moderation. Usually, my comments just shoot right down on the comment thread.
So, it wasnt the amount of time.
David
Would a joke here about prohibition vs. moderation be appropriate?
Because I can try to find one…
David W.,
.
One of mine is in moderation too. I think it is a Vast Calvinist Conspiracy
Seriously, I think mine must be in moderation because it had two links in it.
David R. Brumbelow
There is no comment of yours in moderation, David.
Dave,
It is there now (as of now, #44). But for an hour or more it was saying on my end that it was being held in moderation.
No problem; I assumed it was because of two links in it.
David R. Brumbelow
Dave,
But then, I don’t know if your comment was for me or the other David. A lot of great men named David.
David R. Brumbelow
Yep, David. I went in and released the prisoners. You were a victim of the two-link rule I think. Whether that is a Calvinist conspiracy or not, I cannot say. (But that may be part of the conspiracy.)
Comments end up in moderation for 4 reasons.
1) Someone has consistently violated commenting guidelines so I place them in moderation so I can check out their comments before they go public. That list is small and you aren’t on it. With some of the jokes you’ve told on FB, you probably should be, but you aren’t!
2) You include 2 or more links. It’s some kind of anti-SPAM things.
3) You are a first-time commenter. Or, you use a new name (or a different spelling as well) or a new IP address or such. I believe this is also an anti-SPAM thing. After I approve the first comment, its wide-open after that.
4) Demons. Little internet demons run around and cause anomalies and problems.
5) Trolls. The KY Cry-Baby Troll sometimes eats comments to nourish its ego, especially when it feels deprived or insecure.
Wait, computers don’t do what we want them to do sometimes?
Next you’ll tell me the Easter Bunny isn’t real.
Full disclosure – I am a Calvinist. But I do occasionally read Arminian sites. So to this list I would add Roger Olson. I would think he’s somewhere near Matt’s standard of influence for this post. I don’t like his oft polemical style, but some of his articles aren’t so bad. Of all the Arminians I sometimes read, I like Billy Birch’s site the most. I often don’t agree with him, but I (in general) like his style.
Thanks for the suggestions.
Kevin,
That’s funny because I was just about to suggest Roger Olson. I personally don’t care at all for his more moderate theology. But I think that some of his stuff is insightful.
What about Beth Moore’s blog?
Matt,
I am not sure what to make of this post. For example, you use the term “popular” but then eschew that when dealing with non Calvinist blogs such as the Osteens, etc. So, “popular” is subjective as in good if Calvinist, not good if non Calvinist. Actually, when something becomes real popular in any category, depending on your definition of popular, I am likely to scrutinize it even closer because it is usually a red flag of sorts. But that is just me. If the masses like it, we had better take another look. However, if by “popular” you mean a “niche” of Christendom, that is a whole other topic.
I am also confused as to what constitutes “quality content” in your opinion. There are quite a few blogs I visit that have what I would deem ‘quality content’….at times. Not all the time but many times. You might deem them as having no quality content at all. Who is the arbiter of “quality content”? Isn’t that subjective? It might be different for one who makes a living in ministry than for me, a lowly priest in the priesthood. I like blogs that dig into the Greek word meanings. Or such blogs as “Better Bible Blog”, etc. They are neither Calvinist or Non Calvinist. It is simply not the focus. But I like reading what translators grapple with.
There are also many watchblogs that dive into doctrine that are very “popular” with certain segments of Christendom. Other segments of Christendom, mostly those in career ministry, deem them as bitter gossips in pajamas in their mom’s basement.
)
The other confusion I have is the churchrevelance rating system. If you notice, a blog with more hits might be #100 on the list. Conversely, a blog with less hits might be #5? So, what is exactly the rating? And how are they “church related” blogs? How does one get into that category? For example, are forums such as pastors.com not considered part of the category for rating? (I am NOT a fan of pastors.com just using it as an example). Not sure I understand their criterion for category of “church blog”.
“2) Why do you think Calvinists dominate the blogosphere?”
I have my opinions which is worth nothing. One is that Reformers have a determination to make churches/people Reformed. As in Reformed is the truth and others don’t get it yet. It is the bandwagon effect which works well with Young and Restless types. It is the latest thing. Not long ago to this aging woman, it was the seekers as early adapters and then emergents.
I was an early adapter of blogging and can tell you that it took a while for people to find Challies and for it to grow.And over the course of those years, the audience has changed a bit, too. It might have stayed pretty hidden had it not been for conferences. I can look back and see the trajectory very clear from way back in 2004-5….growth of conferences = growth of Reformed/Calvinist blogs. This is my opinion from a birds eye view. (By the way, if it does not allow comments, I do not consider it a blog at all but that is just me)
My question is why is “Calvinism” even a category in the course of “Christian” blogging?
I took Matt’s questions as referring to (good, popular) blogs by non-Calvinists, not necessarily blogs about non-Calvinism (although the two would overlap of course).
Hey Kevin, Not sure what a Non Calvinist is anymore. A few threads back it seemed a “Calvinist” was anyone in SBC because of it’s founding or anyone who held to 3+ tulip petals.
)
Perhaps the category is blogs where Calvin, Reformed doctrines are the focus of content as in biblical interpretation, methods, etc? Not sure a Christian oriented blog NOT focusing on such things is a “non Calvinist” blog. Again, the question is defining “quality content” which is subjective unless there is a criterion rubric.
Yes, Kevin, that is exactly what I am referring too.
Oh, and this video from TED relates to this topic. Beware of this when googling blogs and topics and what might be deleted from your facebook.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bOE1HFEL8XA&feature=player_embedded
(What Google and Facebook are hiding from the world)
The blog: From the Hills and Hollers … By: David Worley
I know it is currently inactive in the states, but it is gained a cult like following in Japan and certain sections of London.
That is true Ron Hale. That was a major blog back during the IMB wars. Another was Villa Rica’s blog, Standing For Truth. And the Outpost. Never forget the Outpost.
You guys trying to borrow money from him? His blog has been gathering cobwebs since WWII.
Now, he terrorizes Facebook with corny jokes.
I almost choked on my cheese omelette at waffle house. LOL!!!
With that, l am…
Peter
Why should there be a calvinist conspiracy to take over what originally belonged to them anyway? Who decided on opening the doors to the preaching that Christ tasted death for every man as being no bar to communion? Is there anyone who does historical research? It is sad, when even Sovereign Grace believers do not do the research that would help them to understand where this is all going. And why waste time on arrogance? It is a stupid contradiction of every bit of humility inculcated by Amazing Grace. Grace doesn’t make me superior to anyone. I’m as happy as that puppy who gets a crumb dropped from the table, and we all will prosper together in that crumb that is about to fall from God’s table which shall produce the Third Great Awakening beginning, hopefully, with this generation and continuing for a 1000 generations and taking evey soul on earth for His glory. After all, there are, as far as I am concerned, already too many in Hell. Not that I can do anything to stem that awful tide, but I do know Him who can and who apparently intends to do that very thing, if the prophetic promises of God’s word mean anything at all. I hurl a challenge at all of you: I intend that we should begin to pray and plan to win the whole earth by Gospel persuasion, praying down the power of Heaven itself until the multitudes will be converted even if they are miles from churches on Sunday mornings as was the case with the Moravians in Europe back in 1727 (?).
Matt Svoboda – The very first sentence of this Blog – your Blog – ends in a preposition. Just exactly what are you talking about. You don’t make any sense.
Hi Matt,
I know of quite a few blogs tackling theological topics by evangelical non-Calvinists. Often, they are quite meaty. The exchange that goes on may not be something that is always agreeable, but I know I have benefitted from the give and take on both sides.
Here is my top-4 non-Calv everyday checklist:
1. Roger Olson’s blog (http://www.patheos.com/blogs/rogereolson/) Olson is a professor at Baylor and a well-respected historical theologian. His blog is always good for some thought. He is also likely the chief self-identified evangelical Arminian.
2. Randal Rauser’s blog
(http://www.randalrauser.com/blog). Rauser is a historical theologian at a seminary in Canada. He is a good philosophical theologian and often a Calvinist colleague will chime in and they will go round and round, but without the name-calling. He’s a little to the left of the SBC on some issues, but you will be challenged if you read him.
3. Billy Birch’s blog
(http://www.williamwbirch.com). Billy is an MDiv student at SEBTS. He writes thoughtful posts on Arminius and Arminianism. The comment thread is often as good as the blog. Billy is fair-minded and passionate.
4. Peter Lumpkins’ blog. I didn’t link it, because it is always linked at the top of the SBC Voices homepage when a new article goes up. I think Peter is a good writer and a good thinker. He ruffles a few feathers from time to time, but this is the SBC, right?
I think these 4 would provide good, stimulating thinking to either Calv or non-Calv. I have been edified by comments on both sides of the fence. I don’t know anything about blog traffic or general popularity, though. I hope this is what you are looking for, and I recommend these blogs highly.
Jim G.
@Matt:
I thought that there was an agreement to give the Calvinism stuff a rest on this site until/unless something happened to make the issue “newsworthy”? It has been generally adhered to in the new year, mostly with good results IMHO.
Emir Caner’s blog/site
Another some may find interesting:
God.Real.Right by
Dr. Barry Creamer of
Criswell College
http://barrycreamer.com/blog1.php
David R. Brumbelow