This will be the last installment in this series. Hopefully it has been helpful. One of the greatest critiques that has come to this series is the title. Why in the world would I have titled this Angry and Divisive Calvinists if the real issue is not about Calvinism? Why bother with the potential vitriol that could come from people on either side of the issue? There were three main reasons why I wrote this series and titled it the way that I did: First, I wrote this series for angry and divisive Calvinists. There really are angry and divisive Calvinists. Yes, there are those that … [Read more...] about The Root of Angry and Divisive Calvinists: Part Seven
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The Root of Angry and Divisive Calvinists: Part Six
You probably have a “Mark” in your life. We want to be living in the epilogue and not in the beginning of the story. Here is how to help the “Marks” in your life. If “Mark” is not a Calvinist but is carrying some other doctrine in an angry and divisive manner I think the advice could still pertain. Also keep in mind that I’m a Calvinist who sadly used to be a little too close to Mark. These are some of the things the Lord used in my life—both from Calvinists and non-Calvinists to help me walk more faithfully in step with the Spirit and not be “Mark”. Calvinists helping … [Read more...] about The Root of Angry and Divisive Calvinists: Part Six
The Root of Angry and Divisive Calvinists Part 5
Epilogue: What Continued Happening to Mark Angry and divisive Mark is no more. Next month Mark will be returning to Podunk Baptist Church. This time as a new man. He still has his beard, he still holds to much the same doctrine, but he holds it differently. It had been eight years since his disaster of a revival service. Mark left the people wounded…and truth be told Mark left wounded as well. His desire to “set his old church straight” came from a mostly good desire—though Mark will admit that it was mixed with a good deal of pride and bitterness. A good part of Mark thought … [Read more...] about The Root of Angry and Divisive Calvinists Part 5
The Root of Angry and Divisive Calvinists: Part 3
If it wasn’t seminary (or any other new found education) that caused mark to become angry and divisive what happened to Mark, then? Probably the same thing that happened to students in Newton’s day when he said: I do not mention this as the necessary fault of the institution, but as the frequent effect of notions too hastily picked up, when not sanctified by grace, nor balanced by a proportional depth of spiritual experience.[1] Newton is saying what Luther said 200 years prior, “experience alone makes the theologian[2]”. What happened to Mark and a host of students like him is that he … [Read more...] about The Root of Angry and Divisive Calvinists: Part 3
The Root of Angry and Divisive Calvinists: Part 2
Last time we looked at the story of Mark, a young seminary student coming back to his home church to set them straight. We wondered “what happened to Mark”. Unfortunately that fictional story is all too real in many church settings. For our discussion we will be tackling the problem of angry and divisive Calvinists, but truth be told we can make Mark’s sermon topics whatever you desire. In our day and age many may be tempted to drop the C word (Calvinism) as one of those topics bearded Mark picks up. 300 years ago it may have been Arminianism. It doesn’t matter what topic you pick … [Read more...] about The Root of Angry and Divisive Calvinists: Part 2
The Root of Angry and Divisive Calvinists: Part 1
“What happened to Mark?” asks one of the bewildered purple-haired saints. Two years ago Podunk Baptist Church sent a bright, energetic, and humble young man off to the seminary. This little gathering of believers has for over two-centuries housed some of the dearest saints. But Mark was different. Though young and a relatively new believer he stood out because of his marked brilliance, passion, and dedication. Tears of joy mixed with sadness now watered the out-dated carpet, as Mark was sent off to learn how to be a pastor. Most of the members could still remember that cold September morning … [Read more...] about The Root of Angry and Divisive Calvinists: Part 1
Why I Like “Great Commission Baptists”
Let me start this with a of honesty. I chose the word "like" instead of "love" for a reason. I don't love this solution. In my perfect world, we'd be voting to actually change the name of our convention to "Great Commission Baptists" instead of just adding it as a designation. Like Dr. Paige Patterson, I've wanted to see our regionally-focused name replaced for a long time. But the Task Force determined (and from what I have seen, rightly so) that a name change would cost so much and be so legally difficult that whatever benefits might come from it were not worth it. So, we are going to … [Read more...] about Why I Like “Great Commission Baptists”
The Calvinists Have Been Here . . . by William Birch
Today we have a guest post by William Birch, which was originally posted on his site. This article is a response to Gerald Harris's recent article "The Calvinists are Here." If you comment, please comment in a similar manner as Birch's article. After all, in Birch's words, "We are on the same team, people!" Every now and again I am accused of misrepresenting Calvinism by a Calvinist brother. It often happens when I focus upon what I perceive to be certain implications of Calvinism rather than what Calvinists actually claim or believe. When I do so, the Calvinist is right to correct me; I … [Read more...] about The Calvinists Have Been Here . . . by William Birch
Not all Calvinists are Created Equally
No one likes being stereotyped, but we do it. Often, we deal in generalities, cause it takes too long to deal with specifics. We talk about "Baptists" or "Evangelicals" or "Southerners" or "Calvinists" or "Pagans" or "Nebraska Fans" or whatever. We just make some broad and sweeping generalities and just assume that everyone in that category is the same or similar. The reality with Calvinism, however, is that it's such a broad term it's hard to pin down what that really means. Instead of defining "Calvinism" I am going to tell you what I think, and you can decide if I fit your view of … [Read more...] about Not all Calvinists are Created Equally
Why I’m wary of Calvinists (by William Thornton)
The SBC Plodder is back with another examination of Calvinism. I will put on my Karnak turban and predict a lively discussion. After all, I have ESP-N. I'm a hacker and a plodder and am no different than the other fifty thousand or so SBC pastors but I do have a thirty year history with Calvinism and Calvinists and, unsurprisingly, have an opinion about it and them. To be candid, while I’m mostly ambivalent about Calvinismm, I'm decidedly wary of Calvinists. Here’s why: 1. Calvinists can be, well, rather arrogant. No, they don’t have a monopoly on such but my observation is that they … [Read more...] about Why I’m wary of Calvinists (by William Thornton)