This is a perfect example why we should judge The Gospel Project for what it says, not for who said what: Adrian Rogers, considered one of the preeminent Southern Baptists in recent history, wrote What Every Christian Ought to Know, a book that has been used in many SBC churches to disciple new believers in the basics of what Christians believe. I have used this book myself with new believers because it is short, easy to understand, and introduces some core Christian beliefs without getting too in-depth for a new believer to understand. However, I’m reconsidering using What Every … [Read more...] about Adrian Rogers’ Flub
calvinism
Double Predestination and My Seat at the SBC Table
I just read an article from Ron Hale on SBC Today dealing with double predestination, called “John Calvin: In His Own Words.” It’s not a very focused article, moving from Calvin’s views on double predestination to an a priori assumption that this view is “monstrous,” to an affirmation of “A Statement of the Traditional Southern Baptist Understanding of God’s Plan of Salvation,” to a call to Southern Baptists to get out from “under the long shadow of a Catholic monk named Augustine.” My intention here is not to provide a point-by-point rebuttal to Hale’s article, though I am a proponent of … [Read more...] about Double Predestination and My Seat at the SBC Table
Exclusive Claims on Traditional Southern Baptist Soteriology?
The next big thing in the Calvinism debate within the SBC has arrived. Ever since it was posted over on SBC Today, “A Statement of the Traditional Southern Baptist Understanding of God’s Plan of Salvation” has been gathering attention in comment streams and many blogs, including this one. This Statement attempts to define a common doctrinal statement about salvation for non-Calvinists within the SBC. For all of us who’ve debated these issues at length, we should applaud this effort. All of us should be able to agree that “non-Calvinist” is not a very helpful descriptor of this group’s … [Read more...] about Exclusive Claims on Traditional Southern Baptist Soteriology?
A Calvinist Anthem
Though it’s quieted down a lot regarding Lifeway’s The Gospel Project, I thought I’d stoke the fires again. All the concerns about how some subtle Calvinistic influence will confuse church members and cause frustration and discord in otherwise non-Calvinist Baptist churches because of this material are a little melodramatic. After all, I’m quite confident that every one of those non-Calvinist Baptist churches has used one Calvinist work for years without complaining about its influence before. And no, I’m not talking about Romans 9 and Ephesians 1. ;-) I’m talking about a very Calvinist … [Read more...] about A Calvinist Anthem
Resolution on The Theology of Salvation in the SBC (By Scott Gordon)
Scott Gordon is the pastor of Claycomo Baptist Church in Kansas City, MO. He has previously blogged here at SBC Voices, SBC Today, and his personal blog, SolaGratia! Currently, you’ll most often find him in the comments sections around here or other blogs or on Twitter (@SAGordon). I have submitted the resolution which follows to the Resolutions Committee for the 2012 SBC Annual Meeting in the hope that they would see fit to recommend it to the messengers from our churches in attendance in New Orleans. I have seen and highly respect the effort Chris Roberts has put into the resolution he … [Read more...] about Resolution on The Theology of Salvation in the SBC (By Scott Gordon)
Calvinists and The Gospel Project
I’ve been seeing a lot of criticism of Lifeway’s new curriculum, The Gospel Project, and it all revolves around Calvinism. Of course, I have yet to read a critical article from someone who actually claims to have read any of the materials that are posted online or cited them to prove their accusations. Many claims are made about the curriculum, it’s authors and editors, and Calvinists in general. I’ve identified a few of the more prominent ones: 1. Calvinists are incapable of writing with a broad appeal Judged solely from the negative comments, I’d guess that The Gospel Project is a … [Read more...] about Calvinists and The Gospel Project
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
What Should a Newtonian Calvinist Say in a Pastoral Interview?
I have been breaking one of my rules lately. I have…gulp of shame…been reading far too many comment threads on blogs. Even worse these blog posts have been about…choking down the shame of broken resolve…Calvinism. While indulging the part of my brain that lacks sound judgment, I have witnessed a common thread. This thread presents itself as a forceful suggestion that Calvinist’s should be upfront and honest about their Calvinism and intentions of “reforming the church” in the interview process. I figure those that mention this have a couple of different scenarios in their mind. One … [Read more...] about What Should a Newtonian Calvinist Say in a Pastoral Interview?
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
Dr. Mohler’s 2010 Statement on New Calvinism: Not Helpful!
I am a fan of Dr. Al Mohler! I am glad he is one of our leaders. I am constantly amazed at Dr. Mohler's ability to articulate his positions. His statement on homosexuality at the SBC Annual Meeting this year was one of the best, most concise and biblical statements of a Christian approach to the subject I've ever heard. I've seen Dr. Mohler on national programs and always have been impressed at his ability to express unpopular biblical ideas in a persuasive way. When he speaks, I listen. And usually I think he hits it out of the park! In a video from 2010 that has recently been … [Read more...] about Dr. Mohler’s 2010 Statement on New Calvinism: Not Helpful!