Darryl's Blog
Pesky Calvinists?
Scot McKnight asks how you would respond to this letter:
The main reason I am writing is to see if you know anything a person can do in response to hyper-calvinism. Around these parts, we are getting killed by very vocal, self-righteous hyper-calvinists...The problem is that they just are relentless. Absolutely no discussion or compromise. I have had the life kicked out of me at my church this past year by some of these people. For them, it just isn’t good enough to be a solid evangelical who really loves Jesus and wants to serve him. It has to be all about reformed theology.
You can add in your thoughts at Scot's site.
You can argue with some details in the letter: Is he really talking about hyper-Calvinists? Can you really single out John Piper? But I wonder if there is some truth in what he writes. I speak as one who thinks the Reformed movement has tons to offer the church.
Tim Keller's words from earlier in the year continue to challenge me:
We can't avoid drawing boundaries. Everyone does it, and if they say you're not doing it, then you're drawing a boundary by saying you're not doing it. But what matters is how we treat the people on the other side of the boundary. We're going to win the younger leaders if we are the most gracious and the most kind and the least self-righteous in controversy toward people on the other side of the boundary.
Update: Abraham Piper responds at the Desiring God blog:
It won't be easy to change the pejorative stereotype that clings to Calvinism, but we can start by admitting that it is accurate far too often. Then we can make sure we are manifestly not self-righteous, condescending, arrogant, unfriendly, or argumentative. Also, you can count on us to buy dinner or coffee sometimes.
Paying attention to those who disagree with us and taking them seriously, even if we're pretty sure we'll still disagree, is part of what it means to be in the body of Christ. It's humbling; it sanctifies. It will make us better husbands and wives. It will make us better Christians, and maybe even better Calvinists.
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I think it would be very foolish to give counsel to this based solely on the information in the letter. There is too much anger, pain, frustration in it to not add to the mess. Never give advice without hearing both sides - unless of course it's me talking - then you know who is right!!;)
Jesus told us that he came to save the world and not to judge it. Likewise those of His who suppose that they preach the same Gospel, should do likewise.
John 7:24 "Stop judging by mere appearances, and make a right judgment.”
Paul would you care to refine your point of view?
Sadly, there are hyper-critical, legalistic types in every denomination and every organization.
My answer is, again, quite simplistic. I would simply refuse to engage in the discussion or arguement. It is one thing to have an honest and open discussion about an issue upon which the people involved do not agree, (and agree to disagree if a consensus cannot be reached.) But, to continue to engage in arguements where either side is "having the life kicked out of them" is counter-productive to ALL sides, including those not invloved directly.
I have found one tactic works extremely well when dealing with people of this pursuasion: I simply offer to pray with them ON THE SPOT and very humbly and sweetly ask God to correct and instruct ME if it is necessary.
Something like: "Dear God, if my viewpoint is not of You and Your Word, but is in error in any way; if I am causing dissension and/or tension because of what I believe, do or say, please forgive me. Help me, guide me and teach me in Your Truth. Thank You for the concern of these my brothers/sisters. Help US to walk together in Love - for the benefit of Your Church and The Kingdom."
Thing is, MY attitude is as important, if not more so, than theirs. If I cannot walk in love and forgiveness, and show respect towards them, why should I expect THEM to behave any differently than I?
See? That way BOTH sides walk away feeling vindicated. They, because they think they have made their point, and I, - especially if my conscience is clear and I honestly do not believe my viewpoint is in error, - have left the problem with the only One who can rectify the situation and bring Peace and Harmony: God.
Also, if all the other party wants to do is cause dissension, they will very quickly cease trying to do it at my expense. They will soon get the idea that all they are going to receive is another prayer, which is the last thing they want!
P.S.: This works for incorrigble gossipers, too! "Hey, instead of talking ABOUT Sister So and So, why don't we just pray FOR her right now?"
I warn you though: If you do this consistently, two things will happen:
1) You'll need a broom and dustpan to clean up the rooster tails of dust they leave behind as they hurry away to share their poison with someone else.
2) You'll NEVER be "in the know" about anything! :)
I have discovered over the years that when I mention to others that I am a Calvinist that red flags go up for them. I think there is the assumption that all Calvinists are hyper-Calvinists. A couple of months ago at my area pastor's monthly lunch, after a couple of pastors criticized Calvinism, I told the group that I will bring everyone a tulip!
Anyone who has sat under Scott's teaching knows he's a hyper-Arminian despite his diplomacy.