Comments on: Dysfunctional Calvinism

By: mjdmook19

mjdmook19 — Sun, 26 Dec 2010 02:20:01 +0000

Unfortunately, this is true. The church is the only institution that I know that kills its wounded and eats its dead. But I believe that this is a problem with all brands of Christianity, not just Calvinism.

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35

By: Joe

Joe — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 19:19:41 +0000

Kaitaiki,

I have read your comments on other blogs. Though they seem to fall on deaf ears (eyes that read but ignore), I want you know, they have been meaningful to me.

Thank you,

Joe

By: Kaitiaki

Kaitiaki — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 18:57:58 +0000

I’d like to suggest:

Dysfunctional Calvinism is being so concerned for our theological categories that we forget the Bible on which we base these categories does not always make the same distinctions as clearly as we would like.

As an example: Calvinists are comfortable with the idea that we co-operate with the Holy Spirit in our sanctification but less comfortable that the command “Repent and believe” implies an action of the part of the sinner. That the Holy Spirit enables us to see the consequences of sin and fear them and that leads us, inevitably, to repent and trust in Christ does not make the decision any less *our* decision. We also, therefore co-operate in our conversion as well as in our sanctification. John Angell James has an excellent explanation of this in his “The Need for an Earnest Ministry” (I think that’s the title).

Other examples might be cited.

By: Kaitiaki

Kaitiaki — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 18:40:50 +0000

I am reminded of Archibald Alexandra who was writing a commentary. He raised the question of whether it was more important to expound the book for the ordinary Christian or for seminary students. His answer was instructive: He decided to do it for the theological students since, properly equipped, they could reach more people than he could himself.

I think your question (and, sadly, Alexandra’s) makes a false division. If I answer “the lost people worldwide” it leaves the impression that the Aminian error is insignificant. If I answer “the misguided Arminian next door” I am saying as you imply the billions of lost do not count. The correct answer is both the lost and the Arminian.

We are called to be all things to all men. That means, it seems to me that we are to provide for whatever needs the people we meet have. Why stop with the misguided Arminian? Surely Tim has shown it’s important to meet the needs of the “dysfunctional Calvinist” as well

By: Timmy Brister

Timmy Brister — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 16:28:31 +0000

No.

By: Chad

Chad — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 16:13:23 +0000

Would you call Paul dysfunctional for publicly rebuking Peter when he was wrong? Just a thought.

By: Show and Tell: Links of the Week for 1/31/10 | thejakers

Show and Tell: Links of the Week for 1/31/10 | thejakers — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 14:57:19 +0000

[...] Brister muses on dysfunctional Calvinism. Great pithy [...]

By: Blaine

Blaine — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 19:37:46 +0000

Great points! These misunderstandings need to be made known. It seems like the rotten apples are the ones that are always picked to represent the whole fruit stand! That is to say, I think probably many folks understand Calvinism based on its dysfunctional examples.

By: Tyler Nuzum

Tyler Nuzum — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 16:10:03 +0000

Thanks for this. I am a more recently “convinced” Calvinist. I left the Word of Faith Movement and the Hyper-Charismatic Movement in February 2003 (just now realized it’s been 7 years since I walked away from that…wow)to only be taught that it’s not my faith and it’s all of grace.

It took me years to be “okay” with some “charismatic” stuff but I have learned to be gracious where it’s not an essential doctrine and put more emphasis on the essentials, the main and plain things.

God is good.

Tyler

By: Shepherd’s Notes » Dysfunctional Calvinism

Shepherd’s Notes » Dysfunctional Calvinism — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 13:20:08 +0000

[...] want to add a hearty AMEN to Timmy Brister who recently blogged about “Dysfunctional Calvinism”. Timmy [...]