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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | What are Calvins and Arminians? | Bible general Archive 1 | Reformer Joe | 68345 | ||
Peronally, I do not mind the labels at all, in that they help to serve as shorthand for my particular beliefs. It is not that I think that those holding my theology are the only ones who are God's children, but in our day and age, the label "Christian" has largely lost its meaning to the wider culture. For example, are Mormons Christians? They claim that they are. So do people in all sorts of denominations who deny the deity, sinless life, substitutionary death, and bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ. I do not mind calling myself a Protestant when asked, because my beliefs fall into that category, distinguishing my views on Scripture, the church, the grounds and means of justification (or even what the term "justification" means), the nature and role of the sacraments, where Mary fits into the picture, etc., from the views held by Roman Catholicism or Eastern Orthodoxy. For "those in the know," it helps them understand where I am coming from in a single word. For those who do not know the distinctions, often it does not matter to them, and when it does pique their curiosity I am always happy to make the distinctions known to them regarding what I believe the Bible teaches. I have had several opportunities to evangelize my public-school students by answering their questions regarding the differences (and most of these students were not practicing members of any of these traditions). Likewise, terms like "Reformed" or "Calvinist" or "Presbyterian" also serve as springboards for theological discussion, not only with other Christians, but also with those who do not know Jesus Christ. While I explain to them that these terms in themselves do not distinguish between Christians and non-Christians, I also have the chance to share the gospel with them in my explanation of the beliefs of these particular subgroups to which I belong. Of course, I am first and foremost a disciple of the risen Savior, like yourself, and I don't start off by saying, "Hello, I am a member of the Presbyterian Church in America, a confessional Protestant denomination in the Reformed/Calvinist tradition." The labels fit, however, and they do serve a good purpose when explaining the "ins and outs" of my theology. --Joe! |
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2 | What are Calvins and Arminians? | Bible general Archive 1 | Rob Aronson | 68361 | ||
Hey Joe, Your words certainly hold merit, and in truth, one of the reasons I came to such a forum is to increase my historical knowledge of the church (as you know, this is a path that most have to seek independantly). I know well enough the differences between demoninations, and I certainly do regard myself as "Protestant" by nature (and moreover because I still protest Catholicism). I also look forward to learning more about the early great Christian thinkers and writers. I have a wood working knowledge of the Bible and I know what I believe; but I need to supplement that knowledge with the historical and lateral works of the early greats (I have Eusbius' Early Church History on the way, any other recommendation would be great). But you're right: "Christian" is a term that does not hold much relevance anymore. For example, when I tell people that I won't engage in certain activities because I'm Christian, they'll respond confusingly, "well so am I!" Thanks for your clarification Take care, Joe. -Rob |
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3 | What are Calvins and Arminians? | Bible general Archive 1 | Reformer Joe | 68364 | ||
One of the best introductions/overviews of church history that I could recommend is called _Church History in Plain Language_ by Bruce Shelley. You can find or order it in most bookstores, and on all the usual online sources. If you want to get a good understanding of the history of our people, I encourage you (and everyone else) to get hold of a copy of this book. --Joe! |
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