Subject: What are Calvins and Arminians? |
Bible Note: 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! |