Bible Question:
Harsh "language in theological debates is uncalled for today." "...in his "Institutes of the Christian Religion", Calvin's treatment of those he disagrees with is less than congenial, to say the least. He is especially harsh on Anabaptists and Catholics (whom he calls "papists"). It was somewhat the norm at [that] time to be harsh with one's "opponents," so Calvin cannot be faulted too much for this. But still, SUCH LANGUAGE IN THEOLOGICAL DEBATES IS UNCALLED FOR TODAY (emphasis with caps is mine)" (quoted from a book review by Gary F. Zeolla) . (http://www.dtl.org/apologetics/misc/theologies.htm) |
Bible Answer: So why is it okay for Paul to be so hard on the Corinthians and go on what some would call a sarcastic rant (2 Corithians 11-12) Why is it okay for Paul to call the Galatians "foolish" and to suggest that someone has them under a spell (Galatians 3:1)? Why is it okay for Jesus to call Pharisees "whitewashed tombs" and to refer to one of his own disciples as "Satan"? Let's not even start on the OT prophets! The fact is that while we should definitely speak "the truth in love" (Ephesians 4:15) that does not mean being a teddy bear when more forceful reproof is necessary. A lot of our problems in the church today with heresy stem from the fact that we place "walking on eggshells" and "being nice" above actually speaking out against what is harmful and false within our own members. --Joe! |