Calvinism

[mightymen]

"Definition of CALVINISM

the theological system of Calvin and his followers marked by strong emphasis on the sovereignty of God, the depravity of humankind, and the doctrine of predestination" Calvinism - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary

I do not see in the Scriptures that God predestination man; what I do see is He wills for all to come to Him and allows us with free will to say Yes or No.

I also believe the Bible to be true and the inspired Living Word of God written down by man. Every word in the Bible can speak to us and we can get new revelations re-reading the same Word over again and if we don't get it; we only have to ask.

2 Timothy Chapter 3
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
2 TIMOTHY CHAPTER 3

 

[blondeambition3]

By the way, I'm pushing back because I care about what people think of God and how people think of God. God has called us to love him with our minds, too. Wrestling with the things of God is a good and holy thing, is it not? I am not your adversary here!

I understand everything you've said and I acknowledge it is certainly possible that you are correct. Now, let's take the focus off of 'me' and work together to glorify God and expand His kingdom.

 

[Saintscruiser]

No Sed, I was the one who took such a staunch stand, but wanted people to come to their own conclusion. I stated what I found and sometimes I'm not the most delicate flower in the bunch, but I did explain why. I do feel that doctrine comes under denomination....like no drinking or dancing. Maybe I'm using incorrect terminology? Jesus is my Cornerstone and the Bible is my foundation, since it is God's Holy Word. I believe it's the innerant Word of God. I can't explain it all and am still learning, but I believe it. You know, "God said it, I believe it, and that settles it!"

 

[blondeambition3]

No Sed, I was the one who took such a staunch stand, but wanted people to come to their own conclusion. I stated what I found and sometimes I'm not the most delicate flower in the bunch, but I did explain why. I do feel that doctrine comes under denomination....like no drinking or dancing. Maybe I'm using incorrect terminology? Jesus is my Cornerstone and the Bible is my foundation, since it is God's Holy Word. I believe it's the innerant Word of God. I can't explain it all and am still learning, but I believe it. You know, "God said it, I believe it, and that settles it!"

.... and your definition of doctrine would be correct... which is also the "working" definition of it that I also embrace.... doc•trine (ˈdɒk trɪn)

n.
1. a particular principle, position, or policy taught or advocated, as of a religion.[/B] - source: Free Dictionary.com

 

[chapeltown]

I have an issue with this thread.

We are all for or against Calvin.... And that is all well and good.


.........but what about Hobbes?

......exclusionsists.

 

[blondeambition3]

I have an issue with this thread.

We are all for or against Calvin.... And that is all well and good.


.........but what about Hobbes?

......exclusionsists.

OOH! That's a can of worms I prefer not to open.

I'll explain my reason for being very leery, fearful even!, of broaching "controversial" topics such as theologies, specific Church Doctrines, Philosophies, what have you. It's because someone disagrees, becomes hurt, feels attacked, excluded and/or disrespected and then this beautiful Christian Forum falls apart and lies dormant for months, if not years. (This is exactly what the "adversaries" want).



I say this in complete respect and love. Can we please keep this Forum focused on the things that we have in common, such as Praising the Lord, Giving our Witness/Testimonies as to what the Lord has done in our Lives, Holding one another up in prayer, Bible Study and furthering the Kingdom, instead of discussing things that, (while perhaps may not divide us that agree), could possibly stir up division and/or strife with others looking for a spiritual place to land and that they can call home?

Now Chapel, I'm not inferring or implying that this is what you have set out to do by opening this subject on Thomas Hobbes, (Leviathan)... but I've been on this Forum long enough to know what things stir up strife and division and what things don't. As God is my witness, this kind of thing does. I wish we could discuss subjects like this privately, using messages, rather than publicly. If we could?


Honestly, scripture even warns of about these very thiings.

James 4:1 -What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you?

Controversies are rooted in our beliefs, and beliefs are subjective, deeply ingrained, very personal and we're generally very passionate about them. This is why most of us are warned never to discuss Politics or Religion. We can Witness to People, but if they don't want to hear it, we're to do this;

Matthew 10:14 -And if anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet when you leave that house or town.

2 Timothy 2:23-25 -Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth,

We're called to love God first, and others as ourselves. Love is what compels people to Christ. Christ saves, convicts and fixes, if and when necessary. We should avoid being judgmental. Avoidance is not tolerance. It's just taking the 'reins' out of our hands and giving the Buggy over to GOD. God grants the repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth.

Proverbs 10:12 -Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses.

Proverbs 17:14 -The beginning of strife is like letting out water, so quit before the quarrel breaks out.

I can certainly understand 'why' you'd like to discuss this openly. I think it's an extremely interesting topic, but I hope I have helped you see (in the spirit of love and discretion), why I don't think it's a good topic to pursue openly on this Forum.

 

[chapeltown]

Oh. My Gosh. That is So not what I was doing there!!! I was trying to "lighten the mood" a bit. I meant *this*

from my galaxy s4

 

[Fisheeboy]

Experimental Theology: The Theology of Calvin and Hobbes, Google it. It actually seems very interesting. I plan to read the whole thing.
Yes, I'm being serious.

 

[Saintscruiser]

Good one Chapel!!! As a matter of fact, I have a grand-dog named Calvin. My son is a big Calvin and Hobbes fan. I never got the comic, really. I loved Garfield!

I perused through Thomas Hobbes. He was a philospher and political person. It really doesn't sound like he ever read Romans Chp 13. Don't wish to bring politics into the forum. As a matter of fact, I used to keep up 100% with the news and decided I was becoming neurotic. I decided to turn off the tv and listen to God. I keep informed, but am not surprised. I try to keep my eyes on Jesus and I know that I'm in His protection.....I'm in His witness protection program.

 

[blondeambition3]

Oh. My Gosh. That is So not what I was doing there!!! I was trying to "lighten the mood" a bit. I meant *this*

from my galaxy s4

Oh Chapel! Please forgive me! I wish you could see how red my face is! Thank you for clarifying that for me!

 

[inter_ceptor00]

:d

 

[chapeltown]

It is okay blonde....I did not even know that there actually is a connection. Between calvin and hobbes and....Calvin and Hobbes. Found out tonight, so, my face was a little red too! Talk about an unintended double entendre!

from my galaxy s4

 

[blondeambition3]

It is okay blonde....I did not even know that there actually is a connection. Between calvin and hobbes and....Calvin and Hobbes. Found out tonight, so, my face was a little red too! Talk about an unintended double entendre!

from my galaxy s4

Oh bless your heart!!!! What's the odds of something like that happening?