Posts Tagged ‘John Calvin’

Today, July 10, 2009, is John Calvin’s 500th birthday! The big five-O-O! Like many, my life journey has involved not knowing who Calvin was, being attracted to Calvin’s teaching, becoming a Calvinist, but then realizing problems of Calvinism, and repudiating his teachings, and then finally appreciating him from a distance. The last part of my journey is where I am presently. Appreciating Calvin at a distance is what I’d like to call “conceptual Calvinism,” since I believe the concepts of his teachings have been great reminders to many of us. Many do not have any appreciation for Calvin, but I think it’s because we actually don’t have appreciation for the attitude of many self-proclaimed “Calvinists.” The idea of double predestination (i.e., God predestines every’s eternal destination–some to heaven and others to hell) sickens many of us. But Calvin’s has much to offer, and here’s a start:

1. Election/Predestination: Calvin is responsible for what is now called Presbyterianism–the “Frozen Chosen” as they are often self-designated. Whether or not you believe that humanity has no say (i.e., free will) in their eternal destination or salvation or what cereal you choose for breakfast, Calvin’s teachings have reminded us, as Christians, that we are chosen for something. We aren’t chosen to just sit around. We are special, and we have been given a purpose–that is, a mission. I’d like to keep that concept circulating as the church’s lifeblood.
2. God’s Sovereignty: Calvin rightfully reminds us that God is indeed sovereign over all creation. To quote the Psalter, “the earth’s is the Lord’s and everything in it.” It’s a beautiful reminder for all of us and, especially, to the suffering to know that God is in control of life’s circumstances, instead of, chaos (cf. Genesis 1).
3. Love for Scripture Study: Calvin’s emphasis was Scripture study. His love for Scripture was self-evident in his teaching and writings (I mean, have you read his commentaries on certain biblical books?). Conceptually, this reminds us to take Calvin’s love for Scripture, not necessarily his methods (hence, the recent “justification” debate between Piper and Wright). I believe Calvin would not desire us to always follow his methods forever, but that we follow his love for Scripture.
4. “Reformed Theology is Always Reforming.” Such a statement justifies taking Calvin conceptually. This statement must be held close to the heart of all Reformed theologians (I don’t classify many in this, but they do themselves). Reformed theology must continually follow the line of reforming theology, church practice, and more. Our understanding is not stuck in the mud in the 16th century, but it continually looks to move forward.

So, with this being said, Calvin’s not too shabby. I don’t think he’s God’s gift to theology, but his concepts are extremely helpful.

For more, read BBC’s website about this here.