[Vision2020] Calvin was a crab, or why Doug Jones can be as rude as he likes

[Captain Kirker]

Visionheads,

Doug Jones did not answer Auntie E, but her question deserves an answer. And 
since I admire Calvinism, properly understood, as much as a healthy hand — 
all five points attached — I refer you to August Strong’s “Systematic 
Theology” (Valley Forge, PA: Judson Press, 1907).

Responding to various objections to the doctrine of election, Strong says,

“It inspires pride in those who think themselves elect. — Answer: this is 
possible only in the case of those who pervert the doctrine. On the 
contrary, its proper influence is to humble men. Those who exalt themselves 
above others, upon the ground that they are special favorites of God, have 
reason to question their election. . . .

“It discourages effort for the salvation of the impenitent, whether on their 
own part or on the part of others. — Answer: Since it is a secret decree, it 
cannot hinder or discourage such effort. On the other hand, it is a ground 
of encouragement, and so a stimulus to effort; for, without election, it is 
certain that all would be lost (cf. Acts 18:10). While it humbles the 
sinner, so that he is willing to cry for mercy, it encourages him also by 
showing him that some will be saved, and (since election and faith are 
inseparably connected) that he will be saved, if he will only believe. While 
it makes the Christian feel entirely dependent on God’s power, in his 
efforts for the impenitent, it leads him to say with Paul that he ‘endures 
all things for the elect’s sake, that they also may attain the salvation 
that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory’ (2 Tim. 2:10).” (788, 789)

Doug Jones does not speak for Calvinism or for Christianity — but he does 
speak from the abundance of his heart. He and his twin Doug have framed 
their religion in scorn & ridicule, and they’re hell-bent on shoving it down 
everyone’s mouths. Never mind that Scripture prohibits their nasty 
arrogance: “In all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in 
doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility; sound speech that 
cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having 
nothing evil to say of you. . . not pilfering, but showing all good 
fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.” 
(Titus 2:7-10) That’s too “wooden” for them, especially the “pilfering” 
part.

Unfortunately the average Joe who smells the filth proceeding from them 
cannot discern the difference between Dougianity and Christianity. He sees 
mockery & derision fixed to the name of Christ, and it repulses him. Why 
would I want to join that group? he asks. No on tells him that Scripture 
says, “The scorner is an abomination to men. . . . Cast out the scorner, and 
contention shall go out; yea, strife and reproach shall cease.” (Prov. 24:9; 
22:10)

No, Doug Jones did not answer Auntie because he could not answer her. He 
holds the Christian faith as he does the office of elder — in contempt. 
Besides, he’s too busy being creative, living the good life, and piling up 
his next whole hill of lies. In reality, however, he’s merely driving his 
chariot toward the Red Sea. After all, every Doug has his day. Just ask 
Pharaoh.

Cordially,

Captain Kirker



>From: "Joan Opyr" <auntiestablishment@hotmail.com>
>To: vision2020@moscow.com
>Subject: [Vision2020] Calvin was a crab, or why Doug Jones can be as rude 
>as he likes
>Date: Wed, 03 Mar 2004 12:37:13 -0800
>
>Keely writes:
>
>"It's simple.  Doug Jones is behaving in a most unChristian manner, and as 
>a Christian I am beyond heartsick about it.  The Scriptures say it best, 
>perhaps:  'Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to 
>give the reason for the hope that you have, but do this with GENTLENESS and 
>RESPECT, keeping a clear conscience so that those who speak maliciously 
>against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.'" (1 
>Peter 3:15-16)
>
>I agree with this assessment, though perhaps it's not my place to do so as 
>I am not a Christian.  Still, since when has that stopped me?  I'll add, 
>therefore, that I think you've missed a trick here, Keely -- is Doug Jones 
>being un-Christian or is he just being a good Calvinist?  (I don't discount 
>the possibility that the two are one and the same.)  I've been reading a 
>fascinating little book by George Bryson called The Five Points of 
>Calvinism: Weighed and Found Wanting.  (Incidentally, there's a blurb on 
>the back cover by none other than Douglas J. Wilson, who praises the book's 
>understanding of Calvinism if not its author's unflattering conclusions.)  
>As a good Calvinist, why should Doug Jones model good Christian behavior?  
>Since, as Mr. Bryson explains, Calvinists believe that "we are saved or 
>damned for all eternity because we have been saved or damned from all 
>eternity," what would be the point of evangelizing?  What would be the 
>point of presenting the Christian gospel in a positive light?  Why be kind? 
>  Why be nice?  Why treat anyone with gentleness or respect, particularly 
>if you think they're damned?
>
>According to Calvin, God must regenerate the unregenerate sinner *before* 
>the sinner can have faith in Christ, and God only regenerates those he has 
>chosen from all eternity to be the saved.  The rest of us, spiritually 
>speaking, have our fingers in our ears.  Calvin says God put those fingers 
>there, but never mind that -- the point is that if Doug Jones believes he 
>is one of the saved, one of the elect, and that you and I and Wayne Fox are 
>not, then he doesn't have to be nice to us.  He doesn't have to share the 
>good word.  It would be a waste of time, like talking to a deaf mule or 
>Gary Bauer or the IRS.  We don't have faith because we can't have faith; 
>God won't let us have it.  It's a shame and a pity but there it is.  Doug 
>waves to us from his lofty perch, and maybe he's even sorry for us, but if 
>he sticks out his tongue and says "nyah, nyah," well, what of it?  God 
>saved his soul before the world began, and nothing he does now can damn 
>him.  Lucky old Doug.
>
>Here is my thoroughly unhumble opinion, borne out, I think by the fine 
>examples of Calvinism that we've seen here on Vision 2020: ugly doctrine 
>leads to ugly behavior.  For those of you who are interested in just how 
>unattractive the doctrine of election can get, I recommend a brilliant 
>novel by James Hogg, "The Private Confessions of a Justified Sinner."  If 
>you can't find a copy, or if you're put off by 19th century fiction, try 
>picking up a Bible and carefully reading the gospel of John.
>
>I think Keely will thank you and, oddly enough, so will I.  You don't have 
>to be Christian to believe in kindness, but if the world had more people 
>who believed as Keely does, and who presented those beliefs in the same 
>generous and charitable spirit, it would be a far better place.
>
>Joan Opyr/Auntie Establishment

_________________________________________________________________
Get a FREE online computer virus scan from McAfee when you click here. 
http://clinic.mcafee.com/clinic/ibuy/campaign.asp?cid=3963