[Vision2020] Clarification

[The Scimitar]

For anyone who may be interested concerning the post of Oct. 5 on "The Envious
of the Two Michaels", just a clarification that one of the sites I used, the
"sullivan-county" one, has some pretty strange stuff, after looking further.  The 
particular article I used from there on Michael Servetus was sound, and there 
*appeared* to be other sound articles, but there was a lot that looked way off
 base for what "conservative" Christians, and some others, would subscribe to.  My apologies for not looking more thoroughly and clarifying that beforehand; I
 may not have even used the site this being the case, though I know not
 everything on no doubt most every site can be endorsed by all.

Also, I am not in disagreement with all Calvin wrote; where he was *biblical* I'd
agree of course.  Given some aspects of his theology and life, he should not be
looked upon as the end-all of Christian thought nor should any man.  The
Michael Servetus murder was just that, and it should be of great concern that
there's no record that Calvin ever repented of it.  None of us will get it 100% 
correct being fallible, "For now we see through a glass, darkly (obscurely in a 
mirror); but then it will be face to face: now I know in part; then I will know fully,
just as God has fully known me" (I Corinthians 13:12), and biases toward
certain people and belief systems should never prohibit real scrutiny of them
next to God's Word (for those who accept biblical scriptures as complete and
inerrant) as Acts 17:11 points out.

Though heresy was considered a capital crime in much of European government
during Servetus' time, this didn't justify Calvin's sin concerning Servetus.
Biblical justification is just not there.  Titus 1: 9-14 states how a heretic should be
dealt with, and silencing them isn't through death.  Where was Calvin's stand 
here in upholding Christ and His Word whom he supposedly loved?  A small
interesting debate entitled "Calvin's Defenders" on Michael Servetus can be 
found at www.geocities.com/calvinismheresy/defenders.html

In conclusion I'm including a "Conclusion" to an article, "Calvinism Critiqued",
by a former Calvinist, Steve Jones, from www.geocities.com/calvinismheresy/critique.html  
I have not looked extensively at this site either, but some of what I've read I found
quite profitable.

The "Conclusion" -- "Calvinism is one more illustration of the futility of systematic
theology.  God's truths, particularly relating to soteriology, are too lofty to be put 
into concise formulae.  The Five Points of Calvinism oversimplify the profound
truths of God.  They derive their force from proof-texts rather than the general 
tenor of Scripture.

More than that, the doctrines frequently create a spirit of division, elitism and
theological snobbery.  The system erects walls between believers.  It creates
a class of Christians within the church general who are supposedly part of a 
worthy "inner circle."  (My comment:  Not that there aren't cliques in 
non-Calvinist circles).

Many Calvinists read nothing but Reformed titles, hence these brethren seldom
learn new perspectives.  (My comment:  This seems to be what Calvin and
certain pastors want).  On the contrary, they are continually reaffirming their own
"theological correctness."  Such authors such as A.W. Pink, the Puritans, 
John Murray and such publishing companies as Banner of Truth become the sole
staple for many.  I say without intending offense that such exclusiveness differs
little from that of Jehovah's Witnesses or other authoritarian groups.

Of course, I do not intend to paint all Calvinists with this brush.  Many are 
thinkers who read outside literature, even Arminian literature.  But the overarching
trend in this tradition - a tradition of which I was once a part - is often one of
narrow-mindedness and doctrinal superiority.  As we have seen, the Scriptures
give no warrant for such bigotry.  The average Calvinist may be amazed at just
how weak his system is when scrutinized in the light of revealed truth.

May our brethren see fit to adopt a Berean spirit (Acts 17:11) and honestly
rethink their Calvinism.  We should urge them to, for a time, lay aside the
commentaries of Calvin and Gill, the theology of Warfield and Hodge.  With an
open Bible and mind, may they take a second look at the so-called "doctrines
of grace" to see if they truly are the doctrines of Christ."

Christ Jesus "alone" died for us; not Paul, Augustine, Luther, Calvin, Knox nor
any other -- "Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
that ye all speak the same thing, and not to let yourselves remain split into 
factions but be restored to having a common mind and a common purpose.

For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the
house of Cloe, that there are contentions among you.

Now this I say because one of you says, 'I follow Paul; and I follow Apollos; and 
I follow Cephas; and I follow Christ.'  Has Christ baptized in the name of Paul?"
(I Corinthians 1:10-13)

Kirkers and other professing biblical Christians--seek to be *known* as Christians
*first* not by your church affiliation.  Christ, not your church, died for you.  
Remember your first love.  (Revelation 2:4,5)

<Scimitar>

 		
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