Reformed Christianity   

 

"a place designed to help you understand your Reformed Christian brethren without being ridiculed or patronized."

 

There is so much misunderstanding about Reformed (Calvinist) theology, I just want to offer a place where people can come to find out what they need to know. Calvinists are often characterized as arrogant or carrying some kind of superiority complex. Hopefully I can help dispell that impression by humbly presenting my case.

Very little of what you find here will be original work. Other people have already said what needs to be said much better than I can. At the same time it often seems as though the same objections and arguments against Calvinism, that I believe have been repeatedly answered and refuted by sound Biblical exegisis, are offered as though they had never been answered.

This is where I hope to be of service. Hopefully I can point those who are looking for, demanding, or willing to listen to answers to those answers. To start, I will give a list of helpful references and then add to it as time permits.

• If you must engage in controversy...--This post at Tom Ascol's blog is a must read for Reformed/Calivinst folks preparing to engage in controversy, particulary those who are newly convinced of the doctrines of grace. Tom includes a John Newton letter to a minister about to engage in controversy. I implore you--please read this post before you open fire with your Scripture machinegun.
• The Big Three: 1 Timothy 2:4, 2 Peter 3:9, and Matthew 23:37--the most commonly used verses to refute Calvinism. James White has done us a great service in The Potter's Freedom (amazon reviews) in responding to these verses. Here I attempt to summarize this response and make it accessible.
• Compatibilism--as explained by James White in his book (with Dave Hunt) Debating Calvinism --five points, two views.
• What We Believe About the Five Points of Calvinism from Bethlehem Baptist Church (Piper) - a helpful summary
• The Practical Implications of Calvinism by Al Martin. -- excellent! I currently have a reprint permission request in for this article.
• Go deeper at monergism.com -- tons of information here

Recommended Resources:

(clickable image) --highly recommended.

 

Disclaimer

You will, no doubt, find things you disagree with on this site.  Keep in mind our goal is not to offend, but to inform.  Rather than discussing personalities, we seek to discuss and defend Christian doctrine, issues, lifestyle, and worldview from a distinctively Reformed perspective.  If you believe we have crossed that line, please let us know and we'll consider revising.

If you have questions, comments, or concerns you may email me at Tim @ objectivegospel.org (no spaces).