TIME magazine has just released an article entitled, “10 Ideas Changing the World Right Now“. Near the top of these interesting “ideas” is #3 – The New Calvinism.
If you’re not familiar with the “old” Calvinism, there are plenty of resources available to you. In a nutshell, John Calvin was one of the leading Reformers of the 16th century. In his theological understanding, God’s sovereignty over all things was a central tenet.
I actually like TIME’s article, which seemed very fair to me. I highly recommend that you read it, whether or not you are up on Calvinism.
However, there was one part that I didn’t like. And not because it wasn’t true. Actually, the problem was that it is true.
Here was the writer’s last paragraph (my bold):
Calvin’s 500th birthday will be this July. It will be interesting to see whether Calvin’s latest legacy will be classic Protestant backbiting or whether, during these hard times, more Christians searching for security will submit their wills to the austerely demanding God of their country’s infancy.
“classic Protestant backbiting” – this is not what we should be known for! How have we let it come to this?
Regardless of old or new Calvinism, let’s make sure we each do our part to throw off this stereotype of “backbiting” Christians.
For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity to indulge your flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law can be summed up in a single commandment, namely, “You must love your neighbor as yourself.” However, if you continually bite and devour one another, beware that you are not consumed by one another.” Galatians 5:13-15
Related posts:
We need to also remember John 17 and One Prayer. The Church Standing Together. What a concept
Please give me a good swift kick if you hear me backbiting or devouring!!!!
Hmmm… yeah, I don't think that's really an issue with you. =)