This Week in Calvinism - May 2, 2008

Two cheers for the resurgence of Calvinism.

The Baptist Standard presents a well-balanced article on Calvinists and non-Calvinists working together.

The Associated Baptist Press reports, "Among Baptist Baby Boomer theologians, at least half of the major authors are committed to Calvinism."

If someone is already a Christian, does it matter if he or she believes in Calvinism or not? St. Brianstine believes it does "because it matters what the bible says about God."

A "New Wesleyanism"?

Does Matthew 13:14-15 refute Calvinism? Kevin thinks so. He writes, "The Calvinistic doctrines of irresistible grace and unconditional election are certainly a crummy grid of theology on which to base the interpretation of the Bible." (That isn't what Calvinists do, but whatever.) He thinks that this passage doesn't fit into that grid because it says that people have closed their own eyes to the reality of Christ (you know, that whole "free will" thing). Of course, that same passage also says that their unbelief was in fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy, so I would contend that Matthew 13:14-15 actually supports Calvinism. Whenever we see a fulfillment of prophecy in scripture, I think it demonstrates the glorious truth of God's sovereignty.