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How does 'Calvinism' affect the way you view - Worship, Humility,
Adversity, Outlook, Evangelism, Holiness, Assurance, Law & Liberty, Prayer,
Guidance, Living Faith
Most of the major 'Protestant' church groupings of today look
back to founders who were essentially 'Calvinistic' in their beliefs:
Episcopalians (Cranmer, Ridley, Latimer, Hooper), Lutherans (Luther, Melancthon),
Congregationalists (Owen, Goodwin, Ames Cotton, Hooker), Methodists
(Whitefield), Baptists (Roger Williams and the five founders of the Southern
Convention) and Reformed/Presbyterians (Calvin, Beza, Knox). Even the Roman
Catholics revere Augustine as the greatest of church theologians.
Yet Calvinism is not a set of dry and dusty doctrines that
elevate a man above the work of God. It is a set of doctrines that existed
before and after the reformer explained them so clearly.
Despite its widespread influence there is little understanding
of the tradition or its practical importance. In fact, there are more
misconceptions than there is understanding - just what difference does Calvinism
really make?
Terry Johnson has personally been touched by the practical
implications of Calvinism and recommends others to drink satisfyingly from the
same spiritual wells. He believes that the church is not receiving the
nourishment it needs from God, or the freedom it could have, to serve God. |
