Calvinism: Why I Rarely Talk About It

[marianhreads]

As a non-Calvinist, I appreciate that it's not a huge focus of your content

[LockeTheAuthentic]

It is an argument within the family. There is no need for anyone to be as bitter as I've seen them get.

[pggles]

I’m not a Calvinist but I go to a reformed church! That’s how little I care about it. I love my church!

[mattroorda]

The reason I object so strongly to Calvinism and do not think it is an acceptable view for Christians is that I have seen it cause much damage in the lives of those around me. Several dear friends of mine went through a strong Calvinist phase before ultimately becoming atheist or agnostic. It caused them a great sense of agony wondering if God had "chosen" them or not. I wish that I had been sure enough in my faith at the time to encourage them that God loves them and is eager for them to take whatever steps they can toward Him, imperfect though they may be.

[Mikolaj_Kapusta]

I'm catholic but I've started to read Wesley's "Plain account of Christian perfection" and I love it! What a powerful message and so needed today!

[aaronbarkley]

Im a non-calvinist, I remember you coming to my school for a talk and it was a wonderful time meeting you. I work at a church and I work with calvinists. They are my brothers and sisters in christ and its one of the reasons im proudly baptist, we have this intellectual freedom while still being brothers and sister's.

[paulsmallwood]

I am a Reformed Baptist. I rarely if ever call myself a Calvinist. Unfortunately and unnecessarily, the term has way too much negative baggage associated with it and it is often grossly mischaracterized. So for primarily that reason I avoid using the term Calvinist. I consider myself part of the Reformed tradition. I do not consider myself a Calvinist. Reformed covers a much broader theological space within Protestantism. After all, while Calvin was indeed an important contributor to Reformed thought, he was by no means it’s founder nor was he the only contributor. There are a multitude of other important contributors to the Reformed stream. Yes there is no place for sectarianism among Christians. We must all be ready and willing to learn from each other. None of us has all the answers. Humility is key.

[DavidJHarris]

As a Calvinist I absolutely love your focus and am quite thankful it is not the only thing you talk about.

[levifox]

I really appreciate your ministry! This problem of misunderstanding each other (both ways) and demonizing each other really weighs on my heart as someone who’s done a little study on the subject

[LemonLimeJuiceBarrell]

What a beautiful quote! I pray that more of us adopt that kind of love for one another. 🙏

[jj]

Gavin, you helped me from converting to RC. Would you do a video on how protestants should view sin versus the Catholic view of mortal/venial sin?

[SpooonCar]

I certainly understand Dr. Ortlund. I will say though, it does get exhausting seeing “the God of Calvinism is Satan, all Calvinists go to hell” so often 😅

[TheOtherCaleb]

It would be super cool if you made a video dispelling common myths about Calvinism, Arminianism, and Lutheranism with the primary sources.

[youcatastrophe]

I really appreciate this (among many other aspects, of course) about you and your ministry.

I am not a Calvinist and I love the fact that you don’t make Calvinism a major (or even minor) part of your focus.

[markfields]

I'm a Calvinist, from a calvinistic view it doesn't matter if one who is saved is a Calvinist or not. This is all behind the scenes. One chooses to believe because God has already changed their heart. From one side, one feels they are making a choice without knowing they are only able to choose because God already changed their heart. Those who are saved will all be in heaven together. We will all know without a doubt if Calvinism is true once we are in heaven.

[CorbinatorLoL]

As a Calvinist I cannot entertain the idea of gospel assurance without Covenant Theology and how Christ has earned the new creation for me as the last Adam.

[gardengirlmary]

Agreed! May the Lord give His children peace

[oreemmanuel]

what a quote from Whitfield. charity is something modern online Christianity has largely forgotten

[zoeabundant]

Thank you Gavin! As a non-calvinist (and non-Arminian), it is hard to listen to discussions on the topic, even though I am very passionate on it. Both sides can be uncharitable, but from what I have seen, especially on the Calvinist side: misrepresentation, character assassination, and questioning whether we are heretics for questioning Calvinist definitions and interpretations. This debate is almost as old as Christianity. I think we'd all do better to try to understand the other side charitably. You are almost the only Calvinist I can listen to (aside from Greg Koukl & J Warner Wallace). I would love to see you dialogue about it with Leighton Flowers or Braxton Hunter.

[SojournerDidimus]

As an Evangelical sympathetic towards Calvinism, I look forward to any bridge building you might touch on.