Why a PhD in Biblical Studies Left Calvinism

Dr. Curtis Dupree, a PhD in Biblical Studies/Old Testament from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, joins Dr. Flowers to discuss why he no longer affirms Calvinistic doctrine. Join us for a live conversation!

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[erikakenley]

I've needed this so bad you've giving hope, listening to some of the Calvinist I was in such despair because I thought God didn't want me. So thank you very much.

[aquinasrost]

I just now discovered this interview and found it outstanding. While a student at Talbot I attended MacArthur's church, interned there, and have friends who were on staff at one time. I embraced Calvinism, but years ago moved away from it. Though not a Calvinist, I have a great appreciation for the excellent theological work by Calvinists, and still listen to and read works by MacArthur and Sproul and a myriad of calvinist scholars. The numerous comments from those who disagree with you is indicative of their sad spiritual state, evidenced by their extremely vicious and disgraceful attacks that are clearly contrary to what 1 John discusses concerning the treatment of fellow believers. Tragically, they have made calvinism their idol, and react with great vitriol to anyone who questions it.

[WhyPentecostal]

I'm a Pentecostal pastor ministering to the poorest of the poor in South Africa
sometimes this American Evangelical elitism is very disappointing

Our congregation consists of impoverished mostly women illiterate and mostly uneducated

Besides this the demonic ancestral culture is hugely binding and REAL supernatural power is required just to try keep them from being sucked back

We preach a very simplistic basic gospel message expository preaching will bear no fruit on our assembly we do have Bible study meetings in the week when a few of the abusive alcoholic husband's allow their wives to leave their shacks

The chosen frozen reformed churches have has very little impact amongst these people over the years and if The Lord has divinely chosen us Pentecostal / Charismatics to forward his kingdom here you should be praising God and not criticizing us

Just because we preach a so called simple gospel doesn't reflect on our sincere and deep walk with Christ

[rtgray]

FYI: The first book that helped with refute Calvinism is "The Other Side of Calvinism". It is very scholarly and about 800 pages but I HIGHLY recommend it, especially before you start reading the more philosophical books which are my favorite type.

[Apollos.]

Great discussion! Always appreciate your work Leighton, it's helping more than you know! God Bless.

[theidolbabblerthedailydose]

Leighton, thank you so much for helping me leave Calvinism behind with confidence.

What I find interesting is how Calvinists seem to fear non-Calvinists, because they don’t want to be taken in by non-Calvinism. But, if you think about it, that makes no sense, because if Calvinism was actually true then nothing that a non-Calvinist says or teaches is even capable of such damage. LOL

[rlpsychology]

Dr. Flowers, thank you for this great interview/discussion, getting right to Dr. Dupree.

[DamonNomad]

As a lifelong non-Calvinist Christian, whose perspective on Calvinism was entirely from the outside (though I was fairly well informed about what they actually believe), they never struck me as being the least bit "intellectual", at least by Christian theological standards. The ones I observed always seemed to borrow their debate tactics from atheists, insofar as they used bullying and obfuscation to distract from the fact that their arguments were self-defeating and logically inconsistent. More recent encounters with internet Calvinists have confirmed my earlier view. That's not to say that all, or even most Calvinists are stupid. Many of them are quite intelligent. They've just been brainwashed to have the neo-Gnostic worldview of inherent human inability that Augustine imported into Christianity in the 5th Century and misinterpret Scripture through that lens. Thus, they get extremely frustrated when the cracks in the foundation of that worldview, and its gross incompatibility with the Bible, are brought to light, and tend to understandably lash out as a result.

[sonnyh]

Thank you both for doing the interview. The Bible says one side of the story sounds good until you hear the other side. As a recovering Calvinist, this is encouraging and empowering, so thank you again

[enhancedcalm]

The inconsistencies of Calvinism are staggering...how they are all shrugged of with a simple decree of "mystery" is cult-like.

[emmaxeros]

A great interview. Excellent advice at the end, very relevant to some of my feelings and actions in past conversations and in my journey out of Calvinism (I’m not a pastor but still relevant).

[abhirai]

Watching from India. Have you written any books? Very good ministry you have . 👏

[HolyMolysDonutShop]

I was listening for about 5 mins of a sermon by John Macarthur on Moody radio a few days ago and I couldn't take it anymore. Very cringe and the title was suspicious as if he was smuggling in his context. Turns out he was preaching election. The scriptures were taken so out of context. The usual Rom 8 and John 6. This channel help me see it so much faster.

[rlpsychology]

Sadly, attaining a PhD and other advanced degrees in whatever field and being successful in publishing academically in that field demands following the party line, call it the sociology or social psychology of your field of study. For example, why are Christians now using BCE and CE? And why are smart guys in the Southern Baptist Convention going with Reformed Theology/Calvinist? In short, because they want to be liked, not because of theological science or philosophy of free-will study advances. This is the case in my only profession/field of school psychology, an applied psychology field. No, you don't need a PhD to know biblically or from daily experience that the Lord gave us free will.

[dissidentleathermonster]

I’m listening to every single one of these. I knew I wasn’t alone in my doubts about Calvinism, but I sure felt alone.

[jarrelljohnson]

I appreciate your awesome work for our Lord, brother.

[tinytina]

Pastors! Especially well-known ones who have rejected or are doubting Calvinism:
You do an incredible disservice to the Church by withholding your convictions. Soteriology is a significant source of disunity (and even persecution!) in the body of Christ. Many treat it as a gospel issue. We NEED you to speak up. It may be in your best interest to stay quiet but it is in the Church’s best interest that you be open and straightforward about the nuances of this issue.

[JStevensdk]

This was a great episode, I think I need to buy some books 🤣

[AlanaL]

I totally agree that Calvinists are not the enemy and they are our brothers. My sincere curiosity is why these guys don’t see the doctrine as a false gospel since it messes with the work of Christ.

[annakimborahpa]

Although this PhD left Calvinism, his careful, gentle and prudent demeanor indicates that if he was ever really PO'd about the situation, he wisely never let his guard down. Although at one time Dr. Dupree may have felt duped about Calvinism, Curtis, to his credit, was never curt or duplicitous with anyone around him. I'm glad to hear him speak mellifluously about Molinism, since its continued discussion should prevent it from getting moldy.