2009 marks the 500th birthday of John Calvin. I'd venture to say that Calvin had the biggest impact on Theology in the past 500 years than anyone. Brash? Passionate about the word of God? Misunderstood? Sure. But his body of work is amazing. Find out for yourself. Follow along with a complete reading of the Institutes by going to the Princeton Theological Seminary. You can even download the readings on your iPod.
Merry Christmas
19 hours ago
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He sure did make things about the Christian faith daggone confusing. I'm sure glad Jesus is Lord no matter what. Period. No exceptions. 'Cause Calvin's theology is a load!!! Ha ha!
Thanks for playing football with us last weekend! It was fun! Glad you came!!!
Mical: I would argue (and I know that you weren't REALLY giving me a hard time) that because of guys like Calvin we have had many trained people who can pass along sound theology. We owe a lot to him, along with Luther, Zwingli, Joel Osteen (NOT!), etc.
What? You don't like your gospel watered down and palatable to the masses? That's the only way you can sell Jesus these days, dontcha know? I mean He doesn't just sell Himself. Grace, salvation, freedom....blah, blah, blah. If you want to sell Jesus, you need a hook.
Okay, sorry. I'm done being cynical now.
Calvin to me has been the greatest influence for the Word being given "back" to the common man, instead of it being hidden by the Catholics where you had to rely on what the priests "told" a person. Personally, I feel that God raised up Calvin at a time that was so needed!
I agree, Randy, that the reformers like Calvin (and Luther) did so much to open up the scriptures for the common man. But I have many RC friends today who devour the Word.
Roger,
I hope that your RC friends see the light as Calvin and Luther did. Honestly, after seeing the truth, I don't know how someone could remain in an RC church. The whole Mother/child goddess worship that the papal system is based upon is enough to leave it. I walk in grace but also must walk in truth. I say all this humbly as I have RC friends as well. I think it's better I tell them the truth than to stand at the judgment and watch them perish.
Even Martin Luther held on to some of his old beliefs after seeing the truth. Some things die hard. Even Pope John Paul II supposedly asked for forgiveness for what the Spanish Inquisition did in the fourteen-hundreds.
It's still grace by faith alone. I say this with all humility knowing there is no amount of works that I could do to save my soul. It is in the finished work of Christ.
Respectfully my friend,
Randy
Ah, but have you read Hobbes?
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