Comment Post: The Difference Between Old Calvinism and New Calvinism
With addendum:
Lydia,
Authentic Calvinism eventually dies a social death. It looks like the following pattern: It dies, then there is a resurgence that lasts 30-50 years. The death usually lasts about 100 years before another “rediscovery.” Remnants of the resurgence live on with more biblically grounded soteriology, but retains the name, “Calvinism.” Moreover, this is why contemporary Calvinism (the remnant) has a soteriology that is inconsistent with their eschatology. Hence, many “Calvinists” of our day contend against “New Calvinism.”
The historical rediscoveries die out as a result of:
1. The novelty wears off and the “gospel” repetition becomes boring and lifeless.
2. The saints eventually discover that it is a false gospel.
3. It is always accompanied by escalating tyranny.
4. The lack of sound doctrine regarding sanctification begins to have ill results in the lives of many people.
New Calvinism is a resurgence of authentic Calvinism with a new twist: for the first time in church history, it was systematized and packaged for the present church culture via the Australian Forum (1970). This time, it may not go away and become part of the last day antinomian blitzkrieg that will precede Christ’s return. However, Susan and I have been visiting churches that were on the cutting edge of the most recent resurgence. They were the ones who embraced this Reformed model early on as the movement was picking up steam (early 80′s). And what we are seeing is almost surreal. The best way we can explain it is: the outward expression of praise and worship with no life. Almost like skeletons raising their hands in praise to Jesus. Lots of praise and worship, but in both cases, large crowds of people move past each other like ships in the night. While the message is love, love, love, joy, joy, joy; we were not greeted by anybody. Never in my life have I seen so many unfriendly people with smiling faces.
paul
Paul's Passing Thoughts 
Reblogged this on Clearcreek Chapel Watch.
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Paul,
To that list I would add that love and in particular empathy dies, replaced by a cold and dogmatic adherence to “doctrine”…over people. In short, they become Pharisees. The hatred of human beings becomes thick and odious, and no lip service to the “gospel” covers the smell.
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Paul –
I just noticed that the Desiring God National Conference in going on this weekend. The theme is “the miracle of sanctification” or some such thing. They have quite an array of your (favorite?) speakers. I wish I had time to listen to them all with a discerning eye.
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Bridget,
Ya, the focus is to further confound the sanctification issue because folks are beginning to catch on. DeYoung is leading the way with his new book which is being highlighted at the conference.
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The best way we can explain it is: the outward expression of praise and worship with no life. ”
Timothy 3:1-5
1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
4 Traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
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Paul, I have come to the same conclusions you have about reformed history after reading on the subject for quite a while. I would love to do a more formal assessment of it.
But my friend Peter said something the other day about “Baptists” of the ana baptist strain (Soul Liberty) that I have also noticed in my reading of Reformed history of that era. Kill one anabaptist and 10 more would appear. Why?
To map this metaphor…as more and more Reformed take over and kill souls while seeking to be the Holy Spirit for people as they lord it over, we can stand out as lovers of truth. As those who want to encourage believers to develop their dependence on the indwelling Holy Spirit. To be spiritually mature. To be followers of Christ, not man.
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Argo, they have redefined “love” and “mercy” to cover up their cold heartedness and obvious lack of empathy or ability to have real compassion or to love justice. That is how the entire movement works: Redefining common words and concepts. Like Christian Hedonism as one example.
They ARE loving in their mind because they love the “true Gospel”. they ARE loving because their correct doctrine is more important than actual people. .
They really do believe this. That is why it is one of the largest movements of mass narcissism we have ever seen…because it snares the young who have not been taught to think in our socialistic education system and are looking for a movement to identify with. What better than one that gives you power over others if you have a title?.
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The Difference Between Old Calvinism and New Calvinism ?
There is NONE! The newbies just haven’t gotten enough civil power to light up the bonfires so they can start roasting marshmallows — oops … Michael Servitus … and Arminians with bad attitudes.
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Ah yes, but they dream of it which comes out in their sermon “illustrations” regarding wood chippers and human catapults. Actually, the old Calvinists might have been more compassionate.
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