Calvinism, Pain, and Scrutiny

~ fundyreformed

This is just a brief post to let you know Time magazine recently interviewed Al Mohler regarding his Calvinism, and his recent near-death hospital stay. He did recover fully, by the way. But Time’s interview gives a fascinating insight into how secularism looks at both Christianity and Calvinism. This is definitely worth a quick read.

Here it is. (HT: Ryan DeBarr)

9 thoughts on “Calvinism, Pain, and Scrutiny”

  1. Calvinism is wacky, that this guy is living (pun intended) proof.

    If he is predestined, then praying does no good, God’s mind is already made up. What these people prove is the ability to take personal limitations, lack of forgiveness, severe (some would say near psychotic) control issues and transfer them onto God.

    Thankfully, we have the teachings and life of Jesus to study and know and live by, not these Calvanistic ravings.

  2. Brian,

    I don’t have a lot of time, but to respond briefly: prayer is our cooperating with God. God delights to answer our prayers. Sure God has predestined everything, and of course He knows everything. But God has predestined the means as well as the ends.

    As Al Mohler said, most people prefer to pray Calvinistically. They want God to be able to intervene. What good is a prayer for God to save someone do, if God is unable to violate their free will in a sense?

    I’m sure others might be able to jump on here and respond as well. But know we welcome dissenting opinions. I wonder if you are reacting against the Christian doctrine of prayer more than just a Calvinistic expression of it. Christianity has always affirmed God’s sovereignty over all things.

    Blessings in Christ,

    Bob Hayton

  3. Brian,

    What makes you think the teachings of Jesus differ from what is called Calvinism this side of the Synod of Dort?

    John 6:38-40 —
    38 For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me. 39 And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day. 40 For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.” (Unconditional Election and Preservation/Perseverance of the Saints)

    John 6:43 —
    Jesus answered them, “Do not grumble among yourselves. 44 No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. (Irresistable Grace and Total Depravity)

    John 10:11 —
    I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. (Limited Atonement)

    Looks to me like Jesus was a Calvinist. But actually, Calvin and his followers believe Jesus’ teachings about God’s sovereignty over the salvation which Job testifies is “Of the LORD” (Jonah 2:9).

  4. Ah, yes, the God of the Bible has psychotic control issues. I mean, He just couldn’t let Satan do His own little thing, He kicked Him clean out of heaven. More than that, God is such a psycho that He created Hell for Satan.

    Blasphemy.

  5. Great Article… I’m very happy to see Al is doing well. I pray because I know that God has not only ordained the ends, but is pleased to ordain the means (one of the means is prayer) to accomplish his sovereign will.

    Gage Browning
    Post Tenebras Lux

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