I have a side note that I want to suggest. This isn’t in response to the article.
Do we Calvinists really need to post under “[Calvinist Caucus]”?
We have no need to exclude those who disagree with us. As far as I’m concerned, what is called “Calvinism” is simply the Gospel.
There are certain groups on FR — I won’t name them — who post all the time under Caucus-this or Caucus-that. They usually tend to be very defensive against anyone questioning their assumptions.
I personally don’t think we Calvinists have to hide behind a Caucus. Our spiritual forebearers never found the need to hide from controversy or taking a stand. So I say: Bring it!
Fellow Reformers, I would offer that we need not follow the practice of other groups in closing our threads to other opinions.
It’s what Knox would do. :-)
Our spiritual forebearers never found the need to hide from controversy
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Eh ???
Most early Calvinists had to flee for their lives to other countries and hide their Bibles due to their belief in God..
Oh and I belong here..
I’m a member of the TULIP club...
IMHO...
Everyone has every right to use the “caucus” format.
And they should exercise that right if they so desire.
It allows for more serious, in-depth discussion, thus learning by lurkers.
Of course, the “wild west” normal threads also provide a type of “learning” by reading the boisterous arguments.
Although I agree with you in spirit...that we Bible-Believing Christians have nothing to hide and are quite able to Biblically defend our faith, I think the “Caucus’ designation is helpful if one wants the thread to be free from mudslinging and spamming by those who don’t agree.
A number of recent non-caucused threads that quoted 18th and 19th century reformers ran into this very problem, and the actual theological questions were never even discussed.
It is unfortunate, but ‘tis the nature of the FRRF.
Yep, the doctrines of grace can hold up well in any context, because they are true to Scripture. But there’s nothing wrong with choosing one’s battles carefully, as the Lord leads. Sometimes that calls for duking it out in the public square. Sometimes you need something quieter and more thoughtful.
By way of example, would you hold a Bible study for new believers on a street corner? I’m guessing you wouldn’t. It all comes down to purpose. I like the idea of an occasional Calvinist caucus. It won’t be as busy or confrontational, but it does provide room for more thoughtful reflection, and that’s an opportunity to grow. Polemical warfare is also a way to grow, but it is different. To everything there is a time.
Peace,
SR