Calvinism at 500: Reformed theology still alive in churches

The Augusta Chronicle ^ | July 11, 2009 | Kelly Jasper

[Alex Murphy]

The Well doesn't look much like the churches of Geneva, but it is influenced by John Calvin just the same.

Never mind that the French reformer would be 500 years old this week; Calvin's theology has retained much of its potency.

He provides theological underpinnings for churches such as The Well, a nondenominational congregation downtown with a commitment to Reformed theology.

He also is a source of conflict for Southern Baptists and a steady draw for young Presbyterians.

His legacy and life are being celebrated around the world this week after Friday marked the 500th anniversary of his birth.

To launch The Well in 2004, the Rev. Jeremy Carr turned to Acts 29, a network of church planters co-founded by the Rev. Mark Driscoll, of Seattle.

The Rev. Driscoll is a divisive figure, often seen as a loose cannon for his tendencies to curse and speak frankly from the pulpit about sex. He is also a Calvinist, one who has gained a sizeable following among young conservatives.

LAST MONTH AT THE denomination's annual meeting, Southern Baptists heard a motion from the floor to ban the Rev. Driscoll's works from Lifeway Christian Stores.

The issue was dropped, but it brought media attention to something Southern Baptists have known for some time: There are a growing number of Calvinists in their ranks, and not everyone is pleased.

Nearly 30 percent of recent seminary graduates who are pastors of Southern Baptist churches identify as Calvinists, according to a 2007 study by the North American Mission Board, an agency of the Southern Baptist Convention.

"There's tension for sure," said the Rev. Charlie Swain, who ministers to high school and college students at First Baptist Church of North Augusta. "Calvin and his theology is misconstrued."

Calvin's theology can most simply be described as "a very grand God-ward orientation for looking at the world," the Rev. Carr said.

Adherents often talk of the five points of Calvin's views. They state that man's nature is completely sinful, God chooses whom to save, Jesus died only for those he would save, God's grace can't be turned down and salvation cannot be lost.

It's the theology taught at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, from which the Rev. Swain graduated in May.

Though he doesn't adhere to every tenet of Calvinism, he does identify as a Reformed evangelical.

THE RISE OF CALVINISM among Baptists largely follows generational lines, said the Rev. Swain, who is 27.

"A lot of us in our 20s and 30s really connect with this," he said. "We live in a society that is so gray with no absolutes. The culture has moved so far that way it's attractive to have this theology that's solid, even if it seems rigid."

Growth at First Presbyterian Church has occurred for much the same reason, said the Rev. George Robertson, the senior pastor.

"The Reformed faith offers rootedness to post-moderns who are weary of the world views of purposelessness many have been taught at university," he said.

Members of The Well have said they found themselves drawn to Reformed theology after years in youth groups learning songs and playing games but lacking systematic teaching. Others have told the Rev. Carr that they've gone to church for 30 years yet never delved into the depth of theology put forth by Calvin.

When they do, it can be life-changing, the Rev. Robertson said.

"Reformation thought provides a faith that integrates all of salvation, life and vocation," the Presbyterian pastor said. "In this theology, life is a worshipful response to God's grace which gives eternal significance to every activity, no matter how menial."

The Rev. Carr puts it this way: "For this generation, speaking this language of Reformed theology is an act of worship. It's faith seeking understanding."

He still meets his share of skeptics, mostly Christians who worry that Calvin's teachings will interfere with the spread of the Gospel. The Rev. Carr says he understands, and he offers a rather large caveat to his Reformed faith.

"We're a Reformed church, but our job isn't to teach people to be good Calvinists. Our job is to teach people to be good Christians," he said. "We never want our theology to get in the way of our faith. I don't want people falling in love with the wrong J.C."

[Alex Murphy]

Members of The Well have said they found themselves drawn to Reformed theology after years in youth groups learning songs and playing games but lacking systematic teaching. Others have told the Rev. Carr that they've gone to church for 30 years yet never delved into the depth of theology put forth by Calvin.

When they do, it can be life-changing, the Rev. Robertson said.

"Reformation thought provides a faith that integrates all of salvation, life and vocation," the Presbyterian pastor said. "In this theology, life is a worshipful response to God's grace which gives eternal significance to every activity, no matter how menial."

The Rev. Carr puts it this way: "For this generation, speaking this language of Reformed theology is an act of worship. It's faith seeking understanding."

[PGalt]

Thanks for posting Alex Murphy. Interesting/educational.

Looking at your home page, Matchett-PI, during this thread...

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2288664/posts

...I found this link...

http://reformed-theology.org/html/books/calvinism-history/history.htm

Very interesting as I know very little about John Calvin and the effect his philosophy had on the founders.

Thanks for the education.