Passionate?!? Me?!? Let's not hurdle insults. :O)
If I understand Jude's point, he feels there is a certain level of insecurity in the argument that "Calvinism is the gospel". I don't believe I've ever seen anyone stating there is a certain level of insecurity with Catholics to state Catholicism is the true Church. I'm sure that would be good for about 350+ posts.
While I have disagreements with John Calvin's writings and parts of his doctrine, I find he’s in basic agreement with the teachings of the western church-as it use to be-although many are in denial. There are only the two views; the Orthodox (synergism) and the Reformers (monergism). The rest are confused.
One of us (synergist or monergist) is holding heretical views and the other correct doctrine. It isn’t out of place for a Calvinist to say Calvinism is the gospel. Certainly Calvinists have enough people telling us we’re not preaching the gospel.
Thanks for clarifying that. I'd hate to have to pull out the Book of Church Order on you and charge you with being unfrozen chosen.
(It's a joke ya'll)
Apparently we've never met. I'm Jude24, the friendly neighborhood magesterial Protestant who is comfortable with the whole of Church History (it is, after all, my own history) including Chrystostom, Augustine, and Aquinas, but rejects the claim Rome has to universality. (What about the Orthodox?) And I've been explicit on that point.
There are only the two views; the Orthodox (synergism) and the Reformers (monergism). The rest are confused.
Nothing like setting up a self-serving dichotomy and making that your standard of orthodox doctrine. It's not as though the Calvinists, alleged monergists that they are, believe that humans are completely automata. To some extent we must cooperate in the work of grace just by virtue of being free agents.
One of us (synergist or monergist) is holding heretical views and the other correct doctrine.
And another drive-by false dictotomy. Even granting your synergist/monergist dictomy (which I do not), it is quite posssible - indeed, quite likely that both are wrong. Further, "wrong" does not equate to "heretical." "Heretical" is a term of art referring to a denial of a fundamental doctrine of Christianity. Given the fact that almost every orthodox Christian denomination rejects "monergism," even if they are wrong to do so, clearly it cannot be "heretical." The Catholics, the Orthodox, the Wesleyans, the Pentacostals, some Baptists, the Plymouth Brethren - all these churches reject "monergism." Now, I have varying disagreements with all of these denomination - some quite severe - but I can't call a single one of them "heretical." Nor can you.
Using frantic rhetoric like "heretical" and setting up strawmen false dichotomies destroys the grounds from which you debate. It gives you no credibility outside of your chorus of yes-men, but leads any fair-minded observer to wonder if you really understand what you're talking about or if you're just covering your own insecurities.
(For the moderator's sake: I'm trying to thread a fine line between a correction and a personal attack. Permission for a little leeway.)
Nor let us throw-up to conclusions. :>)
John Calvin wouldn't say it. In fact, I think he'd be rather appalled.
And speaking of Paul, he wouldn't say it either.
Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul? I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name.
I Corinthians 1:12-15
And, while we're at it, you said:
While I have disagreements with John Calvin's writings and parts of his doctrine...
And then you said:
It isn’t out of place for a Calvinist to say Calvinism is the gospel.
So...
If Calvinism IS the gospel, with which parts of the gospel do you have disagreements?
...oops