I wonder what Calvin would say if he could step into one of today's mega-churches. We know he certainly wouldn't enter a Catholic Church.
If Calvinism IS the gospel, with which parts of the gospel do you have disagreements? ...oops
Do I believe Mary remained a virgin? No. Do I believe in consubstantiation? No. Do I believe in infant baptism? Currently no but I'm open. None of these are fundamental principles of how God saves men.
"I wonder what Calvin would say if he could step into one of today's mega-churches."
He'd probably say, "this is a magnificent work of the Holy Spirit, greater than anything my future followers could ever imagine. and the coffee is great and the donuts are tops but I don't think there is enough bass in the band."
You disagree, recognizing that there is room for informed minds to differ. Wisely, too, I might add.
None of these are fundamental principles of how God saves men.
Nor is predestination. It's an obscure topic dealt with in relatively few Scriptures. Many Christians go about their Christian lives blissfully unaware that a controversy even exists. It's a rather technical question that involves very close exegesis, and informed minds differ on the conclusion. Such cannot be a "fundamental principal" of the gospel.
Take your position on predestination - I probably largely agree with it. What I cannot agree with, however, is the statement "Calvinism is the Gospel." It is not, nor is it even close.
hmmmmm..."Nice to see you again Dr. Piper?"
He'd probably stop his ears during the worship set, not unlike the high school kids in Back to the Future who weren't ready for 1980's-style rock. Then, I predict he'd be distracted by the pretty lights in front and wonder how the projector and computer worked.
We know he certainly wouldn't enter a Catholic Church.
After Vatican II, I don't think we can be so sure of that.