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It’s certainly one of the gaping holes in Reformed theology. The claim is that works are essential; the question is asked: essential for what? Blank out

Well, why do you think Luther tried so hard to get rid of the Book of James!? He realized the unbridgable problem with this. I don't think he could bring himself to admit that God is the source of evil. But, lawyer Calivin had no problems with that, and neither do his saints.

If works through faith are required, and are part of God's "plan," theh they are essential, unless God just wants people to keep busy...

The Calvinists do not ask why. They just "submit" like the Muslims. If you are rich, it's God 's will. If you are poor, well God made you poor, so that His Glory may become evident through your poverty...(see the story of the blind man).

That's why you have pastor Hagee, who endorsed McCain just yesterday, who says that Katrina was sent by God because New Orleans planned a gay parade the following week. He also calls the Catholic Church a "cult" and the "Great Whore." I hope not a single Catholic votes for McCain after this.

All in all, they are pretty Muslim and pretty medieval in everything but name.

Discussions with my fave prof, now deceased, led to the conclusion that the reason for good works is that they are a gift and more fun than bad works.

My becoming a filthy papist has not changed my opinion about that. I would rather be a door-keeper in the house of the Lord than dwell in the tents of wickedness, ceteris paribus and all .... It's just plain nicer here.

***Well, why do you think Luther tried so hard to get rid of the Book of James!? He realized the unbridgable problem with this. I don’t think he could bring himself to admit that God is the source of evil. But, lawyer Calivin had no problems with that, and neither do his saints. ***

Calvin was much more ruthless and had a much greater ambition to rule than Luther did.

***unless God just wants people to keep busy***

Some unfathomable reason, I’m sure.

***That’s why you have pastor Hagee, who endorsed McCain just yesterday, who says that Katrina was sent by God because New Orleans planned a gay parade the following week. He also calls the Catholic Church a “cult” and the “Great Whore.” I hope not a single Catholic votes for McCain after this. ***

Whoever gets the Democratic nod has supporters that at least equal Hagee’s putrescence.

***All in all, they are pretty Muslim and pretty medieval in everything but name.***

It’s a much easier mindset to get into. True Catholicism requires much that robots are unable to handle.