Group of Southern Baptists signs statement rejecting Calvinism

[struggle4progress]

Hundreds of Southern Baptists have signed a statement that rejects Calvinist views on the doctrine of salvation and outlines the "traditional Southern Baptist Understanding of God's Plan of Salvation."
By: Lillian Kwon
Christian Post
Friday, 8 June 2012, 9:02 (EST)

The statement – which denies that God predestined certain people for salvation and others for condemnation, among other beliefs – has stirred wide debate within the Southern Baptist Convention with some affirming it fully and others arguing that it is causing an unnecessary division.

"Why are we headed down the broken road of schism over Calvinism today?" asked Josh Buice, pastor of Pray's Mill Baptist Church in Douglasville, Ga.

"Have we forgotten our history as Southern Baptists where we had Calvinists such as Lottie Moon, James P. Boyce, John L. Dagg, A.T. Robertson, John A. Broadus, and many others who served in our convention along with those who were less Calvinistic (Reformed) in their doctrine? They didn't fight over it, throw mud, and pull out the heresy sword to use on one another."

"Statement of the Traditional Southern Baptist Understanding of God's Plan of Salvation" was authored by Pastor Eric Hankins and several other Baptist leaders who expressed concern over the increasing role and influence of the "New Calvinism" – characterized by an aggressive insistence on the "Doctrines of Grace" (Total depravity, Unconditional election, Limited atonement, Irresistible grace, and Perseverance of the saints) – within the denomination ...

http://au.christiantoday.com/article/group-of-southern-baptists-signs-statement-rejecting-calvinism/13474.htm

[ZombieHorde]

1. I also reject Calvinism, but I have never tried to make my rejection "official."

To be honest, I don't think the thought has ever occurred to me.

[dmallind]

4. Well me too, but with an omnipotent omniscient god it is inevitable

God can both see the future and change the future, obviously enough. So he knows I will live and be damned to hell, assuming most of his followers and the Bible have the deal right. Not only could he change that at any time, but as my putative creator he made me in the full knowledge of my fate and had the power to make either my nature or nurture different and save me. Even keeping intact this fake surface-level "free will" that people pretend can possibly co-exist with such a god, he could have designed my brain in such a way that it would find belief convincing, or made sure I came across better evangelists or apologists to change my mind.

Calvinism with such a god is irrefutable. If God knows and is in charge of all, how can he not know and be in charge of salvation for each individual? Rejecting Calvinism limits either God's knowledge or God's power.

[longship]

2. The Dutch Reformed are not amused

Actually, they probably don't care since everybody going to heaven or hell is pretty much predetermined.

[rug]

3. Wow. That's significant.

TULIP has been theris cornerstone for centuries.

[daaron]

5. Oh wow. In 2012, no less. For pity's sake.

Where am I?