So here's a positive quote about John Calvin:
"When he had died, all Geneva desired to see his body, as if he were a medieval saint or one of those relics that he had so sardonically mocked. But he had seen to it that there should be no posthumous canonization and left orders that he should be buried in an unmarked grave. Thus his death and burial were of one piece with his life; as a good witness, he would not be regarded, but bent all his energies in life and death to making Jesus Christ alone great, and making that greatness visible."I appreciate that John Calvin did not desire to take attention away from Christ.
http://www.desiringgod.org/media/pdf/books_mpc/mpc.pdf
Would he be pleased with all the attention his name still receives?
4 comments:
Hi Jon,
I would like to send you a response to Frank Viola's "Manifesto," when it is done. Could you send me your email address?
Also, you might like to read an article on Calvin on our site, which gets to the heart of the matter regarding the nature of his works.
It is here: http://thepathoftruth.com/falseteachers/johncalvin.htm
Paul Cohen
www.thepathoftruth.com
Hello Paul,
Thanks for stopping by. There is some interesting reading on your website... and I do agree with lots of it... but I have to say I've got a concern though with the list of "false teachers". I'd be surprised if you'll ever find a group of thinkers who agree on everything... I do think God will hold each of us accountable for how we handle the truth we've been given, but I think the Scriptures are clear that we are not given authority to give absolute judgment. I think we are called to love everyone, and if we disagree on something with a brother we should approach the matter with love and respect. The 30,000+ Christian denominations speak of how too frequently Christ's people have resorted to judging each other... it's time we start seeking the unity that our Christ desires.
You can find my email under 'about Jon' on the left.
God bless
Is it really John Calvin's fault that his position on Christianity led him to become something that he probably would have really abhorred in the first place?
We as Christians need to stop following:
Jim Jones
Jimmy Swaggert
James Baker
Maybe Johnny Calvin isn't such a bad choice on which to build a church denomination after all.
Hmmm...Maybe also a new edict to bend the verse...beware of wolves named Jim in sheep's clothing.
What I am saying here is that we all need to look to one name that is many, and He is The Anointed One, and forget the men that disappoint.
SP
Thanks SP,
I agree totally that Jesus is the head of His church. Much of the problems in Christianity's pas have come from people following people. There is obviously a role for encouraging and teaching. And we are to follow the example of others who are servants of our Lord. But if we are just following other people we've missed the whole point.
The reason I've fixated some on the Calvin issue is that in my circles and background I have recently recognized how much influence it has had. But yes, in other circles and traditions the list would be different of all the people 'Christ followers' have followed.
In Christ,
Jon
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