Killing Calvinism

1. Embrace Calvinism as a means, not an end

Windshields are one of those technological wonders we have all gotten used to. In fact, they work best when you don't notice them, when they are invisible so that all you can see is what they reveal.

Calvinism as a lens. Like a clear windshield, Reformed theology should serve as a transparent lens through which we view God's glory, not as an end in itself. Many Calvinists fall into the trap of celebrating their theological clarity rather than using it to marvel at God's character and works. This misplaced focus can lead to pride and a failure to appreciate the full spectrum of God's attributes.

Avoiding idolatry. When Calvinism becomes the object of our affection rather than a tool for understanding God, we risk creating an idol out of our theology. This can manifest in various ways:

• Obsessing over Calvinist literature and podcasts
• Feeling superior to non-Calvinist believers
• Neglecting other aspects of Christian growth and service

To combat this tendency, Calvinists should regularly remind themselves of the purpose of their theological framework: to better know, love, and serve God.

2. Prioritize discipleship over theological knowledge

A disciple is a student of Christ—someone who spends time with the Savior in order to come to know him better and resemble him more closely.

Knowledge vs. transformation. While theological understanding is valuable, it must not be confused with true discipleship. Many Calvinists mistakenly equate growing in Reformed doctrine with growing as a follower of Christ. However, genuine discipleship involves:

• Spending time in God's presence
• Cultivating Christlike character
• Actively participating in Christ's mission

Balancing study and practice. To avoid becoming mere theologians instead of disciples, Calvinists should:

• Regularly assess their spiritual growth beyond doctrinal knowledge
• Engage in spiritual disciplines that foster intimacy with Christ
• Seek opportunities to apply their theological understanding in practical ways
• Prioritize character development alongside intellectual growth

3. Love God Himself more than His sovereignty

Paul's words in Romans 9:16, once an unsettling "anomaly" in my ill-formed theology, now became an oasis of peace and confidence: "So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy." What rest!

Balanced appreciation. While God's sovereignty is a crucial aspect of Calvinism, it should not overshadow our love for God Himself. Many Calvinists become so enamored with the doctrine of divine sovereignty that they neglect other vital attributes of God's character, such as His love, mercy, and holiness.

Comprehensive worship. To cultivate a more balanced love for God:

• Study and meditate on all of God's attributes
• Engage in worship that celebrates the full spectrum of God's nature
• Avoid reducing God to a single characteristic, even one as important as sovereignty
• Seek to understand how God's sovereignty interacts with His other attributes

Remember that the ultimate goal of Calvinism is not to exalt a particular doctrine, but to lead us into a deeper, more comprehensive love for the God who saves us.

4. Maintain urgency in evangelism despite belief in predestination

"I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory" (2 Timothy 2:10).

Motivation for evangelism. Contrary to common misconceptions, Calvinism should not diminish our zeal for evangelism. Paul's example demonstrates that a belief in God's sovereign election can actually fuel our efforts to share the gospel. This urgency stems from:

• The knowledge that God uses human means to accomplish His purposes
• The joy of participating in God's plan to save the elect
• The recognition that we don't know who the elect are, so we must share with all

Practical application. Calvinists can maintain evangelistic fervor by:

• Viewing evangelism as a privilege, not a burden
• Trusting God's sovereignty while fulfilling our responsibility to share
• Praying for opportunities to be used in God's saving work
• Cultivating compassion for the lost, remembering our own need for grace

5. Learn from believers outside the Calvinist tradition

Whitefield the Calvinist expected to thank his Arminian friend on the Day of Judgment for all that Wesley had done for his soul.

Broadening perspectives. While Calvinism offers valuable insights, it's crucial to recognize that God can and does work through believers of various theological traditions. Learning from non-Calvinist Christians can:

• Enrich our understanding of Scripture
• Challenge our assumptions and prevent echo-chamber thinking
• Foster humility and unity within the broader body of Christ

Practical steps. To benefit from diverse Christian perspectives:

• Read books and listen to teachings from respected non-Calvinist leaders
• Engage in respectful dialogue with believers from different traditions
• Look for areas of common ground and shared devotion to Christ
• Appreciate the unique strengths and contributions of various Christian movements

6. Allow Scripture to shape theology, not vice versa

May we never dismiss or fail to take seriously a single word of Scripture. Study and learn and grow, but may we never dare to take it upon ourselves to help God out and close the circle on our own.

Scripture's primacy. While theological systems like Calvinism can be helpful, they must always remain subservient to Scripture. The danger lies in forcing biblical passages to fit our preconceived notions rather than allowing them to shape our understanding.

Maintaining biblical fidelity. To ensure our theology remains grounded in Scripture:

• Approach difficult passages with humility and openness
• Be willing to adjust our theological understanding when Scripture challenges it
• Avoid dismissing or reinterpreting verses that seem to contradict our system
• Regularly re-examine our beliefs in light of the whole counsel of God
• Embrace the tension and mystery inherent in some biblical teachings

7. Combat arrogance and cultivate humility in Calvinistic beliefs

If our Calvinism has become a platform from which we look down upon others, we desperately need God's grace to convict us that this is sinful.

Recognizing the danger. Calvinism's emphasis on God's sovereign grace should logically lead to humility. However, the intellectual rigor required to grasp Reformed theology can paradoxically fuel pride. This manifests in:

• Looking down on non-Calvinists as less enlightened
• Using theological knowledge to impress others
• Becoming argumentative and dismissive of differing views

Cultivating humility. To combat arrogance and foster genuine humility:

• Regularly reflect on your own desperate need for God's grace
• View theological understanding as a gift, not a personal achievement
• Seek to learn from and appreciate believers with different perspectives
• Focus on applying Calvinistic truths to your own life before critiquing others
• Remember that knowledge without love is worthless (1 Corinthians 13:2)

8. Respond with empathy to those struggling with Calvinist doctrine

Admitting that someone's emotional hang-up has some merit does not bring down Calvinism like a house of cards.

Emotional barriers. Many people struggle with Calvinism due to emotional rather than purely intellectual reasons. Common concerns include:

• Feeling that Calvinism portrays God as unfair or unloving
• Fearing that predestination negates human responsibility
• Worrying about the fate of loved ones who may not be elect

Compassionate engagement. To effectively address these concerns:

• Listen empathetically without immediately jumping to arguments
• Acknowledge the emotional weight of these issues
• Share your own journey and struggles with Calvinistic concepts
• Present Reformed theology gradually, focusing on God's love and mercy
• Use analogies and illustrations to make difficult concepts more accessible
• Emphasize the pastoral and practical implications of Calvinism, not just the intellectual aspects

Remember that embracing Calvinism often involves a process of wrestling with deep questions about God's nature and our relationship with Him. Patience, understanding, and gentleness are crucial in helping others navigate this journey.

Last updated: August 2, 2024