A guy comes up to Paul Washer at the Deeper Conference and asks him to explain the doctrine of Election.
Comment by Lev/Christopher on March 15, 2010 at 5:55am
I also believe that this subconscious division between Father and Son in Calvinism is what makes Calvinists the most anti-Torah antinomians of all evangelicals...inevitably, since the Father as viewed subconsciously of something inferior or bad.
Comment by Lev/Christopher on March 15, 2010 at 5:45am
Hmmm. Calvinism may not be THE issue but it is AN issue (and an important issue) because where you stand on the Arminian-Calvinistic divide DOES matter, especially in evangelism, will determine the image you paint of Yahweh-Elohim and whether or not you attract or drive souls away. I can think of instances where a soul might be in a critical point in his life and hearing the Calvinist position might lead him to conclude that Yahweh was a vicious and unjust Elohim, and thus rob a soul of his salvation. So I disagree with Washer, no matter how much he might scream and shout - regeneration is of course vital and "the main thing" but I am more concerned about those who come to Yahweh with a wrong picture of Him, or who may be driven away by what I consider to be a doctrine of demons. Because the way you view Yahweh will also determine the way you view and treat people. Finally, since the Calvinistic doctrine is in any case a lie, it will eventually be exposed and may lead certain of its former adherants to turn away from the Elohim of Love altogether. I have come across many screaming preachers who are usually excused because, it is said, they are "passionate". To me this is a symtom of a fudge in order to 'keep the peace' but Yahweh was not in that business - He was in the business of truth, and especially in the area of what His and our Heavenly father is really like. Calvin's Calvinism led to crimes no less atrocious than those of Catholicism, including the burning of heretics at the stake in Protestant Switzerland.
I had an American friend who was a Calvinist who eventually concluded that he could not follow such a God (which he believed to be the Elohim of the Bible) and return to his Bahai religion. The thing is, Yahweh is NOT the Calvinist Elohim. What happens when a Calvinisty is regenerated (meeting gthe living Messiah)? He is transformed by Him but still has a picture of a Calvinistic Father who is arbitrary and cruel. Calvinism leads to a Gnostic-type separation of Father from Son where the Father is 'sidelined' and the loving Messiah (who has regenerated them) is seen as the Elohim of Love and as a kind of replacement for the 'Demiurge'. This internal contradiction is buried leading to schizophrenic behaviour. If you have followed the history of the Dutch, Scottish and Swiss Calvinists you will see what I mean for the spirit of Reformed Christianity is 'apart' from the others because of this. I am not saying they alone are4 guilty of this (goodness knows, some Messianics have a barbarian view of Yahweh).
So I am all for Washer preaching his message of regeneration but smudging over Calvinistic and Arminian differences is no different from the fudging that goes on between Baptists and Pentecostals for the sake of 'evangelical unity'. I am all for unity but not at the price of error and untruth that blots the character of the Most High.
And I am NOT convinced that Washer isn't a Calvinist ;) He may call himself a "5 Point Spurgeonite" (whatever that is) but his doctrine is without a doubt Calvinistic.
Comment by Deborah Peterson on March 15, 2010 at 3:27am
Saw this today that I thought would be good to add here :)
"Calvinism Is Not The Issue!" - Paul Washer
Comment by Lev/Christopher on March 10, 2010 at 12:07pm
Here's a good website that explains the position of evangelical Arminians:
Take a look at their survey and also their statement of faith.
Comment by Lev/Christopher on March 10, 2010 at 4:18am
I didn't realise that Washer was a Calvinist (at least that's what he sounds like to me - I have to say I am more of an Arminian and lean toward the Methodist view of election.
