First: thank you for your greeting, and I apologize for taking so long in replying to this, as I took some time to read what you said, and more about the subject in general.
Second, I want to apologize; not for anything you would know of, but initially after reading this post (and eventually, I really did, spend time reading about this, etc), I reacted in pride. It had the same effect on me Dr. Masters' article had at the mention of John MacArthur's name. The goal here is not for any of us to act or react in pride, but to humbly seek to edify one another: in this I failed, and I hope you accept my apology.
Third, now that I am more familiar with "New Calvinism" and have considered these things, alongside MacArthur, Washer, et al... I'd like to give a better response, one more in the true spirit of humility, and not simply "know it all-ism."
With regards to Paul Washer, I now understand why the jury is still out for you; however, I would like to attempt to share my opinion of him. I actually don't think he falls into the New Calvinist movement, simply because he rejects these men in large part (with perhaps the exception of Piper (don't know where he stands today though). From the time I've listened to Mr. Washer I've heard him preach almost nothing but separation from the world. In fact, it was his "Shocking Youth Message" that sent shock waves (apparently) through the internet, for telling a group of teens and young adults (that are Churchgoers) that they look just like the world, and should consider if they are truly in the faith.
I also heard the same message to "reformed rappers" and I am a bit dissapointed to hear him encourage them to continue to rap for God's glory. Although, I am currently working out my understanding of all this contemporary worship vs classic worship (for lack of better terms), I would give Washer the benefit of the doubt here, because he vehemently rejects worldliness, but perhaps like myself, needs his understanding of how far the worldliness reaches, increased.
In regards to moral law, I apologize, but I do not know what his understanding of the fourth commandment is. But certainly I count him as a good teacher of the word, as I would image he wanted to simply encourage these men to do something for God that wasn't being done, or something that he saw was being perverted with lyrics from the pit of hell, rather than used to glorify God (and probably on the basis of 1 Cor 10:31).
But this is all I have for now, and I hope it is coherant (since I am a bit distracted by children, and such). I look forward to your reply, and sharing and learning (through agreement and civil disagreements, I'm sure). But most of all, I hope you do accept my apology. Blessings brother, and thank you for a site like this; it really is awesome!
TheExegete (Chris)
Last edited by TheExegete; Thu Nov 01, 20127:45 PM.
