The Highway Forums General Discussion Open Forum The Nick-name Calvinism

Would you say anything to someone who refuses to be called a Calvinist under any situation; but agrees whole heartedly with the doctrines of grace?
They go about saying when we affirm the nick-name Calvinism/Calvinist like it or not we are going against Scripture. No theology or doctrine should be named after any man; regardless of the reason.
As far as they are concerning it is wrong to consider oneself a Calvinist.
They make a big deal about it, as well.

Tom

1. Ask this person to describe his theological position in one word other than Calvinism/Calvinist.

2. Ask for chapter/verse. Calvinism isn't about John Calvin but simply a description of the biblical doctrines of grace which he codified.

3. Smile... Tell this person it was interesting to talk with him... and walk away.

Distinctions are important. Maybe he’s a Thomist, where there appears to be intersections as far as doctrines of grace. It depends on the context. If you are communicating theology, Calvinist, neoCalvinist, high Calvinist. …. the labels and what we mean by the labels we identify with are useful and often vital.

"Doctrines of Grace"
"Sovereign Grace"
"Covenant Theology" - oh, wait... not for Baptists I think...

"Calvinism" is a label, a shortcut that represents something typically larger. Labels have a definite place in communication and especially, to a certain degree, identification of one's views on a subject. But again, "Calvinism" doesn't point to John Calvin but rather to the doctrines which he was instrumental in codifying and publishing, along with many others, which had been suppressed for many years previously. A true Calvinist embraces those doctrines with their mind, heart and soul because they are what is found in the supernatural, inspired written Word of God. A Calvinist is NOT a devout follower/disciple of the man John Calvin, albeit he is recognized as being mightily used of God according to His sovereign purpose.

I appreciate everyone’s advice.
The funny thing is after discussing this with
them and other people involved, I think
the best advice I should have taken was from
Pilgrim, who said “smile and walk away.”
I gave my best effort and everything went in one ear
and out the other.

All of them agree with the doctrines of grace; but
refuse to associated with any “ism”.

When am I ever going to learn, I am a sucker for
punishment.

Tom

Robin, you of all people should know, that anyone who actually
ascribes to the 1689 LBCF, ascribes to Covenant Theology.
Yes, there are differences between WCF Covenant Theology and
1689 LBCF.

I mention this, not because I want to get into a discussion about
that matter.

Tom

PS, I wrestled whether to mention that or not.

Just curious if they are consistent with their disassociation with "any ism"? For example, do they want nothing to do with Presbyterianism, or Congregationalism, or Continental Reformism, or Evangelicalism... or Confessionalism even?