I'd vastly prefer to be known as "Calvinistic" and not "Calvinist". Reformed in sotierology, not ecclesiology.
I believe that TULIP is Biblical - but I don't fall into lockstep with the Westminster Confession.
I have come to realize that all parts of TULIP either stand or fall together - it's hard to understand a "3-pointer...
Kansas Bob
"You have heard that it was said, `Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Mt 5:43-48
In light of this we really have to ask the TULIPites "Why would God command us to do what He is unwilling to do?" I think it is disingenuous to say that "God is Love" and promulgate a gospel where He only selects/loves a few. Seems that this kind of love is very conditional in nature.
Ellen
I'm not about to place a human definition on God's love.
Gina
"I have come to realize that all parts of TULIP either stand or fall together - it's hard to understand a "3-pointer..."
I agree. I mentioned this to Jared months ago when I first started attending a Presbyterian church. I talked to a lot of Presbyterian minsiters because I wanted to know how many of them were 5-point Calvinists. I wish you could see the mixture of responses I received. Half of them didn't even make logical sense. One even admitted as much to me. He said, "I know my position isn't logical...but this is what I believe." I told Jared that I didn't see how a person could be a 3-point Calvinist. Like you said, the points either stand or fall together.
If I have time, I may post some of the responses on my blog. You would laugh. Talk about letting emotionalism ruin good theology. LOL
Ellen
I went from a full bore Nazarene church that came from a Wesleyan Holiness church into a Christian Reformed Church (took me well over a year to figure it out, though)
Gina
I found the comments I was referring to earlier, both the discussion I had with Jared, and one of the ministers I talked to about being a 3 or 4 point Calvinist. You can read more about it out on my blog. The post is called "Calvinism Revisited." I linked back to this post and also to the original post at the Thinklings. I also added you to my blogroll.
Good luck on the new blog!