“Now I mean this, that each one of you is saying, ‘I am of Paul,’ and ‘I of Apollos,’ and ‘I of Cephas,’ and ‘I of Christ’” (1 Corinthians 1:12).
Federal Visionists love this verse because they think that sectarianism is bad. They urge that we should not divide up into factions. They claim to eschew contentiousness and push for “catholicity.” Obviously, Federal Visionists are suffering from ED (Ecumenical Dysfunction).
The Reformed faith has always been characterized by personality cults and polarizing influences. Indeed, if you want to be Reformed, you must be a schismatic, hero-worshiper.
However, you better choose your heroes wisely! Calvin help the blogger who fails to use a Puritan as the picture on his profile.
To help our readers out, we have assembled a list of those who have most influenced Anti-Federal Visionism. These are the top four saints to venerate, the Anti-Federal Vision Mount Rushmore. Here is our Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln:
Meredith Kline – This was an easy choice; he is our Washington. Far and away, Kline is the Godfather of Anti-Federal Visionism. Without his theological innovations, where would the Reformed world be today? Not only did he contribute his unique amalgamation of Luthero-gnosticism, but his ability to package this as the historic Reformed theology was nothing short of a miracle. The recent actions of the SJC-Gestapo are proof positive that the Kline's Modern Revolution within Calvinism is complete.
A.W. Pink – This was a tough choice because many (Boettner, Steele, Palmer, et al) have contributed to the spread of Tulipianism. However, we chose Pink because his works have been more influential in the rise of the hyper-calvinism/fatalism that dominates our modern Reformation. Without Pink, there would be neither Robbins nor Flanders.
Zane Hodges – This is our Roosevelt; everyone forgets him, but he is important, nonetheless. We could have easily chosen Charles Ryrie, but Hodges gets the nod because no one has worked harder to keep faith alone than Hodges. Where would sola fide be today without him? While many Anti-Federal Visionists publicly denounce Hodges’s Dispensationalism, all the truly Reformed are closet-Dispies at heart. Plus, there is a growing respect for Hodge's ability to divide the word of God. Don’t be surprised to see him in Table Talk soon!
Rene Descartes – We were torn on this one; obviously, we are dependent on Aristotelian logic, and we also love Plato, Spinoza, Leibniz, and all the other saints of old. However, Descartes is our choice because his cogito paved the way for the Enlightenment, to which we are happily enslaved. Above all, Anti-Federal Visionists are rationalists.
