“Reject a factious man after a first and second warning” (Titus 3:10).
Federal Visionists love this verse because they think that factious men ought to be rejected on the principle that they are factious. In other words, if someone is proved to be factious, we should reject them and pay no attention to what they say.
However, this is the fallacy of the poisoned well, that something is bad because of where it came from. Rather, we ought to listen carefully to factious men and treat them as reputable witnesses, giving them every opportunity to malign the brethren.
Those who reject factious men ought to be rejected after a first and second warning.
Showing posts with label Sectarianism. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sectarianism. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Thursday, April 3, 2008
1 Corinthians 1:12
“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.
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.
Friday, March 14, 2008
John 17:22
“The glory which You have given Me I have given to them, that they may be one, just as We are one” (John 17:22).
Federal Visionists love this verse because they think that Jesus wants the church to be one. They argue that unity is a doctrine that ought to be pursued, which means we ought to be “catholic” and not divide up into different denominations and sects. Obviously, this is the same tactic that the liberals used in the last century.
The Reformed faith has always insisted that doctrine must come first. Precision in abstract theology is far more important than lesser qualities like charity and peace.
Besides, the unity of the church is not really a doctrine, per se. It certainly pales in comparison with the weightier topics, such as the order of the decrees.
The problem with pursuing the so-called unity of the church on earth is that we are never quite sure who the elect are, so it is impossible for us to love them on earth. Perhaps we can love our brothers in heaven, after we find out who got in and after their theology has been straightened out.
Federal Visionists love this verse because they think that Jesus wants the church to be one. They argue that unity is a doctrine that ought to be pursued, which means we ought to be “catholic” and not divide up into different denominations and sects. Obviously, this is the same tactic that the liberals used in the last century.
The Reformed faith has always insisted that doctrine must come first. Precision in abstract theology is far more important than lesser qualities like charity and peace.
Besides, the unity of the church is not really a doctrine, per se. It certainly pales in comparison with the weightier topics, such as the order of the decrees.
The problem with pursuing the so-called unity of the church on earth is that we are never quite sure who the elect are, so it is impossible for us to love them on earth. Perhaps we can love our brothers in heaven, after we find out who got in and after their theology has been straightened out.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)