Is Calvinism a Cult?

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Is Calvinism a cult?


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Brother Jason

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I feel like the Unorthodox Doctrine Forum seems like a good place for this discussion. So, I'm wondering if anyone here thinks that Calvinists having the mindset that Calvinism is the gospel, that only Calvinists have the real Jesus, and that only Calvinists are true Christians would constitute a cult-like mindset for those that have it?

For example, here is a list of quotes from Calvinists who seem to me to profess such a cult-like view of their Calvinism:

Maurice Roberts, on the back-cover of The Potter’s Freedom, by James White, wrote, “In a manner reminiscent of Luther demolishing Erasmus, James White grinds the Semi-Pelagianism of Dr. Geisler to fine powder, not in the spirit of triumphalism, but knowing that all Arminianism is as hostile to the true gospel as it is friendly to a reviving Roman Catholicism.”



The description on the back-cover of The Potter’s Freedom says, “This book is written as a reply to Dr. Geisler, but it is much more: it is a defense of the very principles upon which the Protestant Reformation was founded. Indeed, it is a defense of the very gospel itself!”



Arthur Custance said, “It is questionable whether a dogmatic theology which is not Calvinistic is truly Christian.”

He also said, “Calvinism is the Gospel and to teach Calvinism is in fact to preach the Gospel.”



Kenneth Talbot and W. Gary Crampton said, “any compromise of Calvinism is a step towards humanism.”



They also said, “The apostolic doctrine was that of Reformed Theology.”



Loraine Boettner said, “There is no consistent stopping place between Calvinism and atheism.”



and, “The doctrine that men are saved only through the unmerited love and grace of God finds its full and honest expression only in the doctrines of Calvinism.”



William Cunningham said, “Calvinism is just the full exposition of and development of the sum and substance of what is represented in Scripture as done for the salvation of sinners by the three persons of the Godhead.”



David Engelsma said, “Calvinism is the Gospel. Its outstanding doctrines are simply the truths that make up the Gospel.”



Charles Spurgeon has said many funny things about Calvinism, such as, “It is a nickname to call it Calvinism; Calvinism is the gospel, nothing else.”

and, “There is no such thing as preaching Christ and him crucified, unless you preach what now-a-days is called Calvinism.”



and, “The longer I live the clearer does it appear that John Calvin’s system is the nearest to perfection.”



Rienk Kuiper said, “It is my firm conviction that the only theology contained in the Bible is the Reformed theology.”

R. K. McGregor Wright said, “Arminianism thought is best understood historically, as a compromise of the Reformation gospel with the humanistic motif of the autonomy of the human consciousness flowing out of the ancient pagan learning that had just been rediscovered in the Renaissance.”



Alexander Leighton said this about Arminianism, “The last and greatest monster of the man of sin; the elixir of Anti-Christianism.”



William MacLean wrote in his book Arminianism: Another Gospel, “Arminianism is the very essence of Popery.” Not potpourri, but Popery, as in the Pope.

He also wrote that Arminianism “appears as the gospel of Christ, but in reality is ‘another gospel.’”



Duane Spencer said that “Arminianism is but a refinement of Pelegianism.”



Grover Gunn said, “Arminianism teaches salvation mostly of grace but not all of grace.”



Edwin Palmer said, “I believe some Arminians may be born-again Christians.” How gracious of Mr. Palmer.



According to Milburn Cockrell, “The Christ of Arminianism is not the Christ of the New Testament.”



He also claims that “Christ and His apostles” were Calvinists!



Joseph Wilson said that “no one has ever been or ever will be saved in the way taught by Arminianism.”

I'm honestly not trying to insult or offend any Calvinists (at least, not right now). I'm just wondering if other people see this as a cult-like mindset, or if they think it's perfectly orthodox and acceptable to view your own theological brethren as the only true Christians. Thanks. :p
 
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Sword

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I seen your three posts. Do you have anything about what God is doing with you today. Like a testimony? Any thing about Jesus? God ,Holy Ghost. Why spend time on thing that have no bearing on the kingdom. forums full of it. everyone waiting to go to heaven? Arguing about all manner of garbage every day after day year after year. For what?

All I see is your time wasted on nothing of any Kingdom value.
 
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lforrest

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I said no to the question in the title. All assumptions made in the body of the op were not considered.
 
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FHII

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I haven't voted yet and don't know how I will. But I want to put forth 2 points:

1. What exactly is a "cult"? According to Merriam Webster:

  1. : formal religious veneration : worship
  2. a system of religious beliefs and ritual; also : its body of adherents
  3. a religion regarded as unorthodox or spurious
  4. great devotion to a person, idea, object, movement, or work (such as a film or book) criticizing how the media promotes
  5. a usually small group of people characterized by such devotion.
So often we see "cult" as a term associated with evil, brainwashed, and dangerous. Yet the only "possible" negative definition is the notion that it is unorthodox. Frankly, I don't even see that as bad. By some of these definitions Christianity is a cult.


2. I actually have read John Calvin's work. In short... He wasn't a Calvinist himself.

So often his name is accociated with TULIP (not his invention) and predestination. He wrote a mere 3 chapters in one of his books (and he wrote dozens, most of which are pretty long) on the topic. He also often contradicted himself at times (or at least that is my perception).

My point is that those who speak of Calvinism (pro or con) aren't getting the philosophies from him; or if they are, its a process of cherry-picking what he wrote.

I tend to get upset when folks talk about "calvinism" because of that... Yet, I don't argue too long about it. Its like trying to expain what a cult really is. Both are too far gone into the accepted opinions of the masses to change it. But... Like now, I can bring it to light.

For the record... I like his writing style and he has some great points. He was however, a despicable person.
 

aspen

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James White would love the publicity you are giving him; not sure Calvin would recognize him or anyone else on your list
 

Brother Jason

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I seen your three posts. Do you have anything about what God is doing with you today. Like a testimony? Any thing about Jesus? God ,Holy Ghost. Why spend time on thing that have no bearing on the kingdom. forums full of it. everyone waiting to go to heaven? Arguing about all manner of garbage every day after day year after year. For what?

All I see is your time wasted on nothing of any Kingdom value.
And apparently you have 964 messages. I'm sure Jesus is very disappointed by the time you're wasting in this forum. For shame. :eek:
 
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FHII

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M
And apparently you have 964 messages. I'm sure Jesus is very disappointed by the time you're wasting in this forum. For shame. :eek:


Don't know why Sword responded so harshly. I didn't particularly like the initial post, but I hope you understand why after reading my post.

Hope you stick around a bit and I once only had 3 posts as well!
 

Sword

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And apparently you have 964 messages. I'm sure Jesus is very disappointed by the time you're wasting in this forum. For shame. :eek:
If you took the time to read the messages the heart of them is healing. and that is what the church mostly missed as is clear in here.
Teaching kingdom is not a waste of time. You missed the point. instead of coming back with a my mums fatter thsan your mum post. why dont you look at my point and show me why I am right or wrong.
 

Sword

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And apparently you have 964 messages. I'm sure Jesus is very disappointed by the time you're wasting in this forum. For shame. :eek:
Like I said my posts are kingdom re;ated and commision related. Maybe read them?
 

Brother Jason

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If you took the time to read the messages the heart of them is healing. and that is what the church mostly missed as is clear in here.
Teaching kingdom is not a waste of time. You missed the point. instead of coming back with a my mums fatter thsan your mum post. why dont you look at my point and show me why I am right or wrong.

Yes you seem like a very lovely person by attacking me for no reason. If you don't like a topic I bring up in the forum that's no skin off my back, just don't participate in the discussion. Is it "kingdom related" to insult me when I did absolutely nothing to you? Is it "commission related" to attack me just for asking a question that you apparently don't like? Is this how you're "healing" me? If so, please keep your "healing" to yourself. I'll read whatever you post if the topic actually interests me. If what I post about doesn't interest you, then like I said, just don't read it. I don't know what makes you think that you're somehow in charge of what I choose to talk about in this forum, but you're hugely mistaken. :p
 

Sword

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Yes you seem like a very lovely person by attacking me for no reason. If you don't like a topic I bring up in the forum that's no skin off my back, just don't participate in the discussion. Is it "kingdom related" to insult me when I did absolutely nothing to you? Is it "commission related" to attack me just for asking a question that you apparently don't like? Is this how you're "healing" me? If so, please keep your "healing" to yourself. I'll read whatever you post if the topic actually interests me. If what I post about doesn't interest you, then like I said, just don't read it. I don't know what makes you think that you're somehow in charge of what I choose to talk about in this forum, but you're hugely mistaken. :p
Really you call that an attack. Man you are a wide open target for satan if your that touchy. Well it looks like a lot of skin came off your back. You are hurt. I never insulted you. You took it that way like touchy people do. Did Pual pull people ? Yes he did . Are you beyond repraoch as a brother? No. And you are also taking it so direct. Its not just for you. Its for many many people in here. So why do you take it so personal?
Can you please show me if I said any thing wrong. The point is many people in here are doing what you are doing . all of these posts are pointless. Time to grow up and decide you either serve Him for real and stop all the silly childish games about being hurt.
No one said I was in charge well sorry YOU did wrongly. I pointed out that we are wasting a lot of time on pointless discussions day after day. Is that correct or not? Yes it is. Please dont be so touchy its not personal dont make it so. Just show me how The point I made is wrong. I see you never addresd it in any way shape or form Wonder why that is?
 

FHII

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John Calvin was an arrogant and mean person. I voted yes.
I absolutely agree with your analysis on John Calvin. But does that alone make Calvinism a cult when much of its tenets weren't preached by John himself?

I have a mind to vote yes because his followers perverted what he taught.
 
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FHII

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Really you call that an attack. Man you are a wide open target for satan if your that touchy. Well it looks like a lot of skin came off your back. You are hurt. I never insulted you. You took it that way like touchy people do. Did Pual pull people ? Yes he did . Are you beyond repraoch as a brother? No. And you are also taking it so direct. Its not just for you. Its for many many people in here. So why do you take it so personal?
Can you please show me if I said any thing wrong. The point is many people in here are doing what you are doing . all of these posts are pointless. Time to grow up and decide you either serve Him for real and stop all the silly childish games about being hurt.
No one said I was in charge well sorry YOU did wrongly. I pointed out that we are wasting a lot of time on pointless discussions day after day. Is that correct or not? Yes it is. Please dont be so touchy its not personal dont make it so. Just show me how The point I made is wrong. I see you never addresd it in any way shape or form Wonder why that is?


Well, if anyone cares I'd like to give my analysis. Sword... Yea you did come off as abrasive.

I seen your three posts. Do you have anything about what God is doing with you today. Like a testimony?


Do you seriously not see the abrasiveness in that? I kind of get what you are saying. But then again, is this topic so stupid that it should not be discussed? Ive seen worse! Someone wanted to discuss the musical Jesus Christ: Superstar... Imagine that?

So sword... You did go off on a new member when you could've been more tactful.

But Brother Jason...

I'm honestly not trying to insult or offend any Calvinists (at least, not right now).


Seriously? Are you really being honest when in the same statement you hinted that you would insult them in the future?

You posted a lot of one-liners from alledged Calvinists and I can't help but to think that you picked them to grind an ax. Even the title of the thread itself suggests that.

Overall, I would've liked Sword to take a softer approach... But Brother Jason, you did jump into the ring swinging!
 
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aspen

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I absolutely agree with your analysis on John Calvin. But does that alone make Calvinism a cult when much of its tenets weren't preached by John himself?

I have a mind to vote yes because his followers perverted what he taught.

That is a tough one......
Humans are famous for perverting ideas - good or bad. It is what we do
 
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