This article is WORLD MAGAZINE reports the growing movement within Western Christianity back toward Reformed Theology or Calvinism. The "New Calvinism" as some would call this movement has been gaining great momentum the last decade or so, and has been very good for the church in my opinion.
As a Charismatic with a root system in what has generally been considered an Arminian movement, I have felt a little out of place at times because of Reformed leanings within my own heart. Reformed Theology to me makes God bigger, man's lost-ness greater, and Christ's Incarnation, crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension more glorious! Reformed Theology keeps the focus of the Gospel on the glory of God, and the initiative of God in bringing men to saving faith. The Gospel of Jesus Christ truly makes "Grace Amazing!"
However, with that said, I am not a 5 point, T.U.L.I.P. Calvinist. I know, I know, to the true 5 pointer, I am not a Reformed guy at all then! One of the things that has so frustrated me over the years about some Reformed guys is their inability to see the work of God through the great non-Calvinist Christians throughout church history. If you are not a 5 pointer in their minds, then you are probably not even a child of God.
Anyway, the article I have a link to really gives me hope that a new attitude is developing which may make room for guys like me with certain leanings. This quote from Mark Driscoll really captures some of the values that have been real to me for many years, "Seattle pastor Mark Driscoll, dressed in an all-black anti-suit of jeans and zippered jacket, cited four TGC emphases: engaging rather than separating from culture, moving into not out of cities, openness to charismatic gifts, and building bridges to other Christians." AMEN!
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