I'm inclined to repeat some
thoughts I gave in a past
thread that was about "high" Calvinism, "moderate" and "low" Calvinism, "ultra-high" versus "hyper" Calvinism, etc., with specific definitions of each, based on things like common grace. Someone remarked that Owen was a high Calvinist but believed in common grace, while some say no high Calvinist believes in common grace. That was when I mentioned this:
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Me Died Blue I would say this is a good illustration of why broad distinctions like these (low, moderate, high, ultra-high Calvinism) are often arbitrary and seldom helpful. Much better to compare the Reformed confessions (and theologians) on each individual issue, observing where they are silent, and where they emphasize things differently. |
I would say that applies to the "TR" issue just as much as it does to the "degree of Calvinism" issue. Some people bind others' consciences wth erroneously narrow notions of what views are required to render one as "Truly Reformed," often defining such by standards that certain Reformers or Westminster Divines would not even meet. On the other hand, many people in Reformed circles today who emphasize an overly ecumenical and multi-perspectival mindset (including, but not limited to, some Federal Vision proponents) so often try to paint certain contemporary theologians and even churches as being ridiculously narrow-minded and uncharitable for not tolerating certain teachings, when often all such theologians and churches are doing is calling a spade a spade by the standards that Reformed churches and confessions have largely agreed upon for centuries.
So rather than entertaining (or giving any weight to) the random labels like "TR" and "moderate Calvinism," I think an emphasis on confessionalism and on the systematic theology of the Reformed churches' teachers throughout history (again, with both emphases including an acknowledgment of where they differed) solves the problem from both sides, avoiding the arbitrary narrowness as well as the groundless ecumenicalism.