"I'm a Calvinist" documentary

Status
Not open for further replies.
I saw that clip earlier today as well. I kind of have mixed thoughts on it for some reason.

I fully subscribe to "Calvinism" as a theological construct and in turn can appreciate efforts to educate others on what it is and why it's important; however, in some ways I've also grown a little fatigued, just a teeny tiny bit, by the blitz of marketing and promos associated with it's resurgence. I'm not sure why I feel so...

I enjoyed Ian Hamilton's lectures put out by Ligonier titled "Calvinism and the Christian life" and I have numerous books and references on Calvin, but for some reason the shiny sleek hip stuff that has come out as of late doesn't really appeal to me much. It'll probably resonate with many others though and for that I'm happy.

The "Calvinist" promo reminds me in some ways of Piper's poem "The Calvinist." Remember that one?
 
Indeed, this does look like an interesting project. I hope the film does justice to the scope of Calvinism. It seems that the recent resurgence in Calvinism focuses so much on the "Five Points" that it fails to take into consideration the broader teachings of Calvinism, such as in the area of ecclesiology.
 
I'm excited about this. I listen to the Pubcast, it's quite solid. I think Mr. Lanphere will make a great movie.
 
The Calvinist, by John Piper: http://www.desiringgod.org/calvinist

I'm glad I wasn't the only one who thought the two are similar.

I share the concerns with commercializing Calvinism, but also hope that some good may come of it.

At any rate, it is interesting to see the recent "Reformed" documentaries (Spurgeon, MLJ).
 
The Calvinist, by John Piper: http://www.desiringgod.org/calvinist

I'm glad I wasn't the only one who thought the two are similar.

I share the concerns with commercializing Calvinism, but also hope that some good may come of it.

At any rate, it is interesting to see the recent "Reformed" documentaries (Spurgeon, MLJ).

The Spurgeon documentary was excellent, I have watched it three times already. :p Still haven't convinced myself to purchase the MLJ one, however.
 
What is a neo calvinist?

It needs a new name: "I am a neo-calvinist"
Dave
PHX OPC

I'm not quite seeing the connection, but neo-calvinism is another name for Kuyperianism. Kuyper's quintessential quote used in describing his theology is: "there is not a square inch in the whole domain of human existence over which Christ, who is sovereign over all, does not cry: ‘Mine!’"

Here's a good article: http://www.westminsterconfession.org/the-doctrines-of-grace/historic-calvinism-and-neo-calvinism.php
 
In past PB discussions, if memory serves, we have differentiated between the confessional Reformed (Presbyterian or Baptist, though that too is sometimes a point of debate!) and the "new Calvinists" or "neo-Calvinists" who are 5-pointers soteriologically, but are not otherwise confessional. Matt Chandler, John Piper, C.J. Mahaney, many of the SBTS folks, etc. are considered to be in the new/neo camp. Sproul might even be seen as part of that camp as well, some would say, given his subconfessional view on images and his independency. Thus, in this documentary, the new/neo-Calvinists.

While I am not promoting a contraconfessional position, I am very thankful for how God has used them in this culture to lift up Christ and proclaim his gospel. Piper and Sproul were very influential in my life and that of my family, and for that I give God praise.
 
The "Calvinist" promo reminds me in some ways of Piper's poem "The Calvinist." Remember that one?

:doh:

Why make the "Doh" emoji?

Let's just say that Piper is better off sticking with his day job.

I quite enjoyed "The Calvinist." Have you ever heard his poem entitled "Pilgrim's Conflict with Sloth?"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-J1Xu0ttSs

May the Lord bless you,

-Nathan
 
They already messed it up, and they aren't even out of the gate.

They are going to tell you that Calvinism = the doctrines of grace. Why not just do another "Amazing Grace" video??

Ug.
 
In past PB discussions, if memory serves, we have differentiated between the confessional Reformed (Presbyterian or Baptist, though that too is sometimes a point of debate!) and the "new Calvinists" or "neo-Calvinists."

Then again, isn't there also a difference historically between Neo-Calvinism and New Calvinism? When I think of Neo-Calvinism, I think of Kuyper and Bavinck, not Chandler and Mahaney.
 
Mr. Lanphere and I worship at the same church plant, we are good friends, and we live about 2 minutes away from each other. I definitely think what he desires to do is much needed. I may be wrong, but from talking to him, I think his main focus is to encourage Calvinists to further reform their reformed Theology. In the end, I think he wants to show that there is more to "TULIP" in regards to Calvinism. He wants to lead people in confessional reformed Theology. We worship at a means of grace PCA, we strive to uphold the Lord's Day, we are very confessional, etc. In the past few years, I think he has experienced true confessional reformed Theology and it's outworkings in all areas of life, and he wants to share this with all people, while really trying to reach Calvinists.

On a side note, that's their little girl next to us in the avatar picture, lol. Our babies were baptized on the same day.
 
I thought it might be a little cheesy, too. (Was that an audio clip of Paul Washer in the video?) But it looks like he will be interviewing Michael Horton, Scott R Clark, and James White. So there you go! Gives me hope.
 
No, I don't believe there was any audio of Paul Washer in the promo.

I noticed Joe Thorn was mentioned as one of those who will be interviewed. Is this the same gentlemen who has his confession of faith "1689" tattooed prominently on the top of his hand? That's hardcore. I thought I was bad to the bone for taking my hardcover copy of the Westminster Standards to my progressive PCA church on Sunday's.

At any rate...
 
I think his main focus is to encourage Calvinists to further reform their reformed Theology. In the end, I think he wants to show that there is more to "TULIP" in regards to Calvinism.

Agreed.
Having listened through most of the Pubcast, I see the guys getting more and more confessional, not less. I think the movement is promising.
On a side note, I really enjoyed Piper's poem.
 
In past PB discussions, if memory serves, we have differentiated between the confessional Reformed (Presbyterian or Baptist, though that too is sometimes a point of debate!) and the "new Calvinists" or "neo-Calvinists."

Then again, isn't there also a difference historically between Neo-Calvinism and New Calvinism? When I think of Neo-Calvinism, I think of Kuyper and Bavinck, not Chandler and Mahaney.

Hi Taylor,

You're right -- historically, there is a difference between the two. I've read a number of articles of varying sorts where the neo/new nomenclature is used interchangeably to describe Piper/Chandler, et al; and I will readily concede that most of those articles didn't possess the theological astuteness and precision we typically employ at the PB.
 
It seems that the recent resurgence in Calvinism focuses so much on the "Five Points" that it fails to take into consideration the broader teachings of Calvinism, such as in the area of ecclesiology.

I think that's being too generous. The resurgence of Calvinism focuses really on a handful of celebrity personalities that espouse "Calvinism" regardless of whether that's borne out in their teaching and church practice. Along with this is the trend of any teaching or practice that is not historically Reformed magically becoming so simply by recieving the imprimatur a professional "reformed" conference speaker/mega-church pastor.
 
It seems that the recent resurgence in Calvinism focuses so much on the "Five Points" that it fails to take into consideration the broader teachings of Calvinism, such as in the area of ecclesiology.

I think that's being too generous. The resurgence of Calvinism focuses really on a handful of celebrity personalities that espouse "Calvinism" regardless of whether that's borne out in their teaching and church practice. Along with this is the trend of any teaching or practice that is not historically Reformed magically becoming so simply by recieving the imprimatur a professional "reformed" conference speaker/mega-church pastor.

Pastor Sheffield, you may have a better gauge on this matter than I do. I'm merely drawing from my own (limited) encounters with the recent Calvinistic movement. That said, I would still hesitate to characterize everyone in the "Young, Restless, and Reformed" camp as focusing on a handful of celebrity personalities. This may be true for many, but I doubt it is true for all.
 
Mr. Lanphere and I worship at the same church plant, we are good friends, and we live about 2 minutes away from each other. I definitely think what he desires to do is much needed. I may be wrong, but from talking to him, I think his main focus is to encourage Calvinists to further reform their reformed Theology. In the end, I think he wants to show that there is more to "TULIP" in regards to Calvinism. He wants to lead people in confessional reformed Theology. We worship at a means of grace PCA, we strive to uphold the Lord's Day, we are very confessional, etc. In the past few years, I think he has experienced true confessional reformed Theology and it's outworkings in all areas of life, and he wants to share this with all people, while really trying to reach Calvinists.

On a side note, that's their little girl next to us in the avatar picture, lol. Our babies were baptized on the same day.

This is encouraging, and I hope it comes out in the film.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top