Why Calvinists Have a Poor Reputation

[Disclaimer: Just to be clear, the below article is largely meant as a joke among people who hold to Calvinistic theology. If you reject Calvinism, please do not be offended at my words, as I am not trying to take cheap shots at anyone. However, if you are not a Calvinist, the article below might be a good reference for you in trying to understand where we come from.]

There’s a running joke in the reformed community about new ‘converts’ to the doctrines of grace. Essentially, we say, Christians who finally succumb to the teaching of scripture on the 5 points of Calvinism, thus agreeing that their long, hard-fought battle to defend the free-will of man was useless and that man is at the complete mercy of God in salvation, that these ‘new Calvinists’ need to be ‘caged’ or ‘chained’ for a period of around 2 years less they unwittingly attack, offend, and destroy every Arminian that wonders into their path.

It’s quite funny actually, because the truth is that a newly ‘converted’ Calvinist will quickly stick out like a sore thumb. They will immediately begin voicing their opinions on the matter; they will immediately seek out every ‘free will’ friend that they’ve ever known and attempt to ‘set him straight’, and they will undoubtedly have very little patience when an Arminian gives any kind of pushback in the discussion. We laugh because these things are true more often then not, right? But why are they true, and is this a healthy perception?

I fear that because of the ‘caged’ period, a perception, or rather a reputation has been firmly placed on those who hold to Calvinism, and I fear that it oftentimes goes too far. Calvinists are considered rude and insensitive by many people, correct? Well, here are a few reasons why I think this is so, and I’ll also explain why I believe that this label is largely misguided.

Upon first understanding the doctrines of grace, a ‘New Calvinist’ (NC from here out) observes that free-will is everywhere.
The NC who wonders into Arminian territory quickly observes that all they do is talk about free-will. Thus, the NC, not acclimated to his surroundings and his new vocabulary, is surprised to learn that everybody, everywhere, on every talk show, in almost every sermon, all incessantly emphasize the free-will of man. The NC, being the rare bread, has not yet built up enough self-control to withstand his new surroundings without going crazy. His mind has never comprehended the fact that man is glorified above God in the vast majority of the religious circles, and this thought puts him in a state of confusion. Therefore, because this new knowledge opened his eyes to the saturation of free-will in society, he quickly becomes disgusted, even righteously angry, and he unintentionally goes on the offensive before considering the sensitivity and patience needed when discussing the subject.

The NC, now adequately armed with the deep knowledge of the Word, looks out and sees that the arguments for free-will are largely fallacious.
The NC also struggles in his new surroundings because he can now see how clearly the scriptures teach the sovereignty of God; he can now see that the truths of Calvinism are taught on practically every page of scripture (his devotion time is usually an awe-struck time where he is amazed at how clearly these things are revealed in scripture). So then, it takes time for the NC to build up patience for those who hold onto their own presuppositions and traditions. Because the NC is not used to discussing an issue where his opponent’s scriptural support is so incredibly weak, the fallacious argumentation quickly frustrates the NC and a bitter war of words tends to follow.

The NC cannot understand why Arminians do not see the truth.
The NC reads passages such as Ephesians 1, Romans 9, John 6, 2 Thessalonians 2, Acts 13 etc, and now, having his mind enlightened by God’s truth, cannot understand why an Arminian rejects such clear and precise language. The NC quickly sees that the Arminian argument is all based on implications such as ‘God commanded it, we must be able to perform it’, and incorrect secularistic presuppositions such as ‘but that’s not fair’. These arguments do not register in the mind of a NC because he has been liberated with the actual words of scripture themselves. Thus, the NC quickly becomes frustrated and is short-sighted to his own previous blindness on the subject. It is usually a period of about 2 years until the NC understands that there will always be Arminians who will reject this teaching ‘just because’. Only after a period of time can the NC consistently and patiently endure those who reject such clear scriptural language.

The NC can see that this doctrine has very serious implications.
Before, the NC didn’t see the cause and effects of this doctrine. But now that his eyes have been opened, he can see the many dangerous pitfalls of error in this area. The NC can see that wherever one turns on this doctrine will lead to serious implications one way or another. Unfortunately, Arminians, who know they cannot adequately defend their view with scripture, often times express post-modern types of desires to ‘overlook differences’ and ‘agree to disagree’ in order to keep some kind of peace. The NC, now seeing that free-will is everywhere, and that a consistent view of Arminianism leads to such things as: Open Theism, Roman Catholicism, man-centeredness, Universalism, the seeker-sensitive movement, and the complete undermining of salvation by faith apart from works, can no longer in good conscience overlook what seemed before as ‘small differences’. The NC can see the terrible dangers that lie ahead, and thus often breaks out into vitriolic language towards the Arminian who believes that these issues are no big deal.

Post-Modernism has become the NC’s enemy.
A NC cannot in good conscience continue in a ministry firmly rooted in Arminianism. The NC can see that their error affects: prayer, evangelism, worship, counseling, philosophy of ministry etc. The NC cannot understand why anyone would give an emotionally-manipulative altar call, he cannot justify the repeated preaching of ‘cheap grace’ and ‘easy-believism’ being offered in a desperate attempt to induce a ‘decision’, and he cannot understand why Arminians do not see how their ministries produce far more false converts than real ones. These things trouble the conscience of the NC terribly. Thus, the NC has no choice but to separate himself from these people almost immediately. This cannot be understood by the Arminians, being that they still do not see the over-arching implications of the doctrine, and they cannot see how free-will has permeated all areas of ministry. This unfortunate oversight leads the Arminian to label the NC as ‘proud’, or as a ‘know it all’ for separating himself over such a ‘debated’ and ‘trivial’ matter such as Calvinism. Therefore, the post-modernist chalks up another stand for the truth as nothing but an arrogant show of pride.

Why this perception is incorrect.
Unfortunately, because the things above hold an element of truth in them, there is a popular stereotype going around that Calvinists are nothing but prideful jerks. However, I would argue that this view is largely perception and nothing else. It is certainly true that it takes time before a NC learns kindness and patience when discussing these issues, but the reason that it takes this time is because the truths are so clearly revealed in scripture. I’m reminded of Jesus in Mark 8 when He rebukes the disciples for their shallow understanding despite the obvious miracles He performed in front of them. Yes Jesus showed perfect patience and kindness when dealing with the twelve, but He also showed frustration and a disappointment at their hard hearts. Because the NC can see these truths so clearly, and that the Arminians are often-times too stubborn to consider something different than what they’ve always been taught, the NC likewise is quick to show frustration and disappointment when discussing these issues. So, for all of you Arminians out there, and I know you’re there, I’m asking that you would show patience with our Calvinist brothers, while at the same time understanding how serious these issues really are. This issue isn’t solely one of pride, but rather of immaturity and perception. The stereotype does have some truth to it, but for the most part the label is incorrect. So, for all Arminians, please understand that:

• It is not wrong for a Calvinist to clearly believe he is right and all free-will arguments are wrong. Please do not mistake this confidence with pride –it most certainly is not pride. Do you believe the Trinity? Does that all-important doctrine have a ‘proof text’? Do you feel 100% confident in the truth of it despite not having a proof text? Now maybe you understand the NC a little better.
  

• It is not wrong for a NC to want to always talk about these issues. The issues are serious, and free-will is everywhere. They need to be discussed.
  

• It is not wrong for a NC to vigorously defend his beliefs. This is actually a sign of spiritual health. Anyone willing to place his opinion firmly on the table and say ‘show me my error from scripture’ is opening himself up for correction, and opening himself up for embarrassment if he is wrong. People who just want to ‘agree to disagree’ are walking on thin ice spiritually. Debate and confrontation are healthy for ‘iron sharpening iron’, please do not misunderstand that.
  

• It is not wrong for a NC to separate himself from Arminians. Please allow the NC to obey his conscience. Furthermore, if this really bothers you, challenge the NC to support his view with scripture. Ask what specific aspect of the ministry violates a specific text he has in mind. If the NC is indeed holding his conscience captive to the Word of God, he will be able to clearly demonstrate why he has separated himself.
  

• It is not wrong for a NC to openly and publicly disagree with an Arminian. Of course all interaction must be done in a spirit of love and grace, but to disagree in public with an Arminian is often viewed as inappropriate given that the issue has been debated for over a thousand years. However, once again, the NC is held captive by what he reads in God’s word, and just because the issue has been debated for ages does not mean that truth cannot be followed –or that truth in this area cannot be known. Be understanding to how serious these issues are, and the fact that no matter how much something is debated, there is only one true position –and we will be held accountable for knowing and following it.
  

Conclusion
A strong argument builds confidence. The fact that the majority is wrong brings desperation. Clear teaching overlooked is confusing and frustrating. A God robbed of His glory brings disappointment and ultimately, righteous anger.

Understanding these things will help when running into a NC. Be patient with him as an example of what he should learn to do. And do not write him off as a prideful ‘know it all’, as these things have yet to take firm and practical root in his mind.

Soli Deo Gloria! (SDG)