Theology/Bible

Defending Southern Baptist Calvinists: Tom Ascol Continues His Response

Tom Ascol continues his response to Dr. Steve Lempke’s paper here, here, and here. The substance of Ascol’s response looks good.

But I would add that not only are we required to represent our opponents’ views accurately (as Ascol argues), but we must also engage them with a winsome and humble spirit. To that end, I hope that we can have more of an irenic tone in this debate.

“The Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome e, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition . . .” -2 Timothy 2:24-25

6 Comments

  • sophigirl

    Two things:

    1. Will you be attending SWBTS conference on Religious Liberty? It would be interesting to see how this debate plays out (if it does at all) in looking at political stands of Southern Baptists.

    2. I appreciate your call for the humble and loving spirit in engaging our opponents. I believe it is crucial in getting our Armenian friends to listen to the real substance of the Doctrines of Grace. However, at times all one can do to refrain from exploding in response to absolutely outrageous statements, is to clench one’s teeth and to keep silent. No wonder that when one does talk, some of this frustration seeps out…

  • IKQ

    If you’re:

    1. Reformed/Calvinistic
    2. Baptist
    3. And wanting to get mad…

    Don’t miss – of Prestonwood Baptist fame – Dr. Jack Graham’s recent sermon “The Truth About Grace.” Cut and past the entire web address below for the link. It’s a most enthusiastic diatribe against what he claims to be Calvinism. Fascinating stuff.

    http://resources.christianity.com/ministries/prestonwood/main/searchItems.jhtml?&title=current&&page=1&JServSessionIdroot=hzlyl7zhz2

  • Denny Burk

    Sophigirl,

    I had not even heard about the SWBTS conference on Religious Liberty until I read your comment. So I have definitely not made plans to attend. In any case, I don’t know why this subject would come up there anyway.

    By the way, who is sophigirl?

    Thanks,
    Denny

  • sophigirl

    I am sorry – I thought my identity is no longer a secret, so I didn’t bother to sign my name… though I’ve never been described as “interesting” as Adam did. 🙂

    Alina.

  • sophigirl

    And speaking of SWBTS – Tracy Britt has information on it in her office. Connection with religious liberty is more tricky than the question of my identity, though.

    It seems that when “Baptist roots” are being discussed, especially in connection with a state/church relationship, the issue “whether or not we are Calvinists” comes up in some sort or fashion (at least those discussions that I witnessed, so this might not be the case at all). The issue of Calvinism usually doesn’t stand alone, it is interconnected with the person’s view of church order, role that the goverment should play in regulating religious questions, even America’s involvement in Israel affairs. Of course, these connections might be arbitrary and contingent.

    Alina.

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