Mohler said: “But Mohler continues…

“So don’t stand in the pulpit if you’re not going to preach and teach the word of God. Life and death, heaven and hell, hang in the balance.”

That doesn’t actually sound very Calvinistic. Hmmm.

If I remember my high school Latin, the word pastor means shepherd. Why is it that I never heard of a shepherd refusing to protect a sheep or throwing him out of the flock for not being “sheepy” enough or “sheepy” the right way?

A gift from the wilderness Rev 12:6…truth:

God will not put any child created in his image no matter what their sins or religion into a hell fire, It never entered God’s heart or mind to ever do such a thing Jer 7:31, Jer 19:5. Satan has deceived the whole world Rev 12:9 until the woman of Rev 12 exposes his lies.

I would like to invite you to read http://thegoodtale.blogspot.com where the true word John 1:1 is delivered Rev 12 and proven. Those who in their pride of righteousness refuse to hear Acts 3:22-23 what God has commanded me to write cannot turn their hearts to ALL the children of God Luke 1:17. God has all power. Prove all things.

Oh I always see it your way Dee.

I also think God gave the gift of leadership, gift of administration and my gift; folding up chairs after the service.

There will, in every church, be people who excercise authority.

I’m kind of stunned by Mohler’s high view of “super-preaching” – it’s a lot like being a rock star and getting the fans wild for the next performance.

Oh, did I say something odd?

You mean, that word “performance”? 😉

Mr. Mohler thinks very highly of what preachers ought to do and it amazes me that if they (preacher) fail to get the message across, the sheeple will be the ones that suffer – hmm . . . something wrong there. And that’s beside the fact that God is left out if his picture altogether. He also forgets that most of the people sitting in pews are already saved and sealed by the blood of Christ. But pump those preachers up by all means.

Godly teachers have a gift.

Jimmy, Describe what you mean by “gift” and “Godly”.

… But maybe that’s because I would like to see the skills involved in critical thinking be a very important part of peoples’ lives.

As is, there are far too many xtian “teachers” who get into the pulpit and tell people how to think and how to live their lives and somehow believe that they are “teaching.”

Nothing could be further from the truth.

It’s amazing how sexual themes continually come up with Driscoll and Mars Hill. They wanted Kevin Potts to detail his sexual history as part of the church discipline contract! This type of exploitation is much like rape. The power and control Driscoll achieves from sexually exploiting and abusing others creates sexual arousal and compulusions. I’m sure Driscoll and his underlings would justify why that is part of the contract, but it screams of Driscoll’s sexual obsessions. Driscoll’s sexual exploitation and abuse of his congregants and his wife is scary. I think Driscoll is hiding (or TRYING to) some serious problems of a sexual nature.

“There will, in every church, be people who excercise authority.”

Jesus is the authority in a real church. Jesus did not send us layers between Him and us for “authority” in the Body. There is no Christian caste system, Jimmy.

Mohler is smart.

I do not believe that Mahaney or Driscoll are in the same league.

Didn’t Paul tell the churches to choose from among themselves elders? And what is the purpose of the gifts and the gifted ones? I don’t think it was to have authority “over” the church (people).

sigh….I hate to burst the pastors’ bubbles, but I really didn’t hear what you said.

I only process a small portion of what is said in a sermon. 10 minutes afterwards I can’t recall any of it, really. Sitting and listening is not how I learn. Many, many people fall into this category.

Truth be told, I just enjoy sitting there and being off duty. It’s the only time in the entire week I can sit still with no one talking to me or touching me, and with no tasks in my midst.

There are many ways to learn about God and the bible. A pastor’s sermon is simply not all that effective.

Deb – I think that critical thinking skills have taken a real nose-dive (in terms of being taught in schools) over the past couple of decades, and that really needs to change.

So… not just “being a Berean,” but learning how to ask questions and think, regardless of what’s being read. (Bible, textbook, nonfiction, fiction, etc.)

Anon said: “I agree that there are people with the gift of teaching.

I also believe that there should be elders in churches.

The NT has plenty to say about this.

Elders can overstate or abuse their roles.”

[ I think Anon got it right. ]

I suppose hypothesis testing would condemn me to the sinful questioning spirit type of hopeless sinner.

The whole teaching thing is the nail in the coffin.

I just won’t worry my pretty little head about it but I’ll go cook something and make dh happy in bed and pretend I don’t understand words that have more than 7 letters.

Dee:

Mohler is smart but has not made the right decision with respect to Mahaney. Many smart people do things that cause us to scratch our heads.

My pastor is like 99% of the people who enjoy T4G. They are so far removed from the various SGM congregational stories and how those were handled. They are just in the dark, really. They may be hear about unrest, but do not have the time to investigate other people or situations to that extent. T4G takes 2 days out of his life a year, and that’s all the investment he makes. Investigating Mohler, Dever, Duncan, Mahaney, Sproul or others is not something these folks do.

I suppose if a big Christian publisher picked this up (book or magazine) that ended up roundly condemning folks, not a two sided expose – these guys say this, these guys say that, it would have an impact.

Anything short of that often requires a personal connection to the people or issues involved.

The Youtube post of Driscoll’s visions made a huge impression, I can tell you that. That was Driscoll in his own words. Makes quite an impression to anyone with half a brain.

As one puts it:

“If pastors — were free of disease and immune to death, then there might be some basis for the claim of the religionists. But these “men of God” are victims of the natural course of life, “even as you and I.” They enjoy no exemptions. They suffer the same ills; they feel the same sensations; they are subject to the same passions of the body, the same frailties of the mind, are victims of circumstances and misfortune, and they meet inevitable death just as every other person. They commit the same kind of crimes as other mortals, and especially, because of their “calling,” many are notoriously involved in the embezzlement of church funds. Nor does their calling protect them from the “passions of the flesh.” The scandalous conduct of many “men of the cloth,” in the realm of moral turpitude, often ends in murder. That is why there are so many “men of God” in our jails, and why so many have paid the supreme penalty in the death chair.”

Especially that Preacher , Steve Gaines who says everyone who is not tithing is cursed, but yet he is cursed with Myasthenia Gravis Disease (takes thousand of pills to keep on his feet).

PS, His son (Dr Grant Gaines) graduated from SBTS and his now son-in-law (Gentry Hill) is now attending SBTS, while his wife works in the school office where they even celebrate a christian Mardi Gras.

DIALECTIC–(n.) “The process or art of reasoning by discussion of conflicting ideas.”

It seems to me there is always to be a dialectic atmosphere within the body of Christ. It is true that unanimity of opinion about issues or truth can be gained in a local body, but it is never a pressed uniformity. That will inevitably destroy true fellowship. TRUE unanimity is, however, NEVER destructive to the fellowship of a body of believers. Two or three ideas follow for me..

When a healthy dialectic atmosphere is maintained unanimity will be more a thing of loving one another than it is agreeing with one another. [“Owe no man anything…”]

Strong human authoritarianism destroys that dialectic atmosphere. Holy Spirit authoritarianism develops that dialectic atmosphere. [“But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you all know.” 1 Jn 2:20 NASV]

Unity forms a totality; uniformity is totalitarian. Leaders promote unity; tyrants impose uniformity.

Any pastor or person that fails to develop that dialectic atmosphere identifies himself IMHO.

Paul: I love your view on unity. Even before I knew that I didn’t have to work myself to death to gain God’s favor, something inside of me asked the question why. Why do I have to work harder and be more frustrated at my failure than I did before I became a Christian. Frankly I was happier before I became a Christian and I asked why. Because I didn’t have to work to please God before I was a Christian.

But I couldn’t abandon my faith in Christ, my love for Christ, I just knew that what I had been taught previously was wrong. But the doctrine I heard you and Wade preach was frankly wonderful but scary at the same time. I was scared to believe it because if it wasn’t true, I might end up in hell or God would punish me here in this life. But if it were true….oh my I wanted it to be true. It was the two of you and other teachers in SS class that got me to really reading scripture to find out. And I couldn’t see anything but what you and Wade were teaching. Slowly, I became free. I am still free to this day. Thank you for being faithful to teach what the Bible truly says. Who Christ really is and what He really accomplished for us. I pray more are healed as I was by your words.

I love this ministry you and Dee have begun. This is what the Holy Spirit in us can do. He uses people like you guys, ordinary people, and women besides to do some pretty incredible things. 🙂

You are the perfect example of what we are talking about. You didn’t have to ask permission to begin this blog, you felt the need, your hearts were broken hearing the stories of abuse from others, and you followed your heart. Look what God is doing with this blog alone. This is the freedom in Christ.

Jimmy, it is a good thing you did not happen to wander into the People’s Temple back in the 60’s. You would be required to “obey” your leader.

You might want to check the Greek on that passage and look at it from the entire pericope of the NT. There are some opposing passages to your interpretation. I would go there….but I doubt you are open to it so what would be the point? You go on “obeying” men with titles.

Did I read that right, part of the membership contract (Mars Hill) was detailing your sexual activity in the past?

In my mind, the only reason someone would want to have that much information on you, is to blackmail you if you ever try to wriggle out from under their thumb….

Dee –

Do you mean when Andrew was disciplined after he had already repented?

It is not part of the membership agreement? . . . although, it wouldn’t necessarily surprise me if it was.

Eagle-

It was after I had read a novel about the Mormons, that I began to see that much at SGM mirrored the type of abuses in the LDS.

As for the discipline thing, what is Mars Hill saying as to why they require such an invasive disclosure from a member?

By the same token, all the theological study in the world does not guarantee that someone is a good fit for pastoral ministry – by which I mean that there are skills for that (caring for people, basic pastoral counseling, etc. etc.) that are quite different than the skills needed to be a good theologian.

My understanding of pastoral ministry (growing up in an ELCA Lutheran church) is that it is supposed to be anything but an autocracy. The words “pastor” and “pastoral” are SO misused by these authoritarian guys, to the point where they’re devoid of their original – and primary (still!) meaning.

Real pastoral work is not easy… and it is also NOT primarily about the pastor drawing attention to themselves, whether in or out of the pulpit. The sheer hubris of a lot of these guys – like “Pastor” Mark – is absolutely appalling.

But… it’s like Greek tragedy, where hubris goes precedes an inevitable fall. (I wouldn’t be surprised if Paul had been thinking of Greek theater when he wrote that, since he was well-versed in classical and Hellenistic literature and culture.)

Hmm.

Miguel –

You are correct in stating that Mahaney has no degree. He graduated high school.

I am having a check with your “(hint: respect your elders, they have studied the Bible a bit longer). I have no problem respecting my elders (as in older, wiser, and been around the block a few times). I have a problem with respect my elders (young men with young families who went to seminary; young men with young families who went to a 9-month pastors school; both set in as elders with little life experience – yet told they now have pastoral authority over congragations). THIS is a recipe for disaster . . . especially if they come from listening to the likes of Mohler and others of the same realm.

I am all for learning, BUT degrees don’t necessarily lead to good leadership OR to wisdom. I find wisdom to be of greater value than degrees. There are wonderful leader/teachers/counselors who never went to seminary. There are faulty ones as well (Mahaney). Likewise, there are wonderful leaders who did go to seminary along with bad ones. Knowledge doesn’t cure everything. A little knowledge in the wrong hands can be disastrous. Love combined with HS inspired wisdom and some knowledge might make a pleasant leader.

I respect a man more for his character than for his learning.

Miguel:

Great point about education.

Evangelicals already have a reputation for not valuing education. Let’s not enhance that reputation.

An example I see pretty frequently are people saying, “The Greek says this…” or “The Greek says that…” and then you find out that they have not even had a standard 2 or 3 years of Greek grammar, which is just enough to get you to where one really understand exegetical commentaries, but not where one can really make authoritative pronouncements.

The same people would be better off saying, “I have read in this commentary that the Greek here says or means this…”, “what do you think about that?”

That would be proper.

But for people to act as if the understand Koine Greek because they have read a couple of commentators takes on it is absurd.

Numo:

Your point is also well-taken.

Education does not make a person effective at pastoral ministry.

Miguel-

Excellent point about Mohler seeing himself as some sort of Magisterium.

I have have often said, that while most Protestants decry the idea of the Roman Catholic Pope-they in fact have there own functional pope, in the form of a pastor or Christian author/teacher who they deem as infallible and as having the final say on any issue they confront in Christendom.

As a side note, it seems that George Clooney could play Al Mohler, if the need ever arises…just enough resemblance.

Anon, re. this –

The same people would be better off saying, “I have read in this commentary that the Greek here says or means this…”, “what do you think about that?

I have a sneaking suspicion that it’s not even “I have read…” but “I heard someone else say…” in many, many cases.

Admitting to that would be an act of humility, though.

Excellent comments both numo & Miguel!

On the one hand, a master of arts in divinity should be an essential, it makes possible a much wider world view than a narrow fundagelical one barely 40 yrs. old. But on the other hand, an advanced degree is no guarantor of humanity in the pulpit, or a love for people. I think there needs to be a judiciously placed fulcrum point twixt the two views.

Dee –

I am totally with you on Baptism 🙂

Why does he sound like a CEO?

I imagine the changing relationship with CJM/SGM might be a “merger.”

Miguel – I don’t know how the ELCA’s organizational structure has functioned historically, but I do think it *is* – today – an organizational structure rather than a hierarchical one. Am sure the same is true of the American version of the United Methodist church as well.

For one thing, we don’t believe in apostolic succession… 😉

But: being able to appeal to those higher up in the denomination has functioned as a check on authoritarian-type pastors. This is also true of the way in which individual congregations review candidates for filling a pastoral vacancy, and for the way in which pastors are hired (and fired, for that matter, though I don’t know of any cases of this personally).

One thing that’s vastly different in terms of practice between UM and ELCA is that Lutherans don’t tend to keep moving ministers from church to church after a brief period of time – that’s a given in the UM, though maybe it’s not as rigorously applied as it used to be? (When I was a few decades younger than I am now.)

Very true Dee. I was referring to the liberal schools of thought. But then again not all liberals believe or disbelieve the same things. The same can be said for conservatism.

numo,

I am very much in favor of the ordination of women. And yes, I believe it is to their own detriment that many sects and denominations refuse to fully enfranchise women based on obscure and debateable Pauline texts.

E.W. Bullinger was perhaps one of the best Bible scholars of the 19th. century and I dare say far more erudite than the current crop of theologians which have sprung up over the last 40 yrs. or so. No liberal (in the present day sense), he had this to say in his work “The Companion Bible”:

“…To Timothy were given the earliest instructions for orderly arrangement in the church, these instructions being of the simplest nature, and, as Dean Alford well observes with regard to the Pastoral Epistles as a whole, the directions given “are altogether of an ethical, not of an hierarchical kind“. These directions afford no warrant whatever for the widespread organizations of the “churches” as carried on to-day. (Bullinger 1799)…”

Hi Dee,

I’m not quite finished reading your entire post, but got to this:

“But, then again, he never has been big on the priesthood of the believer and calls the concept “dangerous” here.”

and there is no link. I’d love to read it if you could post the link. Thanks!

P.S. It’s right above the picture of Mars Hill…. 🙂

I hope this is relevant. (I’m new here.)

I’ve been thinking a lot about something Pastor Wade said in last week’s Echurch@Wartburg video. This is a paraphrase, but it was something along the lines of how a pastor should help his people learn to hear the Holy Spirit FOR THEMSELVES, rather than attempting to be the anointed one who hears and interprets the Spirit’s leading on their behalf.

I have found a few other teachers and pastors who really believe in the priesthood of all believers, and they are inevitably hammered for this belief in terrible ways. And as far as I can tell, each one has in turn been incredibly gracious to their ungracious critics. Could it be that, having a real experience of God’s presence in their own life, they know how trustworthy the Holy Spirit’s leading is in others? They certainly show evidence of the Spirit’s fruit in how they deal with their critics.

First time post for me (I think) on WW. As someone who lives in the Seattle area it makes me laugh every time MD or MH gets mentioned on here. It’s as if Mars Hill was the only mega church up here. We have a few mega churches with celebrity pastors in the area that are authoritarian – the only difference is that they are also word of faith to one degree or another. Christian Faith Center led by the red headed Casey Treat who takes a helicopter between church campuses (at least he did the last I heard). The City Church, based out of Kirkland, is led by super hip pastor Judah Smith.

Dee,

There is a lot of duties that a pastor and a CEO might share that are not necessarily bad, but simply conducive to efficient organization. Believe me, it is better to have the staff answer to one person than to a council. I’ve had it both ways.

There must be more to a pastor’s job than simply filling the pulpit on weekends. I don’t buy it if they spend the majority of a 40 hr. work-week on a sermon. There’s visitation, pastoral care, counseling, etc… But if they’re gonna take some initiative at organizational leadership (and thus equipping and positioning the saints to do the work of the ministry) he is undertaking managerial type tasks. To do this without the authority to carry it out is an exercise in futility.

I’m not sure what the spiritual aspect of this is supposed to be. I supposed when somebody starts spiritualizing their authority you can bet you’re in for some abuse.

Lutherans do not hold that somebody must be ordained to baptize. Our service books have a form for lay baptism on the last page. However, we don’t believe the laity are obligated to perform these rites; many may not feel comfortable doing so or sufficiently prepared. Therefore, the it is the Pastor’s responsibility to carry out these rites. He is not above delegating them, but he is the primary one responsible for it. Just like the sermon; non-ordained can preach, but its part of why we hire a pastor in the first place.

Honorary degrees aren’t always the worst thing, but when they are treated like regular ones, we have some pretty strong presumption going on. MDiv’s aren’t necessary for effective pastoring nor a guarantee of it, but they are very useful and worth pursuing imo, albiet some seminaries much more than others.

Dee –

“. . . how much he tops a breakfast waitress. ”

Well – that was a good laugh! Seems there is a bit of smart phone takeover today. Or maybe you had the breastfeeding thread on your mind. Hopefully he does “tip” them well.

“No, we’re here because we believe that those who teach and preach the word of God are God-appointed agents to save God’s people from ignorance.”

Funny, Jesus said that the Holy Spirit would teach us…

A Godly man is a vessel, nothing more. Should the Holy Spirit decide to use someone, they must decrease and He must increase.

However, since most of these guys have thrown out the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer, it is no wonder that they have an inflated sense of self-importance.

dee, as in Proverbs 27:21?

The crucible is for silver and the furnace for gold,
And each is tested by the praise accorded him.

Miguel – numo – dee – deb

Was wondering…
With trying to figure out what “the Pastor” is supposed to do…
Wouldn’t the Bible be a reasonable place to look?

A while back, I started to notice that some of what I was taught was “truth”
from the Word of God was actually “traditions of men” “hand-me-down religion,”
that makes the Word of God of non effect. ( Mark 7:6-13 )

I also noticed, that when you start to touch a man’s traditions he gets pretty upset. He rarely takes the time to hear the whole story and take it to God to see if it is truth. It’s often hard to admit that we have believed lies. Or that people we respect, taught us lies. I have been deceived by others, those I loved, and deceived myself.
Don’t know it all now. So, in some areas, I’m still deceived. Oy vey!

When we’re deceived, we don’t know we’re deceived,
we don’t always realize we’re believing a lie. 🙁

When we believe the lie we start to die…

I think you’ll agree that Jesus wants us to walk in truth.
I started to notice that what I was taught about **today’s**
“Pastors/Leaders,” wasn’t lining up with what was found in scripture.

For starters…

When searching for what a “Pastor/Leader” does **Today**… in the Bible,
I had a very rude awakening.

In the Bible I found…

NO – Pastors – in Pulpits – Preaching – to People – in Pews.
…… When folks come together, every one has a psalm, has a doctrine,
…… has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. 1 Cor 14:26.
…… Every one can, and is expected to, participate. NOT listen to just one.
…… The pastor in a pulpit model creates spectators in the pews.
NO – Pastors, as CEO’s of 501 (c) 3, non-profit, tax deductible, Religious corporations.
NO “disciple of Christ” “calling” another brethren – Pastor, or “My” Pastor.
NO “disciple of Christ” “calling” them self – Pastor or Leader.
……”ALL” disciples called themselves “Servants of Christ.” Hmmm?
NO “disciple of Christ” having the “Title”or “Position” – “Pastor/Leader.”
…… Today that “Title” is written on – Diploma’s on walls, business cards,
…… office doors, Sunday morning bulletin, street signs, and more.
…… And everyone knows who the “Pastor/Leader” is. Why?
…… Jesus, as man, humbled Himself, made Himself of NO reputation,
……. took on the form of a “Servant.” Could that “Title” be an “Idol?” Ezek 14:1:11.
NO “disciple of Christ” “Exercising Authority” over another believer.
…… I was taught; You submit to me, NOW, your “God Ordained Authority,”
…… And, one day, when you’re a Pastor, people will submit to you. 🙁
……. Power. Profit, and Prestige, is highly esteemed among men. Guilty. Oy Vey!
NO – Pastors, separating themselves from the body, as “Clergy-class.”
NO – Pastors hired, or fired.
NO – Pastors counseling anyone.
NO – Pastors marrying anyone.
NO – Pastors burying anyone.
NO – Pastors visiting the sick.
NO – Pastors wearing special clothes.
NO – Pastors going from one congregation to another. What’s up with that?
…… Elders, plural, matured within the group, when, if, appointed, they were known.
…… Pastor, Paid, Professional, is hired, and fired, NOT known.

And the list goes on… And on… And…

IMO – Not of much of what we see **Today,** with “Pastors/Reverend/leaders,”
has any reference in scripture. But – I coulda missed it… 😉

What is popular is not always “Truth.”
What is “Truth is not always popular.

A. Amos – I do appreciate what you’re saying, but at the same time, I have to (gently) disagree.

Maybe the things – and people – that you mentioned “shouldn’t” exist, but the fact is that they do and we’re all kinda working with what we’ve got. Personally, I’m fine with the church structure in my denomination. It’s not perfect, but then, *no* setup is.

And… I think the establishment of a diaconate in Acts shows that there really *is* a need for a practical structure for the church.

Another point: I use electricity and a vehicle with an internal combustion engine. I drive. I’ve been on plenty of airplanes, and I ***use a computer and internet connection*** to read the Bible and commentary.

None of those things existed in Jesus’ time.

Is it “unbiblical” to use these things?

I kinda think not.

And after all, you’re using the internet to get your own take on this out to people.

??? 🙂

Eagle

NO – I wasn’t calling Catholicism a cult.

What I was calling attention to is how Catholicism, and these others, along with
“The Abusive Religious System” of today – Mark Driscoll, Al Mohler, and CJ Mahaney.,
ALL Denominations, over 30,000 of them according to wikipedia, etc. Will…

ALL will say The Bible is the Word of God – But – They ALL disagree about something…
ALL will make up “Titles” NOT found in the Bible. And tell you to submit to the “Title.”
ALL will “Exercise Authority” like the gentiles, when you disagree. (A no, no. Mark 10:42)
ALL will “Lord it over” God’s heritage, to control the sheep. (A no, no. 1 Pet 5:3)

ALL adhere to – “Commandments of Men”-“Doctrines of Men”-“Philosophies of Men”
‘Traditions of Men” that are NOT found in the Bible.

IMO – Rome is only one of the many denominations that put “Tradition” over The Bible.

I was baptised Russian Orthadox, confirmed Lutheran, attended an Episcopal congregation
during High School, Attended – Church of Christ, Baptist, Non- denominational, and a few
others. They will tell you – be a Berean – check the scriptures – when you do –
and you disagree – you get the left foot of fellowship – your soul is NO longer important.

I left “The Corrupt Religious System” in the early 90’s. Much Pain, Tears, and Abuse.

Thank you Jesus – the Shepherd and Bishop of my Soul…

Nuno, you have figured out what I have been trying to say for a while now! I believe pastors ought to have administrative authority, not “spiritual authority.” Except to forgive sins, of course 😛

numo

You’re probably correct…
“I also think that we agree on a a lot of things. (More than might see apparent…)”

BUT – I have to strongly disagree when you write…
“I use electricity and a vehicle with an internal combustion engine…
…None of those things existed in Jesus’ time.”

Well, it seems Lightning (electricity – Good ole Ben Franklin) would light up the skies. 😉

Luke 17:24
For as the lightning, that lighteneth out of the one part under heaven,
shineth unto the other part under heaven; so shall also the Son of man be in his day.

And, it seems God might have used a car when He chauffeured Adam out of the garden. 😉

Gen 3:24 So he (God) *drove* out the man…

And the apostles used Japanese and German cars. 😉

Acts 5:12
And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought
among the people; and they were all with one *Accord* in Solomon’s *Porsche.*

Jesus loves me this I know…

BIRTH OF THE CALVINISTA BABES

A twenty-seven year old youth with no theological training and little life experience sat down in hermitic isolation, took pen in hand, and began to apply the rigid deductive reasoning skills he had recently acquired in law school to a project that would alter the course of history.

The young attorney was drafting neither a will nor a contract. Contemptuous of the recovery of humble inductive reasoning of Aristotle that was sparking the Scientific Revolution, Calvin had set out to construct a literary wall of legalistic logic designed to prevent Christian laymen from using their own God-given minds to freely interpret the Scriptures that Martin Luther had only recently freed from the vaults of the Roman Catholic control.

He intended to bring order to the chaotic Reformation by erasing all poetry and mystery from the Bible, just as his obedient legions would soon silence pipe organs with axes and shatter priceless stained glass windows with rocks.

When the hyper-rational young lawyer had finished writing, he called his magnum opus “The Institutes of Christian Religion”, a fitting title for this ponderously florid attempt to rewrite the whole of the Christian tradition according to the dictates of one young mortal mind.

Shortly thereafter the merchant leaders of a small city state situated on a spit of land between France and Germany, buffeted all about by Wars of Religion, invited the young Calvin to use his callow certitude and legalistic code to bring bring political tranquility to their town of Geneva.
The Genevan citizenry gathered in the city square and voted to dissolve their traditional democracy, placing their full trust in the erudite but untested judgment of young Calvin.
Thus began the dismal bloody reign of the brooding scholar who would become known as the Protestant Pope.

During his time in Geneva, Calvin would elaborate ad infinitum on his Institutes –he was so prolific that no scholar claims to have read his entire body of work–but decades of ministering to living and dying people and applying the civil law, like an eponymous character from the Book of Judges, emended his main themes, the perfect insight into the mind of God and the heart of man developed in a musty library during the days of his youth not one bit.

Henceforth, and to this day, John Calvin’s Institutes would be the rock under which cowering souls escaping from freedom seek dignified refuge. Moreover, the self-justifying work of “The Reformer”, who stopped cold the democratic impulse of the Reformation for scores of millions–would serve as the steppingstone for Protestant priests ascending to heights of worldly power– usually in concert with the same sort of “elect” wheeler-dealers who had installed Calvin at Geneva.

–Kent Johnson
March 7, 2012

Kent,
Can I quote you concerning Calvin on my blog?

Ahhrrggg!
Kent are you ever coming back?
I wanted to post your quote on my blog yesterday.
Anyone else know Kent or how to get a hold of him so I can have his permission for this?
Thanks.

Stumbled on this article by chance. Too bad it doesn’t have a facebook button for me to recommend to my friends