Donald McKim offers a nice summary of the kind of attitude and posture Evangelical Calvinism wants to approach the rest of the “Reformed tradition” with, as well as Chrisendom at large; he says:
The Reformed faith impels persons to confess their faith as part of the ecumenical church, the whole people of God. The movement here is first from what Christians believe to what Reformed Christians believe. Reformed churches are a portion of the full household of faith. As such, Reformed theology and Reformed faith are open to hearing, dialoguing with, and learning from other theological viewpoints and Christian communions. Though some Reformed bodies have tended to become more narrow and almost assume that their formulations are the only means of expressing God’s truth, this impulse runs counter to the genuine heartbeat of Reformed faith. Reformed faith is open to God’s Spirit, who may encounter us at any time in any place. Reformed Christians should see and listen to other voices since perhaps through them an essential theological insight will be given. (Donald K. McKim, “Introducing the Reformed Faith,” 7-8)
This sums up quite nicely the attitude that Evangelical Calvinism holds towards other “traditions” within Chrisendom as a whole. This does not mean that we don’t believe that we have the best expression of what it entails (at a “contour level”) to think “Christianly,” but that we don’t believe that this also means that we have to take a sectarian attitude towards those who disagree with us; in fact, more positively, ‘EC’ holds that we can most certainly learn and even be corrected by other “interpretive traditions” within Christianity (esp. from our Protestant brethren).
Clearly, I personally do not agree with everyone and everything (like N. T. Wright π ), but in all honesty I think that none of this stuff should actually cause us to “divide” relative to “fellowship” one with the other! Also, to be clear, when I speak for “EC,” it should be understood that I speak for myself (on this blog). “EC” encompasses more than one point of view (on the periphery) — i.e. some are more Barthian, Torrancean, Calvinian, etc. — I just want folks to understand that “EC” is more like a banner, and while there are certain fundamentals that would hold “EC’rs” together; there are also things that we might disagree on amongst ourselves, but not to any kind of “breaking point,” relative to what it means to be “EC.” Clear π ? . . .
Hi Bobby!
One thing I like as far as I’ve seen so far (and we really haven’t gotten into a specific discussion on “what is savinbg faith?” here but) unlike more sectarian circles, EC seems to be less concerned with what I believe,or have done or committed for salvation, and simply trusting in Whom I believe. That leaves the door open for a vaster Universal or catholic church. Additionally, we may have the best understanding, in EC compared to other Christian systems, but that does not necessarily make me a very mature Christian, and a classic calvinsit, or arminian, could have a much more developed maturity in the Lord than I have (e.g. my handling of difficulties at work or at home, and the way I treat people).
All to say, we do well as you suggest, to remember that we are particular people in a very large family of God, and members in a very large body of Christ. We honor Him, by honoring one another.
(Niether is this an indictment of you my friend.) Keep fighting the good fight.
Thanks Bobby!
God stuff Bobby,
I agree with you, there is plenty of room for disagreement and discussion that should not cause Christians to divide. I am happy to hear that your version of EC desires this kind of unity. π
Brian
For sure! π
Although I’m not sure about those WTS (California) guys π .
Amen, Duane π !
The best ecumenical work is done, not where differences are watered down to find a common, simplistic unity, but where differences are faced head on, and people come to understand and respect each other, even while disagreeing. The liberal pluralist agenda has run aground because it only played lip service to the latter while imposing the former, with the vanilla flavour being liberal pluralism itself! Within Christianity, once again the liberal wing has tried to control the agenda, with the conservative wing reacting accordingly. The Reformed have it in their power to show a better way – unity in diversity. Presbyterians and Baptists meet at Banner of Truth conferences, etc, with the latter considering the weaker brethren and only singing psalms. It would be a great day when High and Low calvinist, liturgical and charismatic, established and free, credal and evangelical, KJV and NIV, dare I say it even Vantillian and Barthian, could meet on common ground.
Now, what would that common ground be? ….Israel to your tents!!
SG,
Good stuff! Yes to the tents!!!