Tom Ascol's Founders blog talks about the planned debate between Al Mohler and Paige Patterson over the Doctrines of Grace. Ascol makes two great points. The first is that it matters less who "wins the debate" than the fact that the SBC is willing to grapple publicly with these issues. Second, young Southern Baptists will be on this debate like stink on a monkey (my words, not his) because they are more interested in theology than denominational programs and politics. I expect this to be a fierce clash of views in the context of a mutual desire for unity within the Convention. Perhaps the most interesting aspect of this debate will be how successful they are in encouraging denominational unity in the face of a stark clash of ideas (and whether that unity is, in fact, a good thing).
Thoughtful independent Baptists are ahead of the game in that they had this conversation several years ago in the context of the Leadership Conference at Calvary Baptist Theological Seminary. I found Tim Jordan, Dave Burggraff, Dave Doran, Jeff Straub, and others' willingness to discuss these theoological issues openly, directly, and irenically quite refreshing as I listened to the recordings a few days later. I expect that those recordings of the sessions are still available from the seminary.
4 comments:
I'm looking forward to this debate. Given the backgrounds of both men, it will certainly be a lively and witty exchange. Information and entertainment will abound.
For what it's worth, my money is on Patterson, the redheaded knuckle-fighter from the Criswell days. But Mohler's no slouch, as those who've heard him defend Calvinism well know.
If one can pray about matters like this, my prayer would be that those casting amorous eyes at the so called "doctrines of grace" would see them for what they are...the doctrines of DISGRACE.
Calvinism in modern language without the equivocations: “God is the author of sin. He programmed you to sin. He decreed you to sin before he created the world. And now he’s going to send you to hell for doing what he made you do. He’s going to send you to hell for doing what you had no choice in. But, good news, if you won the lottery before the world began, if your dice roll was favorable, then he’ll give you faith and save you. Otherwise, go burn in hell you stinking reprobate scum.”
The real gospel: "You chose to sin and you are on your way to hell for your own choice. God sent his Son to die for all men, to save them from their sins. Believe in Jesus Christ and be saved. Repent of your sins, confess your belief in Christ, and be baptized into Christ for the forgiveness of sins."
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