"As the very first commencement of every good thing, so likewise the progress, continuance and confirmation, nay, even the perseverance in good, are not from ourselves, but from God through the Holy Spirit" — James Arminius
Big Trouble in Little Geneva: Good Series Exposing the Major Theological Problems Inherent in John Piper’s Calvinist Theodicy
Be sure to check out Matt’s concise and devastating critique of Calvinist Theodicy as expressed by John Piper. Make sure you have a look at the comments after the posts as well.
9 thoughts on “Big Trouble in Little Geneva: Good Series Exposing the Major Theological Problems Inherent in John Piper’s Calvinist Theodicy”
Thanks for linking Ben! I hope to do a couple more posts to wrap up some additional concerns. All the best.
Ben,
First, many thanks for posting this! Second, as far as I can tell, the link to what’s supposed to be part 2 actually leads us to part 1. I hope this helps.
LexCro,
Thanks for the heads up. It should be fixed now.
StriderMTB,
Look forward to reading the rest when you get to it. Keep up the good work!
God Bless,
Ben
I just wanted to leave a quick not after reading your blog. You’re an idiot!
Hey Bob,
Thanks for the encouraging and intelligent “not” 😉
Wow, just discovered your blog. Good luck with the noble fight for truth. Some time ago I published a response on my blog to John Piper’s 5 Reasons to Embrace Unconditional Election, and I remember my throat tightening as I imagined who would read it. I was deeply involved with a number of precious Calvinistic brothers many years ago, and many of them were not aware that I had changed my views after loosing contact with them. My emotional reaction as I hit the “publish” button reminded me of the degree to which I wanted to please these high profile men by trying (and to a degree claiming) to agree with their views. In hindsight, I don’t think I ever did, but the importance of being regarded as theologically astute by fellowshipping with these men made it difficult for me to get that. If I may change Upton Sinclair’s famous line somewhat: It is difficult to get a man to understand something, when his theological reputation depends upon his not understanding it!”
Hey Tobie,
Thanks for the comment. You are right that it is very hard and painful to shift theological orientations, especially once you have been fully committed to a certain view for some time. That is something we all need to guard against if we want to allow Scripture to dictate our theology and not the other way around. I read your post on 5 reasons to embrace conditional election and recommended it to someone who had just asked a question about Matthew 13 on my “??Questions??” page. I look forward to checking out more of your posts and articles.
Thanks for linking Ben! I hope to do a couple more posts to wrap up some additional concerns. All the best.
Ben,
First, many thanks for posting this! Second, as far as I can tell, the link to what’s supposed to be part 2 actually leads us to part 1. I hope this helps.
LexCro,
Thanks for the heads up. It should be fixed now.
StriderMTB,
Look forward to reading the rest when you get to it. Keep up the good work!
God Bless,
Ben
I just wanted to leave a quick not after reading your blog. You’re an idiot!
Hey Bob,
Thanks for the encouraging and intelligent “not” 😉
Wow, just discovered your blog. Good luck with the noble fight for truth. Some time ago I published a response on my blog to John Piper’s 5 Reasons to Embrace Unconditional Election, and I remember my throat tightening as I imagined who would read it. I was deeply involved with a number of precious Calvinistic brothers many years ago, and many of them were not aware that I had changed my views after loosing contact with them. My emotional reaction as I hit the “publish” button reminded me of the degree to which I wanted to please these high profile men by trying (and to a degree claiming) to agree with their views. In hindsight, I don’t think I ever did, but the importance of being regarded as theologically astute by fellowshipping with these men made it difficult for me to get that. If I may change Upton Sinclair’s famous line somewhat: It is difficult to get a man to understand something, when his theological reputation depends upon his not understanding it!”
Hey Tobie,
Thanks for the comment. You are right that it is very hard and painful to shift theological orientations, especially once you have been fully committed to a certain view for some time. That is something we all need to guard against if we want to allow Scripture to dictate our theology and not the other way around. I read your post on 5 reasons to embrace conditional election and recommended it to someone who had just asked a question about Matthew 13 on my “??Questions??” page. I look forward to checking out more of your posts and articles.
God Bless,
Ben
Thanks Ben. Likewise!