Theology and Missions. . .

[TulipGirl]

Read an interesting article about theology and missionsm that I thought might be fuel for some interesting discussions:

Does Calvinism Hinder Missions? (http://www.christianity.com/partner/Article_Display_Page/0,,PTID23682|CHID125043|CIID1537678,00.html)

[magnolia]

Hi Tulipgirl,

I think the "U" in your username makes me wonder why Calvins (and the PCA) spread the Word.

[TulipGirl]

Originally posted by magnolia
I think the "U" in your username makes me wonder why Calvins (and the PCA) spread the Word. [/B]


Are you referring to the phrase and concept of "unconditional election"?

[pilgrimian]

Interesting...

I would strongly disagree that any belief in T.U.L.I.P. hinders evangelism. Personally, I believe in parts of this...but with a speech impediment: T.U.U.I.P.!!!

Even then, I disagree with the weight with which some Calvinists hammer home these doctrines.

It must be remembered that there are elect individuals among us...who are presently not saved. We need to preach the Gospel to them, the onus is on us. Just because people are predestined doesn't degrade missions...and it doesn't keep me from preaching the Gospel. The Spirit is in me...I must speak! It's good news...I want to yell it! I believe wholeheartedly that God predestined believers. Ephesians 1 is pretty clear about that.

God's blessings in our Passover Lamb,
Matthew

[glorydays]

Tulipgirl,

Everyone has to have a job somewhere -- numbers like those cited say nothing to the "call" of those involved.

[magnolia]

Originally posted by TulipGirl



Are you referring to the phrase and concept of "unconditional election"?
Hi TulipGirl,

Yes I am.

[Average Joey]

I am a Calvinist believing Christian.One thing I do believe is in evangelizing.For the simple reason of knowing God`s chosen are out there.However I do agree that many of us push our theological beliefs too strong.It can be very misunderstood by the way some of us say it.I would not walk up to someone and ask if they have been chosen by God.That is a horrible approach.I look at it this way.From our point of view we come to Christ by our own free will.From God`s it is from His will.

[TulipGirl]

magnolia,

I'm not quite sure I follow how you see unconditional election being a deterrent for sharing the Gospel. . . Would you please explain your perspective?



glorydays,

"Everyone has to have a job somewhere -- numbers like those cited say nothing to the "call" of those involved."

That's a pretty cynical view. I've known many, many missionaries (of many denom/nondenom backgrounds, btw) and have a much more positive view of those in mission work, especially in cross-cultural situations.

Charles Spurgeon counselled his students that if they could do anything other than be a pastor--they ought to do it. Only if they were completely compelled by God's call on their life ought they be a pastor. Because it is just so filled with constant struggles. I think we could easily apply the same thing to missions. While it has a glamourous reputation (and Praise God, we see Him working mightily through mission outreachs!) it is not easy and not something the people I've known have been in long term without a definite call of God on their lives.

However, as I've seen more clearly the need for cross-cultural church planting and outreach, I've become of the opinion that every Believer ought to give of themselves (and recieve growth from God!) through short-term mission outreaches--whether or not God eventually calls them to long-term missions work or not.

[TulipGirl]

Just bumping this up for you to see. . . I'm interested in your thoughts.

[pilgrimian]

Interesting that this thread hasn't taken off...especially with the number of Arminian-leaning folks on RR. There seem to be a few of them.

As I stated earlier, I think to belive that the doctrine of predestination inhibits one to preach the Gospel is to underestimate the Holy Spirit working in us, and through us. There are elect people who need for us to preach the Good News to them. The Spirit also needs to use some of us to push some riverbank dwellers into the water...

As I stated earlier, 5-point Calvinism is a stretch on at least one point conclusively, and minor issues with the other points...and Arminianism is also a stretch in some ways. Let the Spirit work.

God's blessings in our glorious Messiah,
Matthew

[joint heir]

It probably has not taken off because the title is not controversial enough;)

:lol Tulip girl for some reason I associated your user name with the actual flower.....I was thinking that maybe you lived somewhere that is known for the flower ..


Matthew I am with you.....I don't believe in the "L"

but understanding the biblical principle of election doe not hinder witnessing...but it sure does keep the frustration out of it:)

[cindyw]

Originally posted by joint heir
:lol Tulip girl for some reason I associated your user name with the actual flower.....I was thinking that maybe you lived somewhere that is known for the flower ..

:lol