Yes and I bet you like these verses of scripture John Calvin wrote! "God arranges all things by his sovereign counsel, in such a way that individuals are born, who are doomed from the womb to certain death and are to glorify him by their destruction.( John Calvin Institutes of Christian Religion, Book 3, Chapter 23, Paragraph 6) “Creatures are so governed by the secret counsel of God, that nothing happens but what he has knowingly and willingly decreed.” (John Calvin, Institutes of Christian Religion, Book 1, Chapter 16, Paragraph 3) “…we say that God once established by his eternal and unchangeable plan those whom he long before determined once for all to receive into salvation, and those whom, on the other hand, he would devote to destruction…he has barred the door of life to those whom he has given over to damnation.” (John Calvin, Institutes of Christian Religion, Book 3, Chapter 21, Paragraph 7) These 3 statements from the Founder of Reformed Calvinism are absolutely clear. Calvinsm is "Fatalism" Only a Cult mentality would say it is not! The Calvinist Reformed answer to these facts is usually. 1. "You don't understand Calvinism!" 2. "It is a mystery no one can understand!" 3. Or strawman, freewiller. or a host of other name calling... Calvinism is just one of the Doctrine of Demons Paul warned us about that would be coming into the World. But it would have to wait for the heretic Augustine to lay the foundation and then Calvin finished it! It's Satan's most used tool to devour his victims. The name has been softened to now be called "REFORMED THEOLOGY" Its really "DEFORMED THEOLOGY" Truth In Love
His commentaries are some of the best in history and some of his sermons are still in print today He was the mind of the Reformation Great man of God and hero of the faith, God bless that man and thank God for raising him up for that role
Calvin was an amazing theologian, a pastor who loved and cared for his church, tending to his flock during a plague and preaching everyday He asked to be buried in an unmarked grave He is an example few people will ever follow when it came to preaching and writing God bless John Calvin
The Calvinist testimony is always the same, no matter who tells it: "God subdued and brought my mind to a teachable frame". So, in other words before God _subdued_ his darkened and futile mind, otherwise he couldn't respond to God correctly. Calvin needed to be forcibly made alive. Does that testimony line up with scripture though? _For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are_ *clearly seen* _being_ *understood* _by the things that are made,_ *even* _His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are_ *without excuse.* _Although they_ *knew* _God, they did not glorify Him as God, .... but_ *became futile* _in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts_ *were* _darkened_ (Rom 1:20-21). The scriptures say just the opposite. Your mind does not start out darkened. It gets that way through your rejection of God that you can clearly see so that it's you who are responsible. _choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve....But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord._ (Joshua 24:15)
Hello friend, thanks for your comment! Trying to understand God's sovereignty can be quite challenging and beyond my ability to understand and something about which I hope we Christians who disagree can display unity and love to a lost and dying world. That said, I do hold to the teaching that only God can cause the human heart to respond to his gospel. The passage from which you quoted is an indictment against the whole of humanity. We all have a deep knowledge of God, but instead of glorifying our Creator through this knowledge, we seek to suppress the knowledge of Him. Therefore, I actually see the need for God's sovereign grace on the human heart on display in this passage. For, it is only through the activity of God in saving someone that the human heart will cease from suppressing this knowledge and come to the acceptance of the truth. But as I say, it is my belief that it is okay for Christians to disagree about doctrines which are not explicitly related to the gospel. I hope my response makes sense and I hope you all the best!
@@christianerudition Rom 1 is the indictment against all men, including those misled by false doctrines. Calvinism teaches a different gospel, not one taught in the Word of God. God's sovereignty and His word are understood via His Spirit which if you're willing - you can learn directly from Him. See 1 Cor 2:14 and _It is written in the prophets, ‘And they shall all be taught by God.’ Therefore everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to Me._ (John 6:45) However, friend you've picked up a teaching of the Word that isn't biblical. It's traditions are taught by men and not the Lord Himself. Salvation is not clinging to the traditions of theologies of men. It's knowing, intimate knowing and fellowshipping with the Creator Himself. For _this is eternal life, that they may know You (personal relational knowing), the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent._ ->John 17:3
Hello friend, it is okay for us to disagree on Calvin. I find his teaching and life reflect gloriously the gospel of Jesus Christ. I agree that the Spirit is our teacher, but I also find in Scripture that he gave the Church gifts, among those teachers and preachers. I'm thankful you have a relationship with God and it sounds quite intimate, I'm glad to see that! Blessings to you :) @@eeman1335
@@christianerudition Friend, you should be more interested in knowing God rather finding some man-made teaching glorious. In the end, it's only those who know God who are saved. _Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them,_ *I never knew you;* _depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!_ (Matt 7:21-23)
It's interesting.He didn't have problems imitating the catholic church by burning people at the stake... "Do not fail to rid the country of those scoundrels, who stir up the people to revolt against us. Such monsters should be exterminated... "...As I have exterminated Michael Servatus the Spaniard." - John Calvin to the Marquis Paet, High Chamberlain to the King of Navarre, 1561 "Ye shall know them by their fruit" - the Lord Jesus Christ
It was a reference to his "99 problems" song. In retrospect, maybe not the best choice for a Christian video but at the time I felt comfortable with the choice. Does this answer your question?
Hello, thanks for your comment. When I posted this, I had read the biography by Bruce Gordon called "Calvin." Most of the information in the video is gathered from this book (not that I have 100% reflected the authors intent as is it always possible I took away things unintended by the author). Nevertheless, I have received a couple of comments along the same vein in which you have posted and am currently in the process of looking more closely into these things. Is there a particular person or historical case you had in mind? With these things being said, the video does include mention of Servetus, the reality that Calvin's life was not free from drama, and that he had many opponents who took fault with some of this personality traits. In this regard, while I feel I have more to learn, I do at least feel the video seeks to portray that Calvin was not always perceived as or was a "pleasant American fellow." Finally, it may well be the case there is error in the video, or at least a lack of emphasis or coverage and hence my former statement of further research. Have you considered, however, that there might have been ignorance on the part of the video's creator, or maybe ignorance in your own mind/heart, or some other factors that lead to the video not being to your liking, and hence the less need for pejorative language in your assessment? I am, of course, not sure of your spiritual state. If you are not a Christian, I pray that you would know the grace of Jesus, who though he was rich, for our sakes became poor, that us through his poverty might become rich. If you are a Christian, I would encourage you with the grace of Christ, allow it to sink deep into your marrow, until it finds its way to your heart where it will inevitably manifest through your tongue (on in this case, your fingers as you type) such that your words (and my words also) are seasoned with the grace that is befitting a saint.
Hello friend, I do not find your language befitting someone who claims the name of Christ. Do you find it godly to degrade your opponents in the manner in which you are operating? "But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil." 1 Peter 3:15-17
This was absurd and a waste of 9 minutes that I can never get back. It began o but then turned into an anti Roman Catholic blast...."twisted"..? You don't say that you found it twisted or that you disagreed with many of its traditions...but that "it is" so, inferring that it was/is, for all. Calvin did nothing that his less fanatical peer, Luther, didn't do, but took it much further, predestination, etc. I am not saying that Calvin was this way but the way you are interpreting his work is frighteningly political in a theological way. Not to mention the imagery you use, military training, a graduate ala the 21st century, etc. Absurd! You want to get the message of Calvin out there, don't pretend thatwe who might be seeking other Christian sects are stupid and ignorant. Again, absurd and offensive.
Hi friend, thanks for your thoughtful comment. I’m sorry you found the video absurd and offensive. I will take some time to consider your words and thoughts and will seek to respond to your post as soon as I can. Again, thanks for your thoughts/feedback.
@ferrierepc Hello again. I had an opportunity to rewatch the video and consider your words more deeply and here is my response: Calvin did find the teaching of the 16th Century Roman Catholic Church errored in many points. In the video, however, there was no mention that it was this way in perpetuity. Therefore, I am unable to see what you mean by stating that the current state of the Roman Catholic Church is condemned by Calvin or myself (the maker of the video). I would not consider Calvin fanatical. He was simply seeking to show that the doctrines of Holy Scripture and of the Church Fathers were those being perpetuated by the Reformers and therefore orthodox and not fanatical. Calvin did much Luther did not do. Calvin sought to organize in a systematic and organized fashion the central tenants of the Christian faith. He was also a more unifying figure than he predecessor, Luther (who nevertheless was used greatly by God). Regarding the military imagery, the video was referencing Calvin's discipline and it was simply meant to illustrate this, there were no militant undertones intended. Regarding the graduate of the 21st century, I am unsure how this can be seen as militant, would you mind elaborating? Once again, I am sorry you found the video absurd and offensive. I have been on on a personal journey to build more bridges and less walls, especially among those who profess the name of Jesus. At the end of the day, anyone who confesses themselves a sinner in the sight of God and welcomes the crucified Christ as the only remedy for their hopeless state, is a Christian. I am seeking to build on this foundation and from it to seek unity within Christ's Church - whatever the particulars of your denomination or specific confession or creed. I hope you have not been negatively affected in your journey with God because of this video. If you have, please charge it to an erring video creator, and not the real Creator. Please let me know if I erred in my response, or if there is anything else I can clarify or address. I know that my video was upsetting to you, but I would genuinely love to try the best I can to have peace with you and to try to work things out the best we can, especially if you are a brother! Please let me know if I can help to this end, I look forward to hearing from you soon!
@@christianerudition Hi. I do appreciate your reaching out to me to better explain what I saw as a theo-political attack on the Roma Church. I cannot read what I wrote, from here, but I do believe I used the word "infer"....in reference to what I felt was an attack on the Roman Church. I take no issue with institutions evolving indeed, if they didn't, we'd be in a very different state, today...perhaps a better one given what is happening worldwide right now. However, as you say, Calvin took his trip further than Luther did.....(I might say a trip he took after downing some LSD...but I won't) as Luther never sought to divide and separate from the Church but to better it, as it needed then, as it does today, to be made better. Luther, when asked about all the indulgences and such, to make money for the Church, at that time, to build a St. Peter's as the original one was in pieces...and selling indulgences to lesses one's time in Hell pr Purgatory, was and remains a shameful act by those popes and Tetzel, who pulled it off with great profit and motivated Luther to write his theses and Tetzel was punished by the Church for promising what he did......especially after Luther brought to light that in no place in either Testament is it written that this practice exists. The rest of that story is history and well documented. Luther sought to practice that which was written in the Scriptures, period. His followers, of course, went overboard desecrating churches and statues and ornaments in existing cathedrals as well as kiling anyone who wished to remain in the Roman tradition, which Luther had to intervene in to stop the desecrations and killings...after 50K+ were killed. Calvin, takes us to another level and what angers me the most about his teachings is his idea of a predestination....that from the beginning, God had a plan for every soul that would ever be born and in the plan, that soul's entry into heaven or hell was already decided! In my mind, if I know that my soul is already bound either way, it gives me no motivation to do good...to follow the mores of the time.....to help your neighbor...because it was already decided that I am going to heaven (or hell) so what difference does it make. Another thing that puts me off Calvin is that John Knox, of Scotland, was an adamant follower. Knox was a misoginist and vicious man who hated the fact that a woman was ruling Scotland at the time, and England and France, as well...meaning Mary of Scots, Elizabeth I and Caterina de Medici of France. His hatred spurred him to o heinous things. In the end, these people were looked on as fanatics and eventually these followers felt that no Protestant leader had gone far enough to separate from Rome and thusly puritanism was created....and the Puritans, we we know, were exiled from England/Britain to Holland then back to Britain and finally, to rid Europe of them all together, to the new colonies in Massachusetts....and even there, where people went to be able to worship freely, there were immediate divisions and from Plymouth, people founded Rhode Island...etc. No matter what any man or people did to break from Rome, even henry VIII who did it solely to divorce his wife, which the pope refused to do, though Henry remained a follower of Roman ways through his life and hated Luther....no matter what any of these new protestant leaders did, from Luther to Zwingli to Calvin to Knox.....it was all and remains rooted in the Roman church and as much as any Protestant group wants to deny it, it is there all in black and white. Your animated explanation left out all the predestination dogma of Calvin, which to me, is the center of what he taught...but there, too, has no basis in the Bible as Jesus stated that we would change our ways and repent and be in His kingdom at any time. He never said that His father, being God, decided hundreds of thousands of years ago where each and every one of us woul d end up so go do what you want....it's already decided. No, Jesus gives us hope to change, better ourselves, love our neighbors and in the end, thre Gospels, the life of Jesus the man, comes down to 2 things....love God and love your neighbor and if you can take that away from the Gospels, both the 4 in the Bible, chosen by the Counsel of Nicea 1700 ywars ago, and the apocryphal gospels, found about 90 years ago and written in the names of everyone from Mary of Maddelena to Nathaniel to Phillip......the message is the same...ove thy neighbor.....not "kill those who don't believe as you do" or |your fate is sealed to have a good time while you can." Just how I feel but I love that you took the time to respond and remember I use the word "infer".....I love a good debate! Cheers! - Gary
Very underrated. Keep it up!
Thanks so much Storming Gale, your words are very encouraging! I am currently working on a 3d animation of the Temple. God bless you :)
Wow! 300 views! Keep up the great work! :)
Thanks for your kind words!
Great video, thanks for the inspiration!
Thanks friend, I'm so glad you found it inspiring!
A great theologian man of God.His writings till this day are the most influential christian truth delivery in all books printed apart from the Bible
Indeed he was (and is).
Yes and I bet you like these verses of scripture John Calvin wrote!
"God arranges all things by his sovereign counsel, in such a way that individuals are born, who are doomed from the womb to certain death and are to glorify him by their destruction.( John Calvin Institutes of Christian Religion, Book 3, Chapter 23, Paragraph 6)
“Creatures are so governed by the secret counsel of God, that nothing happens but what he has knowingly and willingly decreed.” (John Calvin, Institutes of Christian Religion, Book 1, Chapter 16, Paragraph 3)
“…we say that God once established by his eternal and unchangeable plan those whom he long before determined once for all to receive into salvation, and those whom, on the other hand, he would devote to destruction…he has barred the door of life to those whom he has given over to damnation.” (John Calvin, Institutes of Christian Religion, Book 3, Chapter 21, Paragraph 7)
These 3 statements from the Founder of Reformed Calvinism are absolutely clear. Calvinsm is "Fatalism"
Only a Cult mentality would say it is not!
The Calvinist Reformed answer to these facts is usually.
1. "You don't understand Calvinism!"
2. "It is a mystery no one can understand!"
3. Or strawman, freewiller. or a host of other name calling...
Calvinism is just one of the Doctrine of Demons Paul warned us about that would be coming into the World. But it would have to wait for the heretic Augustine to lay the foundation and then Calvin finished it!
It's Satan's most used tool to devour his victims.
The name has been softened to now be called "REFORMED THEOLOGY"
Its really "DEFORMED THEOLOGY"
Truth In Love
Opposition to the Mass... very different from Luther.
His commentaries are some of the best in history and some of his sermons are still in print today
He was the mind of the Reformation
Great man of God and hero of the faith, God bless that man and thank God for raising him up for that role
Says the resssurected to the transformed 😂😂😂@@christianerudition
Excellent! Using for my daughter!
Thanks for your encouraging words, I hope it blesses you and your daughter 😊
@@christianeruditionin the mess about the political thing ... I've been displaced like 16 times so I get it. Messing with a smart butt right here. 💪
Thank you very much.
That’s such a kind comment, I’m so happy it blessed you!
Calvin was an amazing theologian, a pastor who loved and cared for his church, tending to his flock during a plague and preaching everyday
He asked to be buried in an unmarked grave
He is an example few people will ever follow when it came to preaching and writing
God bless John Calvin
Amen friend.
Great video, thank you very much, note to self (nts) watched all of it ,
With this man... What does he think on the problem of suffering?
The Calvinist testimony is always the same, no matter who tells it: "God subdued and brought my mind to a teachable frame". So, in other words before God _subdued_ his darkened and futile mind, otherwise he couldn't respond to God correctly. Calvin needed to be forcibly made alive. Does that testimony line up with scripture though? _For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are_ *clearly seen* _being_ *understood* _by the things that are made,_ *even* _His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are_ *without excuse.* _Although they_ *knew* _God, they did not glorify Him as God, .... but_ *became futile* _in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts_ *were* _darkened_ (Rom 1:20-21). The scriptures say just the opposite. Your mind does not start out darkened. It gets that way through your rejection of God that you can clearly see so that it's you who are responsible. _choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve....But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord._ (Joshua 24:15)
Hello friend, thanks for your comment! Trying to understand God's sovereignty can be quite challenging and beyond my ability to understand and something about which I hope we Christians who disagree can display unity and love to a lost and dying world.
That said, I do hold to the teaching that only God can cause the human heart to respond to his gospel. The passage from which you quoted is an indictment against the whole of humanity. We all have a deep knowledge of God, but instead of glorifying our Creator through this knowledge, we seek to suppress the knowledge of Him. Therefore, I actually see the need for God's sovereign grace on the human heart on display in this passage. For, it is only through the activity of God in saving someone that the human heart will cease from suppressing this knowledge and come to the acceptance of the truth.
But as I say, it is my belief that it is okay for Christians to disagree about doctrines which are not explicitly related to the gospel. I hope my response makes sense and I hope you all the best!
@@christianerudition Rom 1 is the indictment against all men, including those misled by false doctrines. Calvinism teaches a different gospel, not one taught in the Word of God. God's sovereignty and His word are understood via His Spirit which if you're willing - you can learn directly from Him. See 1 Cor 2:14 and _It is written in the prophets, ‘And they shall all be taught by God.’ Therefore everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to Me._ (John 6:45) However, friend you've picked up a teaching of the Word that isn't biblical. It's traditions are taught by men and not the Lord Himself. Salvation is not clinging to the traditions of theologies of men. It's knowing, intimate knowing and fellowshipping with the Creator Himself. For _this is eternal life, that they may know You (personal relational knowing), the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent._ ->John 17:3
Hello friend, it is okay for us to disagree on Calvin. I find his teaching and life reflect gloriously the gospel of Jesus Christ. I agree that the Spirit is our teacher, but I also find in Scripture that he gave the Church gifts, among those teachers and preachers. I'm thankful you have a relationship with God and it sounds quite intimate, I'm glad to see that! Blessings to you :) @@eeman1335
@@christianerudition Friend, you should be more interested in knowing God rather finding some man-made teaching glorious. In the end, it's only those who know God who are saved. _Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them,_ *I never knew you;* _depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!_ (Matt 7:21-23)
@@selectrecruitingllc Do you allow your kids to play in the street? Warn those who are in trouble.
It's interesting.He didn't have problems imitating the catholic church by burning people at the stake...
"Do not fail to rid the country of those scoundrels, who stir up the people to revolt against us. Such monsters should be exterminated...
"...As I have exterminated Michael Servatus the Spaniard."
- John Calvin to the Marquis Paet, High Chamberlain to the King of Navarre, 1561
"Ye shall know them by their fruit"
- the Lord Jesus Christ
Where did jay Z come from?
Right!
It was a reference to his "99 problems" song. In retrospect, maybe not the best choice for a Christian video but at the time I felt comfortable with the choice. Does this answer your question?
Here is nothing about the 50 execution he was involt....
You have a true source for this?
What a load of cobblers. Opponents of this man were put to death or threatened with death. Stop making him sound like a pleasant American fellow.
Hello, thanks for your comment. When I posted this, I had read the biography by Bruce Gordon called "Calvin." Most of the information in the video is gathered from this book (not that I have 100% reflected the authors intent as is it always possible I took away things unintended by the author). Nevertheless, I have received a couple of comments along the same vein in which you have posted and am currently in the process of looking more closely into these things. Is there a particular person or historical case you had in mind?
With these things being said, the video does include mention of Servetus, the reality that Calvin's life was not free from drama, and that he had many opponents who took fault with some of this personality traits. In this regard, while I feel I have more to learn, I do at least feel the video seeks to portray that Calvin was not always perceived as or was a "pleasant American fellow."
Finally, it may well be the case there is error in the video, or at least a lack of emphasis or coverage and hence my former statement of further research. Have you considered, however, that there might have been ignorance on the part of the video's creator, or maybe ignorance in your own mind/heart, or some other factors that lead to the video not being to your liking, and hence the less need for pejorative language in your assessment?
I am, of course, not sure of your spiritual state. If you are not a Christian, I pray that you would know the grace of Jesus, who though he was rich, for our sakes became poor, that us through his poverty might become rich. If you are a Christian, I would encourage you with the grace of Christ, allow it to sink deep into your marrow, until it finds its way to your heart where it will inevitably manifest through your tongue (on in this case, your fingers as you type) such that your words (and my words also) are seasoned with the grace that is befitting a saint.
Calvin was Satan Incarnate. The Devil and the Snake have a smooth tongue indeed! 😄... This cockroach is no match for Theotokos.
Bro, do you really have a Hindu symbol in your profile picture and want to teach Christianity? first stop flirting with paganism
Hello friend, why do you feel such strong animosity against Calvin?
Accursed Calvin even worse than Luther. Both in Hell, deservedly.
Did the Mary statue tell you that one when you were worshipping it?
Hello friend, why do you feel so strongly regarding Calvin and Luther? I shutter slightly at your strong pronouncements of judgment.
Hello friend, I do not find your language befitting someone who claims the name of Christ. Do you find it godly to degrade your opponents in the manner in which you are operating?
"But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil." 1 Peter 3:15-17
Divine Mercy
This was absurd and a waste of 9 minutes that I can never get back. It began o but then turned into an anti Roman Catholic blast...."twisted"..? You don't say that you found it twisted or that you disagreed with many of its traditions...but that "it is" so, inferring that it was/is, for all. Calvin did nothing that his less fanatical peer, Luther, didn't do, but took it much further, predestination, etc. I am not saying that Calvin was this way but the way you are interpreting his work is frighteningly political in a theological way. Not to mention the imagery you use, military training, a graduate ala the 21st century, etc. Absurd! You want to get the message of Calvin out there, don't pretend thatwe who might be seeking other Christian sects are stupid and ignorant. Again, absurd and offensive.
Hi friend, thanks for your thoughtful comment. I’m sorry you found the video absurd and offensive. I will take some time to consider your words and thoughts and will seek to respond to your post as soon as I can. Again, thanks for your thoughts/feedback.
@ferrierepc Hello again. I had an opportunity to rewatch the video and consider your words more deeply and here is my response:
Calvin did find the teaching of the 16th Century Roman Catholic Church errored in many points. In the video, however, there was no mention that it was this way in perpetuity. Therefore, I am unable to see what you mean by stating that the current state of the Roman Catholic Church is condemned by Calvin or myself (the maker of the video).
I would not consider Calvin fanatical. He was simply seeking to show that the doctrines of Holy Scripture and of the Church Fathers were those being perpetuated by the Reformers and therefore orthodox and not fanatical. Calvin did much Luther did not do. Calvin sought to organize in a systematic and organized fashion the central tenants of the Christian faith. He was also a more unifying figure than he predecessor, Luther (who nevertheless was used greatly by God).
Regarding the military imagery, the video was referencing Calvin's discipline and it was simply meant to illustrate this, there were no militant undertones intended. Regarding the graduate of the 21st century, I am unsure how this can be seen as militant, would you mind elaborating?
Once again, I am sorry you found the video absurd and offensive. I have been on on a personal journey to build more bridges and less walls, especially among those who profess the name of Jesus. At the end of the day, anyone who confesses themselves a sinner in the sight of God and welcomes the crucified Christ as the only remedy for their hopeless state, is a Christian. I am seeking to build on this foundation and from it to seek unity within Christ's Church - whatever the particulars of your denomination or specific confession or creed.
I hope you have not been negatively affected in your journey with God because of this video. If you have, please charge it to an erring video creator, and not the real Creator. Please let me know if I erred in my response, or if there is anything else I can clarify or address. I know that my video was upsetting to you, but I would genuinely love to try the best I can to have peace with you and to try to work things out the best we can, especially if you are a brother! Please let me know if I can help to this end, I look forward to hearing from you soon!
@@christianerudition Hi. I do appreciate your reaching out to me to better explain what I saw as a theo-political attack on the Roma Church. I cannot read what I wrote, from here, but I do believe I used the word "infer"....in reference to what I felt was an attack on the Roman Church. I take no issue with institutions evolving indeed, if they didn't, we'd be in a very different state, today...perhaps a better one given what is happening worldwide right now. However, as you say, Calvin took his trip further than Luther did.....(I might say a trip he took after downing some LSD...but I won't) as Luther never sought to divide and separate from the Church but to better it, as it needed then, as it does today, to be made better. Luther, when asked about all the indulgences and such, to make money for the Church, at that time, to build a St. Peter's as the original one was in pieces...and selling indulgences to lesses one's time in Hell pr Purgatory, was and remains a shameful act by those popes and Tetzel, who pulled it off with great profit and motivated Luther to write his theses and Tetzel was punished by the Church for promising what he did......especially after Luther brought to light that in no place in either Testament is it written that this practice exists. The rest of that story is history and well documented. Luther sought to practice that which was written in the Scriptures, period. His followers, of course, went overboard desecrating churches and statues and ornaments in existing cathedrals as well as kiling anyone who wished to remain in the Roman tradition, which Luther had to intervene in to stop the desecrations and killings...after 50K+ were killed. Calvin, takes us to another level and what angers me the most about his teachings is his idea of a predestination....that from the beginning, God had a plan for every soul that would ever be born and in the plan, that soul's entry into heaven or hell was already decided! In my mind, if I know that my soul is already bound either way, it gives me no motivation to do good...to follow the mores of the time.....to help your neighbor...because it was already decided that I am going to heaven (or hell) so what difference does it make. Another thing that puts me off Calvin is that John Knox, of Scotland, was an adamant follower. Knox was a misoginist and vicious man who hated the fact that a woman was ruling Scotland at the time, and England and France, as well...meaning Mary of Scots, Elizabeth I and Caterina de Medici of France. His hatred spurred him to o heinous things. In the end, these people were looked on as fanatics and eventually these followers felt that no Protestant leader had gone far enough to separate from Rome and thusly puritanism was created....and the Puritans, we we know, were exiled from England/Britain to Holland then back to Britain and finally, to rid Europe of them all together, to the new colonies in Massachusetts....and even there, where people went to be able to worship freely, there were immediate divisions and from Plymouth, people founded Rhode Island...etc. No matter what any man or people did to break from Rome, even henry VIII who did it solely to divorce his wife, which the pope refused to do, though Henry remained a follower of Roman ways through his life and hated Luther....no matter what any of these new protestant leaders did, from Luther to Zwingli to Calvin to Knox.....it was all and remains rooted in the Roman church and as much as any Protestant group wants to deny it, it is there all in black and white. Your animated explanation left out all the predestination dogma of Calvin, which to me, is the center of what he taught...but there, too, has no basis in the Bible as Jesus stated that we would change our ways and repent and be in His kingdom at any time. He never said that His father, being God, decided hundreds of thousands of years ago where each and every one of us woul d end up so go do what you want....it's already decided. No, Jesus gives us hope to change, better ourselves, love our neighbors and in the end, thre Gospels, the life of Jesus the man, comes down to 2 things....love God and love your neighbor and if you can take that away from the Gospels, both the 4 in the Bible, chosen by the Counsel of Nicea 1700 ywars ago, and the apocryphal gospels, found about 90 years ago and written in the names of everyone from Mary of Maddelena to Nathaniel to Phillip......the message is the same...ove thy neighbor.....not "kill those who don't believe as you do" or |your fate is sealed to have a good time while you can." Just how I feel but I love that you took the time to respond and remember I use the word "infer".....I love a good debate! Cheers! - Gary