New Calvinism

I was shocked to read TIME magazine this week.  Here is the cover:

Look carefully at the ten ideas that are "changing the world right now." One of them is "New Calvinism."  It was listed as #3 inside the magazine!!  You can read the article HERE.

It is about the resurgence of "Calvinism" among the younger generation. And it is described as the "3rd most influential idea" coming in the world today.

There is SO much I want to comment on with this topic.  The article is just ok (nothing great about it) - but I LOVE that they have recognized the influence of a younger generation thinking "theologically."

Am I a Calvinist? It depends on how you define Calvinism. But historically, yes, I am an unapologetic Calvinist (it is similar to the term "fundamentalist" - no longer a term viewed accurately or positively in our culture).

I embraced Calvinistic theology in college, but have often wanted distance from others who would call themselves "Calvinists" by their attitudes and behaviors. Does that make sense? So when I recently heard the phrase "New Calvinist" - I immediately knew what it meant and I fully embraced it.

What is a "new" Calvinist compared to an "old" Calvinist. Well, in a simplified way, the three things that separate the "new" Calvinism from the "old" Calvinism are these:

• Old Calvinists "talk about" human responsibility, but don't practice it often whereas New Calvinists actually believe that it is our responsibility to win every person to Jesus.
• Old Calvinists have often been called "The Frozen Chosen" - they don't seem very happy about most things - especially when talking about theology. In fact, they seem mad. New Calvinists are not angry about Calvinism or theology.
• Old Calvinists seem to carry a theological chip on their predestined shoulders. There is a humility to the New Calvinists that I align myself with. I love the phrase "humble orthodoxy." That is how we much teach the truth.

So I happily call myself a "New" Calvinist (but I'm probably not young enough to truly be included). People who best represent "New Calvinism" would include: John Piper, C.J. Mahaney, Louie Giglio and Mark Driscoll (among many others). So, I'm surprised and happy about the #3 idea in TIME magazine.  BUT - I wish it were "The Gospel" that was having such a profound impact that TIME magazine just HAD to write about it. I don't think it is the "New Calvinists" fault. I think it is just a surprising movement that many thought was dying with an older generation. I, for one, am thankful it is not!

May the day come when the Gospel has such a profound impact on our society that all major media outlets cannot ignore it!!  And may Jesus Christ be praised!

Comments

[Joshua]

Fascinating. Thank you for posting the link too. I'm definitely excited about reading up on this.

Another fascinating thing to check out (and I'm sure you have or will) is the voting for Time's top 100 most influential persons. There are over 200 available to vote for. It's always interesting to see what's on the list.