1. Recently I've read - twice - a short essay by B. B. Warfield titled the Theology of John Calvin. Free in this collection:
If it was in book form it'd be 10 pages. He really gets at the poetry of Calvinism, which is Christianity, and what I call the hard truth mysticism of it. He points out that Calvinism isn't different in kind from other theologies (like Lutheranism) but in degree. It goes further and deeper. Warfield is a sharp writer. Each paragraph follows perfectly to give you the impression he's getting across. Theologians have tried to articulate the center or main subject of what Calvinism uniquely is and failed. Warfield gets at it succinctly and comes across as very on the mark.
Reading it I can see how and why I've been a Calvinist. I've always said regeneration is the main thing. Warfield says that is very Calvinist and explains why. Also, I've never been troubled or afraid of the supernatural, as many modern theologians are, and that too is very Calvinist, and Warfield shows why.
There is more. The way he describes the worldview of a person who can see and accept and understand Christianity as Calvinism describes it, it is hard truth mysticism-like, in the sense of the state one is in when praying is the constant state of a Calvinist when moving and acting and being in the real world. It's worth reading.
P. S. - Warfield wrote many short pieces on Calvin, so make sure you read the right one. The Theology of John Calvin. It's toward the end of that collection.
2. I've been thinking, when you've read the Bible complete 9 times, and you know doctrine to the nth degree, what do you do with the Bible now? I think you just have to meditate on it.
My facsimile 1611 has the chapter summaries at the beginning of each chapter. They give you the sections of each chapter very clear. And they interpret boldly. Like in the O. T. this is Jesus. This is the church. Like Isaiah 63 -
1 Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this that is glorious in his apparel, travelling in the greatness of his strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save.
The chapter summary says this is Jesus. It's obvious, but you can just read through that and not think it.
So I can use these summaries to meditate on sections of the Bible.
3. Why is an old Buddhist monk looked at with such awe by the world? Because of his spiritual exercises. He doesn't have the truth, but he practices his religion. You don't see this with Christians. Maybe Athanasius or Augustine. But not the modern pastor or seminary professor. Nobody looks at them with awe. They look worldly. And kind of like, academic or insurance salesman worldly.
I also think your outward apparel is going to manifest your inward life. I don't mean adopting an affected style, but over time subtle changes in your outward appearance should take place if you are truly practicing the faith in some real way. Some hoakey black robe when you're at the podium is not the same thing. In our time I don't know what this would look like though. Muslims pull it off, though...
Layered clothing. The length of the clothing. The simplicity. The colors. Something.
Main point: a Christian should look like a pilgrim in this world, not of this world. And should have the vibe of spiritual disciplines.
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home