Remudamom Posted August 21, 2008 Share Posted August 21, 2008 Yes, I'm talking reformed/Calvinistic? We've been on the reformed road for 15 years. You know, newly reformed Christians need to be locked in a cage for the first two years, to avoid offending everyone else. I'm talking rabid reformed. Takes a while to calm down. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jugglin'5 Posted August 21, 2008 Share Posted August 21, 2008 About 14 for us, though we've only been in reformed churches about 12 years. We were in cage stage for about the 1st 5 years.:blushing: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tracy in Ky Posted August 21, 2008 Share Posted August 21, 2008 I'm here, but it isn't dark. It is gloriously bright :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MyBlueLobsters Posted August 21, 2008 Share Posted August 21, 2008 *raising hand* We have been in a reformed church now for 7 years (in Sept) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NevadaRabbit Posted August 21, 2008 Share Posted August 21, 2008 Yes, I'm talking reformed/Calvinistic? We've been on the reformed road for 15 years. You know, newly reformed Christians need to be locked in a cage for the first two years, to avoid offending everyone else. I'm talking rabid reformed. Takes a while to calm down. I grew up in a PCUSA church, so I have been exposed to reformed teaching since childhood. In college, I went to Baptist Student Union and attended a Christian (DOC) church, and lived fully to the gratification of my flesh, having no idea what denominational distinctives were. Within the last 4 years, I have studied and come to an understanding of what Calvinism is, what Reformed means, and while I am Calvinist in my soteriological beliefs, I've not taken on all the trappings of the reformed faith. Our church practices credobaptism, teaches dispensational eschatology, and is part of the Evangelical Free Church. Should I still be locked up? :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Remudamom Posted August 21, 2008 Author Share Posted August 21, 2008 *raising hand* We have been in a reformed church now for 7 years (in Sept) Hey, I was wondering where you've been just this morning! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ohio12 Posted August 21, 2008 Share Posted August 21, 2008 I was raised reformed, but kind of keep it to myself. I went to a non-reformed Christian college and now go to a non-denom church. I don't like to get into it with people because I don't think it is a saved/not saved issue and just upsets people. To me the big thing is whether you believe that Christ on the Cross did all the work for salvation or did we have something to do with it. I think a lot of non-Calvinists don't really know or understand what they believe. But I don't like to make it my job to explain it to them. The older my kids get, I sometimes wonder if I would like to go to a reformed church, but so far we don't. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robin in Tx Posted August 21, 2008 Share Posted August 21, 2008 We went over for a little while. Freaked out. Came back. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Remudamom Posted August 21, 2008 Author Share Posted August 21, 2008 I grew up in a PCUSA church, so I have been exposed to reformed teaching since childhood. In college, I went to Baptist Student Union and attended a Christian (DOC) church, and lived fully to the gratification of my flesh, having no idea what denominational distinctives were. Within the last 4 years, I have studied and come to an understanding of what Calvinism is, what Reformed means, and while I am Calvinist in my soteriological beliefs, I've not taken on all the trappings of the reformed faith. Our church practices credobaptism, teaches dispensational eschatology, and is part of the Evangelical Free Church. Should I still be locked up? :D Hmm, possibly. I guess I should say I'm a lifer too, because I grew up in the Episcopal church before it started changing in the 70s. I remember the day my church slipped. But dh grew up in an Baptist church, and it took him a while to get over it. We tried to attend a PCUSA church nearby, but the pastor isn't reformed so it didn't work. We're back at our good ol PCA again. Further, but worth it, and we get to see BlueLobster too! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robin in Tx Posted August 21, 2008 Share Posted August 21, 2008 And for the record, I am NOT the person who gave this thread a one star rating! LOL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jugglin'5 Posted August 21, 2008 Share Posted August 21, 2008 :lol::lol::lol: We went over for a little while. Freaked out. Came back. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Remudamom Posted August 22, 2008 Author Share Posted August 22, 2008 And for the record, I am NOT the person who gave this thread a one star rating! LOL That's okay, it shouldn't be an issue, just fun to see who's what. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robin in Tx Posted August 22, 2008 Share Posted August 22, 2008 I agree... an issue, it should NOT be! But you never know about our mystery thread raters... once they get going and all :). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erica in PA Posted August 22, 2008 Share Posted August 22, 2008 I guess I don't really understand why it's such a big issue to some people. I remember this teacher who led a Bible study I attended while in high school, *warning* us strongly to beware of "Calvinists" when we went off to college. She made it sound like they were total brainwashing heretics, and I had no reason not to believe her. I went off to Bible college, and was shocked after several months there to learn that pretty much all of my teachers were "Calvinists"! However, once it was explained, I saw the biblical basis for election, and came to understand salvation in that way. I didn't see it as a huge radical shift from what I had believed prior to that. I always knew that God had a huge role in helping me to believe, and that I was blinded by sin in the past, so it wasn't a big leap to believe that God was completely responsible for helping me to believe. I don't label myself a "Calvinist," or even "Reformed," not for any particular reason, but I don't consider it my *identity* the way some people seem to. I'm a Christian, and my theology falls along those lines, but it's not understanding that particular doctrine that saves me. I'm no more of a Christian than I was when I was in high school and thought that Calvinism was evil. :tongue_smilie: I think my understanding is more accurate now, that's all. My church isn't labeled as Calvinistic or Reformed, but our pastors' theology does lean in that direction. It's somewhat important to me that our pastors believe likewise, but I don't think it would be make or break in choosing a church, unless the pastors actually spoke out *against* election, etc., in which case I would be uncomfortable. Erica Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NevadaRabbit Posted August 22, 2008 Share Posted August 22, 2008 We went over for a little while. Freaked out. Came back. :smilielol5: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NevadaRabbit Posted August 22, 2008 Share Posted August 22, 2008 Yes, I'm talking reformed/Calvinistic? We've been on the reformed road for 15 years. You know, newly reformed Christians need to be locked in a cage for the first two years, to avoid offending everyone else. I'm talking rabid reformed. Takes a while to calm down. You must go read this: http://purgatorio1.com/?p=128 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
laylamcb Posted August 22, 2008 Share Posted August 22, 2008 Reformed here, too (PCA). :001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1bassoon Posted August 22, 2008 Share Posted August 22, 2008 You must go read this: http://purgatorio1.com/?p=128 OK, I can't give you rep apparently, but that is HYSTERICAL!!!! Raising my hand - been reformed for about. . .hmm. . . . .8 years, I'd say? We attend the PCA "Mothership"! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cindy in C-ville Posted August 22, 2008 Share Posted August 22, 2008 Yep, me too - 5 points. Although I'm also baptistic and charismatic. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Remudamom Posted August 22, 2008 Author Share Posted August 22, 2008 I remember this teacher who led a Bible study I attended while in high school, *warning* us strongly to beware of "Calvinists" when we went off to college. She made it sound like they were total brainwashing heretics, and I had no reason not to believe her.Erica You are getting sleepy......sleeeeeeeepy........ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sassenach Posted August 22, 2008 Share Posted August 22, 2008 Ha! When I read the title, my first thought was- Charter schools? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TwinMominTX Posted August 22, 2008 Share Posted August 22, 2008 or actually I should say that dh did - I was always there!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tinag Posted August 22, 2008 Share Posted August 22, 2008 Reformed here for about 10 years. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jugglin'5 Posted August 22, 2008 Share Posted August 22, 2008 Ha! When I read the title, my first thought was- Charter schools? :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bess Posted August 22, 2008 Share Posted August 22, 2008 I guess I don't really understand why it's such a big issue to some people. I remember this teacher who led a Bible study I attended while in high school, *warning* us strongly to beware of "Calvinists" when we went off to college. She made it sound like they were total brainwashing heretics, and I had no reason not to believe her. I went off to Bible college, and was shocked after several months there to learn that pretty much all of my teachers were "Calvinists"! However, once it was explained, I saw the biblical basis for election, and came to understand salvation in that way. I didn't see it as a huge radical shift from what I had believed prior to that. I always knew that God had a huge role in helping me to believe, and that I was blinded by sin in the past, so it wasn't a big leap to believe that God was completely responsible for helping me to believe. I don't label myself a "Calvinist," or even "Reformed," not for any particular reason, but I don't consider it my *identity* the way some people seem to. I'm a Christian, and my theology falls along those lines, but it's not understanding that particular doctrine that saves me. I'm no more of a Christian than I was when I was in high school and thought that Calvinism was evil. :tongue_smilie: I think my understanding is more accurate now, that's all. My church isn't labeled as Calvinistic or Reformed, but our pastors' theology does lean in that direction. It's somewhat important to me that our pastors believe likewise, but I don't think it would be make or break in choosing a church, unless the pastors actually spoke out *against* election, etc., in which case I would be uncomfortable. Erica Very well stated. I concur. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
camibami Posted August 22, 2008 Share Posted August 22, 2008 :D Ha! When I read the title, my first thought was- Charter schools? And I thought-K12??? I was raised reformed Presbyterian, but became RC at 19. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colleen Posted August 22, 2008 Share Posted August 22, 2008 I guess I don't really understand why it's such a big issue to some people. I don't, either, which is why this thread kinda confuses me. I don't label myself a "Calvinist," or even "Reformed," not for any particular reason, but I don't consider it my *identity* the way some people seem to. Yep. I live in Reformed central, land of many a Dordt and Calvin alum. First CRC, Second CRC, Third CRC, Bethel CRC, Sonlight CRC, First Reformed, Faith Reformed, ~ to name just a few churches that lie within a few blocks of one another. (Not to mention the myriad of other churches.) If Garrison Keillor enjoys playing off the Minnesota Lutherans (and he does;)), he'd have a heyday with the Dutch Reformed in this neck o' the woods. It's most certainly an identifying factor for many of my friends. And then there are those who grew up with it and have moved into a more evangelical (for lack of a better word) frame of mind. Any-hoo. My own non-denominational Chapel began many years ago as a mission outreach of a Reformed church. Our Pastor is PCA and attended Westminster. We have members who embrace Calvinism and others who...don't. I contentedly call myself a Christian, just as I contentedly call myself a political Independent.:) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happygrrl Posted August 22, 2008 Share Posted August 22, 2008 What a funny thread! And I was told reformed folks did not have a sense of humor. Let's see- my dad is a Southern Baptist pastor but has always taught reformed doctrine. Now hubby and I go to a Orthodox Pres. Church, but we are the "weird" ones.... I love to raise my hands while singing, believe that the Holy Spirit speaks to us today, and we both have a few tattoos and so forth... sure put most of our congregation on the defensive! We love em' though and they love us back. OK- here's a joke for you all: What did Calvin say when he fell down the stairs? . . . . . . "Thank Goodness *that's* over with!" :lol::lol::lol::lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wendi Posted August 22, 2008 Share Posted August 22, 2008 I've been a member of the PCA since 1996. Wendi Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Susie in SWVA Posted August 22, 2008 Share Posted August 22, 2008 OPCer here (Orthodox Presbyterian Church) I have been "reformed" since my senior year of college in 1974 ( don't try to figure out my age!!!) I rarely, if ever, refer to myself as a Calvinist, although his Institutes of the Christian Religion is so readable and practical. Susie in SWVA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jugglin'5 Posted August 22, 2008 Share Posted August 22, 2008 Well, reformed people are not so common in other parts of the country. I am in the extreme minority of Protestants in my area of the country. But the reason it is interesting to me is that those doctrines do seem to be undergoing a bit of a Renaissance, especially among younger Baptist and Bible Church people. The doctrines are dear to my heart because it clarified so much for me that caused me angst, heartache, and confusion when I was younger and not reformed. I understand why they may be less important to others. I don't, either, which is why this thread kinda confuses me. Yep. I live in Reformed central, land of many a Dordt and Calvin alum. First CRC, Second CRC, Third CRC, Bethel CRC, Sonlight CRC, First Reformed, Faith Reformed, ~ to name just a few churches that lie within a few blocks of one another. (Not to mention the myriad of other churches.) If Garrison Keillor enjoys playing off the Minnesota Lutherans (and he does;)), he'd have a heyday with the Dutch Reformed in this neck o' the woods. It's most certainly an identifying factor for many of my friends. And then there are those who grew up with it and have moved into a more evangelical (for lack of a better word) frame of mind. Any-hoo. My own non-denominational Chapel began many years ago as a mission outreach of a Reformed church. Our Pastor is PCA and attended Westminster. We have members who embrace Calvinism and others who...don't. I contentedly call myself a Christian, just as I contentedly call myself a political Independent.:) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CLHCO Posted August 22, 2008 Share Posted August 22, 2008 I'm not reformed and I don't go to a reformed church. I just like and agree with most reformed teachings, reformed speakers, reformed articles, etc. But since the church I love isn't exactly reformed, and I only make a few of those Calvinist points, I don't officially qualify. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CAMom Posted August 22, 2008 Share Posted August 22, 2008 Reformed here and have been for 16/17 years. We currently attend a PCA plant church although our current pastor is an OPC minister preaching out of bounds. I really hate it that I can very rarely reveal this part of myself to my Chrisitan friends without them ceasing to be my friend. I listen to all manner of talk about the perspectives of my non-reformed friends but the minute I bring up my Reformed doctrines, it's like I grew a third eye.:confused: Oh well, now that I'm "out of the closet" here, I hope the nice comments and chatting don't stop.:tongue_smilie: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robin in Tx Posted August 22, 2008 Share Posted August 22, 2008 those doctrines do seem to be undergoing a bit of a Renaissance, especially among younger Baptist and Bible Church people. Interesting comment... very true. Don't know if you've been following it or not but the current leadership of the Southern Baptist Convention is fighting to "cross" it over to reformed. The Bible churches that come out of Dallas Theological Seminary are influenced in that direction by people like Tommy Nelson. Its kind of like the new "thing" sweeping these churches. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jugglin'5 Posted August 22, 2008 Share Posted August 22, 2008 Yep, we were Baptist, and it all started with a youth pastor who had studied under Al Mohler, then it progressed to RC Sproul books...yadda...yadda Sweeping generalization here, but it does seem to appeal more to the younger folks, many of whom got tired of singing the same 3 Fanny Crosby hymns and walking the aisle multiple times just to be sure. Not that I know anything about that myself...:glare: Just for the record, I know FC was a dear, sweet, Christian, blind lady, and I am not trying to insult her at all. You can only sing "Just As I Am" so many times, ya know? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robin in Tx Posted August 22, 2008 Share Posted August 22, 2008 You can only sing "Just As I Am" so many times, ya know? Amen!! :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heather in Neverland Posted August 22, 2008 Share Posted August 22, 2008 We went over for a little while. Freaked out. Came back. :lol: ditto Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
angela in ohio Posted August 22, 2008 Share Posted August 22, 2008 I've been Reformed since the beginning (which for me was only five years ago or so.) We attend a PCA church. I just finished a TULIP study and dh is in the middle of an Institutes study, LOL. We're 5 points all the way! :) I wouldn't say it's a new thing, more of a return to an old thing... ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
angela in ohio Posted August 22, 2008 Share Posted August 22, 2008 You must go read this: http://purgatorio1.com/?p=128 That is FUNNY! :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mommaduck Posted August 22, 2008 Share Posted August 22, 2008 Yep...borg here ;) And you are so right about cage stage... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jugglin'5 Posted August 22, 2008 Share Posted August 22, 2008 That is FUNNY! :lol: Oh, that is hilarious! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michelle My Bell Posted August 22, 2008 Share Posted August 22, 2008 We are not reformed, but we are calvinistic. Michelle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OnTheBrink Posted August 22, 2008 Share Posted August 22, 2008 Within the last 4 years, I have studied and come to an understanding of what Calvinism is, what Reformed means, and while I am Calvinist in my soteriological beliefs, I've not taken on all the trappings of the reformed faith. Our church practices credobaptism, teaches dispensational eschatology, and is part of the Evangelical Free Church. Should I still be locked up? :D Lock me up with you, sister. My church is like what you describe, except it's not part of the EFC. We're part of the IFCA. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melissa in CA Posted August 22, 2008 Share Posted August 22, 2008 I've been on the "dark side" going on 7 years now, and quite frankly, they've been the most enlightening years of my life. ;) For those wanting to see what's so fascinating about this dark and dreadful side of the Truth, check out this DVD. http://tinyurl.com/6quhat It's a definite keeper and pass-a-rounder. :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kathleen in VA Posted August 22, 2008 Share Posted August 22, 2008 I attend a Baptist church that believes in the "Doctrines of Grace," commonly known as the five points of Calvinism. We do not use the term reformed to describe our beliefs because we believe that God, in his sovereignty, has kept His church intact from the beginning and that there was never a time in history since the first church in Jerusalem when there was not a true Christ-centered, Holy Spirit regenerated church. In other words, it was not a matter of reforming the church, but rather preserving the church. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Remudamom Posted August 22, 2008 Author Share Posted August 22, 2008 You must go read this: http://purgatorio1.com/?p=128 I'm screaming, this is hysterical. Do you know how many copies of the Shorter Catechism we have in this house??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RoughCollie Posted August 22, 2008 Share Posted August 22, 2008 Okay, in a couple of short sentences and using words of one syllable, what is "reformed"? I've never heard of it. Thanks, RC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Remudamom Posted August 22, 2008 Author Share Posted August 22, 2008 Okay, in a couple of short sentences and using words of one syllable, what is "reformed"? I've never heard of it. Thanks, RC Oh dear, I'm not smart enough to put it in a couple of sentences. I could throw out a couple of words and watch the fur fly.............nah. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RoughCollie Posted August 22, 2008 Share Posted August 22, 2008 Well, whatever it is, it isn't a big thing around here. Oh dear, I'm not smart enough to put it in a couple of sentences. I could throw out a couple of words and watch the fur fly.............nah. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dragons in the flower bed Posted August 22, 2008 Share Posted August 22, 2008 Will you tolerate a curiousity post? What is the difference between Reformed and other Protestant Christians? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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