I have read. Warning it is long.

https://michaelrspradlin.blog/2023/03/09/adrian-rogers-and-reformed-theology/

dermdoc said:

---

Warning it is long.

---

chatgbt, can you summarize this article?

In his article "Adrian Rogers and Reformed Theology," Michael R. Spradlin reflects on a personal conversation with the late Dr. Adrian Rogers, former pastor of Bellevue Baptist Church in Memphis, Tennessee. When asked about his views on Reformed theology, commonly known as Calvinism, Dr. Rogers emphasized the importance of evangelism, stating, "Any theology that lessens a hot heart for souls is defective." Spradlin shares a lightly edited transcript of a talk by Dr. Rogers, in which he discusses his perspective on Reformed theology. Dr. Rogers acknowledges belief in concepts such as the sovereignty of God, foreordination, predestination, calling, and election, as they are present in the Bible. However, he expresses reservations about identifying strictly as a Calvinist or adhering to a specific theological label. He emphasizes a commitment to biblical teachings over denominational doctrines and expresses a desire to focus on what the Bible teaches, rather than aligning with specific theological systems.

10andBOUNCE said:

---

dermdoc said:

---

Warning it is long.

---

Always my assumption for links you post.

---

Lots of Scripture links.

Martin Q. Blank said:

---

dermdoc said:

---

Warning it is long.

---

chatgbt, can you summarize this article?

In his article "Adrian Rogers and Reformed Theology," Michael R. Spradlin reflects on a personal conversation with the late Dr. Adrian Rogers, former pastor of Bellevue Baptist Church in Memphis, Tennessee. When asked about his views on Reformed theology, commonly known as Calvinism, Dr. Rogers emphasized the importance of evangelism, stating, "Any theology that lessens a hot heart for souls is defective." Spradlin shares a lightly edited transcript of a talk by Dr. Rogers, in which he discusses his perspective on Reformed theology. Dr. Rogers acknowledges belief in concepts such as the sovereignty of God, foreordination, predestination, calling, and election, as they are present in the Bible. However, he expresses reservations about identifying strictly as a Calvinist or adhering to a specific theological label. He emphasizes a commitment to biblical teachings over denominational doctrines and expresses a desire to focus on what the Bible teaches, rather than aligning with specific theological systems.

---

Do not think that is an accurate portrayal of the entire article. It is only a 5-10 minute read.

And I read any Reformed links posted here. In fact, I read every link posted on here.

dermdoc said:

---

10andBOUNCE said:

---

dermdoc said:

---

Warning it is long.

---

Always my assumption for links you post.

---

Lots of Scripture links.

---

I skimmed a lot of it and agree - definitely filled with scripture.

Good link Derm. I think it is always difficult to categorize Calvinism on a scale, but this link does a decent job. "Traditional Baptist" theology is in fact pretty complex, as it winds a road inevitably back to Sandy Creek at least.

A valid historic criticism I think of the Reformed tradition is that it is, inevitably, schismatic by nature. In pattern and practice it has relied on people who take their individual faiths seriously enough to debate amongst their fellow church members/friends as to the finer points. A 'polishing' of ideas is then the result.

Thx as always.

nortex97 said:

---

Good link Derm. I think it is always difficult to categorize Calvinism on a scale, but this link does a decent job. "Traditional Baptist" theology is in fact pretty complex, as it winds a road inevitably back to Sandy Creek at least.

A valid historic criticism I think of the Reformed tradition is that it is, inevitably, schismatic by nature. In pattern and practice it has relied on people who take their individual faiths seriously enough to debate amongst their fellow church members/friends as to the finer points. A 'polishing' of ideas is then the result.

Thx as always.

---

Thanks for the links. I fit in the American Baptist on the scale so I guess I am a heretic.
Kind of interesting Calvinists calling anybody heretic.
And the Baptist history is interesting. We are a stubborn, opinionated lot.

For what it's worth, I would never slander you as just another "Jerry Falwell."

The whole challenge is that the debate, when taken seriously, is a series of opportunities/temptations to label others as heretics/idiots/wrong thinkers/morons/heterodox/simpletons etc. I've been guilty of that on this very forum, quite honestly.

Very, very few calvinists, let alone 'reformed' writ large fully agree with each other respecting fine line theology. And a great many in America today try to form an opinion when asked about a specific component.

nortex97 said:

---

For what it's worth, I would never slander you as just another "Jerry Falwell."

The whole challenge is that the debate, when taken seriously, is a series of opportunities/temptations to label others as heretics/idiots/wrong thinkers/morons/heterodox/simpletons etc. I've been guilty of that on this very forum, quite honestly.

Very, very few calvinists, let alone 'reformed' writ large fully agree with each other respecting fine line theology. And a great many in America today try to form an opinion when asked about a specific component.

---

Agree. I disagree with their theology but they are My Christian brothers/sisters.

And when I get angry when one of their pastors/leaders make statements I disagree with I should not project that on them.

As mentioned before, I think all sects have those leaders that say some questionable things. Some of which should in fact disqualify them from ministry. But we all have certain things in our theology that is in error. May God be merciful with those things we think we know that we do not.

10andBOUNCE said:

---

As mentioned before, I think all sects have those leaders that say some questionable things. Some of which should in fact disqualify them from ministry. But we all have certain things in our theology that is in error. May God be merciful with those things we think we know that we do not.

---

Agree. Faith, not correct theology, is what matters.

Derm- you came to mind as I listed this morning.
~5 min

https://learn.ligonier.org/podcasts/things-unseen-with-sinclair-ferguson/do-you-have-love

10andBOUNCE said:

---

Derm- you came to mind as I listed this morning.
~5 min

https://learn.ligonier.org/podcasts/things-unseen-with-sinclair-ferguson/do-you-have-love

---

Thanks. Really enjoyed that. I literally walk around seeing patients meditating on the fruits of the Spirit. Brings peace, joy, and love.

And as your blog and Paul said, without love we are completely missing the point.