Hendrikus Berkhof's definition of dogma states, "a doctrine, derived from Scripture, officially defined by the Church, and declared to rest upon divine authority" (Enns 2014, 505). Denominations, churches, and ministries will often post their doctrine online to describe their core beliefs. Published doctrine is helpful and important as it binds and anchors a community of believers around a set of strongly considered beliefs based on Scripture and developed in a systematic way.
Additionally, if someone is considering attending the service of a particular Church, a review of the denomination or church doctrine will help them understand the basic tenets of the faith. Furthermore, these details matter if you should decide to attend or join a church because it can strongly influence and inform the faith of you and your family.
To compare some differences, let’s focus on the two dogmatic theologies of Jacobus Arminius and John Calvin. On the topic of election, according to Arminian theology, “Election is conditional, based on man’s response to faith” (Enns 2014, 525). Alternatively, according to Calvinism theology, election is not based on man’s response, but God’s selection from eternity past (Ibid.)
Let’s now focus on the doctrinal differences of two major Christian denominations, the Roman
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And regarding the possibility of public, negative discussion, we are called to be in the world, not of the world. We will face challenges to our faith, including the doctrines we might publically post describing it. “If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.” (John 15:19 ESV). We press forward, able to defend our faith as we are called to do in 1 Peter 3:15, “…always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in
i) The doctrines of Calvinism said that the elect were the people who were going to heaven
John Wesley and George Whitefield were two very influential men in the great awakening. Though the impact of both of these men was felt far and wide during the great awakening; their view on the doctrine of election could not be more at odds. Justo L. Gonzalez in his book The Story of Christianity spoke about the dynamic nature of Whitefield and Wesley relationship. He stated, “Wesley and Whitefield worked together for some time, although slowly Wesley became the main leader of the movement. Eventually, they parted because of theological differences. Both were Calvinist in most matters; but, on the issue of predestination and free will, Wesley departed from orthodox Calvinism, preferring the Arminian position”.
“The Devil and Tom Walker” (1824) by Washington Irving is a faustian tale about a man named Tom Walker who develops a relationship and strikes a life altering deal with the devil. The short story takes place in the time period of 1727 near Boston, Massachusetts when Puritans were very prevalent and the ideas of Calvinism were contemplated by many. A main aspect of Calvinism Washington Irving disagrees with is called predestination. This belief is when one does not have control of their afterlife because it is already chosen by God. I’ll be exploring Calvinist and Puritan beliefs along with the concept of the faustian deal to show why Irving had Tom Walker agree to such a lopsided pact with the devil. To further understand Tom Walker’s personality and how it contradicted Calvinism, I will also be exploring what was the perception of death for Bostonian Puritans around 1727? Understanding the Puritan perception of death is central to understanding why Tom easily sold his soul to the devil. Through the encounter with the devil at the Native American stronghold, Tom’s wife dying and the faustian deal, Washington Irving shows he is against the Calvinist belief of predestination brought to the Massachusetts Bay colonies.
Robert Charles Sproul, American Calvinist theologian, is co-pastor of Saint Andrew’s Chapel in Sanford Florida, founder and chairman of Ligonier Ministries and author of more than one hundred books. Hence, discovering his written opinion on the subject of predestination should not be a surprise. This author claims to “love the doctrine of predestination because it comforts and underlines the extent to which God has gone in our behalf. It is a theology that begins and ends with grace”. Hence, Sproul demonstrates a discernment of predestination which readers to experience John Calvin’s opinions through a modern lens. Along the way, the evaluation may reveal unknown or overlooked characteristics. Resultantly, this review will conduct a short summary of Chosen by God’s content and survey its major strengths and weaknesses, providing researchers information by which the work can be evaluated.
humans and angels to enjoy the world the way that he created it to be.
The conference call started with a word of payer led by Maentta Jackson. The following points were presented and discussed: Orthodoxy versus Heresy, the five central core beliefs of Christian Orthodoxy and scriptures relating to each central core belief; and lastly, a discussion regarding on how to explain the doctrine of the Trinity to heretical cults who deviate from the five central core beliefs.
1 Timothy 4:16 tells us to take heed of our doctrine. It is a very important
In John Calvin's Institutes of the Christian Religion he spends a great deal of time expounding his doctrine of God's Divine providence in all of creation. He explains not only how God continually governs the laws of nature, but also how God governs man's actions and intentions to bring about His own Divine Will. Calvin believes that God's providence is so encompassing in creation that even a man's own actions, in many ways, are decreed by God. Because of this belief there arises the question, "Does Calvin leave room for the free will of man?"
The Star of David (✡), known in Hebrew as the Shield of David or Magen David (Hebrew מָגֵן דָּוִד; Biblical Hebrew Māḡēn Dāwīḏ [maːˈɣeːn daːˈwiːð], Tiberian [mɔˈɣen dɔˈvið], Modern Hebrew [maˈɡen daˈvid], Ashkenazi Hebrew and Yiddish Mogein Dovid [ˈmɔɡeɪn ˈdɔvid] or Mogen Dovid), is a generally recognized symbol of modern Jewish identity and Judaism.[1] Its shape is that of a hexagram, the compound of two equilateral triangles. Unlike the menorah, the Lion of Judah, the shofar and the lulav, the Star of David was never a uniquely Jewish symbol.[2]
The biblical creed and doctrine in which my core religious beliefs are founded upon originates from the message of the Gospel of the good news of Jesus Christ, which is rooted in the significance of the life of Jesus Christ. In Scripture, doctrine refers to the entire body of essential theological truths that define and describe the message of our soon coming King's core beliefs. For instance, the word of God declares, “Those who accept Jesus Christ will live for eternity with him after they die”(John 11:25, 26; 2 Corinthians 5:6). Further clarification of the word states, "Christians will be raised from the dead when Jesus returns" (1 Thessalonians 4:14-17), and lastly, "God will create a new heaven and a new earth" (2Peter 3:13). Specifically,
The concept of ambition is something that people always think about. It is a driving force that enables us to achieve our aspirations, motivating us to work hard and anticipate a bright future. However, excessive ambition can be detrimental to our overall happiness and success. While striving towards our goals is vital, we must maintain balance and acknowledge our limitations. Pursuing ambition helps us gain a deeper understanding of our desires and objectives, enabling us to strive for excellence and reach our full potential.
Fundamentally, the role of the Baptist Faith and Message was to adopt statements that would “clarify the atmosphere and remove some causes of misunderstanding, friction, and apprehension” These confessions of faith were implemented to confirm repentance to God, perpetuate faith in Jesus Christ, and fulfil the Great Commission. Further, the statements are intended to clarify and provide guidance of the basic beliefs that stands as the foundation of the Baptist’s faith, witness, and worship. As an autonomous body, the local congregation is considered to be independent in its faith and fellowship of the gospel.
In a time of chaos, the words, “God is in control,” can bring peace to believers and non-believers alike. This phrase has found its way to bumper stickers, Hallmark cards, and Facebook post, and in many ways it has become a junk drawer phrase – one that we pull out when we need a comforting cliché. When pandemonium breaks loose and we seem to have lost all control, then it is convenient for God to be in “control.” But what about when things are not? What if things are relatively normal.
2012. p. 306). When people attend church, they have their fellow church members; they can talk with about their problems. The church members can support each other through whatever trauma they may be experiencing.
John Calvin’s doctrine of predestination is arguably one of the most important results of the Protestant reformation. Predestination is the belief that “salvation[entrance into heaven] is given to only those whom god has chosen”. The chosen people were called the elect. John Calvin wrote this important belief during the era of the Protestant Reformation. People often formed negative opinions on predestination or let it rule their lives. Some people who did not think like Calvin loathed predestination because they believed that