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Theology for the Curious
Debating theology that makes sense of life and faith. A team of regular people discuss issues of theology, faith and life. Uncovering bible thinking from cutting edge, to conservative, to all things in-between. A lively debate show that gets you thinking, challenging the relevance of God, scripture and faith to today's contemporary outlook.
Theology for the Curious
Ep. 174 - WHAT? Calvinism Isn’t Healthy? How Can That Be? w/prof. Ken Stewart
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Few theological labels generate as much heat—and as many misconceptions—as Calvinism. In this episode of Theology for the Curious, we sit down with historian and theologian Ken Stewart to discuss his insightful book Ten Myths About Calvinism and to separate fact from fiction when it comes to one of Christianity's most debated traditions. Is Calvinism simply whatever John Calvin taught? Must every Calvinist subscribe to TULIP as the ultimate test of orthodoxy? Does belief in God's sovereignty inevitably portray God as unloving, arbitrary, or selective in His affections?
Together we examine some of the most common objections levelled against Reformed theology and ask whether they genuinely reflect what Calvinists have historically believed. We explore the perennial questions of divine sovereignty and human responsibility, wrestle with accusations that Calvinism undermines free agency, and consider whether doctrines such as election discourage evangelism, missions, prayer, or personal holiness. We also discuss the pastoral concerns often raised against Calvinism: Does it produce spiritual anxiety, fatalism, or doubt about salvation? Or can it, rightly understood, foster assurance, humility, confidence in God's grace, and zeal for gospel ministry?
Throughout the conversation, Ken Stewart brings both historical depth and theological clarity, helping listeners understand how Calvinism has been caricatured, where legitimate criticisms should be acknowledged, and what a healthy, Christ-centred expression of Reformed theology should sound like in the church today. Whether you are convinced by Calvinism, sceptical of it, or simply curious about what it actually teaches, this episode offers a thoughtful and charitable exploration of one of the most influential streams within Christian theology.
Further Reading
Here’s a bit of homework for you….we’ve included a few articles that compliment this episode….
https://learn.ligonier.org/articles/what-is-reformed-theology
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/kevin-deyoung/does-calvinism-discourage-evangelism/
https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/how-does-a-sovereign-god-love
What we’re reading?
As a feature to our notes, we are adding the book or books that we’ve browsed related to this episode…enjoy!
Kenneth J Stewart—
Ten Myths About Calvinism
R C Sproul—
Chosen by God
Michael Horton—
For Calvinism
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