Flowers rebuttal against Calvinism is very good technically, BUT there are some questions surrounding his ministry that leave me very puzzled.
One would expect Flowers to have a bible verse on the "Our Beliefs" page of his website, but his primary text is a quotation from AW Tozer! {2} In fact there are many scripture references, but no actual bible quotations on this page at all.
I notice that Flowers also frequently quotes CS Lewis in his videos. Both CS Lewis and AW Tozer were ecumenists and closet mystics. As I look down the list of non-Calvinistic scholars Flowers lists as reading material, I am very troubled indeed. For example, he lists false teachers such as ecumenist Billy Graham, false deliverance teacher Derek Prince, ecumenist Greg Laurie, open theist and annihilationist Clark Pinnock, ecumenist Ravi Zacharias, ecumenist David Jeremiah.. I could go on.. and on... This tells me that Calvinism is not the only serious problem that needs to be addressed within the Southern Baptist denomination. The ecumenical movement is THE biggest threat to biblical Christianity in our time, and yet inexplicably, Flowers actively promotes ecumenical teachers and apostates on his website!
Flowers video: Tiptoeing through the TULIP {2} is well-named. Flowers is at great pains not to tread on anyone's toes! I am surprised he has even started this ministry. Flowers asserts at the outset that he is not anti-Calvinist. This seems a very strange thing to say since his entire website is a rebuttal against Calvinism. His principle point is that Traditionalists and Calvinists interpret certain texts differently and that the discussion does not have to be divisive. However, elsewhere he can't avoid the inevitable conclusion i.e. if Calvinism is correct, then God is the author of wickedness. Is Calvinism another gospel or is it not? If Calvinism is another gospel, then why do Flowers and the Southern Baptists ..put up with it readily enough? (2 Corinthians 11:4). "..ye might well bear with him (or it)] These words have generally been regarded as ironical, nobly would ye bear with him (Alford, Plumptre), and explained of the ready reception which the false teachers had met with.. He (Paul) means, of course, that they have done much more than tolerate the preachers of the false gospel, and have paid them an extravagant deference." {3}
The distortion of the gospel of Jesus Christ is so very weighty a matter that Paul repeated twice: If anyone preaches another gospel.. let him be accursed. (Galatians 1:7-9). Flowers opinion that this is not a divisive subject is unscriptural: ..for there must be factions among you in order that those who are genuine among you may be recognized. (1 Corinthians 11:19).
Dr. Eric Hankins: "For the most part, Southern Baptists have been glad to relegate disagreements over Calvinism to secondary status along with other important but “non-essential” theological matters. The Southern Baptist majority has fellowshipped happily with its Calvinist brethren while kindly resisting Calvinism itself. And, to their credit, most Southern Baptist Calvinists have not demanded the adoption of their view as the standard. We would be fine if this consensus continued, but some New Calvinists seem to be pushing for a radical alteration of this longstanding arrangement." {2}
How very agreeable of Satan to play nicely for so long! Seriously though, if you appease Satan for long enough, then he will ultimately push things to breaking point, and this appears? to be exactly what is happening to the Southern Baptists. (Ephesians 4:27; James 4:7;1 Peter 5:8). The thin end of the wedge (idiomatic), is something that if allowed or accepted to a small degree would lead to systematic encroachment. Is the current threat from radical Calvinists a judgement from God upon the Southern Baptists? (Hosea 11:5).
Flowers calls his excessive approval of Calvinist teachers "grown up"; I call it "weakness" ..at best! I find that I cannot rule out a more sinister motive however, due principally to Flowers dubious choice of non-Calvinist reading material and his flattery of many false teachers. Surely Flowers spiritual discernment and excellent exegeses is not limited to one area of expertise? If Flowers really does not have spiritual discernment beyond Calvinism, then I cannot account for it at all, other than to put it down to his employment of Hegelian dialectic. If this is the case, the Southern Baptists are in much more trouble than I originally perceived them to be. If it is not the case, then Flowers and the Southern Baptists indulgence of Calvinist teachers may be an avoidance technique ..that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. (Galatians 6:12).
How very agreeable of Satan to play nicely for so long! Seriously though, if you appease Satan for long enough, then he will ultimately push things to breaking point, and this appears? to be exactly what is happening to the Southern Baptists. (Ephesians 4:27; James 4:7;1 Peter 5:8). The thin end of the wedge (idiomatic), is something that if allowed or accepted to a small degree would lead to systematic encroachment. Is the current threat from radical Calvinists a judgement from God upon the Southern Baptists? (Hosea 11:5).
Flowers calls his excessive approval of Calvinist teachers "grown up"; I call it "weakness" ..at best! I find that I cannot rule out a more sinister motive however, due principally to Flowers dubious choice of non-Calvinist reading material and his flattery of many false teachers. Surely Flowers spiritual discernment and excellent exegeses is not limited to one area of expertise? If Flowers really does not have spiritual discernment beyond Calvinism, then I cannot account for it at all, other than to put it down to his employment of Hegelian dialectic. If this is the case, the Southern Baptists are in much more trouble than I originally perceived them to be. If it is not the case, then Flowers and the Southern Baptists indulgence of Calvinist teachers may be an avoidance technique ..that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. (Galatians 6:12).
Some observations from a previous post:
Sometimes it seems that Flowers would rather condemn those who call out false teachers than the false teachers themselves! A number of people involved in apologetics are called to.. contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. (Jude 1:3). "Winning the argument", in human terms, as Flowers puts it, is the last thing they are interested in doing! I find Flowers reductionism and his condemnation of those speaking out against apostasy highly offensive! Perhaps more attention to the damage being done to the flock might be in order! (Matthew 7:15; 2 Peter 2:1-2; 2 Timothy 4:3). The practice of "Stealth Calvinism" is particularly despicable i.e. the Founders Ministries advice to Calvinistic pastors to avoid full disclosure while interviewing in order to gain leadership positions!
Flowers advice to those finding themselves under the authority of a Calvinist pastor who has insidiously taken over leadership of a "traditional" church: ".. bear with the pastor and pray for him ... ask questions, be patient, serve him, support him and to speak to him.." {7}. This counsel seems very tolerant and loving, but is it? Paul warned about the problem of false teachers who creep in unnoticed. (2 Peter 2:1). If a man has hidden his Calvinism prior to taking up a position as a pastor, then his personal integrity comes into grave question. (Luke 16:10). An elder should be above reproach and an example to the flock. (1 Timothy 4:12). ..to hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it. (Titus 1:6-9 cf. James 3:1). The new pastor has created the problem, not those who are upset by his teaching. Not everyone is strong (Romans 14:1); and yet all will be obliged to come under the authority of, and be subject to, false teaching.. actually a different gospel. (Galatians 1:6; 2 Corinthians 11:4). Must a whole congregation suffer and be sacrificed because of one man's dishonesty? (1 Corinthians 5:7-8). I thought that shepherds were supposed to lay down their lives for the flock, not the reverse! (John 10:12-13). I do not think that Flowers would have got on very well with some of the advice the apostle Paul gave at times! (Romans 16:17; 2 Corinthians 11:13). My advice is to politely ask questions, at the beginning, and obviously to pray. After patiently exhausting the possibility of a resolution, failure to act decisively is tantamount to putting up with another gospel. (2 Corinthians 11:4). The sad fact is that Calvinism does split churches, and there comes a time when separation becomes inevitable. (2 Corinthians 6:17). {4}
Jesus warned: You will recognize them by their fruits.. (Matthew 7:16). Who are they and what are their fruits?
Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. (Matthew 7:15 cf. Matthew 24:11; Colossians 2:8).
Sometimes it seems that Flowers would rather condemn those who call out false teachers than the false teachers themselves! A number of people involved in apologetics are called to.. contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. (Jude 1:3). "Winning the argument", in human terms, as Flowers puts it, is the last thing they are interested in doing! I find Flowers reductionism and his condemnation of those speaking out against apostasy highly offensive! Perhaps more attention to the damage being done to the flock might be in order! (Matthew 7:15; 2 Peter 2:1-2; 2 Timothy 4:3). The practice of "Stealth Calvinism" is particularly despicable i.e. the Founders Ministries advice to Calvinistic pastors to avoid full disclosure while interviewing in order to gain leadership positions!
Flowers advice to those finding themselves under the authority of a Calvinist pastor who has insidiously taken over leadership of a "traditional" church: ".. bear with the pastor and pray for him ... ask questions, be patient, serve him, support him and to speak to him.." {7}. This counsel seems very tolerant and loving, but is it? Paul warned about the problem of false teachers who creep in unnoticed. (2 Peter 2:1). If a man has hidden his Calvinism prior to taking up a position as a pastor, then his personal integrity comes into grave question. (Luke 16:10). An elder should be above reproach and an example to the flock. (1 Timothy 4:12). ..to hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it. (Titus 1:6-9 cf. James 3:1). The new pastor has created the problem, not those who are upset by his teaching. Not everyone is strong (Romans 14:1); and yet all will be obliged to come under the authority of, and be subject to, false teaching.. actually a different gospel. (Galatians 1:6; 2 Corinthians 11:4). Must a whole congregation suffer and be sacrificed because of one man's dishonesty? (1 Corinthians 5:7-8). I thought that shepherds were supposed to lay down their lives for the flock, not the reverse! (John 10:12-13). I do not think that Flowers would have got on very well with some of the advice the apostle Paul gave at times! (Romans 16:17; 2 Corinthians 11:13). My advice is to politely ask questions, at the beginning, and obviously to pray. After patiently exhausting the possibility of a resolution, failure to act decisively is tantamount to putting up with another gospel. (2 Corinthians 11:4). The sad fact is that Calvinism does split churches, and there comes a time when separation becomes inevitable. (2 Corinthians 6:17). {4}
Jesus warned: You will recognize them by their fruits.. (Matthew 7:16). Who are they and what are their fruits?
Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. (Matthew 7:15 cf. Matthew 24:11; Colossians 2:8).
I have heard Flowers say that John MacArthur is a "good teacher". !!
Can anyone teaching another gospel be a "good teacher"? !!
Quite apart from Calvinism, MacArthur says that we can take the mark of the beast and be saved! (Revelation 14:9, 22:18-19). {5}
I have also heard Flowers say that John Piper is "a humble and a godly man". Really?
John Piper: "The intellectual appeal of the system of Calvinism draws a certain kind of intellectual person.. ..Do Calvinists want to make everybody else Calvinists? Absolutely we do!" {6}
*Piper falsely teaches supersessionism (replacement theology).
*"John Piper opened up Warrengate when he made a mistake by inviting Purpose Driven Pope Rick Warren to be a keynote speaker at the Desiring God Conference 2010." {7}
*Piper promotes the false teaching known as "Christian Hedonism".
*Piper led the ancient spiritual Roman Catholic monastic mystical practice of Lectio Divina at Passion 2012 with Louis Giglio, Francis Chan and Beth Moore. He has since apologised and removed this material from his website. {8}
*Regarding Pipers Book: A Hunger for God, Desiring God Through Fasting and Prayer: "But of even greater concern is that Piper draws from a number of disturbing sources. There are spiritual formation leaders such as Richard Foster (pp. 19, 58, 202-203) and Dallas Willard (pp. 203-204), Roman Catholic priests and monks (p. 210), and the Desert Fathers and early church mystics from which much of modern fasting practices originate (p. 210)." {9}
*Flowers recently highlighted the negative effect of Piper's theistic determinism in a counseling situation. {10} Flowers advice to look to ourselves and our own past experiences if we are struggling with unbelief, is, in my view, unsound and entirely misses the mark. The antidote to error is truth. (John 8:32, 36; Matthew 11:28).
I find Flowers tactic of censuring those who speak out strongly against false teachers highly offensive. Ad hominem attacks aside, the Gospel IS worth fighting for! (1 Timothy 6:12). I am quite prepared to throw my toys out of the pram rather than accept another gospel! (Matthew 21:12; 2 John 1:10; Titus 3:10).
I call upon Flowers to think about the consequences of his prevarications.
Can anyone teaching another gospel be a "good teacher"? !!
Quite apart from Calvinism, MacArthur says that we can take the mark of the beast and be saved! (Revelation 14:9, 22:18-19). {5}
I have also heard Flowers say that John Piper is "a humble and a godly man". Really?
John Piper: "The intellectual appeal of the system of Calvinism draws a certain kind of intellectual person.. ..Do Calvinists want to make everybody else Calvinists? Absolutely we do!" {6}
*Piper falsely teaches supersessionism (replacement theology).
*"John Piper opened up Warrengate when he made a mistake by inviting Purpose Driven Pope Rick Warren to be a keynote speaker at the Desiring God Conference 2010." {7}
*Piper promotes the false teaching known as "Christian Hedonism".
*Piper led the ancient spiritual Roman Catholic monastic mystical practice of Lectio Divina at Passion 2012 with Louis Giglio, Francis Chan and Beth Moore. He has since apologised and removed this material from his website. {8}
*Regarding Pipers Book: A Hunger for God, Desiring God Through Fasting and Prayer: "But of even greater concern is that Piper draws from a number of disturbing sources. There are spiritual formation leaders such as Richard Foster (pp. 19, 58, 202-203) and Dallas Willard (pp. 203-204), Roman Catholic priests and monks (p. 210), and the Desert Fathers and early church mystics from which much of modern fasting practices originate (p. 210)." {9}
*Flowers recently highlighted the negative effect of Piper's theistic determinism in a counseling situation. {10} Flowers advice to look to ourselves and our own past experiences if we are struggling with unbelief, is, in my view, unsound and entirely misses the mark. The antidote to error is truth. (John 8:32, 36; Matthew 11:28).
I find Flowers tactic of censuring those who speak out strongly against false teachers highly offensive. Ad hominem attacks aside, the Gospel IS worth fighting for! (1 Timothy 6:12). I am quite prepared to throw my toys out of the pram rather than accept another gospel! (Matthew 21:12; 2 John 1:10; Titus 3:10).
I call upon Flowers to think about the consequences of his prevarications.
Therefore repent. If not, I will come to you soon and war against them with the sword of my mouth. (Revelation 2:16).
{1} https://soteriology101.com/about-2/
{2} https://soteriology101.com/about-2/statement-of-faith/
{3} http://biblehub.com/commentaries/2_corinthians/11-4.htm
{4} https://bewareofthewolves.blogspot.co.uk/2018/04/calvinism-horrible-decree.html
{5} https://bewareofthewolves.blogspot.co.uk/2013/11/john-macarthur-false-teacher-wolf-in.html
{6} https://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/why-are-calvinists-so-negative
{7} http://apprising.org/2010/04/07/crosstalk-bob-dewaay-on-warrengate-and-john-piper/
{8} https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/a-system-for-praying-in-2012
{9} http://tottministries.org/a-hunger-for-god-desiring-god-through-fasting-and-prayer-by-john-piper-wheaton-crossway-1997-pp-239-paper-10-99/
{10} https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yz2emj_LSx0