John Piper

[desmalia]

Just curious what people here think of him. I've only just heard of him more recenly, so haven't had a chance to listen to or read his work. Comments?

[Project 86]

Just curious what people here think of him. I've only just heard of him more recenly, so haven't had a chance to listen to or read his work. Comments?

I live in the same area as he. We went to his church once but he just happened to not be there that day. He's pretty good at most points but I do believe he pushes his Calvinism a little too much and a little too far. I prefer how John MacArthur handles Calvinism much better.

[desmalia]

I live in the same area as he. We went to his church once but he just happened to not be there that day. He's pretty good at most points but I do believe he pushes his Calvinism a little too much and a little too far. I prefer how John MacArthur handles Calvinism much better.
Very interesting. Thanks!

[NewGuy101]

Excellent Calvinist author. You'd probably get better info on him in Semper. ;)

[arunma]

I used to attend John Piper's church back in college. In fact it was the first church I attended after becoming a Christian (and the only one while in college). I love Piper's theology, mostly because it is highly unoriginal. To the best of my understanding, John Piper's teachings are consistent with the Bible and with what the true church has taught for the past two thousand years. I continue to watch his sermons even though I don't live in Minneapolis, and I plan to move back there after I finish graduate school (which, sadly, will be about five years).

[mont974x4]

I have seen a few of his DVD's and read a couple of his books. I beleive he is pretty solid on his theology and there no way anyone can doubt his passion for Christ and his love for people.

[VCViking]

From Way of Life Literature - Bro. David Cloud:


http://72.14.205.104/search?q=cache:yxEhw-jWpj4J:www.wayoflife.org/fbns/fruits-of-calvinism.html+John+Piper&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=7&gl=us&ie=UTF-8

"John Piper, who, by the way, claims to be a seven-point Calvinist said, “No Christian can be sure that he is a true believer. Hence, there is an ongoing need to be dedicated to the Lord and to deny ourselves so that we might make it.”[vii] Is that grace? The Calvinist says that he talks about the doctrines of grace. However, as we get into the message, we are going to see that it is grace plus works."


http://www.wayoflife.org/fbns/awarning-johnpiper.html

"Regardless of the good things that he might teach, John Piper is a New Evangelical and a Calvinist who despises Scriptural baptism and should therefore be avoided (Rom. 16:17; 2 Thess. 3:6)."



Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them (Rom. 16:17).

Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us (2 Thess. 3:6).


http://www.wayoflife.org/fbns/fridaynews/news/2007/fridaynews070112.html

"Piper even supports the heretical Charismatic Spirit-slaying phenomena. After taking his staff to a “Toronto-style” meeting he admitted that “a whole bunch of my staff went down” (“John Piper: Hedonist Theologian?” Faith and Freedom magazine, Dec. 2006). Piper said: “I simply know of too many people’s lives who have been profoundly helped for good by lying on the ground for forty-five minutes in a kind of laughter or peace” (tape of Question and Answer Session at a conference in Minneapolis, Jan. 31, 1996). Regardless of any good thing that he might teach, John Piper should be avoided."


http://www.wayoflife.org/fbns/fridaynews/news/2006/fridaynews060929.html

"Having studied the Bible earnestly and prayerfully for 33 years and having studied both sides of this issue, I am convinced that neither Calvinism nor Quick Prayerism is Scriptural. I have no ill will toward those who differ, but here I must stand, and I believe it is an issue worth standing for."


http://www.thebereancall.org/node/2732

[Project 86]

From Way of Life Literature - Bro. David Cloud:


http://72.14.205.104/search?q=cache:yxEhw-jWpj4J:www.wayoflife.org/fbns/fruits-of-calvinism.html+John+Piper&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=7&gl=us&ie=UTF-8

"John Piper, who, by the way, claims to be a seven-point Calvinist said, “No Christian can be sure that he is a true believer. Hence, there is an ongoing need to be dedicated to the Lord and to deny ourselves so that we might make it.”[vii] Is that grace? The Calvinist says that he talks about the doctrines of grace. However, as we get into the message, we are going to see that it is grace plus works."


If Piper ever said such a thing I would be shocked. The supposed resource for this quote was What We Believe About the Five Points of Calvinism (http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/Articles/ByDate/1985/1487_What_We_Believe_About_the_Five_Points_of_Calvinism/). You can read it for yourself online and no where is the quote to be found. I know Piper has stated that people can know they are saved (http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/Sermons/ByDate/1985/494_Our_Father_Hears_Us/). This contradicts the claims made about him. So what is the truth? It is important we don't misrepresent people. It is a sin to do so and God will judge us for it.

[arunma]

If Piper ever said such a thing I would be shocked. The supposed resource for this quote was What We Believe About the Five Points of Calvinism (http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/Articles/ByDate/1985/1487_What_We_Believe_About_the_Five_Points_of_Calvinism/). You can read it for yourself online and no where is the quote to be found. I know Piper has stated that people can know they are saved (http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/Sermons/ByDate/1985/494_Our_Father_Hears_Us/). This contradicts the claims made about him. So what is the truth? It is important we don't misrepresent people. It is a sin to do so and God will judge us for it.

Yes, I too found these accusations to be contrary to everything I know about John Piper, and as such I doubt their accuracy. The only exception would be the "Spirit-slaying phenomenon," on which I've never heard or read his comments. I do know that Piper strictly condemns the prosperity preachers on TBN and elsewhere who advocate this, so even if he did believe in these acts of the Spirit, he would most certainly not support heresy.

[desmalia]

Yes, I too found these accusations to be contrary to everything I know about John Piper, and as such I doubt their accuracy. The only exception would be the "Spirit-slaying phenomenon," on which I've never heard or read his comments. I do know that Piper strictly condemns the prosperity preachers on TBN and elsewhere who advocate this, so even if he did believe in these acts of the Spirit, he would most certainly not support heresy.
This is what concerns me so much about the way of life website. They make a lot of serious accusations and claims, but without proper backup. I find it can also be legalistic at times. There are some good articles, but the inconsistency has caused me to consider it a basically unreliable resource. That's my experience anyway.

[arunma]

This is what concerns me so much about the way of life website. They make a lot of serious accusations and claims, but without proper backup. I find it can also be legalistic at times. There are some good articles, but the inconsistency has caused me to consider it a basically unreliable resource. That's my experience anyway.

Well whatever the case, it's good that you're using discernment here. I attended John Piper's church for 3 and a half years, and I can say with certainty that these claims are either incorrect or, in the case of Spirit slaying, taken out of context.

[Vambram]

I would Love to go visit John Piper's church for at least a few services, but alas, I doubt I will get the chance to do that. However, I do subscribe to the blogs from his Desiring God website, and I have been blessed by them. Also, I have downloaded some of his sermons, and some of his books, being equally blessed and edified by the Holy Spirit as HE uses the works, words, and ministry of John Piper to bless and encourage myself. :) :hug: :)

[DeaconDean]

desmalia, if you are truely interested in studying Piper's theology, then I suggest you taking a look at this web-site, it contains a lot of Pipers teachings. in fact, if it wasn't for this web-site, I would have had a harder time in seminary than what I did.

http://www.monergism.com

God Bless

Till all are one.

[arunma]

desmalia, if you are truely interested in studying Piper's theology, then I suggest you taking a look at this web-site, it contains a lot of Pipers teachings. in fact, if it wasn't for this web-site, I would have had a harder time in seminary than what I did.

http://www.monergism.com

God Bless

Till all are one.


Desiring God (http://www.desiringgod.org/) is also a good resource. I would recommend watching a few of his sermons on video, if any of you have time.