When a church name includes the word "reformed" or "reform" does that always mean (or to a very high degree) that the Pastor will be Calvinistic in doctrine?
When a church name includes the word "reformed" or "reform" does that always mean (or to a very high degree) that the Pastor will be Calvinistic in doctrine?
Honestly, at this point, it could mean anything. If you said the definition is "not Catholic" you'd be close. Lutherans I believe consider themselves reformed, but they are not Calvinists. Then there are the "Free Will Baptists" who are reformed but not entirely Calvinist. But the Orthodox Churches are not Catholic (capital C), not reformed, and not Calvinists.
Yes. Not always, but to a very high degree. "Reformed" is generally synonymous with "Calvinist".When a church name includes the word "reformed" or "reform" does that always mean (or to a very high degree) that the Pastor will be Calvinistic in doctrine?
Thanks for simplifying this!Yes. Not always, but to a very high degree. "Reformed" is generally synonymous with "Calvinist".
Lutherans are not Calvinists and they try very hard to distance themselves away from the term "Reformed." Having said that, there are a few compatibles between Reformed thought and Lutheranism. On the 5 point TULIP scale, Lutherans are 1.5 out of 5.Lutherans I believe consider themselves reformed, but they are not Calvinists.
When a church name includes the word "reformed" or "reform" does that always mean (or to a very high degree) that the Pastor will be Calvinistic in doctrine?
This is mostly true for most Reformed denominations. The one exception that I have come across is the Reformed Church in America which is Reformed in tradition only.Used IN the name of the church itself then yes, your likely to see anything from 3-5 point Calvinists.
I'm actually either all 5 points or 4.5 point and when I say reformed I am definitely referring to reformed doctrine that will uphold at least most of TULIP.
Got that one right.The Lutherans are generally viewed as not getting far enough away from Roman Catholicism and though leaders in the reformation aren't always included in the category these days.
The Baptists always seem to have been quite a motley crew. The Anabaptists of the Reformation don't bear close comparison with contemporary American Baptist denominations. In fact, the descendants of the Anabaptists (Mennonites, Amish, Dunkard Brethren, Evangelical Brethren, etc.) are probably closer to groups such as the Friends (pacifists) or the various Campbellites (Churches of Christ, etc.) than they are to Baptists.Got that one right.
One of my pet'tists of all pet peeves are when Baptists accuse all three branches of the Reformation of 'NOT GOING FAR ENOUGH.' This is in specific reference to the Sacraments.
The Reformation era goes from 1517 to 1648 (the end of the Thirty Years War). All branches of the Reformation went as far as history allowed them to go.
There are many Baptists today who don't catagorize themselves as Protestants due to Sacramental issues.
those who loudly proclaim transsubtantiation and insist that the bread becomes the real body and flesh of Jesus Christ and the wine becomes the real blood of Jesus Christ, actually do not believe that they are eating human flesh and drinking human blood
I have found it curious to determine the nature and meaning of various Christian words and phrases. If taken literally, some things become really quite absurd. Thus, without understanding the nature of metaphor and allegory, one could come to crazy ideas. For example, Jesus Christ could be taken to have been a complete lunatic when He informed folks that he was a piece of woodwork with metal fittings (I am the door) or that He was not at all a human being, but a lamb.Well and I am quite certain of that, lol... No one could do it otherwise.
But the language defies the attitude, and I can't do that, not before man and God.
It's the one thing I am, I will not do anything unless I truly believe in it. I have to be honest about my faith because this is eternity, and there's a lot of weight upon us here to remain true to God, and be real with it.
I do thank God He gave me a husband with the patience of Job, who gives me just enough room to learn how I need to learn.
I have found it curious to determine the nature and meaning of various Christian words and phrases. If taken literally, some things become really quite absurd. Thus, without understanding the nature of metaphor and allegory, one could come to crazy ideas. For example, Jesus Christ could be taken to have been a complete lunatic when He informed folks that he was a piece of woodwork with metal fittings (I am the door) or that He was not at all a human being, but a lamb.
Other absurdities - I once encountered a church where they were seated in a square formation around a communion table. I was informed that I was prohibited from sitting in the circle because I was not a member of their denomination. When I asked the gentleman where the circle was to which he was referring, he became quite heated an insisted that their square was, in reality, a circle.
Then there is the standard question - Are you saved? Saved from what? or Are you born again? Even Nicodemus struggled with that one.
In the RCC there is a lot of reference to "the religious". "Religious" is an adjective and not a noun. Thus, one can be a religious person, but one can never be a "religious". Nevertheless, the refer to folks who have undertaken religious vocations in their denomination as being "the religious".
Have you "walked the aisle" or "hit the sawdust trail"? Do you go to school on Sunday? What kinds of sacrifices are slain on your altar? Are you covered in "the blood"? Is your "all on the altar"?
Thank you. I had not heard the phrase "finer than frog hair split 3 ways" and may use it for some of the multitude of telemarketers who routinely ask me how I am. Lately I have been telling them that I am "dead as a doorknob". They usually respond with "That's good" before launching into their spiel.I absolutely love folk sayings because they can convey so much meaning so simply. And of course sometimes they make you giggle even as they convey an idea.
It's why I like Biblical language so much, but there's a lot I don't take literally. And there's always cues, sometimes in the things you don't think about...
Some conclusions people reach would be like me calling an ambulance because my husband said "I'm finer than frog hair split 3 ways" so I jumped to the conclusion that most of him might have disappeared... Lol
(And by the way, that's actually how my husband answers the question "how are you?", every time he's asked unless he's sick.. lol..)
But as to something you said, how do you know what some of this even means? Some of it I really did just have to experience to understand, or just wait upon God to reveal the meaning.
Light bulb moments are awesome... I love them, don't you?
Lately I have been telling them that I am "dead as a doorknob". They usually respond with "That's good" before launching into their spiel.
Unfortunately, these telemarketers are usually offshore, generally in India, so their knowledge of American idioms is limited, at best.Wow... Well that proves they don't even listen to you.... Lol.
I'd respond to that with at least a modicum of wit...
"Religious" can be used either as an adjective or noun.In the RCC there is a lot of reference to "the religious". "Religious" is an adjective and not a noun. Thus, one can be a religious person, but one can never be a "religious". Nevertheless, the refer to folks who have undertaken religious vocations in their denomination as being "the religious".
And we see the reformed as going way to far; cutting off their noses to spite their face.<Snip>
The Lutherans are generally viewed as not getting far enough away from Roman Catholicism and though leaders in the reformation aren't always included in the category these days.
Since you asked the question; Scripture is clear and sternly admonishes us regarding no discerning Christ's body and blood.Real presence freaks me out. It really does. It's my absolute never.
I have oddly wondered privately, what if I'm wrong?
I think it's a camp I can't be in though... I'm comfy here with the motley crew.. haha haha (just making a joke).