I hate that I read a lot of John Piper when I was a Christian so I actually understand the theology behind what she is saying (tl;dr it’s just Calvinist BS)
Sure, though it’s complicated because it’s both simplistic and complicated. Or at least it may sound complicated because it’s so demented, idk.
Calvinism holds that God doesn’t necessarily “love” everyone. He did not create the universe because he loves humanity or even just to express his creative powers per se: he did it because it glorifies himself. And because he is the eternal creator, he is worthy of glory. God is not a loving king (not to everyone at least), he is a powerful king. He demands that his subjects “glorify” him.
And also under Calvinism, God loves some but not others. Every single person he created deserves an eternity in hell. However, because it glorifies him to do so (not because he loves some of us, even though he does), he has so graciously chosen some of to avoid that fate and spend eternity in heaven. But not others, just a select few (“The Elect”, as Calvinists call themselves).
I knew about Calvinism’s elect, but I didn’t know about the reasoning or justification. I didn’t know about the glorifying part, so original post makes a bit more sense now.
If you ever want to elaborate more on this feel free. I’m all ears. It’s actually fascinating because it’s so deranged lol!
I also am curious about a historical material lens of Calvinism (the reformation and the rise of the bourgeoise, kings challenging the authority of the Pope and yadda yadda). I don’t know any of it in full detail, just some hints and broad strokes.
I have had an interest in making a collection of essays that takes white Evangelical Christianity and dissects it with a Marxist / dialectical materialist lens for a while now. But that’s like, a multi-year project. But if I ever get around to it I’ll be sure to share it here.
I hate that I read a lot of John Piper when I was a Christian so I actually understand the theology behind what she is saying (tl;dr it’s just Calvinist BS)
Care to elaborate? I’m an intrigued sicko lol
Sure, though it’s complicated because it’s both simplistic and complicated. Or at least it may sound complicated because it’s so demented, idk.
Calvinism holds that God doesn’t necessarily “love” everyone. He did not create the universe because he loves humanity or even just to express his creative powers per se: he did it because it glorifies himself. And because he is the eternal creator, he is worthy of glory. God is not a loving king (not to everyone at least), he is a powerful king. He demands that his subjects “glorify” him.
And also under Calvinism, God loves some but not others. Every single person he created deserves an eternity in hell. However, because it glorifies him to do so (not because he loves some of us, even though he does), he has so graciously chosen some of to avoid that fate and spend eternity in heaven. But not others, just a select few (“The Elect”, as Calvinists call themselves).
Okay, that makes sense. If you’re a sicko.
I knew about Calvinism’s elect, but I didn’t know about the reasoning or justification. I didn’t know about the glorifying part, so original post makes a bit more sense now.
If you ever want to elaborate more on this feel free. I’m all ears. It’s actually fascinating because it’s so deranged lol!
I also am curious about a historical material lens of Calvinism (the reformation and the rise of the bourgeoise, kings challenging the authority of the Pope and yadda yadda). I don’t know any of it in full detail, just some hints and broad strokes.
I have had an interest in making a collection of essays that takes white Evangelical Christianity and dissects it with a Marxist / dialectical materialist lens for a while now. But that’s like, a multi-year project. But if I ever get around to it I’ll be sure to share it here.
Please do! And ping me when you do cuz I will want to read that!
I grew up with (Russian) orthodox Christianity and from that perspective the take is outright heretical LOL