Why Provisionism is doomed to die unless..
1). It is a negative theology. It is primarily focused on being anti-Calvinist and not Arminian instead of primarily being focused on something positive. Negative movements never last.
Provisionism is an extension of traditionalism that dmonated SBC in the mid 20th Century. It brought an impressive history of magnified the great commission activity and dominated missions among protestants. the most noted theologian of this perspective was "Mr. Baptist Herschael Hobbs" The "New Calvinism" movement took advantage of conservatives through albert mohler who proselytized SBC academic institutions.
2). It lacks historical credibility and instead of acknowledging this seeks to be revisionist and claim Pelagius was the good guy for example.
Many Provisisonist feel that Pelagius was not correctly interpretted and the majority would reject the typical definition of those with the label. yet feel the real pelagius would reject the doctrine too.
There are dozens of topics where scholars have shown the scholars of the inquisition were not objective and the smearing of the times gave a bad reputation to the inquisition and earned the period the label of the dark ages. Calvinist scholars usually agree when the condemnation is not disagreeing with their agenda.
3). It is shallow. As a negative moment,the only thing that unites it is its anti-Calvinism. Thus, the movement has widely divergent theologies within it that will destroy it from within.The biggest threat isn’t enemies from without but enemies from within."
J.D. is conflating on anti calvinisn verses provisionism and then turning around to blame provisionism on his own conflation! For instance provisionist scholars coming from traditionalism by and large reject soteriological apostasy. other movements may join in against calvinism but this does not make them provisionists.
4). It is an internet popular movement with little to no gate keeping. This allows anyone to join and even become a voice and leader even if they are completely unqualified, ungodly, and nearly heretical on other teachings. As long as they are anti-Calvinist non-Arminians they are in.
New Calvinism is an internet popular movement and it has tons of gatekeeping problems too.
tim keller? Federal Vision? Sry, for not mentioning a dozen others. Anti calvinist movement has the problems of all movements. But you need to show the proof of the movement like the schools.
btw, I am generally a provisionist but that does not encapsulate my theology. I identify as a Davidic dispensationalist.
5). It is miopic in scope. Since the one and only message is anti-Calvinism, disciples are not being made and mature Christians are not being formed. It is doubtful any movement can survive that doesn’t organically build up well-rounded leaders and disciple the people.
Movements come and go. That is what movements are. The question is over what happens to the local churches. What is the record for local churches who have these principles because the local church is the pillar and ground of truth. Not the academic institutions!
6). YT and FB are the primary if not exclusive means of propagation. YouTube incentives anti-messages of celebrities and Facebook endless quarreling and development of pride, impatience, endless novelty, and overall meanness.
If this is the base of any movement, it is doomed to die.
Maybe you think that because Calvinist stores the last time I checked are not carrying leighton flowers material???? I know for a fact last time I checked the Bookstore at SBTS was NOT!
So maybe you are really basing this complaint over the fact that since your calvinist circle refuses to read provisionist material you have to blame us for not reading our material.
Recommendation:
Become a positive theology. Grow disciples, teach on way more than just anti-Calvinism, define theological perimeters on other doctrines, censor bad leaders/speakers, acknowledge semi-Pelagian similarities and seek to be as historically grounded as possible. In short, cease to be an internet houg-poug and become a disciple making movement. Lastly, view this message not as an attack but as an unexpected kindness for someone who will actually tell you the truth. SDG
1. The synod of dort did not practice your advice. Typically I have made the joke that you will not find a reformed congregation without 3-4 members writing their own systematic theologies. You new calcinists started the fight against dowens traditions and now you want sympathey that differing people are challenging you.
2. Personally i have developed a (personal but congregation based) confession
and as well a theology.
http://biblesmack.blogspot.com/2012/02/freedom-baptist-church-confession-of.html
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLavY7tWK07pnrORfGLwYX4R7FExaYdjMz
3. It is time to get the History settled
http://biblesmack.blogspot.com/2010/03/case-for-waldenses-ancient-origin.html
http://biblesmack.blogspot.com/2009/03/who-is-great-whore-of-babylon.html
most relevant of all
http://biblesmack.blogspot.com/2019/12/what-do-you-call-someone-who-steals.html for other resources check out my blogged book. http://biblesmack.blogspot.com/2022/09/not-reformed-transformed.html
http://biblesmack.blogspot.com/2019/12/what-do-you-call-someone-who-steals.html for other resources check out my blogged book. http://biblesmack.blogspot.com/2022/09/not-reformed-transformed.html
