Great to hear from you and your feedback!

I understand the concern about the connotations associated with the term “Calvinist,” but in reality there are always going to be connotations associated with whatever label a theological trajectory takes on as its own (both positive and negative ones). Our usage of the language of Evangelical Calvinist, while mostly inspired by TFT, is not the only inspiration. It is a rhetorical move intended to identify that Calvinism has a multi-variegated history; or that it’s not, monolithic as American Calvinism wants us to think. So while our conceptual matter is very different from Trad Calvinism (or what has become known as such), what we are articulating has developed within the history of what has been called Calvinism. We also believe that Evangelical Calvinism is much more faithful to Calvin’s theology, at least his union with Christ (unio mystica) theology than traditional Calvinism’s appropriation. Of course Calvin can be a wax nose as well, which I have written on here at the blog.

I have moved this blog to a new url, here it is: http://growrag.wordpress.com

Hope to see you there. Thank you, and blessings in Christ!

Having now been made aware of your upcoming book, I just want to encourage you and your colleagues who are trying to bring Torrance to a wider audience. As a long-time Arminian (though I really dislike these categories) and Pentecostal, it is painful to see the ugly words being thrown about between so- called Calvinists and so- called Arminians. This brings me to the main point of this note.

Given the ‘red-flag’ nature of the categories ‘Calvinist’ and ‘Arminian’ it would be great if those seeking a more inclusive approach would find some other ways to summarize their theologies. I know ‘Evangelical Calvinism’ is one of Torrance’s terms, but I wonder if even he would recommend its use in 2011, especially in the USA. Just a thought and in no way meaning to be the least bit negative toward your project.

BTW, just looking at R. Michael Allen’s introduction in his recent book, “Reformed Theology” I read “First the term ‘Calvinist’ ought to be dropped entirely. A name which attaches certain beliefs or practices to a particular figurehead………requires strong footing lest it seem historically or logically idiosyncratic.” This admonition carries even more weight when coupled with the following quote from the early Torrance:

 “Constant reading of these many volumes in the course of sermon preparation…….convinced me that Calvin’s own theological position was very different from the hardened system that has long passed under the name of Calvinism. It is a sad reflection that the Reformer’s thought should have been crusted over for so long by a species of Aristotelianism, the very damnosa hereditus against which Calvin himself revolted with the full impetus of his mind and soul.” from the Preface of T.F. Torrance’s “Clavin’s Doctrine of Man” as quoted by Alisdair Heron in Participatio, Vol 2, 2010

Sorry if this is a bit presumptuous coming from an interested lay person with no qualifications in the field whatsoever. I look forward to your volume, regardless of it’s title!

Blessings,
Bev

That sounds like a good idea on the blog name. Let me know when you open it up, I look forward to reading more of your thoughts, brother!

Looking forward to whatever you come up with.

I will still be reading my TFT . And I hope to be doing that PhD still; Lord willing! I’ll always be a reader/student; that’s just who I am . Thanks for the encouragement!

Amen. I think the relational nature of heaven, with Jesus, the Father and Holy Spirit, and then the Church; is going to be absolutely amazing. The fact that we have been brought into the inner sanctum of God’s very life is simply going to be astounding (when unveiled)! No wonder the Angels just stand in awe at God’s grace!!

Thank you, brother !

@Jon,

I don’t plan on not talking about TFT and his stuff at whatever new venue I’m at; I still like Torrance, but I plan on expanding my reading — and actually getting back into some “Bib Studies” stuff; as well as historical theology.

I will be placing posts here on moderation, but I don’t really plan on interacting at this blog in the future. Plus, all posts here go onto comments off after 14 days anyway . I’m not sure if blogger and not WP yet. I might do blogger just to be different, since it seems everyone is doing WP nowadays .

As far as my PhD studies, I’m not sure that is ever going to happen. I need funding, and I’m really not willing to go into more student loan debt (I already have plenty of that from undergrad/grad and my wife’s undergrad loans too). My new blog will be expansive enough, though, to accommodate stuff on TFT. I’m really considering switching my topic of research to something having to do with a doctrine of Scripture (inclusive of TFT’s thinking); if I ever get to actually do a PhD. My first priority at the moment is to find employment.

There is a reason, though, Jon, that I want to do this with this blog. I’m somewhat afraid that this blog may polarize than I want. I’m also afraid that by constantly quoting TFT on various things; that de facto, all of his theology becomes appropriated under the guise of Evangelical Calvinism. I want to make sure that folks understand that Evangelical Calvinism is not code for being a Torrancean; because it’s not. Anyway, I think I’m somewhat tired of being the poster boy for Evangelical Calvinism on-line. I don’t have any problem whatsoever being part of this with Myk Habets, and introducing folks to this kind of thinking within Calvinist/Scottish history, but I also would prefer to be a little more “free” than constantly being known as “The Evangelical Calvinist” seems to let on; if that makes sense. This will be a good place and resource, I think, for anyone who buys our book and googles Evangelical Calvinism. They’ll be able to scroll through all the posts, and see all the dialogue that ensued from the various posts. Anyway, I just sense this blog is somewhat played out; and I’d like to do something a little different in the blogosphere. I’ll still be me wherever I blog though .

I too marvel at what heaven might be like. Since the heavenly city, New Jerusalem is the bride the body of Christ and Jesus the Lamb is the light and the center of the city, it certainly is much more than we can imagine. These words only give us a partial glimpse into something unique that God has planned for us. I believe there is no analog on Earth, the city being the best choice, but even that doesn’t do it justice.