As I’ve been thinking through the responses to my question, “Who are the NeoReformed?” (an open invitation for you to weigh in on). I’ve got to be honest, no one who uses that term has given me an answer. Lots of great comments though.
When Scot McKnight writes that the “neo-Reformed are more committed to tradition than to the sacred text,” he essentially takes on the same type of attitude that critics of Reformed theology use when they suggest that Calvinists do not pray and do not evangelize.
“NeoReformed” is the new “Hyper-Calvinist” of our age.
Make no mistake, when many people in the blogosphere use the term “NeoReformed,” they do not generally intend to convey a positive appreciation. No, the “NeoReformed” are the “NeoFundamentalists” who allegedly do not believe Christians are “truly” evangelicals unless they hold to Imputation and Reprobation (see McKnight’s post here and here). I realize that McKnight wrote this a few years ago and that others have responded, but the more that I see this term thrown around, the more I think it needs further clarification, and push back. McKnight’s definition is simply ridiculous. It’s false. The fact that his definition continues to control it’s usage is equally problematic.
Critics of Reformed theology have made accusations about Calvinists for a long time. And some of that criticism has been very helpful and much needed. But as someone who holds to Reformed theology and is part of that “young” group that seems to embody the “NeoReformed,” I want to state as a matter of fact that I would never suggest that Christians aren’t real or truly evangelical unless they hold to Imputation and Reprobation (“Double Predestination”). I’m Reformed, not an isolationist who denies the doctrine of the Universal Church. I’ll even go out on a limb and state that I believe the Body of Christ is comprised of many people outside of Reformed circles, Evangelical circles, and Protestant circles. Yes, there are Roman Catholics and Orthodox Christians who are justified by the grace of God through their faith in Christ. The Church is big. Okay? Big! Every tribe, tongue, and nation!
This is not to suggest that there aren’t some who claim to be “Reformed” and “Calvinists” who believe they are the only ones who are “saved” and that if you don’t agree with them you aren’t a Christian. But they aren’t the alleged “NeoReformed.” They are “hyper-Calvinists.” And if Calvinists trace their lineage to Calvin and the Reformers, they really shouldn’t even be given that name either. They are simply “heretics” who are outside the bounds of both orthodoxy and evangelicalism.
As many of you know, I’m totally cool with the use of terms and labels. Words mean things and using terms and labels can be helpful in furthering conversations. But I’m 100% opposed to the usage of terms and labels that are either incorrectly defined or are not representative of a view or label. We should never misrepresent people’s views, even those who we most strongly disagree with. I hope and pray I can avoid that, and I hope and pray others will too.
If you are an Arminian or an Egalitarian or a Pentecostal or a Baptist or a Lutheran or a Presbyterian or an Anglican or Orthodox or Catholic, please ensure you represent other people’s views correctly and use labels that they would be comfortable using. And if you use a term that they do not find comfort it, either take the time to explain why you are using it and why it is a correct caricature or stop using it.
Back to being a young “NeoReformed” Christian who loves Jesus and who interacts with and loves and ministers alongside tons of non-Reformed Christians. And I sure hope that continues…
Luke is a pastor-theologian living in northern California, serving as a co-lead pastor with his life, Dawn, at the Red Bluff Vineyard. Father of five amazing kids, when Luke isn’t hanging with his family, reading or writing theology, he moonlights as a fly fishing guide for Confluence Outfitters. He blogs regularly at LukeGeraty.com and regularly contributes to his YouTube channel.
You probably don’t remember me, but I believe I met you through Outspoken in 2002 during one of your rap gigs at a Presbyterian Church in Richfield, MN. While you and Outspoken rapped, some bboys danced to the beat. Those were my family and friends.
Now to the actual post. Overall, I really commend your work here on this site and I don’t doubt your love for Christ. And what you wrote here is totally the spirit of ecumenical dialog:
If you are an Arminian or an Egalitarian or a Pentecostal or a Baptist or a Lutheran or a Presbyterian or an Anglican or Orthodox or Catholic, please ensure you represent other people’s views correctly and use labels that they would be comfortable using. And if you use a term that they do not find comfort it, either take the time to explain why you are using it and why it is a correct caricature or stop using it.
This, after all, is the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity as called for by the World Council of Churches. But, regardless, it’s always my prayer that we be one as Christ prayed in John 17.
I consider a former Calvinist and I have been in that mode of thinking for the last 11 years. I left for the Catholic Church because I could not accept the central premise of sola scriptura which was essential to the Protestant Reformation. My departure has been very difficult and I’m working on the wounds that I’ve caused.
I came from a very small, conservative denomination known as the OPC, and they have struggled with growth. If Calvinism is to be relevant in our culture, these churches may have to be “neocalvinist” to attract a wider audience. They are averse to doing that because these congregations have subscribed to the creeds and confessions. They fear that giving an inch will lead to liberalism down the road. Consider me an outsider now, but I am always interested in Reformation Meets Rome dialog.
Also, please consider visiting this website if you have the time (and the guts). I am not a founder or editor of it. Just a troller and occasional poster.
http://www.calledtocommunion.com
In the peace of Christ,
Andre
Thanks for the comments, Andre. Glad you were able to join in.
Many who would fit into the OPC category generally (not always) are guided by their understanding of worship (Regulative Principle). I think that’s probably the main reason they appear less “missional” and sometimes have issues with framing gospel proclamation and contextualization. Some of their concerns are good, by the way…
Those from that wing could probably offer more. I know that a few of their “voices” have been critical of the “NeoReformed” as well… including men like John MacArther, though he seems to have a criticism for just about everyone outside of his tiny circle.
But I think the criticisms and push backs of those on the more historic side of the Reformed faith have some good concerns that need to be thought through. The younger movement tends to really buy into pragmatic church growth methods that are not always as thought out as may be helpful.
Great thoughts… thanks for posting!
Glad to know that you think I am a follower of Jesus even though I dont hold to your view Luke….Now start praying and evangelizing you sinner!…..LoL!, very pointed and good article
Good thoughts. Thanks for alerting us to the pejorative nature of the term in its genesis. I suspect many people who use it today do not realize this, and thus alienation from one another is too easily deepened via vague language that carries different connotations for different people. It also helps me to see the slams that some reformed peops like yourself have been taking through the muddled groupings, and that’s not cool.
Here’s what is hilarious: I haven’t realized I was being slammed until I finally tracked down the history and the WHO has been using this term. Every time I’ve read that term, I’ve thought, “Who are these NeoReformed people who are so arrogant and mean-spirited”… only to find out that it was I!
By the way… allow me to make sure to clarify that I have encountered my share of arrogant mean-spirited Calvinists. So please do not misunderstand me as defending those people. I’m not. They are jerks. Period.