peterlumpkins.com

Should a Christian Vote for a Mormon? by Norman L. Geisler

The following message I received from distinguished Christian author and theologian, Dr. Norman Geisler, pertaining to Christians voting for non-Christians. A succinct but insightful word for evangelical voters1 >>> We are not voting for a cult; we are voting for a candidate. If the person is pro-life, pro-family, pro-American, pro-free market, and pro-Israel, then vote for him regardless of his religious affiliation. If I need a good doctor or a good attorney, I don’t ask about his personal convictions but about his professional competency. Martin Luther once wisely said, "I... Read more →

Dr. Ed Stetzer on Mormonism: "Pay everyone...honor to whom honor is due" by Peter Lumpkins

More times than not, this blog site has been what we could call a counter-point site, a site which offers an alternate narrative on a particular issue from one being offered elsewhere. Sometimes the counter-point we post may represent the majority opinion. At other times, it represents more the minority view. And, there are times it may very well represent a rogue view >>> Whatever the case, it represents my thoughts on particular issues facing the Southern Baptist Convention or a particular interpretation of a theological-biblical subject. I marvel at... Read more →

Divine Determinism: a textbook example...

We've often lamented on this site one of the chief objections to strict Calvinism we perceive is the obnoxious notion of divine determinism--the idea that God foreordainately predestines whatsoever comes to pass. John Calvin so embraced this philosophical ideal that he could conclude, >>> "Let us suppose, for example, that a merchant, after entering a forest in company with trust-worthy individuals, imprudently strays from his companions and wanders bewildered till he falls into a den of robbers and is murdered. His death was not only foreseen by the eye of... Read more →

Too early too think about Christmas gifts? Don't think so...

It's never too early to think about Christmas gifts. And, a great gift is a slice of orignial art. My daughter's website might interest you if you or the person for which you may be shopping appreciates art inspired by legendary southern folk artist, the late Howard Finster >>> Check out Kimberly's website--www.kimradfordart.com. By the way, she ships anywhere in the US of A. Here are a few of Kim's originals: Read more →

Howell Scott on Governor Mitt Romney’s “Biggest Lie” by Peter Lumpkins

Howell Scott and I are friends. We view issues Southern Baptists face, more times than not, very similarly. We've not only chatted via cellphone, we've communicated both digitally and personally face-to-face. Howell is a self-professing Calvinist (an "inconsistent Calvinist" is the way he puts it) while I am a...a...well that is a problem because, theologically speaking, I'm not sure what I am1 >>> And, one thing I most highly respect about Howell is not only the aura of personal integrity which he seems to project, but also the desirable trait... Read more →

An Open Letter to Franklin Graham: “Mr. Graham: Put that page back up!” by Peter Lumpkins

I've never been one for writing open letters. In fact, I don't recall ever writing one. But I can no longer say that. Albeit my full support and unshakable appreciation for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) since the late seventies of the last century, I continue to be stunned by their recent action in taking down a webpage on which a partial list of religious "cults" containing several sectarian groups were named. >>> Among those named as examples of heretical "cults" within the Christian tradition were "Mormons" (link to... Read more →

Susan Burke represents plaintiffs against C.J. Mahaney and Sovereign Grace Ministries in sexual offenses lawsuit

A well-known litigator for sexual abuse claims is representing the three female plaintiffs who filed sexual abuse claims against Sovereign Grace Ministries and new Calvinist celebrity icon, C.J. Mahaney >>> Washington D.C. attorney, Susan L. Burke, of Burke PLLC, a firm which bills itself as a "litigation boutique specializing in complex and class action litigation," is the leading attorney for the plaintiffs. Ms. Burke speaks openly with Christian Talk Radio host, Janet Mefferd, on her latest broadcast concerning the plaintiffs' perspective on the filed claims. Check out the interview: Susan... Read more →

C.J. Mahaney's ministry move to Louisville did not spare them a Maryland lawsuit

Reportedly, Sovereign Grace Ministries (SGM), a ministry founded by high-profile Calvinist celebrity, C.J. Mahaney, is awaiting the official serving of a lawsuit filed in Maryland by three unnamed female plaintiffs. According to Bob Allen of Associated Baptist Press, >>> the parties reportedly claim that SGM did not report abuse allegedly committed by church members to police. Apparently, church leaders allegedly counseled suspected pedophiles about how to avoid prosecution and forced victims to meet with and “forgive” their abuser (//link). In response, SGM's Director of Finance and Administration, Tommy Hill, released... Read more →

Missouri Pathway reports Jason Allen elected as the fifth president of Midwestern seminary

It's official: Dr. Jason K. Allen has become the fifth president of The Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. According to The Pathway >>> "After a three-hour closed session during their bi-annual meeting, the trustees voted 29-2 to call the 35-year-old Allen following an official nomination, questions from trustees and discussion" Furthermore, Dr. Allen will begin his duties immediately and hopes to be inaugurated in April 2013 upon the expected completion of Midwestern's new chapel. And, though we've been vocally outspoken concerning both the search committee process as well as what we... Read more →

Joe Biden and a note to Calvinists by Peter Lumpkins

Watching the vice-presidential debate between Joe Biden and Paul Ryan took about everything I had to last to the end. Biden's annoying, non-stop grin, smirky attitude, and disrespectful demeanor so consumed my attention that the actual content of what either candidate offered remains a complete blur to me now. Biden will undoubtedly go down in future text books on debate as a classic example of how not to effectively do it. Here's what a cross-section of pundits said: >>> Note to Calvinists: let Joe Biden's nauseating performance illustrate how Calvinists... Read more →

Why Calvinism is not for me...Take Two by Peter Lumpkins

I put up a post last week in which I quoted a single passage from Calvin which illustrates well my theological rejection of Calvinism. The statement was not meant to constitute an argument but state a conclusion to which I've come regarding the Calvinistic system. The bottom line is, regardless of all the protest to the contrary, Calvinism reduces to pure determinism. From my standpoint, rigid Calvinism is as much about philosophy as theology and unhealthily depends upon both for its warrant to exist in lieu of sound, consistent biblical... Read more →

Why Calvinism is not for me by Peter Lumpkins

I recently read this stimulating passage by John Calvin and once again was not only reminded why I am not a Calvinist, but also stunned why I ever believed Calvin's theological determinism compelling >>> "Before the first man was created God had established (statuerat) what he willed should take place (fieri) concerning the entire human race. In this secret counsel of God it was determined (factum est) that Adam should fall away from the integral (unimpaired) state of his nature, and by his defection should draw all his posterity into... Read more →