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The Current Resurgence of Calvinism

If you keep abreast at what’s going on in the evangelical religious world, you know that Calvinism is making a comeback, especially among young people. The reasons for its resurgence are enlightening, and perhaps even a little surprising. But I might add that the surprise is a pleasant one, and I’m no Calvinist by any means. Before I explain, let me first say that I think it is helpful to stay attuned to the latest trends that go on in the denominational or evangelical circles. Not only will this aid us in our witnessing, but it helps us be forewarned of trends that may eventually make their way into our own thinking. For though we strive to be non-denominational, and as such to be independent of human doctrinal systems and trends, the fact is that we do not live in a vacuum. What happens in the religious world at large will eventually make its way into the Lord’s church one way or another. That said, I’d like to embark on a discussion of Calvinism, continuing in the weeks to come, but starting this morning simply by considering the reasons for its recent appeal. As I said, I am not a Calvinist, but I believe there is something us non-Calvinists might learn from our Calvinist friends.

Let me first come back to the pleasant surprise I mentioned, and it is this: the resurgence of Calvinism among young people is evidently due in part to a longing for a deeper doctrinal foundation to their faith. An entire generation or two of “churched” youth have been raised on entertainment-oriented youth-groups that emphasized games, skits and praise worship. They were considered too young to handle deep doctrinal study, or too disinterested to tolerate it. But many now feel that they have been sold short, and the heavy doctrinal nature of Calvinism and Reformed Theology is filling that sense of void. The pleasant surprise, then, is that Calvinism’s new appeal among young people is due to a longing for in-depth doctrinal study, something that many of us have always felt was vital to spiritual growth even for youth. That’s great news, though it shouldn’t be “news” at all, for just look at Jesus at the age of twelve (Lk 2.40,46-47). Fortunately, however, to be in-depth one does not need to teach Calvinism, though teaching about it in an objective manner would certainly be helpful.

The second thing that makes Calvinism appealing to so many is its emphasis on the absolute sovereignty, glory, and grace of God. Calvinism sees God as the one who takes the initiative in our salvation. It sees the gospel message as not about us, but about God and his glory. Its emphasis is on God’s actions rather than our choosing. A Calvinist believer takes no credit for his own salvation, but simply stands in awe of the incomprehensible grace of God. This facet of Calvinism provides a refreshing alternative to the more human-centered emphasis that non-Calvinists often have expressed. Calvinism’s God is a bigger God, or so it is claimed, and so it may seem. He is a God that is truly God and in no way dependent on mere man. Thus, he is a God truly worth worshipping.

Or is he? While I think us non-Calvinists can learn some good things from Calvinist theology and its emphasis on God’s sovereignty, glory, and grace, there are some very troubling aspects of Calvinism that directly contradict Scripture. These we will look at in the weeks to come. For now, however, let me simply say “Amen!” to the truth that God is sovereign, he deserves all the glory, and we are saved utterly by his grace.