I...am a Calvinist

I...am a Calvinist. I used to be ashamed of that term. I used to wear it as a badge. Now...I just know that I am. Sometimes I feel "too" Calvinist...other times I don't feel Calvinist enough.


Since college, I've known I held theological views that were very different than that of my peers and even the way I was brought up. A Black, urban, barely middle-class Apostolic turned Baptist. I've always held a high regard for Scripture and took my religious beliefs seriously. Late night studies through the Bible and religio-philosophical discussions on campus.

While my first Bible class in college introduced new ways of thinking, my journey into what I call this Reformed trek really started with J.I. Packer's book Concise Theology. I had a desire to dive deeper than just biblical study...which in and of itself is great. I wanted something deeper. So while browsing at a local Christian bookstore I stumbled upon this paperback. While the book served as somewhat an intro into Calvinistic thought, it was all I needed to realize that I've been coming to the Word of God with my own presuppositions and interpretations. Hunger and thirst, resulted from that little gem. Hunger for knowledge. Thirst for the truth.

While growing to love the doctrines of grace (of course it is something you have to grow to love), I've found out that most people (at least those around me) were just fine in their small, sacred sandbox of tradition. Even up today, my love for these beliefs, or at least convictions, has at times strained relationships with those I love and has amazed and enticed strangers to explore this robust theology. While I am Black and proud, influenced by my pentecostal heritage, and much more faceted than the traditional or even new school, bearded Reformation-head, I do admit that I don't see any change in my soteriological beliefs that would leave me saying anything else than "I...am a Calvinist."

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