Experience and Speculation
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SusanDee...@msn.com
Jan 24, 2009, 9:52:52 AM1/24/09
to Central Jersey Calvin's Institutes Readers
"Thereupon his (God's) powers are mentioned by which he is shown to us
not as he is in himself, but as he is toward us; so that this
recognition of him consists more in living experience than in vain
highblown speculation [1:10:2]
This section came as a surprise to me. When I was made to read Calvin
in seminary, I truly did think of it as "highblown speculation" rather
devoid of living experience. In reading thus far, and especially in
this quotation, I begin to see the 'heart aflame' for God. Calvin's
theology truly was based in living experience. Sounds silly to say,
but it comes as something of a pleasant surprise to me.
God's power is always most clearly seen through living experience of a
person or group. Good theology follows the experience, not the other
way around.
not as he is in himself, but as he is toward us; so that this
recognition of him consists more in living experience than in vain
highblown speculation [1:10:2]
This section came as a surprise to me. When I was made to read Calvin
in seminary, I truly did think of it as "highblown speculation" rather
devoid of living experience. In reading thus far, and especially in
this quotation, I begin to see the 'heart aflame' for God. Calvin's
theology truly was based in living experience. Sounds silly to say,
but it comes as something of a pleasant surprise to me.
God's power is always most clearly seen through living experience of a
person or group. Good theology follows the experience, not the other
way around.
Bill
Jan 25, 2009, 8:30:28 PM1/25/09
to Central Jersey Calvin's Institutes Readers
This quote made me think of people who claim they are spiritual or
believe in God but have no interest in developing their faith or even
following Judeo-Christian types of moral codes. Theoretical beliefs
may not be totally vain, but I don’t think they have much practical
relevance. I don’t quite know how to say it, but “how God is toward
me” is what is relevant. How does God affect my life and how does my
relationship with God enrich my life? Ultimately, I suppose, this must
be evaluated by personal experience. I do think scripture, prayer,
discussing with others, observing creation, and maybe even revelation,
can illuminate our experience (like reading glasses make understanding
text easier for some of us, as Calvin says).
believe in God but have no interest in developing their faith or even
following Judeo-Christian types of moral codes. Theoretical beliefs
may not be totally vain, but I don’t think they have much practical
relevance. I don’t quite know how to say it, but “how God is toward
me” is what is relevant. How does God affect my life and how does my
relationship with God enrich my life? Ultimately, I suppose, this must
be evaluated by personal experience. I do think scripture, prayer,
discussing with others, observing creation, and maybe even revelation,
can illuminate our experience (like reading glasses make understanding
text easier for some of us, as Calvin says).
Gordon M.
Jan 25, 2009, 11:35:58 PM1/25/09
to Central Jersey Calvin's Institutes Readers
Susan,
What you have drawn our attention to is really important. I really
appreciate the fact that Calvin consistently avoids "highblown
speculation" and embraces that which God is and does "for us." In this
connection, I see Calvin primarily as a practical theologian. Though
he is "systematic" in the sense of making explicity interconnections
among his insights and teachings, he is not in any way abstract or
disconnected from the realities of church, discipleship, and witness.
He cares about helping all of us and each of us to become more aware
of, awed by, and in service to God's amazing grace revealed in Jesus
Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Gordon
What you have drawn our attention to is really important. I really
appreciate the fact that Calvin consistently avoids "highblown
speculation" and embraces that which God is and does "for us." In this
connection, I see Calvin primarily as a practical theologian. Though
he is "systematic" in the sense of making explicity interconnections
among his insights and teachings, he is not in any way abstract or
disconnected from the realities of church, discipleship, and witness.
He cares about helping all of us and each of us to become more aware
of, awed by, and in service to God's amazing grace revealed in Jesus
Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Gordon
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