A Boomer in the Pew

Seeking to understand the Doctrine of Total Depravity

This post is part of my year long study of Calvin's Institutes of the Christian Religion. 

Calvin's Institutes of Religion: 2.1.8

It would seem that I have fallen hopelessly behind the Princeton Seminary's pace, in the reading of Calvin's "Institutes".

Reading the "Institutes" is one thing.  Understanding them, and allowing God's word to permeate your being, and seeing your worldview changing before your eyes, in another thing altogether.

Also, I just received a written copy of Calvin's Institutes today, from the UPS dude, as I have also found it frustrating to attempt to read this text, with the available online versions. 

I have chosen to use the Ford Lewis Battles translation, as well as Battle's "Analysis of the Institutes of the Christian Religion of John Calvin".

So...when you think total depravity, is there room in your understanding that this is a photograph of your deranged nature? 

Our post-modern Christian culture will likely object. 

I must confess, it has taken me more than a week to begin to attempt to write this post, as I mulled this subject around in my mind, and sought my heavenly Father in prayer.  

Furthermore, I certainly don't profess to be expert on the matter.  This teaching is contrary to the worldview that I had somewhere developed!

Let's dig in, and seek to understand what Calvin is teaching here...

Find the person with the highest Net Worth. It may surprise you!

[HT-Paul Mathers]

Moses, the Golden Calf, and my Pride

"Moses and the Golden Calf", c 1536, by Domenico Beccafumi.

Today I find myself in Exodus 32, as I am reading my way through my ESV Study Bible. 

Here we find the Israelites, at the foot of Mount Sinai, while Moses is on the mountain hearing the law from God. 

The Israelites, growing impatient with Moses' long absence, decide to build a golden calf, and worship it as god!  This, after all that has just transpired.

As my mind was taken with incredulity, I found that in less than a nanosecond, my mind also reminded me, that I, in one way or another, have built and worshiped many golden calves in my lifetime.

So...David Porter...don't be so quick to judge!

This realization made me also very grateful for today's reading of Psalm 86:  "...For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you..."

I am also currently working my way through Calvin's "Institutes", and can clearly see our imputed, depraved natures at work, as well as it being a consistent thorn in my life.

Ah...the life of a resident alien.

My audible Podcast on Nightline's Face-Off - Does Satan Exist?

I thought I would mix it up a bit, with this post, and create an audible podcast with my thoughts on ABC's Nightline Face-Off, "Does Satan Exist?"

Please give my thoughts a listen, and let me know your thoughts!

"Boomer in the Pew's" New Banner Image

This is Jules.  Jules won the calfskin ESV Study Bible, in our "Boomer in the Pew" Birthday Drawing.

Jules is a free-lance designer.  Jules took one look at my blog's design, and to quote Jules, "took pity on me", and designed a wonderful new banner image for me.

Isn't it much better!

Thanks Jules!

If you would like to have Jules spruce up your blog a bit, drop her a note.

Contemplating Aaron's Priestly Garments

This is an illustration of Aaron's priestly garments, from my ESV Study Bible.

As I am reading through Exodus, and God's incredibly detailed instructions for his tabernacle, I am scratching my head wondering what God would have me learn from this.

Holiness is what comes to mind.

God is going to, once again, dwell among his people.  Only this time, because of Adam's imputed sin, God has chosen to reveal himself differently, then simply walking with man in the Garden of Eden.

Therefore, in their fallen state, Israel was not allowed to simply enter casually into God's presence.

Furthermore, it seems to me that God, through all this detail, beauty, and separation,  desires that Israel understand that he is holy.

Later on, as we learn about the Holy of Holies, God will continue to make his holiness known by death, if his instructions are not followed.

It would seem to me that the contemporary Christian has far too casual a view of God.

God's character is not only love, but also justice.  It would serve us all well to read the whole council of God, and make known to ourselves a healthy fear.

What do  you make of the detailed instructions for Aaron's priestly garments?

Moses builds the Tabernacle

Today, in my journey through the ESV Study Bible, I come to Moses, in Exodus 26, constructing the Tabernacle.  The detail, given to them, by God, is remarkable to behold.

Click the illustrations for a larger view.

Of Springtime in Michigan, Quonset Huts, Grandpa Harper, and Maple Syrup

I am beginning to see friends in Michigan celebrate, as they come out to greet the Spring.

When I think of springtime, in Michigan, I always think mostly of the transition period between winter and spring, when the maple sap starts flowing.

My grandfather would harvest vast amounts of sap each year, from the maple trees around his yard, in Alaska, Michigan.

He would collect this sap, take it to the Quonset hut, and begin the long, tedious process of boiling down the sap.  It would take 14 40 gallons of sap, to make 1 gallon of maple syrup.

I have very fond memories of helping my grandfather collect the sap, and staring in wonder as the sap boiled over the hot wood fire.  This was also the place where my grandfather would sneak cigarettes.  I was always given a stern warning, "don't you tell your grandmother!"

My grandfather is long gone.  It has been a very long time since I have enjoyed grandmother's home-made waffles, with grandfather's home-made maple syrup. 

I wonder, will there be maple trees, and maple syrup in heaven? 

Moses & The 10 Commandments

I continue in my year-long journey through the ESV Study Bible.  One of the sections, that I am reading, is Moses getting the stone tablets from God.

Exodus 24:12 - "The Lord said to Moses, “Come up to me on the mountain and wait there, that I may give you the tablets of stone, with the law and the commandment, which I have written for their instruction.”

I thought I would share this vibrant paining of "The Ten Commandments",  by He Qi.

What are the differences between Catholics and Protestants?

When I was a young boy, I can vividly remember my Baptist grandfather creating a major rift, in the family, because my uncle was marrying a Catholic girl. 

In fact, my grandfather did not even attend the wedding ceremony of his son, because it was held in the Catholic church.

Fast forward many years, and I find myself feeling the doctrinal divergences, as I marry a girl who is Catholic, turned Protestant.

And most recently, I have reconnected with a high school friend who is Protestant, turned Catholic.

So, what is all the fuss about? 

Well, unfortunately, we human beings can reduce ourselves to wars, death, and hatred over such issues, can't we?

I am absolutely certain that Christ would be dismayed at some of our behavior, over the centuries, over doctrinal issues.

Kevin DeYoung is an author, and pastor, and asks the question:  Is the Reformation Over?  His article is not designed to be an exhaustive exegesis on the matter, but does serve well to highlight some of the basic differences, in the two belief systems.   

Here are his final comments:

"Can Catholics and Protestants be friends? Sure. Are they brothers and sisters in Christ? Often. Are they still divided by significant doctrinal distinctives? Absolutely."

I have re-posted his entire article for you here.  Please continue on...