In a previous post, I mentioned in passing that J.R.R. Tolkien, though a devout Roman Catholic, filled his works with a distinctly Reformed or Calvinistic attitude toward fate and free will. If you ask the direct question, “Was J.R.R. Tolkien a Calvinist?” the answer is obviously no. But I believe that while Tolkien clearly rejected a bad cariacture of Calvinism (human beings are mere puppets on divine strings, etc), his deeper appreciation of acient northern culture lead him to hold divine providence and human freedom in a constant tension, with neither ever overwhelming the other, but with the greater emphasis always upon providence. Without getting into the specifics of works and meriting salvation, this basic view is no less than the classic Reformed understanding of Philippians 2:12-13.
Along those same lines, Doug Wilson was recently asked if he believed that C.S. Lewis was a Calvinist. His answer is measured, quite interesting, and the evidence he brings to bear is definitely worth considering. His response is also sure to be controversial. Lewis is one of those rare figures of recent history that nearly every tradition or denomination within Christendom tries to claim as their own.
What do you think about Wilson’s response? Let’s get a lively (and civil) discussion going in the comments!
#1 by Evan Doyle on November 16, 2012 - 7:25 am
Thanks for posting… The works that I have read of Lewis certainly seemed favorable to Arminianism, but I have not read all of his writings. Concerning the Pastors comments at minute 1:05 I found myself wrestiling with Gods sovereignty and free will after this years election.
http://doylevan.wordpress.com/
#2 by David on November 29, 2012 - 2:07 pm
Thanks Evan. I also wrote a few thoughts about the election and God’s sovereignty.
http://davidnilsen.wordpress.com/2012/11/07/barack-obama-and-the-providence-of-god/
#3 by odinslefteye on November 29, 2012 - 1:10 pm
Thats only because you do not see The political process as the charade it is.After all the founding fathers were for the most part Royalists who thought little of the common mans ability to reason.the United States is a Corporate plutocracy all these elections are side show.
#4 by Evan Doyle on November 30, 2012 - 7:30 am
David, I very much agree with your previous post, particularly your closing: “No matter what happens in history, whether we find ourselves submitting to a Nero, a Constantine, or someone in between, we know with confidence that God’s providential plan is working beneath it all, guiding history towards His gloriously ordained ending.”
I also wrote leading up to the election concerning God sovereignty in a post called, “Why I’m Voting” (http://doylevan.wordpress.com/2012/10/17/why-im-voting/). I was bothered by the amount of Christians who did not feel it was necessary to vote because ultimately, God is in control. I pointed out that people, especially Christians, are responsible to uphold godliness in the midst of His sovereignty.
What I meant in my first comment is that my wrestling match after the election was that I did not believe it was God will for me to vote for President Obama (my free will) and the fact that He did win (His Sovereignty). Taking his victory into account with with Romans 13 and my ability to choose and my responsibility to uphold truth makes for a interesting grapple.
Odinslefteye, It seems you are making an assumption that I am unable to see the circus-like behavior of politics. I think that my reasons for voting detailed in, “Why I’m Voting” will explain my reasons and why I believe others should also.