The New Calvinists

by E.S. Williams

Enmity between the church and the world dates from the Fall of man, so God says in Genesis 3.15. Satan's major strategy is the overthrow of the church by the world, through infiltration and contamination.

But seldom has this battle reached the proportions of this present hour, when worldliness threatens every believer and church.

This book reveals the new 'gospel' of the so-called 'new Calvinism'. It is a gospel that changes the terms of salvation, and that loves the world and embraces its culture.

Here are the objectives of the new Calvinists, taken from their own words.

Excerpt - "It would be wrong to think of New Calvinism as founded on a clear doctrinal stand, for, as we shall see, it is a broad tent, with an assortment of different ideas, teachings, practices and doctrines. First we will look at the origin of New Calvinism and its association with The Gospel Coalition; then we will meet three American ministers who stand at the heart of New Calvinism, namely Dr Tim Keller, Pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church, New York; Dr John Piper, former pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church, Minneapolis, and director of Desiring God Ministries; and Pastor Mark Driscoll, of Mars Hill Church in Seattle, who is reputed to be the most downloaded pastor in history. While the term 'New Calvinism' is seldom used in the UK, its underlying philosophy is being keenly adopted by churches and organizations here (as we shall see in later chapters)."

Table of Contents

1. The Phenomenon of New Calvinism: the Resurgence of Worldly Christianity
2. Tim Keller: the Intellectual Populist of New Calvinism
3. John Piper and Theological Flexibility
4. Mark Driscoll: Proponent of 'Cultural Relevance'
5. New Calvinism in the UK: the Proclamation Trust
6. The Porterbrook Network and New Calvinism
7. A Voice From the Past

Genres: Theology

74 pages, Paperback

First published September 25, 2014

About the author

Dr E S Williams was Director of Public Health for Croydon Health Authority for many years. He is the author of 'The Dark Side of Christian Counselling', 'Christ or Therapy?' and numerous research papers in medical journals.

Reviews

[David Couch · Rating 1 out of 5]

As an evangelical Christian, living in England, and after hearing JD Hall recently recommend this book, and seeing that it was about the UK church, I was eager to open it and see what it said.

I'll give a playback of my thoughts as I worked through the short book. I apologize if I come across biased or angry - I tried to be fair and unbiased (but really struggled):

Firstly, the introduction was very well written, and a challenge to the resurgence of Calvinism in the world as a whole. It truly has become the 'cool' kid on the block right now, which the rise of particular Facebook groups and podcasts. Williams makes a good point that we should be careful because “In a similar way New Calvinists desire to work with charismatic and emerging churches, and wink at the adopting of Catholic and New Age mysticism.”

Williams then went to talk about Tim Keller. I felt the quotes and examples shown were used well, and I came away wondering whether I'd been blind to all these things in the past.

Then he turned to John Piper and I recognized a quote that Williams had used. I read what was written about said quote and thought to myself 'that is not how I remember that at all'. So I went back to the mentioned blogpost, and reread it. Personally I think Williams either didn't read the whole article, or at least he did not get what Piper was saying. It wasn't JP saying 'God speaks to him' in a charasmatic sense, instead it was a challenging piece to say God speaks through his word.

It was at this time that I started to notice Williams' disregard for anything 'rock' or 'rap' related. It appears that Williams thinks these two musical genres are worldly and so tainted by sin that no good can come from them. He comes back to this again and again through the book. I can understand where he is coming from, but I felt that his personal opinion overshadowed his views.

Williams then raised some issues with Mark Driscoll, which in hindsight he was right about. This made me - again - question my understanding on the previous section. Maybe he was right? Perhaps my view on this topic is skewed?

Then things got really personal for me. In the chapter “New Calvinism in the UK” Williams critiqued a number of organisations that I am either involved with, or have benefitted from in the past. As a 'Cornhill student' I found this quote particularly unfair: “We would be hard pressed to find a Cornhill student who is prepared to defend a six-day view of creation... [this] in turn casts doubt on the historicity of Adam and Eve, the reality of the Fall, and thus the plan and purpose of redemption.". This made me put the book down and put my head in my hands. I wanted to shout 'Hello?! I'm here if you want a chat...' This is where I really felt that this book has gone off the road and straight down into the ditch.

Williams then turned his gaze to 'Music Ministry' (another group I have worked with). Here are some quotes: “Like New Calvinists in the USA, most of the churches within the Proclamation Trust’s sphere of influence are given over to the contemporary worship scene. Some have a music director, many have a worship band, and most sing contemporary songs which have emerged from the charismatic movement.” Here, again, his disregard for anything 'modern' comes to the forefront. I wonder whether Mr Williams is an exclusive Psalmist, or whether he thinks the 15th Century was height of 'sanctified music'? In my church it is a joy to sing new and old songs, particularly when they are theologically sound. I admit that a lot are not nowadays, but should we throw the baby out with the bathwater? Having a music director allows churches to vet an area of word ministry that in many areas is unguarded! Yes - I get that many churches abuse this role, but please, don't tar everyone with the same brush!

He continues: “Music Ministry, which passionately promotes the contemporary music scene, is teaching an unbiblical message that encourages Christians to conform to the pattern of the world”. I get the impression that, to Mr Williams, anything that the world 'likes' must be wrong for Christians. He also lumps a number of well-known musicians into the charismatic camp (his words: “the Gettys, Stuart Townend [all charismatics]” - I personally do not think that's true, and may be wrong, but I was fed up with having to check the facts on everything I read). This seems like opinion rather than theological fact. I feel Williams dictates his view on church worship from Romans 12, but forgets 1 Corinthians 14.

Next in the crosshairs is Acts 29 and the Porterbrook Network. At this stage I was extremely cynical. I have known many people who have benefitted from Steve Timmis and Tim Chester, and personally have gained a lot this year from their exegetical teaching. The allegations made against them in this chapter just did not ring true from what I know of them. Then I read this, quoting Tim Chester: “Life in our congregation is messy… Indeed I sometimes describe our church as a group of messy people led by messy people.” This sounds like a church that shares struggles with one another, and realizes that we are all sinners before holy God. Williams then says straight afterward “Messy church’ is a policy of holding church events that are attractive to families uncomfortable with a traditional worship service. A messy church invites people to come for an exciting time of craft, drama and fun, followed by a meal together.” This is not what Tim Chester was talking about. These are two completely different topics. I really wonder if Williams saw 'messy church' and googled it and pasted the first thing he saw. As a Englishman, involved in a local church, I could tell the difference between these two things.

I was so excited to read this book, and it's a real shame that this book comes across as an unresearched, divisive rant. It sounded to me like the author felt MetTab are perfect and everyone should replicate them (the book even suggests you could attend their seminary!) There are sections that we NEED to address, but they're in the middle of other parts that are completely misrepresented, that they lose their value. Please call the church out where it needs calling out, but please do your research first! This is why people do not take this type of criticism seriously.

Unfortunately, I cannot recommend this book - and trust me, I really wanted to!

[Todd Wilhelm · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author reviews New Calvinism through critique of Tim Keller, John Piper and Mark Driscoll. Then he proceeds to show the inroads the movement has made in the UK. He raises some valid criticisms, but the book is laced with criticism of the worldly music and dress styles which, in my opinion, detract from his valid criticisms. The music he criticizes as worldly is simply contemporary music such as the kind written by the Gettys, Stuart Townend, Steve and Vicki Cook and Bob Kauflin. Basically it seems that the author thinks if you have music which utilizes a guitar and drums it is worldly. I cannot agree with that.

Driscoll has recently fallen out of favor, but the author sums up his criticism of Driscoll with the following points:

1) Bringing licentiousness into the church.
2) Dishonoring marriage.
3) Treading a dangerous path on pornography.
4) Using coarse language and worldly presentation.
5) Mocking and making light of Scripture.
6) Reveling in and exploiting extreme worldly rock music.
7) Endorsing supernatural visions and gifts.
8) Promoting tattoos.

One revealing comment about Driscoll has to do with a book he has written titled "Vintage Jesus." (I have not read the book.) Williams quotes several passages where Driscoll is commenting on Mark 1 in a very irreverent manner. I found Driscoll's words quite repulsive. Williams then states: "Yet for all this"Vintage Jesus" has been widely praised by many prominent evangelical leaders. Professor of Christian Theology at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Bruce Ware, enthusiastically endorsed the book, saying,"Vintage Jesus offers a fresh, engaging and insightful discussion of some of the oldest and most crucial truths about Jesus Christ that constitute the very core of the Gospel itself. As I read, my heart leapt for joy, for the wonder and brilliance of the truths being developed"...
Wayne Grudem, Professor of Theology and Biblical Studies at Phoenix Seminary, Arizona, was equally fulsome in his praise of Vintage Jesus: "Mark Driscoll and Gerry Breshears combine profound understanding of modern culture with weighty Christian doctrine that is faithful to the Bible. It's written in such an interesting style that it's hard to put down. I strongly recommend it!"
Vintage Jesus has also been endorsed by John Piper, and the Desiring God organisation has promoted it."
-pages 46-47

(In a side note, it is extremely interesting that Bruce Ware, Wayne Grudem and John Piper have also seen fit to travel to C.J. Mahaney's church in Louisville, KY, to preach and lend credibility to C.J. Mahaney - a man embroiled in a sexual abuse scandal which has rocked the whole Sovereign Grace Denomination. One must surely wonder at the discernment of these "leaders.")

"The Gospel Coalition has wholly endorsed Mark Driscoll's ministry, and gives him every opportunity to promote his version of the Christian faith. Indeed, he has been so well accepted in The Gospel Coalition that at the 2011 national conference he was part of a panel discussion dealing with the issue of "Training the Next Generation of Pastors and Other Christian Leaders." The panel was chaired by Don Carson, with Mark Driscoll comfortably seated in the middle of some of the most significant names in New Calvinism. In 2012 he resigned as a member of The Coalition Council,but his links remain.

We are bound to ask, how extreme does a preacher have to be, and how inconsistent does his behavior have to become, before the ranks of New Calvinism cease to endorse, encourage and invite him? It is seemingly a movement lacking clear biblical standards of practice and conduct."
-page 50

[John Waldrip · Rating 4 out of 5]

Remarkable little book by a prolific writer on trends in Christianity. Though he does not use the term the writer describes the development of what he terms as new Calvinism as "turning the grace of the God into lasciviousness." Though written from a decidedly UK perspective, the incisive and well-documented book correctly links popular evangelical leaders with easily identified and unscriptural trends: "The great folly and heresy of New Calvinism is that it has made no attempt to separate from worldliness." It is well worth the read, though you may find troubling connections to your favorite popular evangelical leaders.

[Mark Dunn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Apparently there has been no Christian music since the Victorian era. The Author misses the point. When the Christian becomes a spectator and praise music is merely entertainment, God will no longer inhabit the praise of His people. By the way I hate, rap and "Christian" rock.

[Nick Dyer · Rating 1 out of 5]

What a waste... I was really excited to read this book until I started reading it. It's an entire 69 pages of what (the author believes) other guys are doing wrong.... Really??? Wake up and look at the world around you.... Unity in the Christian church is what we need. Build up and stop tearing each other down, for the sake of the church!

[mike choate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sobering view of the "New Calvinism".

This is an eye opening critique and thoughts to consider in "The New Calvinism" movement in the US and the UK. This author has thoughtfully exposed the apparent worldliness of this movement and it's corrosive teachings, with special emphasis on the key leaders promoting and endorsing this dangerous threat within the Church.

[Alex Kearney · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not a charitable or even fully accurate criticism of the Calvinists he is concerned with in this book. I finished the book unconvinced.

[Jeremiah Batson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a polemical treatise against what the author has identified as the "New Calvinists". His primary targets are: Tim Keller, John Piper, and Mark Driscoll and two UK organizations with close ties to Acts 29, Keller, and Driscoll.
The quality of this book is mixed. The author does not do a good job of defining his terms and often employs the "guilty by association" argument which I do not find convincing. I was unaware of Tim Keller's promotion of theistic evolution and Lectio Divina, both major red flags for someone who claims to be in line with the teaching of the Reformation. I have never been a fan of the Emergent Church Movement, Mark Driscoll's ministry, or the charismatic movement. The problem here is the author brushes all these different shades with the same brush. Just because John Piper did a conference with Mark Driscoll and at one point condoned parts of his teaching does not mean they are part of the same movement and should be lumped together. This book gave valuable information what is occurring in Reformed Evangelicalsm but I have problems with the book's argumentation and some of its conclusions. It's outright condemnation of any form of Christian rock or hip-hop I find outright ridiculous.

[Bob Bingham · Rating 5 out of 5]

This slim book is not meant to be a comprehensive analysis of "New Calvinism", but more of a "warning to the churches". It is now 3 years old, so one of the three major players mentioned (Mark Driscoll) has already been discredited and dropped off the radar, so to speak. The criticisms of the teaching of Tim Keller and John Piper are valid and worth serious consideration. Generally speaking, the more popular some preacher becomes, and the more books, conferences, and seminars promoting said preacher, the less a discerning Christian ought to rely on that preacher's pronouncements. As Paul the apostle warned, out of the church would arise teachers with smooth speech, deceiving the hearts of the simple.

[Peter Kiss · Rating 3 out of 5]

Many valid critiques of Keller, Piper, and Driscoll, with some very subjective criticisms from the author as well. While I do appreciate the valid critiques, it's obvious that the author is not a postmillenial and thus sees any preaching for the improvement of the world through the gospel as fallacious. Boo!

[Santiago Freire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Un muy buen libro.

Realmente, el enemigo trabaja desviando las iglesias de la verdad. Una doctrina sana se va contaminando con prácticas mundanas y poco a poco el error se va incrustando. Una advertencia a mantener y velar por las iglesias sanas.

[Радостин Марчев · Rating 2 out of 5]

В интерес на истината не успях да се насиля да стигна до края. Самият аз в никакъв случай не симпатизирам на "новия калвинизъм", но ако ще правим такава критика по-добре да не критикуваме въобще.

[Jonathan Labrecque · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bon petit livre pour voir en surface ce mouvement destructeur de vérité qui prend de plus en plus d’ampleur à l'intérieur même de nos églises.

[Josiah Richardson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Williams was able to point out the things that everyone saw, but didn't have the courage to say.

[Andrew Sinkamba · Rating 4 out of 5]

The New Calvinism movement is something that I was not aware existed especially in Africa, until recently when my church began to ask whether to side with New Calvinism or stick with the Traditional Reformed Calvinism of Old and as enshrined in the 1689 Baptist Confessions of Faith, which providentially is being considered as a church.

I must admit E.S Williams in this small volume takes a hard line against New Calvinism and it's proponents. Any reader of this book will find the book rather disturbing because chances are the men Williams examines are men that are held in high esteem or whose theology we have imbibed. The men he discusses have led successful ministries and known all over the world due to their giftedness. Williams pinpoints what these men are and what they believe in and advocate as forerunners in this worldwide phenomenon.

Williams highlight also, the dangers of this movement of being too familiar with worldly practices and consequently bringing these practices into the church. To Williams, the old-time religion is fine passed down from Christ right through history to us. And is worth contending for and must not be sacrificed on account of men, their giftedness and seeming success the New Calvinism boasts.

I rate this book, as it rattled a few feathers and would recommend it to anyone that wants to know what New Calvinism is all about.

[Joanne | wellreadcoffeeaddict · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author might've become a bit overzealous in certain aspects but otherwise this was a good, short summary of some unbiblical doctrines creeping in the reformed church. I think his main point of writing the book is nicely summarized with this sentence:

"In short, the old, well-defined standards of separation from the world are obscured in the mist of psuedo-intellectual jargon, so that believers can be led into compromising flirtation with worldly methods."

[Mark Barnes · Rating 2 out of 5]

5/10

[Patti Greene]

Very interesting.

[Gary Cousins · Rating 1 out of 5]

As expected

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

An eye opening book about the errors and compromises of New Calvinism.