Journal: Journal of Dispensational Theology
Volume: JODT 18:55 (Winter 2014)
Article: New Calvinism, Part I: An Historical Understanding And Theological Critique
Author: Drew Curley

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JODT 18:55 (Winter 2014) p. 225

New Calvinism, Part I:
An Historical Understanding And Theological Critique

Drew Curley

* Drew Curley, M.Div., Ph.D., associate professor, Carolina College of Biblical Studies, Fayetteville, North Carolina.

In 2009, David Van Biema published an article describing new Calvinism as one of the “10 Ideas Changing the World Right Now.”1 Biema’s article gave worldwide recognition to a theological trend that was previously relegated to relative obscurity. The article itself is a reflection of an earlier effort chronicling a new form of Calvinism2 emerging among young pastors and seminarians. In the 2008 work by Colin Hansen, Young Restless, Reformed: A Journalist’s Journey with the New Calvinists, the author identified many new Calvinists but he did not provide a comprehensible definition of new Calvinism,3 which may be caused in part by a degree of theological fluidity that exists amongst the group’s members.

What will be asserted here is that new Calvinism is not a monolithic entity; it cannot be tracked to a single seminary or institution, but it has been highly influential in several seminaries. The origin of new Calvinism is not related to a particular theologian, but new Calvinists depend upon the influence of several historical persons. In addition to these historical figures, there have been more contemporary voices, while not specifically new Calvinists themselves, have laid the groundwork others have followed. Within the movement, several theologians have attracted a cult-like following that has given prominence to the movement

JODT 18:55 (Winter 2014) p. 226

as a whole.4 With all this established, there remains vagary, producing difficulty when attempting to identify what truly unifies the new Calvinists.5

Prior to continuing, it needs to be clearly stated that new Calvinists are men of God who are wholeheartedly devoted to serving the Lord. They are brothers in Christ. Their ministries are truly being used mightily by God and are influencing the world. They really are being used of God to change the world. The writer herein is not attempting to attack anyone personally. Instead, an analysis is to be made of the doctrinal and theological trends that can be observed within the movement. The present research, therefore, seeks to be an analysis of the doctrine of this loose confederacy.

The church must be diligent in protecting the biblical gospel. Sproul’...

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