So home again and back to reality! Had a nice journey home with Robert Strivens. We had a student with us and it was interesting that he had picked up some negativity among men, especially the older ones. I guess we fall into that a bit too easily. I do think generally that Calvinism can tend to put a dour and solemn edge on things. I don't think the Bible itself does that. Semper Reformanda.
I'm sorry my reports have lacked a bit of warmth. I've recorded few of the illustrations and anecdotes, which may give the wrong impression. I also should have made reference to a gathering of the Taffia and friends that took place on Wednesday night. The Heresy hunter and the Exile got it organised (I think). We put Iain D in the hot seat and learned a lot about the mysteries of Highland religious life. I should have mentioned Pastor Ismail too who is over from the Philippines and was introduced before one of the meetings.
Part of the whole conference is the joy of meeting old friends. It was great to be with Martin, Guy, Geoff, Bernard Lewis, Phil Arthur, Steve Nowak, Gerard Hemmings, Roger Lindie, Tim Field, Daniel Grimwade, Keith Hoare, etc, etc.
We were officially around 270 though it felt like more, so you can't talk to everyone. Some people you just see and nod to and that is a blessing in itself.
15 comments:
*Nod*
We did a little more than nod, but you're right, I reckon I only managed half of the people I wanted to say 'hi' to.
And there WAS negativity among some men, that is true. I feel that a little more than 'come on men, grit your teeth and be faithful' is needed, and some things could be a little more practical and direct - i.e. - preach evangelistic sermons, use the new technologies to reach out, get involved in your community, rekindle youth work, etc, etc.
Interestingly among the younger chaps (some LTS students) there was negativity toward's IDC's talks on the Sabbath. Several were dedicated followers of NCT.
If Banner is a 'reformed' conference, is LTS standing for a 'reformed' position too? It would be good to know what the official line is, and whether it is being upheld.
By the way, a young friend of mine who is a pastor, and welsh too, was very upset by the 'taffia' meeting because he was not invited. In a sense, so was I. Most of my friends were in that meeting. I don't think it does anything to defuse the comments I heard about 'cliquey-ness' at the conference.
A few friends chatting in someone's room is a far cry from getting a conference speaker in a function room for selected favourites.
I'm not moaning, but I am offering a gentle criticism. I smile and laugh at the taffia meetings. My friend was a little miffed, and we should be avoiding these offences I think.
Appreciate your comments Jonathan. Sorry we didn't get to chat more. The taffia thing has grown rather. People who knew Geoff (who tend to be Welsh - hence the later Taffia jest) always gather in his room. Years ago we began inviting a speaker or two in. It gets rather cramped so someone had the bright idea this year of a bigger room. I personally tend to invite who ever I'm talking to after the meeting (S African LTS-er Richard Raven this time). Anyone can do the same thing I guess. The Irishmen seem happy enough just talking late to each other!
Don't know about this 'I tend to invite anyone...' business. Last time I was there it was made very obvious I wouldn't be welcome. But perhaps that's because I'm me, not because I'm not Welsh.
As for Calvinism putting a dour and solemn edge on things; no, I don't think so. I think that edge is there at Banner; but I don't think it's Calvinism that's done it.
Don't worry Gary, I like you. Actually, that's not much of a bonus. :-/
Jonathan,
You would be very welcome to join the Taffia next year. And apologies for overlooking a Welsh pastor...that couls never be intentional ;-)
Hadn't realised how easy it was to be controversial. If Gary Be doesn't blame the Calvinism for Banner dourness (and let's be clear here Banner is also great fun) what is it? Perhaps its methodism?
Hi all,
I read with interest your comments about the attitude of a few LTS students, as I am currently a student there myself.
In my time here I'm afraid I cannot tell you what the LTS stance on NCT or the Sabbath is. We have certainly had lectures where the NCT position has been taught and promoted, with a particular focus on changing the sabbath commandment. The more traditional reformed view has not been taught, in comparison.
I hope I am being fair to LTS, but that is honestly how I have found the situation.
In my time here I would have to say that LTS has seemed more like an evangelical baptist seminary than a reformed one. Very often traditional reformed doctrines, like the covenant of works for example, and the unity of the covenant of grace, are simply not taught or are rejected.
I am not surprised that many of my fellow students rejected the Sabbath talks.
Personally I found I could agree with the talks, but think that the way they were presented would only have hardened folk's opposition to Sabbath keeping if they did not already believe in it. I think a different tone and tack was needed if the goal was to win people over to a more traditional reformed view.
I think that perhaps there was some negativity, or so it appears to those of us on the the outside, but I hope the answer in years to come is that the younger generation of ministers will be given opportunities to encourage their older brothers, who have been working for so long in the heat of the day.
Hi Gary Br - I've responded your request at my own blog.
Thanks for these comments. There are too many threads to chase up here. Clearly some vaiation among us.
I am slightly surprised at the comments of Mr Jolley (good Calninist name - sorry!) given that Robert Strivens and Mostyn Roberts would not be NCT. Even Chris Bennet is not fully signed up though very sympathetic. Perhaps there should be a distinct strand taught on the subject. As for Iain D convincing people I thought not too (for the most part). What would do it?
I think that very often when it comes to the controversial topics we as the students at LTS tend to drive a lot of the debates when they come up in class. As such the NCT followers in the class tend to put forward their view and not be challenged by the lecturer who only wants to present all the different options so we can make our own minds up. Very often the lecturers have seemed unwilling to come down strongly on one side or another, when what might be more helpful is if they were more dogmatic. I have wondered if sometimes a lot is taken for granted. ie. most of us attending are coming from reformed backgrounds and so it is assumed that we all have a fair grasp of reformed doctrines. But perhaps this is not the case. Still this is only one opinion and not an important one!
As for my name, I hope its a case of Jolley by name, jolley by nature. I cannot understand how calvinism produces dourness, as the doctrines of grace are the very truths that set me free from an unhappy Christian life and gave me real peace and joy! And don't say it is Methodism either! All my life I have been a Methodist and true Methodism has a spirit of fire!
I think what was missing from Ian D's talk was a more detailed exegesis of the appropriate passages.
Matthew
Thanks for clarifying. Perhaps the greater use of seminars is a factor too. As for Calvinism I do think it is the best and those who do not accept it miss out but I think we have to confess that it manifests itself in such a way that one is made at least sensible and serious and in some cases at least that leads to a heavy dourness that can be unattractive to some. My suggestion that Methodism makes dour was, of course, facetious (though some unbelievers would even find an old Methodist dour).
MAtthew, thanks for your thoughts/ insights.
I thought Iain D was very inspiring and encouraging, but then again he was not seeking to defend a BASIC reformed doctrine, but rather to expand upon it. After all, Banner is a reformed ministers conference. Maybe LTS leaders hope it will be a good influence on some, I would hope so, to some extent.
Martin
I don't want your invitation now anyway. So there.
*runs off and cries*
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