My favorite Calvinist poem

I was just reminded by a friend of a poem one of my professors read to a class once. It was actually a hymn from the era of the Protestant reformation.

We are God’s elect
the rest be damned
There’s room enough in hell for you
We won’t have heaven crammed

For those unfamiliar with Calvinism, you can read about it at theopedia.com. Actually this sentiment is actually more along the lines of Hyper-Calvinism

In my opinion this poem displays the most selfish and egotistical side of christianity I’ve seen. Now, I don’t know a single person who would sing this hymn, but I’ve witnessed the same smugness and sense of entitlement which is displayed here.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, November 2nd, 2004 at 6:35 pm.

2 Responses to “My favorite Calvinist poem”

  1. Aaron Shafovaloff Says:
    December 5th, 2004 at 2:13 pm

    You certainly won’t find that kind of sentiment/poem in the mouths of prominent Calvinists today. And I’ve yet to meet a Calvinist who didn’t lovingly plead for others’ salvation. I’m afraid much of Arminianism exists off of caricature. Sidenote: I heartily recommend this essay.

    Grace and peace,

    Aaron

  2. Ryan Says:
    December 5th, 2004 at 2:21 pm

    Hi aaron-
    I certainly know this, being friends with many calvinists. I myself don’t find it a coherent system. Piper certainly does a lot to defend this system, but I think its unneccesary. Let it die, we’d be better off without Calvinism.

    I just thought the poem was funny.