Comments on: John Calvin and Servetus Controversy Explained

By: Jason Robertson

Jason Robertson — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 03:21:23 +0000

Grammy, Thank you for your comment. I hope that you continue to read through the articles of this blog and grow in your knowledge of church history and orthodox Christianity. In fact, your comment above reveals that you are very misinformed about some very important issues. 1. Concerning heretics, Jesus didn't leave them alone and Calvin never put any heretics to death. 2. Calvin's view of infant baptism was not at all the same as Catholicism. I don't agree with Calvin's view of baptism, but you need to understand what Calvin actually believed and not make false statements about his doctrine. 3. Calvin in no way whatsoever believed in sacramentalism, or that baptism caused a person's salvation. 4. Calvinism is in NO WAY rooted in Catholicism. Grammy, I don't know why you have these misinformed views. I appreciate that you love Christ and want the Gospel be protected from error. But somewhere, somehow you have been grossly misinformed about Reformed Theology. As a Baptist you would be very much helped if you would study the history of Reformed Theology in Baptist history. Try this article for starters. This one may be helpful too.

By: Grammy of 4

Grammy of 4 — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 16:48:34 +0000

Where in scripture does it justify putting to death a supposed “heretic?” Didn’t Jesus himself say to just leave them alone? I could never accept Calvins “doctrines.” He maintained much of his Catholic dogma such as babies must be baptized, Mary being a perpetual Virgin, keeping of the sacraments as a part of salvation. If John Calvin believed that one must be baptized to be saved along with the keeping of the sacraments, then the man is in hell today. Salvation is through Jesus only. Please don’t assume that because I disagree with Calvionism then by default I must be Arminian. I am neither. I am though a blood bought born again daughter of the living God. I also am a Baptist by convictions. Calvinism is rooted in Catholicism….that alone is a BIG RED FLAG for me and should be for any considering Calvinism.

By: Puritan Lad

Puritan Lad — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 14:50:13 +0000

Good Post. I would add…

1.) Treason (another crime of Servetus) is still punishable by death.

2.) Even if Calvin was responsible for the death of Servetus, that has no bearing on the objective truth of Reformed Theology.

3.) Those who throw out these charges against Calvin would do well to actually study the issue as opposed to bearing false witness.

By: Reg Scofield

Reg Scofield — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 14:36:44 +0000

Thanks for the excellent point by point article. I have noticed those who despise Calvin will go to almost any extremes to through out straw man arguments instead of dealing with what the man exactly wrote and said. I have had the same debate with some in the past who cannot get beyond their prejudice against Calvin or Calvinism.