Lemke seems a bit confused in his criticism and applause to me

[BandGuy]

Lemke applauded York, who said that many members of the church where he preaches -- Buck Run Baptist Church in Frankfort, Ky. -- did not know he was a Calvinist until they read a story about the conference in the state Baptist newspaper, the Western Recorder.

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=38429

Aren't Calvinists supposed to be upfront and honest with their Churches about their Calvinism.  This is what really drives me batty about non-Calvinists in the Convention.  They speak out of both sides of their mouths.  On one side, they want honesty from pastoral candidates, on the other side of their mouth, they just want us to shut up and never mention what we believe.  Some are condemned, it would seem, for concealing their Calvinism.  Others are applauded for it.  Perhaps, it would be easier to find common ground with non-Calvinists if they could just be the least bit consistent with their criticism of Calvinists in the convention.  Alas, it seems to me, that they will never be truly happy till we either agree with them or go away.  This, Dr. Lemke, is truly why we distrust people like you.

 

[Miller]

From the article, "Lemke said he would encourage pastoral search committees to ask candidates who are Calvinists: 'Are they committed to missions and evangelism," and, "Do they talk more about Calvin than about Jesus?'"

Does that mean that those who are not Calvinists should be asked, "Are they committed to missions and evangelism," and, "Do they talk more about Arminius than about Jesus?"

 

[Izdaari]

Some of us who aren't Calvinists aren't Arminians either.

 

[FSSL]

From the article, "Lemke said he would encourage pastoral search committees to ask candidates who are Calvinists: 'Are they committed to missions and evangelism," and, "Do they talk more about Calvin than about Jesus?'"

Does that mean that those who are not Calvinists should be asked, "Are they committed to missions and evangelism," and, "Do they talk more about Arminius than about Jesus?"

Nice point Miller. Spurgeon was also accused of being imbalanced on the issue. The problem is, when the doctrines of grace are the basis of the gospel, the denial of or refusal to stand for those doctrines will face difficulties.

The IFBA of Michigan, some years back, had a rift. It was created by those who stood against Calvinism EVEN when the articles of faith of the IFBA were Calvinistic. Finneyism is never satisfied.