Saturday, November 11, 2017

My Review of "Calvinist"


Calvinist
 produced by Les Lanphere, founder of the Reformed Pubcast and the Reformed Pub Facebook group, is a resource which helps to capture the theological revolution taking place in our day.  Lanphere documents the history of Reformed Theology (also called Calvinism).  What exactly is TULIP?  How does Calvinism compare to many other religious movements within Christian history?  Lanphere gives a concise answer.  He uniquely provides a modern history of how Evangelislicalism got here.  He highlights the profound influence of Banner of Truth, John MacArthur, R.C. Sproul, and John Piper in shaping this generation of young Calvinists. This, I believe, will be the film's lasting influence.

But, he does not do this with rose colored glasses.

He is honest about some of the mistakes within the movement.  The fall of Mark Driscoll, the plague of "Celebrity Pastor," and the uncharitable spirit of many Calvinists act as protagonists to this revival.  But, Lanphere is hopeful.  He exhorts the audience to continued reformation, to continued confessional fidelity, and to continued commitment to God's mission to the world.

This film features a variety of pastors and theologians within the Reformed stream.  So, it is perfect for Calvinists looking to rejoice in the Doctrines of Grace!  It is also a perfect film for those looking to explore exactly what Calvinism is.  You get to hear about it from those who profess it the loudest.

I highly recommend you pick up this film today.  Rent it or buy it on Vimeo here.

May God raise up many more film makers to exalt in His sovereign grace and to spread His Word across the globe!