Recently, several people have asked me what I mean by the three phrases listed over in my profile: Calvinistic in theology, Baptistic in polity, Charismatic in affections. Loaded statements, I know. I don't usually go around labeling myself--and never to my lost friends. Who in the world cares what my theology is anyway?? But in blog-world, I like to know where people are coming from. It's not that you have to line up with my ways for me to read your blog. Heavens no! I read tons of blogs all of the time and enjoy all of the dissenting points of view. It's just nice to have a "base line" so that I can put your blogs in context. If that last paragraph didn't make a lick of sense to you--don't worry. Just ignore it and keep reading. (That is, if you even give a rip...) Alrighty, here we go- I. CALVINISTIC IN THEOLOGY. This just means that my understanding of the Bible strongly resembles the published doctrines of John Calvin about the priority of God's glory and the grace of God in salvation. I am NOT a card-carrying five-point Calvinist. Stop right there. What are the five points of Calvinism, anyway? The acronym TULIP is often used as a nice little memory tool for remembering them. And here they are: T- Total Depravity U- Unconditional Election L- Limited Atonement (My husband prefers the term "particular redemtion.") I- Irrisistible Grace (My husband prefers the term "effectual calling.") P- Perseverance of the Saints. As you can see above, my husband often says that several of these points should be rephrased, but then that would mess with the handy little acronym, wouldn't it? And it's just not as fun to say that you believe in TUPEP. Tulipgirl couldn't even be Tulipgirl anymore! :) Bascially, I would just say that my husband and I are very sympathetic with the writings of many of the reformers and puritans--men such as Martin Luther and John Calvin and more recently, Charles Spurgeon. As I've often noted in this blog, we really appreciate the preaching and writings of modern day preachers such as John MacArthur, John Piper and Al Mohler. They are so Bible-centric and most of all, they have a HIGH VIEW OF GOD. As John Piper says: "God is most glorified when I am most satisfied in Him." Ahhhh, yes. I wish more people talked like that. II. BAPTISTIC IN POLITY. This is my way of separating my position from most reformed brethren who sprinkle (rantize NOT baptize) infants and add them to the membership of the church. I believe the membership of the church is made up of those who have received BELIEVER'S BAPTISM. It also represents my belief that each church should be self governed by a plurality of pastors/elders as opposed to there being a bishop somewhere in Kansas City dictating what our church in Smallville can or cannot do. Most Calvinists today are not Baptistic in polity. III. CHARISMATIC IN AFFECTIONS This just means that I believe in letting all the stops out when it comes to worship. I believe in lavishing our Lord with all of the praise He deserves. I like the hymns. I like the praise and worship stuff. I like any song that is theologically sound and God centered. My favorites include A Mighty Fortress is Our God and Lion of Judah. I believe that if a church is going to be bibical in their worship--that the services should include hand raising, clapping, spontanous shouts of praise and of course--LOUD SINGING. Freeze-dried worship just grieves my heart. To be blunt, non-emotional worship is like non-emotional s*x. You can go through the motions, but it just doesn't mean anything. (How's that for plain spoken??) Now that I've laid it all out for you, please don't stop coming by my blog. :) I have so many friends who disagree with me on various points and that doesn't stop us from sharing sweet fellowship. Don't get me wrong--I do feel that YOU ARE WHAT YOU BELIEVE. Doctrine is important. But let's not let it divide us. At least not in blogworld.