New Calvinism is a theological movement within Protestant evangelicalism that embraces the fundamentals of 16th century Reformed theology while also seeking to engage contemporary culture, science, and social justice issues. The movement has been prominent mainly within Baptist, Presbyterian, and nondenominational churches.
The term “New Calvinism” was coined in 2009 by Baptist theologian Collin Hansen in an article for Christianity Today titled “Young, Restless, Reformed: Calvinism is making a comeback—and shaking up the church.” In this article, Hansen spotlighted the popularity of Reformed theology among young Christian leaders and churches. Key figures associated with New Calvinism include John Piper, Mark Driscoll, Tim Keller, Al Mohler, Matt Chandler, John MacArthur, and David Platt.
So who exactly are the New Calvinists? Here are some defining characteristics:
- Theologically conservative Protestants who embrace the key tenets of Reformation leader John Calvin like the sovereignty of God, the authority of Scripture, the sinfulness of mankind, and salvation by grace alone.
- Passionate about having theology shape their ministry and lifestyle choices.
- Have a high view of God’s sovereignty and holiness.
- Believe salvation is entirely a work of God, not man.
- Strong emphasis on the necessity of the Holy Spirit to initiate conversion in a person.
- Stress the importance of Bible study and biblical literacy.
- Leaders tend to be younger (under 50).
- Prominent in Baptist, nondenominational, Presbyterian, and charismatic churches.
- Utilize contemporary styles of worship music.
- Very missional—seek to shape both the church and culture.
Core Beliefs of New Calvinism
While there can be diversity among New Calvinists, most affirm the key doctrines historically associated with Calvinism and Reformed theology. Here are some of the core beliefs:
1. Authority of Scripture
New Calvinists have a very high view of the authority and sufficiency of Scripture. They believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God and without error in the original manuscripts (2 Timothy 3:16). It alone holds supreme authority for doctrine and practice. Scripture is seen as the final arbiter on all matters it addresses.
2. Sovereignty of God
This is the signature doctrine of Calvinism. God exercises supreme and absolute rule over all creation and human events (Isaiah 46:9-10). Nothing happens without God ordaining it or allowing it. He directs all things according to the counsel of His will (Ephesians 1:11). Humans may devise their plans, but it is the Lord who ultimately directs their steps (Proverbs 16:9).
3. Providence of God
Following from God’s sovereignty, Calvinists believe God orchestrates everything that happens—both good and bad—to accomplish His divine purposes. All events, big and small, unfold under God’s watchful care. As Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”
4. Total Depravity of Man
New Calvinists have a low view of human ability and high view of human sinfulness. Due to the Fall in Genesis 3, the whole human race is affected by original sin and enslaved to wicked desires. People are unable to save themselves or even turn to God without His enabling grace (Ephesians 2:1-3). Unregenerate man hates the light and will not come to salvation on his own (John 3:19-20).
5. Unconditional Election
Since humans are enslaved to sin and would never choose God on their own, God graciously and unconditionally elects some to be saved. This election is not based on any foreseen faith or merit in the individual, but only according to God’s sovereign choice (Romans 9:16). Before the world began, God predestined the elect to salvation for His glory (Ephesians 1:4-6).
6. Limited Atonement
Christ’s atoning death on the cross is sufficient for the sins of the whole world, but is designed to effectually secure salvation only for the elect. Though Jesus’ sacrifice is infinitely sufficient to cover all sin, the benefits of His death are applied only to those predestined by God. Christ bore the sins and suffered for the elect alone (John 10:15).
7. Irresistible Grace
When God calls the elect to salvation, they cannot resist or thwart His purposes. The inward call of the Spirit cannot be rejected. It inevitably results in regeneration and salvation. When God draws someone to Christ, he or she will freely come (John 6:44; Romans 8:30). The elect do not want to resist God’s grace—their hearts are renewed so they now desire Christ.
8. Perseverance of the Saints
Once someone is saved by God’s grace they can never lose that salvation. There is no losing your justification. Believers will persevere in faith and good works as evidence of their salvation. They do not persevere to be saved, but because they are saved. If someone appears to fall away from the faith it proves they were never truly regenerate (1 John 2:19).
9. Glory of God
The ultimate purpose for everything that happens is the glory of God. Even God’s motivation in saving sinners is for His great name’s sake (Ezekiel 36:22). New Calvinists have a supreme focus on the glory of God. Creation exists to glorify Him and sinners are saved to worship Christ forever.
Distinctives and Contributions
While New Calvinism shares the main tenets of historical Calvinism, the movement has been credited with bringing some new perspectives and contributions that have blessed the wider evangelical church.
1. Renewed Interest in Doctrine
New Calvinism has sparked renewed interest, passion, and depth in studying theology and doctrine among average church members. Several bestselling books have popularized Reformed theology for laypeople. Things like TULIP and the doctrines of grace are now dinner table discussion.
2. Focus on Depth in Preaching
Expository preaching is a hallmark of New Calvinism. Many prominent New Calvinist pastors like John Piper, Matt Chandler, and Tim Keller are models of in-depth, verse-by-verse preaching aimed at sound doctrine and application.
3. Missional Mindset and Social Concern
New Calvinists seek to apply their theology to all of life. They care about issues like poverty, abortion, creation care, sex trafficking, and racial reconciliation. Authors like Tim Keller blend Reformed theology with urban ministry and cultural engagement.
4. Non-cessationist View of Spiritual Gifts
While not all, many New Calvinists are open to the present-day use of miraculous gifts like tongues and prophecy. They adopt a non-cessationist position believing gifts like these can still be practiced under biblical guidelines.
5. Appreciation for Church History
There is great respect for leaders and creeds of earlier eras of church history like Augustine, the Reformers, Puritans, and Westminster Standards. New Calvinists reject the idea that relevance requires breaking with the past.
6. Growth of Calvinistic Baptists
Due to New Calvinism, Calvinistic theology has spread rapidly within American Baptist churches. Prominent Baptist leaders like Al Mohler and Mark Dever have been influential in promoting Reformed theology in Baptist life.
7. Multiethnic Appeal
New Calvinism has flourished in multiethnic settings and not been dominated by any one ethnic group. Leading New Calvinist voices like John Piper, Tim Keller, and Matt Chandler appeal to diverse demographics.
8. Utilization of Technology
Younger New Calvinist leaders understand and utilize the internet, social media, podcasting, and online video to spread Bible teaching. Things like The Gospel Coalition and Together for the Gospel conference use technology to promote theology.
Criticisms and Controversies
While New Calvinism has impacted many evangelicals in positive ways, there are some criticisms and controversies surrounding the movement as well:
1. Celebrity Culture and Rock Star Pastors
Some believe New Calvinism has bred a celebrity culture focused on popular preachers and conference speakers. Multi-site video venues have been championed which put an emphasis on talented communicators.
2. Overemphasis on Theology
New Calvinists are sometimes accused of overemphasizing theology and doctrine at the expense of practical Christian living. There can be intense debate over secondary issues and finer theological points.
3. Lacking Emphasis on Evangelism
Since they reject models like seeker-sensitive churches, some feel New Calvinists downplay evangelism and don’t focus enough on outreach. They spend more time on doctrinal precision than converting the lost.
4. Complementarian View of Women
Most New Calvinists do not support women in senior leadership or pastoral roles in the church. They take a complementarian view limiting women’s involvement. This has brought accusations of oppression and sexism.
5. Rigidity and Legalism
New Calvinism is sometimes seen as breeding judgmental attitudes and unnecessary dogmatism. There can be rigid rules and legalism imposed on questionable matters which goes beyond clear biblical teaching.
6. Lack of Church Discipline
On the flip side, some New Calvinist churches have been criticized for NOT exercising proper discipline when it comes to unrepentant sin among members. Church discipline has been neglected.
7. Connected to Neo-Reformed Movement
New Calvinism is linked to the Neo-Reformed movement which adds some additional beliefs not traditionally Reformed like continuationism and support for Theonomy. This has led to added controversy.
8. Influence of Charismatic Theology
The teaching of charismatic leaders like C.J. Mahaney and Sam Storms has impacted many New Calvinists leading to openness to spiritual gifts. This troubles those opposed to charismatic theology.
9. Lacking Church Growth
While influential among existing Christians, some argue New Calvinism has failed to stimulate widespread church growth and expansion. Most New Calvinist churches remain relatively small.
10. Conflicts and Divisions
There have been a number of controversies and high-profile divisions among New Calvinists. Conferences like Together for the Gospel have experienced splits. Social media has fueled online debates.
The Future of New Calvinism
The long-term legacy and influence of New Calvinism remains to be seen. Some believe the movement has already peaked while others think it is just getting started. With established networks like The Gospel Coalition continuing to equip pastors and provide content, New Calvinism seems poised to have an ongoing impact.
New Calvinism has reminded the church of the importance of doctrine, the glory of God, and the necessity of Spirit-empowered conversion. It has helped fuel passion for biblical fidelity and expositional preaching. While excesses should be avoided, hopefully the positive contributions of New Calvinism toward biblical literacy and God-centered theology will continue to benefit the global church in the decades to come.
