Twelve days later…

 

“Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.”

 

James Tissot, Journey of the Magi, 1894
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I’m with Hobbes

Calvin is pushing the doctrine of Grace to the extreme, and I’m afraid he’s going to start throwing snowballs at Susie Derkins.

He has a point, not to be “victimized by notions of virtuous behavior” and can claim Romans 8:1 if he dare: “There is therefore no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

Or, to quote Saint Augustine libertinely, “Love God and do as you please.” This assumes, however, that Calvin—or St. Augustine, or anyone—does love God, and uses that as a standard. It doesn’t appear to be the case here with Calvin.

If Calvin does go ahead and pelt Susie, he may step over another boundary, namely Romans 6:15. Saint Paul says, “What then? Are we to sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means!”

I’m with Hobbes. And St. Paul.

Happy New Year, whatever Calvin does.

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