Talk:John Piper (theologian)

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[edit] The meaning of "Reformed"

It's difficult to decide how to classify Calvinists like Piper (and Spurgeon and other Baptists) -- as Category:Reformed theologians and/or Category:Calvinists -- because the term "Reformed" has varied meaning. In one strict sense, "Reformed" can refer to a Calvinist soteriology plus an adherence to Covenant theology. (Piper has the former but, as a Baptist, a different view of the latter.) On the other hand, some folks call themselves "Reformed Baptists" by which they mean they have a Calvinist soteriology but reject traditional Covenant theology. Perhaps we should break the Calvinist category into "Reformed Credo-baptists" and "Reformed Paedo-baptists" (or "Reformed Baptists" and "Reformed Covenanters"). As they stand now, though, I put Piper in the "Calvinists" category but not the "Reformed theologians" category. Thoughts? --Flex 18:30, 12 Jan 2005 (UTC)

I'm not sure why you removed Reformed. John Piper has said on his own website he is farthest away from dispensationalism and closest to covenant theology. 24.124.61.165 04:17, 20 August 2005 (UTC)

Piper is reformed in that he does line up closest to covenant theology, taking exception to the covenant view that baptism is the new covenant sign replacing the old covenant sign of circumcision. Rosem12514 04:11, 17 December 2005 (UTC)

[edit] Bio is copyrighted

The biography section of this entry is copied almost verbatim from DesiringGod.org [1], which is copyrighted. A rewrite is in order. rae 21:09, 20 Jan 2005 (UTC)

Not so sure this is a copyright vio. I quote from your linked site: "Permissions: You are permitted and encouraged to reproduce and distribute this material in any format provided that you do not alter the wording in any way, you do not charge a fee beyond the cost of reproduction, and you do not make more than 1,000 physical copies. For web posting, a link to this document on our website is preferred. Any exceptions to the above must be explicitly approved by Desiring God." Anyone have any ideas on this? Is it or is it not a copyright vio.?--ViolinGirl^♪ 14:08, 7 December 2005 (UTC)

[edit] Letter

It is misinforming to quote that portion of his letter about his cancer without the context. The "good news" he is referring to is that the recovery will be short, not that he has cancer. --216.171.65.132

I read the letter to evaluate your claim, but I think you misunderstand. The quoted portion itself identifies what news he is talking about: "The news of cancer". --Flex 13:02, 24 May 2006 (UTC)

[edit] "John Piper is Bad" MP3

I just reposted a link to this MP3 file which is gaining rapid popluarity and circulation in Christian (and even reformed) circles. The existence and spread of this "mash" is a testament to Piper's rising celebrity in the mainstream world. Yes, it is humorous--but it is also a perfect example of the intersection between pop-culture, Christianity, Calvinism, and John Piper as a cultural icon. Since it is a quote from Piper himself, it is not derogatory or demeaning in any way, but affirms a basic tenet of reformed theology: the fallen nature of man. As such, it deserves a place, if not as an entire section, at least as a link. I would be happy to place it in the "external links" category, but it just seemed to fit better in the multimedia section. Thoughts and discussion are welcomed. -Neal

It is not appropriate unless you can find references to it in reliable sources. See also Wikipedia's policy on external links (especially WP:EL#Rich_media). --Flex 14:34, 9 October 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Piper's mission statement is missing

Piper's mission statement needs to be worked into his biography even more so than his quote on Christian Hedonism.

Piper says he exists to "spread a passion for the supremacy of God in all things for the joy of all peoples through Jesus Christ." Infinite Joy 03:43, 26 November 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Merge from Christian Hedonism

I propose that we merge Christian Hedonism into this article because, while many support Christian Hedonism, AFAIK Piper is the only one who has written about it in any significant detail. --Flex (talk|contribs) 21:58, 8 January 2007 (UTC)

Sounds like a good idea. Christian Hedonism is very much identified with Piper in the reformed consciousness. TheologyJohn 17:19, 10 January 2007 (UTC)

Mark Driscol has a megachurch and has written about it as well. Many other authors have written for and against it, and it is no longer a topic solely from piper 206.155.48.254 18:38, 23 February 2007 (UTC)

Oppose The Christian Hedonism article has been improved and expanded. I also agree with the last comment that others use it now as well. Wyatt 19:51, 26 March 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Merge from Desiring God

I suggest we merge Desiring God into this article. --Flex (talk|contribs) 13:14, 19 March 2007 (UTC)

Oppose I think Desiring God should be expanded to talk about the whole desiringgod.org ministry rather than just the book. the book is very famous in reformed circles and controversial and should be expanded. Wyatt 19:49, 26 March 2007 (UTC)

Is Desiring God Ministries notable as an organization? Would the other material you are suggesting fit with Christian Hedonism? No need to duplicate the same material in several places. --Flex (talk|contribs) 19:55, 26 March 2007 (UTC)