The rise of the Calvinist Catholics
04/12/2025
Over the past few months, I've noticed the appearance of a strange new creature: the Calvinist Catholic.
These seems like an oxymoron, but as with so many things, contradiction can often coexist in the disturbed mind.
Catholic Calvinists are people who have bought fully into the idea that the Utterly Depraved are incapable of doing good. One can never judge them by the fruits of their action, but only by their perceived motivations.
The Case Zero for this is of course Donald Trump. Objectively speaking, Trump has been the most pro-life president of my lifetime. Not only did his appointments overturn Roe v. Wade, but his subsequent actions (including recent executive orders), have further hammered abortion providers, forcing Planned Parenthood to close numerous clinics.
Yet when presented with these facts, one gets a remarkable set of excuses, such as Trump was motivated by DEI to hit Planned Parenthood, and the pro-life aspect was unintentional. Similarly, his economic and governmental reforms are always characterized as chaotic and random even when it is clear that they are moving an a long-planned progression.
Maybe this is vanity. Maybe the Catholics in question have much knowledge of theology and little of economics or politics.
It is tempting to write this off as the all-too-familiar Trump Derangement Syndrome, but these people are otherwise sensible and important voices in the Church. It is illogical to expect them to change their opinion of Trump personally, nor should anyone ask that they do so. He is a polarizing figure.
But when we move into the realm of policy, such distinctions assume a secondary character. This is especially true when there is no moderate alternative. The opposition has wedded itself to abortion without any limits at all, and their other policies are equally morally abhorrent.
When Trump is wrong, Catholics should speak out, but their criticisms will be much more effective when coming from voices that were hitherto friendly and supportive. Simply carping at him non-stop, qualifying any praise while indulging in personal attacks are unwise and counterproductive. It is also not particularly Christian.
I wish that you would reconsider using "Calvinist" as a pejorative to precede things that you find distasteful.
tldr; version: Calvin taught the Scripture's plan of redemption. Those who you attach "Calvinist" to don't recognize any form of redemption. Light Years of difference.
I would do A/B comparison between Calvinism and RCC in terms of Doctrines of Grace, but with a billion plus adherents, there are faithful RCC members who agree with Thomas Aquinas all the way to General Ledger Catholics who look at the balance of Good Works vs Bad Works to ascertain Heaven or Hell admittance.
Part of TULIP (which isn't really Calvinism) is "Total Depravity" which you are correct in that the unregenerate is totally incapable of pleasing God (ref Romans 3:10-12 which is consistent with Psalms 14:1 which means it transcends the two Testaments).
Calvin, like St Paul, pointed to utter depravity as to why we need the Paraclete and can't execute a DIY salvation, or have it conferred merely by cultural membership in a visible Church or as written in John 1:12-13 their adoption was not because they were simply born, nor of lineage, nor their own will, nor the will of any man, but of God) it is purely an act of Divine Grace.
For your article there really isn't any religion that doesn't offer some form of redemption, save the traditions of Buddhism have paths to transcendence. I think the Left is the only cult/religion that is Point-n-Hate and the only resolution for that subject is annihilation.
Posted by: Unknown Drip Under Pressure | 04/12/2025 at 07:29 PM
I use the term Calvinism because its concepts are the closest to the behaviors I am discussing. I do not think it helpful to come up with new terms to describe a recurring human failing. As to it being pejorative, if the wooden shoe fits, wear it. I am a Catholic convert, which according to the Calvinists means I'm damned. My journey towards conversion was mapped out for me before time began according to Calvin, so it has no real meaning other than I was set aside as one of the non-Elect.
I think it interesting that you regard TULIP is non-representative since the Dutch Reformed in the US are probably the largest remnant of the Calvinist faithful. Seems a bit of the "no true Scotsman" fallacy to me. Calvinism in its confessional states bore rotten fruit, as shown by the collapse of Christianity in Scotland, the Netherlands and Switzerland. These places haven't just been secularized, they have embraced nihilism and are at the forefront of the culture of death that preaches abortion and euthanasia. Calvinism is internal-based, self-centered. There are no graces to be earned if you're already Elect and converting another is pointless because God already made the call. This aligns perfectly with the modern left, which no longer seeks to persuade, only to threaten and destroy. The doctrine that the Elect will persevere, and that having been granted grace cannot lose it is what allows the left to think they can do anything they want without consequence.
Marxism itself is a heresy built on greed and envy. Calvinism leans more strongly into pride and wrath - "We're saved, you're not, and there's nothing you can do about it. Nothing you do is good, everything we do is permitted."
That's how you get people destroying Tesla dealerships and being surprised that there are consequences.
Posted by: A.H. Lloyd | 04/13/2025 at 08:20 AM