thbslawson
Puritan Board Freshman
This may seem like a dumb question, but what exactly does the term "reformed" mean? It seems the exact use of and application of the word in regards to an individual, church or denomination has become rather subjective and gets thrown around a lot. For instance, I hear it said from time to time "Piper isn't really reformed" or "MacArthur isn't reformed", which really means that they don't fit a particular theological mold. But is this fair to say? Wouldn't it be more historically accurate to say that "reformed" means being a product of the Reformation and adhering to the foundational principles, namely the Five Solas? How about instead of throwing around the term "reformed" or "non-reformed" about other orthodox brethren we more accurately state what we mean. For example, "MacArthur is not Westminsterian" or "Piper is not fully confessional". It's takes a little more time to type, but is much clearer, accurate and, I believe, much more gracious.