One of the most effective ploys to scare Arminians and moderate Calvinists away from Calvinism is to paint John Calvin as some evil, persecuting tyrant who reigned over a theocracy of his own making in Geneva, Switzerland–twisting the facts, and omitting many other facts relevant to the unfortunate episode that was the burning of anti-trinitarian heretic, Miguel Servetus. In the following video, Reformed apologist James White sets the historical record straight by simply listing related facts that Calvin’s critics never get around to presenting which sheds a whole new light on the incident.
Yes, Calvin was a man of his times, and the part he played in the execution of Servetus is not to be excused, however, Calvin’s 21st century critics are also men of their time, and it’s equally inexcusable to slander dead Reformers (or anyone else, for that matter).
The Misadventures of Captain Headknowledge 
John,
first, who is dan Barker?
Secondly, it is amazing when you want to bring forth the Truth, you do, while those who do not want to bring forth the Truth, don’t!
It is manipulation by self conceit and deceit thinking someone is listening to your words as though they are the Truth weighing in your own mind the intent of those words only to find out that you become your words! Ooops!
I have in mind these Words of Scripture when saying “Ooops”:
Psa 115:1 Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness!
Psa 115:2 Why should the nations say, “Where is their God?”
Psa 115:3 Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases.
Psa 115:4 Their idols are silver and gold, the work of human hands.
Psa 115:5 They have mouths, but do not speak; eyes, but do not see.
Psa 115:6 They have ears, but do not hear; noses, but do not smell.
Psa 115:7 They have hands, but do not feel; feet, but do not walk; and they do not make a sound in their throat.
Psa 115:8 Those who make them become like them; so do all who trust in them.
I am grateful for the Mercies that come from the Father of Mercies and not from the cruel hand of the wicked!
Who is Dan Barker? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dan_Barker
wow, thanks!
I suppose we both agree then that Jesus was speaking the Truth here?:
Mat 7:7 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.
Mat 7:8 For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.
🙂
John Calvin apologists. He did evil as others did in those days, get over it. John Calvin was not a saint. So he had his enemies eliminated. Not a big deal, many people who are christians would do the same, even today. Believe my way or die. Isn’t that the way it is. How many have died over petty doctrine differences? Whats one more in the name of the Lord. If you go against the system you take your chances. That’s what Servetus did and he was persecuted for it. Many people have know persecution, even you Captain know of some.
Calvin is unique in that his story more than all others is regularly misrepresented, and never because of a simple “persecution, bad!” type argument, but they lie about the extent of his desire to persecute as an ad hominem argument against his theological system. I can think of no one whose part in the execution of a heretic was more blown out of its historical context than his.
Capt.,
I know some heretics. Wanna’ burn ’em?
Christian
See, this is exactly why the true history of Calvin and Servetus has to get out.