Calvinism in the Las Vegas Airport

Making Connections in Today's World

Richard J. Mouw

• Publisher: Zondervan
• Year: 2010
• Print ISBN:
  9780310231974
• eBook ISBN:
  9780310871606
• Topic: Theology & Religion
• Subtopic: Christian Denominations

What do the Canons of Dordt mean to people in the Las Vegas airport—and does anyone there even care? In the movie Hardcore, a pious Calvinist elder tries unsuccessfully to explain the TULIP theology of his Dutch Reformed faith to a prostitute in the Las Vegas airport. This incongruous conversation demonstrates how Calvinism is often perceived today: irrelevant, harsh, even disrespectful.Beginning with this movie scene, Calvinism in the Las Vegas Airport addresses the weaknesses of Calvinism and points to its strengths. How does Calvinism shed light on today? Instead of reciting the Canons of Dordt, what's a more compassionate way to relate to nonbelievers? What might it look like to live out the doctrines of TULIP with gentleness and respect? This conversational book provides answers and shatters some stereotypes. Calvinism in the Las Vegas Airport encourages you to live every aspect of life—business, family, education, politics, activities, and more—before the face of a generous, sovereign God. Calvinists and non-Calvinists alike will find this an enjoyable read. You will discover that Reformed theology can speak relevantly and compellingly today, both to you and to people in the Las Vegas airport. Does Calvinism Have Anything to Do with the 21st Century?What do you think about Calvinism? Do you view it positively or negatively? Or has its day passed?Let's face it, many non-Calvinists hold a less-than-positive view, sometimes due to caricatures. This friendly, conversational book helps clear up some misconceptions and distorted views. If you're not a Calvinist, here is an engaging inside look. And if you are a Calvinist, Richard Mouw shows how to live gently and respectfully with others—Christians and non-Christians—who hold different perspectives.Calvinism in the Las Vegas Airport focuses not on what Calvinists believe but on how they live. From a movie scene to the author's personal experiences in Las Vegas, you are invited to travel with Mouw and see the Reformed faith in a new light. Yes, it still does travel well!

Table of contents

• Cover Page
• Title Page
• Dedication
• Table of Contents
• chapter 1 HARDCORE TULIP
• chapter 2 FOR DISTINCTION’S SAKE
• chapter 3 MERE CALVINISM
• chapter 4 A LOOK ON THE SHELF
• chapter 5 NOT A STRANGER
• chapter 6 AFTER THE ELECTION
• chapter 7 EVERY SQUARE INCH
• chapter 8 THE GENEROSITY OPTION
• chapter 9 SADNESS AND HOPE IN LAS VEGAS
• chapter 10 JAKE’S MISTAKE
• chapter 11 CONFESSIONS OF A TRAVELING CALVINIST
• chapter 12 KEEPERS OF THE MEMORIES
• NOTES
• Acknowledgments
• About the Author
• Also by Richard Mouw
• Copyright
• About the Publisher
• Share Your Thoughts