Was Augustine the first to introduce "CALVINISM" into the Church?

Dr. Leighton Flowers, Director of Evangelism and Apologetics for Texas Baptists, interviews one of today's foremost Augustinian scholars, Dr. Ken Wilson.
Dr. Wilson graduated as a medical doctor from the University of Texas system, followed by an Orthopedic Residency and Hand Fellowship. He then taught as a full-time academic professor at Oregon’s medical school for many years. While maintaining his hand surgery practice, Dr. Wilson decided to pursue theology. He graduated magna cum laude from Faith Lutheran Seminary with a M.Div. degree, then magna cum laude from Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary with a Th.M. degree. Dr. Wilson attended The University of Oxford in the United Kingdom where he received his doctorate in theology with the thesis, “Augustine’s Conversion from Traditional Free Choice to ‘Non-free Free Will’: A Comprehensive Methodology.“ More about Dr. Wilson can be found here: www.gracetheology.org/authors...
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[@BK-yz7px]

“At the end of my book, I list all of the Scriptures used by the Manichaeans to support their doctrines. And guess which ones they are? They’re the very ones the Calvinists use today.” - Dr. Kenneth Wilson

[@IndianaJoe0321]

That is so telling ...

[@IndianaJoe0321]

Not sure if you're a Jehovah's Witness or not, @@Tron4JC, but no early Church Father taught baptismal regeneration.

[@mihaeltomasovic]

@@Tron4JC You have proved your point very well, sir! Extremely well said!

[@danielnickel2866]

@@anonimo-um2ng so why the word sacrament is not in the New Testament?

[@azz6860]

Dear sir, I am so glad to know that someone else than myself believe that our God is in the past, the present, and the future also at the very same time right now. Amen.

[@ShowCat1]

I was gaslighted by a Calvinist for several years which resulted in a 23 year wilderness as far as my relationship with Christ was concerned. This podcast was the beginning of my escape from the pit of lies that caused me to set aside the Bible for nearly two decades. I have listened to this podcast many times, over the last 3 years, and I still get something new out of it every time. The farther I get from the prison I escaped from, the greater my perspective on Calvinism. I now realize that Reformed Theology is a mere doctrinal exoskeleton obscuring the truth of the glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ. Thank you Dr. Flowers, and Dr. Wilson again and again, thank you.

[@jolookstothestars6358]

"An exoskeleton obscuring the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ." WOW and amen!!!

[@user-um5wn8ri7s]

I was in the same boat, as a young man that did not know the scriptures, I had Bible studies with Calvanists, and I was overwhelmed and despaired of faith. I thought God hated most people, and I could not love him-I am ashamed thar I was bewitched by such nonsense of wholly ignorant men and women, who were shamefully ignorant and mean-spirited ❤

[@charlesheck6812]

Good Lord! This presentation covers a lot of extremely important and foundational issues. EXCELLENT! Recovering hardcore Reformed Protestant of 30 years here! Thank you!

[@trevortonner106]

I've studied Augustine a little and read confessions...what troubled me were his mystical ways of approaching God and even his testimony is sketchy. That combined with his doctrine is enough evidence that he was still a gnostic at heart. I'm thankful for God's patience and guidance in the sanctification process and that he renewed my thinking through his Word and prayer.

[@deusvult8340]

How?

[@justinhawes1593]

@@deusvult8340Bro, be more specific. How what? All you have to do to be clear is type a few more more words. What are you asking?

[@sweethometreasures]

Wow this adds such depth to understanding today's reformed theology. Praise God, His word already denies Calvin's system. And praise Him again, even church history does too.

[@RR-ue4im]

❤❤ agreed

[@alanmunch5779]

This is the most helpful and enlightening discussions I’ve ever heard on this subject. Thank you, gentlemen!

[@paulbarrera5026]

Great Job Leighton, The Lord is using you to the fullest My Brother in Christ. Keep battling the Evil Empire.

[@ronhale5701]

We can say that for the first 400 years of Christianity's teachers, preachers, apostles, evangelists and theologians taught "historic traditionalism" without a deterministic theology. Borrowing from Manichaeism, Augustine brought strong determinism into the Catholic Church while the Eastern Orthodox Church never incorporated Augustinian teachings. Thanks Leighton for this interview!!! One of the Best!

[@DavidLarson100]

One correction to your summary: Augustine taught determinism, but it wasn't accepted by the Catholic Church. It was one of the elements of Augustine's teaching that they expressly did NOT accept, per the Second Council of Orange. But Protestant Reformers like Calvin and Luther thought Catholic free will was "Pelagian" and preferred the Augustinian determinist model.

[@MultipleGrievance]

​@DavidLarson100 Luther did too?? Do you know anything I can read on that?

[@DavidLarson100]

@@MultipleGrievance Absolutely. It was one of the top areas of disagreement he had with the Catholic Church. Read his debate with Erasmus, where Luther wrote "The Bondage of the Will" to show we have no free will and are either slaves to sin or to God, and Erasmus wrote "On the freedom of the will." Unsurprisingly, Luther leans heavily on Romans 9. Thankfully, Lutherans almost immediately rejected a lot of Luther's extreme determinism and only hold to 'single predestination' now.

[@kimberleerivera3334]

Thank you very kindly Leighton Flowers and Ken Wilson! GLORY TO GOD!

[@kimberleerivera3334]

@@Tron4JC - You get your history where? Burgers baptism was not (invented) by Augustine. It's Biblical.

[@jaygee2187]

So basically, the church fathers spent the first 300 years battling against the Gnostics, stoics and Manichaeists, and then Augustine came along and decided ‘if you can’t beat them, join them’.

[@jaygee2187]

JourneyROR have you ever read the Martyrs Mirror? I’m going through it now...the church was always there, being persecuted. Equating first Rome and then the reformers as the church discounts the vast majority of those who actually paid with their lives for the cause of Christ.

[@Livingingrace]

Excellent interview. So glad more and more are making known the obvious link between Augustinian Calvinism and gnostic teachings.

[@tommyvedros9936]

Billy R The interview and research makes it clear.

[@tommyvedros9936]

Billy R Nothing like being in denial. I actually studied church history for about five years and nothing Dr. Wilson said was inaccurate. And if Dr. Flowers didn’t read Augustine, why did Dr. Flowers know facts that Dr. Wilson confirmed?

[@richardcoords1610]

@@tommyvedros9936 Exactly. See 23:53 where the Gnostics used the same prooftexts that Calvinists use today.

[@chironow3446]

@@billyr9162 So Augustine studied the NT, but didn't know Greek?

[@timothykring4772]

Liars keep calling truth ' determinism '.....you can't help yourselves.

[@nohandle257]

Leighton, your suggestion of distilling Dr. Wilson's tome for a simpler popular book is a great one.

[@heathereads1526]

"All I did was follow the instructions." Already smarter than most.

[@robinq5511]

Dr Wilson did publish a shorter version of his work in Aug 2019 - I found it on Amazon for $10: The Foundation of Augustinian-Calvinism

[@bobtaylor170]

I just got my copy!

[@junechamberlin5184]

Thanks for that info!! His original manuscript goesfor $118 on Amazon!

[@junechamberlin5184]

I found it on Kindle for $7.99.

[@gracefulewe]

I wish I could like this 1000 times. This is the book I have been wanting to read - I was just about to try and write it myself, but with a toddler that's a bit too much to take on righy now. 😌 So glad someone else put the work in for me! 😜👍

[@BK-yz7px]

My one complaint about this video: It’s too short! 😕

[@pedrovaldivia7694]

B K agreed we need round 2

[@angeliquaserenity5009]

LOL!

[@kylebarney3126]

True. Can’t get enough refutation of Augustinian Calvinism.

[@beverlysmith3923]

That was the best interview and explanation of determination or predestination I've heard!!! Thank you!! And thank you, Dr. Wilson, for all of your tenacious works towards an understanding of this heavy topic.

[@yvonnegonzales2973]

Thank you both of you, tracing the origin & investigate deep & correcting the twisters

[@julessoto137]

This interview provided Wisdom to unlock my world view on Christianity into the next level. As a born Catholic I was fascinated by the reason for infant baptism. And how these reasons penetrated the Church to in large part define, and or give reason for Calvinism. What a breakthrough in understanding. These breakthroughs in turn gives a deeper hunger for the Truth. Just amazing, our God never ceases to blow me away.

[@angelt.5276]

Amen!

[@danielw4838]

The Ravi Zacharias statement around 22:30 unfortunately didn’t age well.... It’s crazy how much influence and impact Zacharias had-enough to be mentioned in a video that isn’t even remotely about him. However, it’s even more astounding how much of a corrupt fraud he was. Such a shame.... Zacharias aside, thank your for the very insightful discussion that took place during the video!

[@qcbtbx]

The best interview I've seen to date! Have him back on in the near future.😉

[@grahamhunt7488]

Thanks for all your videos, Dr Flowers. You are a great help in providing accurate Biblical teaching and so building us up in our most holy faith.

[@emf49]

That was extremely enlightening. Thank you so much. 😊

[@RNLWW]

Dr. Flowers, surely the Calvinist theologians (like Mohler, Sproul, etc) and seminary students know some of these egregious facts about the basis of the beliefs they are accepting. How can they receive and propagate Augustine’s ideas in spite of this? I’ve never understood how they could overlook Luther’s and Calvin’s support of opponents’ executions. How/why do they ignore these things? Thank you.

[@michaelpfleegor6453]

I'm amazed you'd listen to a guy like Peter. He attempted to split a guy's head in two with a sword. He's got some serious issues. He needs Jesus! And so do I! And so did Calvin & Luther.

[@cord11ful]

Attention Calvinists: Sovereignty DOES NOT EQUAL determinism. God is not a dictatorial micro-manager.

[@malcolmkirk3343]

You guys are doing a bang-up job on these discussions! No superficial nonsense here. Grateful for scholars you have on. Didn't even have this array of quality scholars on such topics in seminary. It's high time we very publicly to the proverbial axe to Calvinist arguments.

[@kimberleerivera3334]

Amen!

[@kimberleerivera3334]

Calvinism has done so much harm to the Church! May GOD have mercy on them.

[@jeanlannes8710]

I am a middle/high school Bible teacher, and this interview was Great! Listening to it again, and recommending this episode/entire podcast all around. Thanks for your work! Please interview Dr. Wilson again.

[@tonymedeiros5515]

What school in what state is this that you are teaching the Bible

[@jcthomas3408]

I never knew Augustine did not know Greek. A lot of great information. Dr. Ken Wilson's book is going to be very valuable in checking out the beliefs of the early church fathers.

[@bobtaylor170]

@@Tron4JC , which, of course, explains why Oxford accepted it as sufficient for the granting of a D.Phil for Wilson. Oxford generally is unbothered by theses which are loaded with lies and errors.

[@ericanderson3364]

Sometime after this video, Wilson wrote a shorter (and far less expensive) book that summarizes his doctoral thesis: "The Foundation of Augustinian-Calvinism" """ This book summarizes Dr. Wilson's "ground-breaking" doctoral thesis at the University of Oxford which was published by Mohr Siebeck in 2018 as "Augustine's Conversion from Traditional Free Choice to 'Non-free Free Will': A Comprehensive Methodology". With a new audience in mind, Dr. Wilson presents his extensive research on free will in ancient and early Christian thought in a shorter and more accessible format with translations of the ancient and modern foreign languages in plain English. Dr. Wilson first provides readers with essential background information on free will in the ancient philosophies and religions of Stoicism, Gnosticism, Neoplatonism, and Manichaeism. He then guides his readers through the writings of the earliest Christian authors who wrote on free will. Finally, Dr. Wilson explores a curious split between St. Augustine's early and later writings and shows how the ideas presented in Augustine's later writings became the foundation for modern Calvinist (Reformed) theology, also known as Augustinian-Calvinism. """

[@Jimbob-hj6qp]

So enlightening!!!

[@sandypidgeon4343]

Outstanding interview. Ken nailed it when he talked about Irenaeus's view as calvinistic determinism limits GOD - GOD's allowing free will makes HIS sovereignty true. Calvinistic determinism also falls straight into the lap of scientific determinism. What Augustine did to Pelagius was literally criminal, as, Pelagius was tried before two church councils and found innocent. Augustine was a politician as Ken notes. Calvin also "lost it" in his later writings and became political. Thanks for this, Leighton. GOD Bless

[@jtfairchild3838]

Are you saying Calvinism or Neo-Calvinism ? ...

[@sandypidgeon4343]

@@jtfairchild3838 JT - not sure what your distinction is between the two if there is one. Could you define the terms and differences? I honestly do not see much, if any, distinction. Look forward to discussing it! Thanks. GOD Bless

[@robcarter6599]

Excellent video. I will watch it again to glean all of the excellent resources!

[@ShowCat1]

Iv'e watched it four time now. Love it.

[@McMahans1]

We need round two ASAP

[@tommyvedros9936]

Great interview! I’ve seen some Calvinists who are suddenly experts in church history here when they probably haven’t read a lick of the early church and Augustine.

[@justinharrell327]

This was enlightening. Finally my suspicions about Augustan are confirmed.

[@danpaulisbitski]

This video perfectly captures the point where all the differences the non Calvinist Christian and the Calvinist begin. It seems like the Calvinists inability to see that Gods knowledge of the future doesn’t determine the future and that freewill doesn’t undermine Gods ability to know the future is where all the differences start. If I tell the Calvinist that God died for all men then they believe that must mean that all must be saved because God can’t desire something without it coming to pass. They think if it didn’t come to pass then God failed in some way. The obvious problem is that God desires for all PEOPLE to repent which requires them to FREELY choose to repent. It’s not as if God is saying HE desires to make people repentant by using His power over them. That would be a failure if it didn’t come to pass but clearly that’s not what is being said. God decreed that believers will be saved. God didn’t decree the belief of believers. Again this is just an error by adding something to the text by using a deterministic presupposition. It’s not as if the text says that but if the presupposition of determinism is true then the text must infer all the baggage the Calvinist attributes to it. Baggage like the context God loving the world is God loving the elect. So somehow the world means the elect not everyone. Than the context of God desiring all people to repent becomes God only desires the ones who will repent to repent. It makes you wonder why God desires anything when the Calvinist says He determines all He desires. Another words what’s the hold up? The equate believing in Christ with the ability to save yourself when the only ones saying that is the Calvinists themselves. They agree faith is not a work but then turn around and attribute ones free choices to believe is what partially saves them? If salvation is the work of God (we all agree it is) and faith is not a work then faith doesn’t save. It’s a failure of logic to say faith isn’t a work and then say it is when you are freely put your faith in Christ. It can’t be both. I just would appreciate that the Calvinist be consistent or it becomes pointless to have a fruitful conversation to really explain why we disagree. God bless

[@michaelpfleegor6453]

Pretty much everything you said is a "straw man" argument. Calvinists don't say what you claim they do. For example, you say, "If I tell the Calvinist that God died for all men then they believe that must mean that all must be saved because God can’t desire something without it coming to pass." This is plainly false. All Calvinists believe that the Law is the expression of God's will ("the will of his precept"), that is, his "desire" that all men should obey. And all Calvinists recognize that all men do not obey the Law. Nevertheless, no Calvinist I've ever known or heard has said that God desiring men to obey determines that they will obey. That is utter nonsense. It is a caricature of Calvinism. You would do better sticking to explaining what you yourself believe, rather than trying to tell us what Calvinists believe. Let me ask you this, based upon your same statement: do you believe that Jesus Christ actually put away the sins of all men, so that full payment was made, and God's wrath was thereby eternally averted? Or do you believe that Christ only potentially put away the sins of all men, so that God's wrath is only potentially averted, full payment was only potentially made, and they could potentially still suffer in hell for their sins?

[@jimkennedy9242]

Well said.

[@danpaulisbitski]

@@michaelpfleegor6453 I appreciate the example of Calvinists being inconsistent. I’ll use that in next interaction about Calvinism and see if helps. God desires mankind to follow the law. Mankind doesn’t follow the law. Therefore God failed! Don’t you see that as inconsistent with the Calvinist argument that if God died for the sins of everyone and all aren’t saved then I believe that God failed? I don’t believe that obviously and that makes it really ridiculous argument about something I don’t believe but if the Calvinist makes the argument then am I wrong to believe they believe what they are arguing? I couldn’t tell you how many times I have heard that. Well I guess it’s more of an accusation than an argument but obviously they must believe it or that’s completely dishonest. I never had to attribute dishonesty to a Calvinist but if you are saying that Calvinists don’t believe that strawman they are accusing the non Calvinist of then I’ll make sure to let the Calvinists who use it know that that has nothing to do with Calvinism nor do I believe that so stop being dishonest. I really do appreciate that. What about faith being a work that “partially saves you?” I get this one almost every time. “You think you can decide whether or God saved you!” Or “You think you can thwart Gods plans of salvation “. Yes I commonly get this when I argue that Calvinism is false. I’ll just give the other two I get just so you can tell me if all of these accusations are dishonest from Calvinists. “You just don’t like Gods sovereignty” and “you have a man centered theology”. The last one I agree with but they are thinking different than I. I do have a man centered theology. The man Christ Jesus is the center of my theology. It just happens HE is also God but I guess they forgot. Oh forgot one more I’m sorry. “What makes you better than the unbeliever?” I don’t think I’m better. I think everyone needs Jesus and I realize questions aren’t arguments but I’m not exaggerating that I could almost guarantee to hear at least two of these “arguments”. You would be the first Calvinist I ever heard outright reject these accusations from the Calvinist view. James White uses them all the time. Maybe I just get the unfortunate people that believe him. I don’t know but I really can’t wait for your response. As for the Calvinist doctrine of limited atonement, I can’t imagine how you can deny how the doctrine dictates the interpretation of scripture. “ he died for the sins of the world, especially those who believe.” That alone states He died especially for believers AND what’s the category that doesn’t include the believers? Would you argue for nonbelievers being the “elect”? Limited atonement is the most rejected doctrine of the TULIP by Calvinists. Exactly zero scriptures make anything close to supporting limited atonement. The scriptures say the opposite. Many Calvinist scholars acknowledge this. You could try to provide a scripture that makes that claim but I don’t know if any that exist. At least none in the 66 books of the Bible. Maybe you have some gnostic text or something but that ain’t scripture. So thank you for pointing out that fallacy of the one Calvinist tactic and please let me know about the others. Feel free to provide the limited atonement scriptures but don’t waste to much time because they aren’t hidden somewhere. They just don’t exist.

[@michaelpfleegor6453]

@@danpaulisbitski Hah! 🤣 You didn't even answer my question. Not surprised.

[@ericanderson3364]

Ken Wilson did later write a summary book called The Foundation of Augustinian-Calvinism. The new book is likely a "must read" for those interested in this video and this KZbin site. With paperback at $14.99 or Kindle at $7.99, this is much more accessible in price than $132 for his 2018 massive scholarly doctoral thesis, which was discussed in this video (Augustine's Conversion from Traditional Free Choice to 'Non-Free Free Will': A Comprehensive Methodology). About the newer, shorter book, The Foundation of Augustinian-Calvinism: """ This book summarizes Dr. Wilson's "ground-breaking" doctoral thesis at the University of Oxford which was published by Mohr Siebeck in 2018 as "Augustine's Conversion from Traditional Free Choice to 'Non-free Free Will': A Comprehensive Methodology". With a new audience in mind, Dr. Wilson presents his extensive research on free will in ancient and early Christian thought in a shorter and more accessible format with translations of the ancient and modern foreign languages in plain English. Dr. Wilson first provides readers with essential background information on free will in the ancient philosophies and religions of Stoicism, Gnosticism, Neoplatonism, and Manichaeism. He then guides his readers through the writings of the earliest Christian authors who wrote on free will. Finally, Dr. Wilson explores a curious split between St. Augustine's early and later writings and shows how the ideas presented in Augustine's later writings became the foundation for modern Calvinist (Reformed) theology, also known as Augustinian-Calvinism. """

[@amyntas97jones29]

From my reading of the book I have concluded that Wilson should not give up medicine.

[@brad724p]

Great discussion; informative and important.

[@davidsargeant6021]

I've shared this video on Facebook and with a number of my Calvinist-leaning brothers. This is really good stuff. Thanks Leighton.

[@athb4hu]

I like lots of videos, but I don't favourite many, this one I did. I love your postings, Leighton, but this was the best yet.

[@tonymedeiros5515]

May I ask you why you love this video so much

[@athb4hu]

@@tonymedeiros5515 I see I wrote the comment 5 years ago, so I can't really remember. I guess I found it useful at the time.

[@jesuschrististheredpill9121]

I'd love to hear James White try to go head to head with Dr. Ken Wilson.

[@IndianaJoe0321]

I thought the same thing. Dr. Wilson would lovingly eat Dr. White for lunch. Dr. White has a lot of good content -- but he clearly loses Calvinist debates ... just look at the one with him & Dr. Michael Brown.

[@timothykring4772]

Both church historian John Gerstner and RC Sproul would destroy this nonsense of free will.

[@slamdancer777]

Wilson would be outmatched.

[@jordandthornburg]

@@slamdancer777 can you say on what? What exactly was he wrong on?

[@e.z.6916]

Thank you, thank you, thank you!! Ahhh. Being able to now to put into historical context the ideas of Calvinism--is such a gift to the saints! Thank you! Please have your guest back and do more like this. You're doing a good work.

[@andrewmagana8093]

This was such a good episode!!!!! I learned so much, one of my favorite episodes for sure

[@MyWerttrew]

Absolutely incredible interview, thank you. God bless

[@lindapb6529]

Great guest. Hope to see him back. Listening to the glory given to how much more powerful and majestic our God is, was amazing. MORE of that, please.

[@JimiSurvivor]

The ANF were not "Traditionalists" in the way Dr Flowers defines it. One main difference is that they believed salvation is conditioned upon ongoing faith and obedience whereas evangelicals who come from Southern Baptist backgrounds like Dr. Flowers hold very strongly to unconditional eternal security which was more LIKE the Manichean's belief that salvation was due to an implantation of divine essence which could not change no matter what sins the individual might engage in. The ANF utterly repudiated this idea: ................................................. Since all things are seen and heard [by God], let us FEAR Him and forsake those WICKED WORKS that proceed from evil desires. By doing that, through His mercy, we may be PROTECTED from the judgments to come. For where can any of us flee from His mighty hand? Clement of Rome (c. 96, AD), Vol. 1 page 12 It is only through FORSAKING WICKEDNESS that we can be PROTECTED from the judgment to come. ................................................. Now He that raised Him from the dead will raise us also; IF WE DO HIS WILL and WALK IN HIS COMMANDMENTS and LOVE the things which He loved, abstaining from all unrighteousness, covetousness, love of money, evil speaking, false witness; not rendering evil for evil or railing for railing or blow for blow or cursing for cursing; Polycarp (A.D. 69-156), Philippians 2 ................................................. Let us therefore repent with the whole heart, so that none of us perish by the way...Let us then PRACTICE RIGHTEOUSNESS so that WE MAY BE SAVED unto the end. Hermas (c. 100-150 AD) Ante-Nicene Fathers, Vol. 7 page 522, 523. ................................................. It was not to those who are ON THE OUTSIDE that he said these things, but to US-lest we should be cast forth from the kingdom of God, by doing any such thing. Irenaeus (c. 180 AD), Vol. 1, page 500. ................................................. God gives forgiveness of PAST sins. However, as to FUTURE SINS, each one procures this for himself. He does this by REPENTING, by condemning the past deeds, and by begging the Father to blot them out. For only the Father is the one who is able to undo what is done. . . . Clement of Alexandria (c. 195 AD), Vol. 2 page 602. ................................................. No one is a Christian but he who perseveres even TO THE END. Tertullian (c. 197 AD), Vol. 3 page 244. ................................................. A man may possess an acquired righteousness, from which it is POSSIBLE for him to FALL AWAY Origen (c. 225, AD), Vol 4 page 266. ................................................. Many more references could be cited to show that this view was as universal as their position on free will in initial salvation

[@angelinadegelder7722]

Thanks for pointing this out. I find their definition of Gnosticism doesn't match up either. Listen with discernment.

[@jbartz2982]

You should have David Bercot on your program. He's spent considerable time discussing the early church Christians and what they believed about various things. Predestination is one that he hits on and does a very nice job with.

[@kentyoung5282]

Josiah Bartz I've found Bercot to be a bit of a hack. He refers to "the fathers" as though they are a monolithic whole, who all happen to agree with his Mennonite views, then cherry picks his quotes to prove it. I'm not sure Leighton is well versed enough to engage him. I'd love to see Ken Wilson engage with Bercot, though I doubt Bercot would do it.

[@jbartz2982]

Kent Young Thanks for your response. Hack is a bit harsh, although my only engagement with Bercot has been through his series on the early church. I think Bercot is a good thinker and has a unique background as a Jehovah’s Witness and then conversion to Christianity. I take up many of his concerns with modern day evangelicalism. I think his series comes across as monolithic, but if you look at the work in the series he even admits that he is coming at it from their perspective. Even this guy, Dr. Wilson seems very in line with much of Bercots thinking. I think Gnosticism is a big deal and most Christians don’t understand these origins and where some of these ideas came from which have skewed our Christian thinking. Thanks... This was a good video.

[@laurakosch]

Josiah Bartz The value of Bercot is that he exposes blind spots in modern churchianity. We have veered way off in some areas but our traditions are so imbedded we don’t question them.

[@jbartz2982]

Laura Kakoschke Yes, I agree 100%.

[@User_Happy35]

Great interview. Very educational.

[@Durnyful]

I guess that Calvinists will simply think that Augustine was the first in church history to get it right. How they can hold to that position when those far closer to the apostles clearly didn't teach determinism & in fact opposed it defeats me...

[@jeffshirton7234]

Um, no... Jesus and Paul were "the first to get it right", and they came LONG before Augustine.

[@timfoster5043]

Funny... Moses taught something remarkably consistent to Calvin's soteriology. Why blame Augustine?

[@jordandthornburg]

@@timfoster5043 really? Where?

[@bobfree1226]

Great interview Dr Flowers learned a bunch.thank you

[@robertcoggin3366]

Great interview. It has a lot of value to me, & I will definitely be looking for Dr. Wilson's book. However, I would like to point out that the Bible does not teach that God is atemporal

[@acolchad83]

How did I miss my Prof. Dr. Ken Wilson on your channel?! Must watch!!

[@user-zf5mw3ok1f]

This was eye opening for the non-Calvinist. Excellent episode and guest.

[@omnitheus5442]

One of your best interviews yet Leighton!

[@Baltic_Hammer6162]

Wow! This is the most excellent video with Dr.Wilson's thorough and deep research into the truth. Really lights up all those "foundations" of Gnosticism used by Augustine and expanded by Jean Cauvin. Wilson's information really helped me see more of the big picture of Calvinism and its true roots.

[@Tylermichealmusic]

Thank you big brother, again

[@JohnQPublic11]

Dear Dr. Flowers, Your videos just keep getting better and better, even so, all of your videos are works of perfection.

[@Baltic_Hammer6162]

Ditto! Yep, for me its hard to make it past 10 min with videos. Right now I'm listening to this full length for the 2nd time today! Really pumps up my enthusiasm and would love to hear more from Dr. Wilson. This one blew the needle off the meter. :)

[@JimiSurvivor]

The inconvenient truth for Traditionalists is that the ECF did not believe in Unconditional Eternal Security.

[@IndianaJoe0321]

So true. Once-saved-always-saved (OSAS) is not a biblical teaching.

[@aprilsutterfield3635]

What an awesome educational video! Wish this go on every week!! 52 minutes is not enough!!

[@acolchad83]

I have taken several courses with Dr. Wilson and they always leave me wanting more!

[@aprilsutterfield3635]

@@acolchad83 I love history and especially church history. Fascinating topic!

[@evafesalbon]

Thoroughly enjoyed this, I learned a lot!!! Thank you!!

[@fish4men777]

This is a watershed interview. So incredibly helpful!

[@rebeccagreatvideojohnson9685]

Great study. I am really blessed

[@justinchamberlain3443]

47:15 work ethic- “spent a year reading clement of Rome”; “reading 12 hrs per day, 6 days a week”! 47:40 “learn Latin and Greek”

[@izacksmyth5497]

Wonderful video. I know Augustus was involved in several heresies. But I didn't know how they affected his theology.

[@JimiSurvivor]

Augustine interpreted the Bible by allegory and philosophy. By contrast John Chrysostom interpreted the scripture verse by verse according to the language and grammar and words of the Greek text which was his native tongue. Which method would tend to yield a more accurate interpretation of the scriptures?

[@JimiSurvivor]

@@Tron4JC Yes many did confuse symbol and reality. At least they denied the false Manichaean teaching of TULIP.

[@JimiSurvivor]

@@Tron4JC This point is irrelevant since the Gnostics rejected the role of the material world in salvation. Tell me, are you saying you personally believe in "baptismal salvation" and the "real presence?"

[@JimiSurvivor]

@@Tron4JC I do not believe the Eucharist is "just a symbol" and I know absolutely the ECF did not. I have read what Ignatius said

[@JimiSurvivor]

@@Tron4JC The pre-Augustininan Church did not believe infants had any guilt so they would not have believed their guilt could be removed through baptism. Augustine used the fact that infants were baptized as an argument against Pelagius to show that mankind if born guilty. “You see how many are the benefits of baptism, and some think its heavenly grace consists ONLY in the REMISSION OF SINS, but we have enumerated ten honors [it bestows]! For this reason WE BAPTIZE EVEN INFANTS, though they are NOT DEFILED by [personal] sins, so that there may be given to them holiness, righteousness, adoption, inheritance, brotherhood with Christ, and that they may be his [Christ’s] members” (Baptismal Catecheses in Augustine, Against Julian 1:6:21 [A.D. 388]). What these reasons for baptizing infants are I don't know. I generally disapprove of it since it was not a NT practice.

[@JimiSurvivor]

@@Tron4JC My position is closer to yours than to those who believe it is all symbols. Since I am not a Gnostic who believes only in the Spiritual world your attacks against me on that ground are irrelevant. After all the Logos Himself became flesh. "Material" practices like Baptism and partaking of sacraments are part of being saved and I believe the command to be baptized is essential. I have seen the results in those who do not follow through. My own Church baptizes people as soon as they give a confession of faith. If you want to believe I am a Gnostic so I will be useful in target practice then go ahead but don't expect me to engage much longer

[@erniestrauss2364]

To be a traditional Christian or a Manichean Christian - the choice is yours. PRICELESS

[@arnoldvezbon6131]

There is only one traditional church.

[@erniestrauss2364]

Who mentioned the church?@@arnoldvezbon6131

[@RichardRodriguez-yk6qo]

This is a great video. Just purchased the doc’s book. Searching other of his videos now.

[@TheSearcher24]

Awesome video Leighten flowers. Thank you again for your time. Dr. Ken Wilson thank you some mush for your time as well.

[@isaiahcooper2453]

Excellent interview! I learned a lot. Dr. Wilson seems like a great man.

[@pedrovaldivia7694]

Indeed

[@muhammadal-farouq7342]

I should have enrolled in Grace Theological Seminary!

[@peterji3013]

Great guest and very informative.

[@Briceguy]

Extremely educational video! Thank you for this!

[@RNLWW]

Great interview and information. I’m always surprised that no one addresses how it was the Alexandria School who popularized the spiritual/allegorical interpretation of scriptures. At the basis of all of the debate is the rejection of a literal reading of the Bible. Augustine declared the body of Christ as the new or spiritual Israel. This became the foundation of the Catholic Church and was retained by Protestant reformers. Romans 9 is a great example. Clearly about those within Israel chosen by God, not about the church. Why do we make it so hard when it’s so clear? Because we won’t let go of Augustine’s legacy of spiritualizing the words. When we read it as is, it all fits beautifully. Let the Bible define and explain itself. Let it mean what it says. Deut 7:6, 14:1-2; Isa 44:1, 45:4; Ps 135:4; Rom 11:1-2 then explains 8:29-30. It’s trustworthy, I promise.

[@nathanfranckhauser]

Well done Leighton! Great interview with Dr. Wilson.

[@jwarner3949]

Great interview and video.

[@drittenberry1]

Thank you

[@BrandonLewisD]

Agree with mostly everything said. I could be wrong here but when we speak of being sin stained from birth with a sin propensity. What exactly do we mean here? I believe that we're surrounded by sin and temptation from birth, yes. We're hit more with temptation, absolutely. We inherit weak, diseased and dying bodies because we can't get to the tree of life. So we're fallen physically. But I've heard others say that there's a sin substance passed along from Adam through reproduction that stains us morally and causes our will to be inclined to disobey God. (Which actually sounds similar to the Gnostic teachings to me) I believe that we live in a cursed world and are surrounded by people that sin, surrounded by evil spirits that are constantly trying to temp and lie to us, and we deal with the constant temptation from our own lusts as well. I understand that as sin propensity, meaning that it's easier and more likely that we'll sin now (though even in paradise Adam and Eve seemed to have sinned quite easily as well). But I don't believe scripture teaches that something was passed along through reproduction that causes our will to have an automatic bent for disobeying God. Take care and God Bless!

[@michaelpfleegor6453]

Read Romans 8.5-9. Those who are not children of God have the "fleshly mind". The "fleshly mind" is enmity against God. These lost people will not submit to God's law. Indeed, they cannot (inability) submit themselves to God's law. They cannot (inability) please God in themselves.

[@BrandonLewisD]

​@@michaelpfleegor6453 Hi Michael, I know you mean well. And thanks for the response. But I was more looking for a response that isn't coming from a Calvinist point of view. I think I know where you're going with "inability", but that's not what I really was trying to get to here. But I will quickly add this. The scripture doesn't say "those who are not children of God", it says "those who are according to the flesh" or in other words, those with their minds set on fleshly things. The words translated "mind" and "minded" have to do with the primary focus of ones life. For instance, the KJV translates the same word as "set your affection on" in Col 3:2 Again, I think I know where you're going and would rather not get into a conversation about "inability" at the moment. I think Dr. Flowers just put out a new video on that a few days ago btw.

[@michaelpfleegor6453]

@@BrandonLewisD "You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him." (Romans 8.9) I think this makes very clear what the context is: children of God "have the Spirit" and "belong to him"; "they are not in the flesh." Indeed, it does, as you say, speak of where sinners' minds, hearts and lives are focused, but this passage also identifies them as the lost. Paul said the same thing about himself before he was saved in Eph 2.

[@joecoolmccall]

This was a really good interview.

[@lcn870]

Exceptional! Thank you so much Dr. Flowers!!

[@SibleySteve]

Salvation History actually points toward the synergy or provision side of things. 2 Esdras 8 addresses the culpability of the damned, and how their own choice to reject God is the cause of their destruction. The 2nd temple literature is full of the awareness of the problem of fatalism vs human responsibility. The screw turns on the human conduct - does he live in fear and repentance or does he reject the Creator? The 2nd temple leaves no room for determinism.

[@givingnarrative8427]

Can someone help me figure out how to spell the guy’s name that sounds like “Gaujtock” that they speak about being declared heretical? I’m wanting to look more into it but can’t seem to find anything without knowing the correct spelling.

[@aprilsutterfield3635]

Gottschalk of Orbais is who they are referring to.

[@pbm8264]

John Calvin said he got all his doctrine from Augustine. Too bad he didn’t go all the way back to Paul.

[@michaelpfleegor6453]

Where did Calvin say that?

[@dw6505]

So when will Flowers finally accept that OSAS is also gnostic, not biblical, and also not what the Ante-Nicene Church taught either? Also, accept what they also unanimously held, that all remarriage while previous spouses still live, is adultery, that must be forsaken in repentance. And that it is a salvation issue.

[@dw8773]

Whoa!! You're not me! ; ) One of us needs to change our name. I checked - I was here first!

[@bwc6520]

Eternal security is not gnostic in its correct basis. A gnostic (or a calvinist) would say the decision has been made for you, so it is permanently decided because of that, but that is not the Biblical reason someone in Christ is eternally secure. The correct reason for security of salvation is that the same Spirit that prompts and enables one (who is lost and has not the Spirit of God) with the power of God unto salvation (which is the gospel) to turn from his carnal self and trust in Christ for salvation; the Spirit then inhabits that person and seals (preserves) the resulting relationship unto the day of redemption (when in his presence one receives glorification and the redemption process is complete). Refer to Ephesians 4:30 Also see 1Corinthians 1:22 I know this is way to late but I didn't want someone reading the comments to be led astray.

[@sarnicm]

Got his book already. thanks

[@dagwould]

Does Ken also do doctorin'? I've abnormal (but benign) hypertrophy at the end of the index metacarpals of both hands adjoining the trapeziods. Sometimes painful. Should I have them reduced surgically?

[@christaotto4287]

Wow! Excellent!

[@granthollandvideos]

Thanks for this, its on my favorites list, and my watch again list..

[@kevionrogers2605]

Calvin's doctrine aligned with Gnosticism is interesting because the Cathars, which was a Gnostic sect, lived in Switzerland, so Calvin's doctrine could have been a reframing & rebranding of the Cathar's doctrine as reformed theology calling it the Reformation then tying it to Protestantism of Luther to make it acceptable.

[@HerotPM]

Can you cite or make a list the books in chronological order for those interested in doing the same?

[@caman171]

id like to ask a question ....in the video he states that the catholic church never believed baptism to be salvific...i have to disagree or please correct me. the catholic catechism says "we simply do not know what happens to unbaptized infants" implying that baptized infants are sure to go to heaven. also the nicene creed states "we acknowledge onr BAPTISM for the remission of sins"...anyone care to respond as to why this video says catholics do not view baptism as salvific?

[@isaacleillhikar4566]

There is a catholic understanding of being baptised, not for real. Marybe thats why.

[@SammyJ..]

10:00 false, all the church fathers believed baptismal regeneration, back to the shepherd of Hermas, ignatius, Justin martyr, etc

[@joshportie]

The shepherd of hermas is gnostic not Christian.

[@ApostolicChristianity]

I watched the clip and I think Wilson specifically meant in the context of infant baptism. But I agree with you and baptismal regeneration per John 3:5 - all the early Christians cite this verse and teaching from Jesus as linking the new birth with water and spirit baptism.

[@ThembaMaselane]

Just listened to Jess Morell on the documentary asking the question did Augustine infect the church with his Gnostic. Manichean influences?

[@marcelgerardjohn4844]

I don't think I've ever heard an interviewer talk as much as Leighton!

[@tess1544]

Learned a lot. Thank you

[@mildredmartinez8843]

As a non believer (agnostic), i find your debate on free will, predestinación, and Augustinian philosophy very serious and scholarly. and you and your guest share a desire to elevate this topic to a higher scholarly level. Your arguments do not sway me but i respect you nonetheless.

[@HunterShawMusic]

Hi Mildred! I suggest reading “The Case for the Ressurection of Jesus” by Gary Habermas and Michael Licona. All of Christianity hangs on the resurrection, and Habermas is a serious historian and scholar.

[@RNLWW]

Dr. Flowers, I have a question for Dr. Wilson. I just finished his Foundation of AC book. He makes a point of saying that other theologians have missed the timing of Augustine’s change in theology. Why is this significant?

[@phillipgriffiths9624]

I became a Calvinist from reading Scripture, long before I’d ever heard of Augustine and Calvin. I don’t really care what they taught, you’d have to convince me from Scripture alone. Over 45 yrs many have tried unsuccessfully to do this!

[@recoveringknowitall1534]

So Phillip, may I ask when you first received Christ as Saviour, did you do so because of a Calvinistic understanding or what it rather that you were disciples afterwards in a Calvinistic church? Honest questions, looking for an honest answer. Tjx

[@sarahlein8773]

@@phillipgriffiths9624 listen to Beyond the Fundamentals videos. Your Calvinist proof texts will be debunked. E.g. "predestination: not what you were taught", and Election: Nothing like....", etc

[@lanes8237]

So if Calvinism were true, I think I'm hearing you say that God irrevocably pre-determined that I'd find this video but under traditional theistic free will I just sort of surfed on in. I like it!

[@slamdancer777]

Calvinism is correct, but no, you aren't hearing correctly.

[@lesleywilleyvideos]

Inspirational! Thanks.

[@keithcoleman1729]

Well done. Jessee Morrell also has done a helpful you tube on this subject.

[@falconguy4768]

Awesome