This, from Charles Hodge:
“The true method in theology requires that the facts of religious experience should be accepted as facts, and when duly authenticated by Scripture, be allowed to interpret the doctrinal statements of the Word of God. So legitimate and powerful is this inward teaching of the Spirit, that it is no uncommon thing to find men having two theologies, — one of the intellect, and another of the heart. The one may find expression in creeds and systems of divinity, the other in their prayers and hymns. It would be safe for a man to resolve to admit into his theology nothing which is not sustained by the devotional writings of true Christians of every denomination. It would be easy to construct from such writings, received and sanctioned by Romanists, Lutherans, Reformed, and Remonstrants, a system of Pauline or Augustinian theology, such as would satisfy any intelligent and devout Calvinist in the world” (Charles Hodge, Systematic Theology, Volume 1, pp. 16-17; underlining mine).
This is the salient sort of thing that Romans 10:1-4 is speaking AGAINST — specifically Hodge’s contention that men have “two theologies.” The unbiblical separation of the heart from the intellect (or the head from the heart). Since the creeds of these denominations are different, perhaps Hodge will posit a way to unite “true Christians of every denomination” in their respective
prayers, hymns, and devotional writings.
So, to Hodge, it appears that expressed “devotion” is what will satisfy the “intelligent and devout Calvinist.” Devotion over doctrine. Even if their DOCTRINE does divide these lost religionists, they have their DEVOTION to unite them all. It appears from what Hodge says, that it DOES. So, forget the “precision and exactitude” of Romans 10:1-4 and “just worship jesus” (whoever you think he is).
The intelligent and devout Calvinists observe the “two theologies” of their Arminian brothers in Satan:
The Arminian expressed DOCTRINE of a god who cannot save, and the Arminian zealous DEVOTION expressed in their prayers to this god (cf. Isaiah 45:20).
John (‘Rabbi’) Duncan encapsulates the turpitude of Hodge’s “two theologies” doctrine that vitiates every Scripture related to judging righteous judgment.
“‘I wonder how Charles Wesley could write that and be an Arminian. I believe his heart was according to the hymn, and the theology that would have corresponded with it is Calvinism‘” (John M. Brentnall, Just A Talker: Sayings of John (‘Rabbi’) Duncan, p. 255; underlining mine).
Take this hymn from the Arminian, Charles Wesley:
“Long my imprisoned spirit lay
Fast bound in sin and nature’s night:
Thine eye diffused a quickening ray;
I woke; the dungeon flamed with light;
My chains fell off: my heart was free:
I rose, went forth, and followed thee.”
What John Duncan, Charles Hodge, and multitudes of malignant others do, is contradict God’s Word by implying that ignorant and zealous devotion trumps doctrinal knowledge of God’s redemptive righteousness revealed in the face of Jesus Christ.
“Brothers, truly my heart’s pleasure and supplication to God on behalf of Israel is for [it] to be saved. For I testify to them that they have zeal to God, but not according to knowledge. For being ignorant of the righteousness of God, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, they did not submit to the righteousness of God. For Christ [is] the end of Law for righteousness to everyone that believes” (Romans 10:1-4).
Not to equate true Christianity at all with John (‘Rabbi’) Duncan’s Calvinism, but his reasoning applied to Romans 10:1-4 would look something like this:
I wonder how Israel could write that ardent devotional piece and be ignorant and unsubmitted to the doctrine of the righteousness of God. I believe Israel’s heart was according to the devotion, and the doctrine that would have corresponded with it is submission to the righteousness of God.
Charles Hodge’s “two theologies” makes ignorant and ardent devotion, decisive. Though articulated a bit differently than I can recall, what Hodge says is customary and of a longstanding tradition among Calvinists or Reformed. This tradition is that devotional zeal trumps doctrinal knowledge.
Agrammatos 