Calvinism and Kerala Brethren - Reply to Johnson C. Philip (Part 3)

 Part 1, Part 2


We have seen that the early Brethren were Calvinists. J. N. Darby, B. W. Newton, Anthony Norris Groves, J. G. Bellett, George Müller, and C. H. Mackintosh were some of them. Now let us examine the influence of Calvinism in one of the southern states in India, i.e., Kerala. As we all know, the modern Brethren movement was introduced into India by Anthony Norris Groves in 1833. The Brethren movement began to take root in Kerala during 1870s. A second wave of growth among the Kerala Brethren started in 1894 with the arrival of V.D. David and L.M. Wordsmith. They were joined by Handley Bird, who established assemblies in Northern Kerala. Brother K. V. Simon joined the Brethren movement during 1910s. Let us now examine the teachings of Handley Bird and K. V. Simon.

Handley Bird and Calvinism

The source of information concerning the theology followed by Handley Bird can be found in the book “VERPAD SABHAKALUDE CHARITHRAM” written by K V Simon.[1] In chapter 18 of his book, K V Simon has attached a transcript of one of the speeches by Handley Bird. It is evident from it that Handley Bird held to a Calvinistic soteriology. The message was about the Sovereignty of God in the election and predestination unto salvation.

He spoke about the Biblical doctrine of election as a Puritan doctrine which was rejected by the Roman Catholics.[2] Therefore he believed in the unconditional election. He also stated that the election unto salvation is not based on any foreseen merit or foreseen faith of humans but on the Sovereign will of God whereby He elected some (not all) unto salvation. (The proofs from the book are attached below).








(page 365-370)

K V Simon and Calvinism

It is evident that K V Simon himself was a Calvinist. This is understood from the fact that, he spoke of Handley Bird in high regard before attaching his message (which we saw earlier) in the book. This is further confirmed in chapter 17 of his book, where he said that the Brethren Assemblies (Verpad Sabhakal) hold dear the doctrines of Election and Predestination as articulated in the Article 17 of the Thirty-Nine Articles (Anglican Church).[3] This is unmistakably a Calvinistic statement.

 

                             K V Simon’s remark on Handley Bird (page 363-364)


                                                                    (page 348-349)[4]




[1] Chapter 18, Verpad Sabhakalude Charithram (History of Kerala Brethren Assemblies), K. V. Simon, pp. 365-370.

[2] Puritans held the Calvinistic doctrine of Predestination and Sovereignty of God.

[3] Chapter 17, Verpad Sabhakalude Charithram (History of Kerala Brethren Assemblies), K. V. Simon, pp. 348-349.

[4] The photo proofs are taken from www.bethanyaroma.com

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