Two Rings

by Hk Flynn

Lately I’ve been mulling over an analogy of sorts. The LS and FG models are like two jeweled rings. I'll attempt to examine both with those bright halogen lights that pricey shops have so many of.

I see the Reformed Lordship model of the NT to be like a big sparkling jewel set on a beautiful ring. The jewel represents the LS theoretical model itself (with its multi-faceted propositions that dovetail so seamlessly) while the beautifully etched platinum ring represents the Word of God. Both the jewel and the ring are impressively cut and crafted, both are well shaped. The jewel is separate from the ring but it fits snugly into its setting. Six strong platinum prongs intercept, support and fasten the jewel to the ring.

The FG model, however, is like a series of small inlaid jewels that fit snugly into a beautiful platinum ring. The jewels appear less significant than a single large jewel but are secured more intimately to the ring itself. Instead of being fastened to the ring with prongs, each gem lies flush along the molded, etched surface of the platinum ring. The beauty of the ring itself, with its flair, symmetry and complicated etching is far more striking than the individuale gems.

For me the legitimate beauty of the logic of the Reformed theology, represented by the big jewel, is sullied with the reality that it is actually not the ring (the Word of God) that has determined the size and shape of the “jewel”. Granted, the jewel “fits” the ring at specific points, but the details of the jewel have more to do with its own logic than with the demands of those specific points of contact with the ring.