Almost ten years ago I read a piece by R. Scott Clark called: “Why (Some) Reformed People Are Such Jerks.” The article was intended to address, as you can probably guess, a common criticism. It has always stuck with me. Admittedly—and somewhat to my own embarrassment—it took a little while for the harsh reality to sink in that I was, indirectly speaking, the subject of that post. Yes, I have been and can be a real jerk. However, I trust that in the years since reading it some of the rougher edges have been smoothed by the work of the Holy Spirit. But I know all too well that the little jerk called "My Sinful Self" is always crouching at the door.

Even though I'm stealing the title (kind of) I don't want to simply restate what's already been said--insightful as it is! This is a topic that is worth repeating and a point that is worth remaking because it's a complaint that's recurring. The truth is some Reformed folks can be complete jerks. Rather than being the "aroma of Christ" (2 Corinthians 2:15) we can be the stench of arrogance. Rather than "compelling people to come in" (Luke 14:23) we can repel them. And rather than "contending for the truth" (Jude 1:3) we can be contentious for the truth. And the tragedy is we're not only doing ourselves a disservice, but we've often wounded tender sheep in the process and brought dishonor on Jesus' name. That's what our jerkiness can cost.

Now, before I attempt anything that sounds like an answer I want to pause and insert a few qualifications. First, I suppose some people might suggest that jerkiness is inherent in Reformed theology. Of course, that would be to mistaken correlation with causation. I hope even the most logically fallacious among us wouldn't do that. It might be a strong statement (I'm willing to make it) but one of the most attractive features of Reformed theology, at least to me, is that when it's consistently explained and applied it shows grace to be grace. And that grace--so central to the message of the gospel--is inconsistent with being a jerk. I'm not persuaded Reformed people can be jerks _because _of their theology but _in spite _of it.

My second qualification is this. I have met a lot of Reformed people and among them are some of the godliest men and women I have ever encountered. Even though they hold firmly to their convictions they exude warmth, tenderness, gentleness, and compassion. With few exceptions they're the ones who are leading a quiet life and tending to their own business (1 Thessalonians 4:11). That means they're not the ones giving Reformed theology its public face. In my opinion these people are the true salt and light and I thank the Lord for each of them and want, as far as I can, to emulate them.

My third qualification is simply to say that we shouldn't mistaken jerkiness with conviction. It's easy to think that people with strong convictions (especially when we disagree with them) are automatically jerks. Yes, sometimes Reformed people have a lot of opinions and convictions on doctrine, worship, polity, and piety. Those convictions, at least today, are in the minority. But many of those convictions are held sincerely before the Lord (Romans 14:22) and just because we have them and discuss them doesn't automatically imply we're being rude, mean, insensitive, or a jerk. After all, the author of Hebrews said: "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering" (Hebrews 10:23).

But the question still remains: _why can some Reformed people be such jerks? _Well, since I have observed it in myself I want to suggest a number of reasons: