Most Commented

Recent Comments

Subscribe

  • Subscribe

So Quick to Dismiss

Posted by Chris Case | July 8, 2008 .

As I was scrolling through my facebook feed to stalk all the ‘friends’ in my life, I saw a post by one old high school friend regarding the attachments we get to things in life and learning how to let things go.  Interesting subject, of course, but I happened to catch the author of the article… T.D. Jakes.  Immediately in my head I thought, “Na… I know some of the stuff he teaches and I don’t always buy his theology,” and proceeded to ignore the article and move on.

I then caught myself, wondering why I so quickly dismissed the writer because it was someone who I don’t particularly care for.  Does that ever mean that they don’t actually sometimes have insight into Scripture?  Is Joel Osteen always off-base when he preaches, or just when he gets too much into prosperity gospel? Does the germane writing of Max Lucado still have deep theological truths that can be waned from it or are they mostly just surface warm-fuzzy books?  A little closer to home for some of the readers here… when Doug Pagitt writes something or John MacArthur writes something, do we immediately dismiss it as too liberal or too conservative, or we just happen to know what that author stands for, therefor we won’t read it.  I, on one hand, do love reading both emergent and reformed writers (but then again, that’s why I have this blog), but I know I quickly dismiss authors that are often outside this sphere.

So, my challenge to myself, is what can I learn from those just outside my sphere of Christianity (I actually do well reading non-Christian writers, even those who attack the faith).  Learn from charismatics as well as liturgical-based folks. Find out what I can from the neo-Orthodox liberals as much as the James Dobson’s of the world.  That is not to say without a filter, but I should never dismiss them as not having truth to teach, in some form or another.

I think this goes back to the discussion of The Shack earlier.  I admit, I may have taken a more conservative stance on The Shack than I should have.  That’s not to say Driscoll’s points aren’t valid, in my opinion, but people SHOULD read the book.  But with the knowledge of the things that Driscoll brought up.  Its called engaging culture and writings and testing it against scripture.  Maybe things in the book are a bit off-base or possibly heretical, but that doesn’t invalidate the possible ability to have insight into the truth of God in other parts.  My point following Driscoll’s video was more related to people who read that book because its a fad, not because I theologically fully agreed with Driscoll.  But when more people are reading that book instead of the Bible, that is when it might become a little dangerous.  Just a thought.

Posted under Featured | Like this article? Subscribe to our RSS feed.

Leave a Comment

If you would like to make a comment, please fill out the form below.

Name (required)

Email (required)

Website

Comments

1 Comment so far
  1. Kelly Moreton July 8, 2008 4:40 pm

    good post. you have now redeemed yourself for family dinner conversations! haha!