The Public Rebuke of False Teachers
What an incredibly difficult thing it is to think and act like a Christian when we are so incredibly immersed in our culture. The job of thinking biblically, while the deafening noise of societal norms rings in our ears and our own personality biases our convictions, can seem impossible.
I receive some interesting comments on this blog, not all of which get posted. Especially pointed were several recent comments related to my post about Brian McLaren. I didn’t specify McLaren’s denials of the orthodox teaching on Hell (see note 1 below), or penal substitution (see note 2), or Scripture (see note 3) because the main audience for this blog is immensely familiar with McLaren’s writing. Another reason I did not detail his errors is because that has been done extensively in such helpful books as D. A. Carson’s Becoming Conversant With Emergent, and Why We’re Not Emergent by DeYoung and Kluck. (Tim Challies and Doug Wilson also have helpful reviews of McLaren’s Generous Orthodoxy.)
I do not view Brian as an ‘erring weaker brother,’ worthy of sympathy or olive branches, but rather as a dangerous false teacher who repackages mainline liberal theology. (Have the past 50 years not been adequate to see how liberal theology empties churches and damns souls?)
More dangerous still is that McLaren packages his false teaching and denials of Scripture as solutions to some of the excesses currently plaguing evangelicalism—the danger being his winning over of young people who have legitimate complaints about the current church, but who lack the discernment to see that his solutions are often unbiblical even when his critiques are fair.
Bottom line: my article was making the point that all denials of orthodox Christianity end up in a theological dumpster, not bearing fruit or winning souls to Christ. “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my word will not pass away” (Matthew 24:35).
What was amazing about some of the comments I received was that they were not put off by the critique, but by the naming of the specific person who promulgates these deceptions. Several comments stated in the strongest of terms that it is unbiblical and unwise, even unloving, to name the names of false teachers and opponents of the biblical gospel. Is that true? Is it wrong to publicly call out those who attack the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ? Even when their denials are much more public? Let’s see what Jesus, Paul, Peter, and John have to say about how to deal with false teachers. Do they confront it? Do they, in many instances, actually name the people involved?
Jesus:
Matthew 7:15 “Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves.”
Matthew 23:31, 35 “So you testify against yourselves, that you are sons of those who murdered the prophets. . . so that upon you may fall the guilt of all the righteous blood shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah, the son of Berechiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar.” [In this instance Jesus did not need to name the false teachers as He was face to face with them and calling them out publicly in the temple square.]
Paul:
2 Corinthians 11:13 “For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ.”
2 Timothy 2:17-18 “And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymeneus and Philetus; Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.”
2 Timothy 4:14 “Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm; the Lord will repay him according to his deeds.”
Peter:
2 Peter 2:1 “But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves.”
2 Peter 2:15-16a “Forsaking the right way, they have gone astray, having followed the way of Balaam, the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; but he received a rebuke for his own transgression…”
John:
1 John 4:1 “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”
3 John:9-10 “I wrote something to the church; but Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them, does not accept what we say. For this reason, if I come, I will call attention to his deeds which he does, unjustly accusing us with wicked words; and not satisfied with this, he himself does not receive the brethren, either, and he forbids those who desire to do so and puts them out of the church.”
Likewise, the early church Fathers were so committed to the public rebuke of false teachers that they actually named heresies after the false teachers who promoted them (i.e., “Arianism” after Arius, “Pelagianism” after Pelagius, etc.).
Let those who complain about naming false teachers state how Jesus and the apostles were wrong to confront those in error, personally and publicly, in their time. If they cannot do so, let them show that what we name as false teaching is, in fact, the truth. If they cannot do either, then let their mouths be stopped.
And let us all live under the authority of the Word of God, rather than embrace a sentimental, unbiblical approach for dealing with error in the church of Jesus Christ.
“Mark them which cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them” (Romans 16:17).
Notes
(1) See his New Kind of Christian, 126. See also The Story We Find Ourselves In, 167. Here McLaren, through a fictional character, rejects the question of Hell outright as inappropriate. See also his The Last Word and the Word After That, which discusses the doctrine of Hell at length. In both latter works, McLaren caricatures and subsequently rejects the traditional doctrine of Hell.
(2) See The Story We Find Ourselves In, 102, where McLaren, again through a fictional character, equates substitutionary atonement with divine child abuse. See also this online interview where McLaren caricatures penal substitutionary atonement as “God is incapable of forgiving unless he kicks somebody else.”
(3) See A New Kind of Christian, 45-59, as well as his Generous Orthodoxy (all of chapter 10, but especially 164). In both places, McLaren denies the relevance of words such as inerrant, authoritative, or infallible when referencing Scripture. See also Generous Orthodoxy 293, where McLaren denies that Scripture presents clear propostional truth claims that can be defended and known with certainty.
Categorized as: From James, Luke's Links
April 2nd, 2009 at 2:17 pm
I agree with you, James. It is not wrong to name names when they are teaching false doctrine in public. We as Christians need to stand for the true message and make it clear what that is, not simply standing by with our hands in our pockets when wrong things are being presented as truth.
April 2nd, 2009 at 2:29 pm
Dear James,
I applaud you for speaking the truth boldly. We need those pastor’s who are godly and have a platform to warn the rest of the body of Christ to do so with the clarity that Jesus had! We need more men to hold the line and stand up against those who reject the clear teaching from God’s Word.
Serving Christ,
Pastor Jim Barnes
April 2nd, 2009 at 2:37 pm
Keep standing for the truth James! It’s never popular in an inclusive culture to call people out and name names. However, we must know who the wolves are that have infiltrated the church.
April 2nd, 2009 at 2:38 pm
How unfortunate that political correctness has so clouded our view of truth.
As you said James, it is hard to act like a Christian when we are so immersed in the world.
As shepherds, we must protect the sheep. Matthew 18 comes to mind. We do all we can to love, confront and restore but if all these fail, a public “telling to the church” is required to protect the sheep. Sheep will often argue and accuse shepherds of being unloving but that is where we must heed Galatians 1:10 and worry what God thinks, not man.
April 2nd, 2009 at 2:41 pm
Pastor James,
Thank you!
Jon G.
April 2nd, 2009 at 2:45 pm
Keep speaking the truth, James!
April 2nd, 2009 at 2:53 pm
Unfortunately many Christians fear being labeled “heresy hunters” or of simply being too judgmental. This is a yet another devastating result of our culture of tolerance. False teaching in any form, from any source is dangerous and while I think some people (esp. online) wrongly make a career out of calling it out, it must be dealt with. The other half of the passages listed in your post is the preaching of true doctrine. It’s not enough to call it what it is, we must also balance it with the truth.
April 2nd, 2009 at 2:54 pm
Go, James, go!
April 2nd, 2009 at 2:55 pm
Dear sir,
Thank you for this post and your faithful teaching. Thank you for your bold, clear, unwaivering dedication to the truth of God’s words. This post and it’s timing, in the context of my life, is providential.
April 2nd, 2009 at 3:03 pm
Amen. I never cease to be amazed and saddened that so people who should know better fall for McLaren. I used to think he was a wolf in sheep’s clothing, but the more I’ve heard of him, I’ve become convinced he’s a wolf in wolves’ clothing. He doesn’t even try to pretend to be a Christian anymore. It’s as if he’s trying to see how openly heretical he can get and still be considered a Christian authority. How many essential scriptural truths can he openly mock before losing credibility among ‘evangelicals’? I’m frankly terrified to ponder the answer.
Like pretty much everything Christians need, discernment needs balanced. As you’ve experienced recently, it’s easy to go too far into hyper-judgmentalism. Unfortunately, the vast majority are way too far to the other end, refusing to discern anything at all. Great job of being Biblically faithful here, and publicly rebuking public heresy.
April 2nd, 2009 at 3:16 pm
Thank you James for again standing for the truth of the Word of God. We needed to hear this. Those that follow the erring doctrine of the emerging church will see that it has little substance and twists orthodoxy to become relavent. Your comments are true and supported by Scripture. The preachers today need to stand on Scripture and not be swayed by some new movement.
Excellent post – thanks again.
April 2nd, 2009 at 3:35 pm
Pastor MacDonald,
I think you are right on in the fact that we cannot be vague in exposing error nor those who without apology and clear foresight know what they
are dispensing such.
To much is at stake.
April 2nd, 2009 at 3:50 pm
James,
This is your colleague at Harvest St. Louis. I am delighted that you don’t hesitate to unmask the false teachers and identify them by name. I do the same in my sermons or writings when the opportunity arises by quoting and examining their errors in light of scripture. Our city is one of the strongholds of the Word of Faith movement. We have many visitors on Sunday mornings that come out of such movements with much discouragement and serious spiritual damage caused by false teachings. Many times it’s more difficult to help restore their commitment to biblical truth than to argue with a non-believer. People in our churches ought to know exactly which teachers to watch out for so they can effectively warn their relatives and friends to prevent this damage from happening. Thank you for your good work!
Michael
April 2nd, 2009 at 4:08 pm
James,
“I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things to draw away disciples after them.” Acts 20:29-30 So wrote the Apostle Paul.
Keep preaching and teaching truth James. When you are sure about the message, and have the leading of the Spirit; speak, write and preach with all authority and boldness. I thank God for you and Harvest Bible as you hold out the Truth there in the Chicago suburbs. Let God’s Word be true and every man a liar!
Preach the Word brother!
Larry
April 2nd, 2009 at 4:18 pm
Praise the Lord for giving us Scripture to guide us in these situations. Thank you for living under its authority.
April 2nd, 2009 at 4:40 pm
[...] Today he posted a follow-up: “The Public Rebuke of False Teachers.” [...]
April 2nd, 2009 at 5:05 pm
James…. in 2 Peter, the apostles said “the apostates WERE comings”….in Jude, Jesus’ half brother said “THEY ARE HERE!” I think its time we start turning the light on the modern day apostates who are in our midst!
April 2nd, 2009 at 6:25 pm
Well, I agree with you about McLaren. I also agree that any criticism that you get about the way you respond to McLaren ought to focus on the merits of your objections to him yourself.
I don’t think, however, that the texts you’ve cited show what you think they show. The only examples you’ve given from NT texts where a specific individual has been named were PERSONAL letters, not open letters to churches. I think we need to respect that dynamic.
Even the examples you’ve cited from the Gospels are pretty generic (”the false teachers”–WHICH false teachers, though? who EXACTLY is doing the false teaching?).
Your argument from church history, though, is pretty compelling, and one I hadn’t thought about before.
Thanks for the post!
April 2nd, 2009 at 7:02 pm
Pastor James,
I read McLauren’s “New Kind of Christian” trilogy. He was the rave and I wanted to be educated on his philosophy. Knew he was all wet especially at the end of the first book.
More American churches need to be strong in teaching the truth…Christian education needs to be strong in teaching the truth…I taught 2nd grade and in our Bible curriculum we were studying Moses. The children and I would watch 15 minutes of the Prince of Peace then we’d dig into the Scriptures and the children would decide what was “Hollywood” in the video and what was truth. Amazing how little children have the ability to pull out the weeds! Appreciate you teaching us to pull out the weeds and protecting us from the wolves. Luke 6:40 Not only do we need to be careful what we teach, but who we let teach us.
April 2nd, 2009 at 7:20 pm
Thank you James. I was at the first pastor’s conference your church held in October a few years. IT was an amazing experience for me and I am grateful for speaking the truth. We are in a deep mess in our country and the church is being hammered and the truth has never been more important or relevant. The Lord bless your ministry.
April 2nd, 2009 at 7:23 pm
Thank you Pastor James for telling it like it is.
This wayward sheep is ever grateful that he met up with the right flock.
April 2nd, 2009 at 8:27 pm
RIGHT ON, BROTHER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
April 2nd, 2009 at 9:18 pm
This is like a mutual admiration society. Do you screen out all those aginst your point of view too? I think you should be flying to meet with Brian and talk to him yourself. But alas, my comment won’t make the cut no doubt.
Kim:
Private meetings for private offenses, public rebuke for public false teaching.
1Timothy 5:20 “Those who continue in sin, rebuke in the presence of all, so that the rest also will be fearful of sinning.”
james
April 2nd, 2009 at 9:39 pm
Thank you for keeping Christ’s sheep aware of the wolves. I have never heard of this wolf, so I am grateful to you for this. Most are lost and blind in the S.F. Bay Area. Keep pressing on to the goal to win the prize for which God has called James MacDonald heavenwoard in Christ Jesus. “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” PRAISE CHRIST!
April 2nd, 2009 at 10:10 pm
[...] 2, 2009 in Uncategorized Pastor James MacDonald offers an insightful and scathing rebuke of both Brian McLaren as well as those who would defend his aberrant theology. Below is the [...]
April 2nd, 2009 at 10:10 pm
Amen!! I believe the real problem is a tendency to not call out those who are teaching things contrary to the Bible. I believe that all false teachers, and false teachings should be exposed. The church has tolerated such deviations from the truth for so long in the name of tolerance that the church is filled with so many false beliefs that it is really sad. I commend you James for standing up for the truth of God’s Word, and not backing down. Perhaps those who find exposing false teachers by name offensive should read John MacArhtur’s gripping book, “The Truth War”. He flat out exposes many false teachings, and he doesn’t pull no punches when it comes to naming names either. We, as defenders of the truth, have been called to expose false teaching and the heartache it brings. We must take a stand for truth, or nobody will. Thank you James. Christ first in all we do……. Your brother in Christ.
April 2nd, 2009 at 11:02 pm
“Have the past 50 years not been adequate to see how liberal theology empties churches and damns souls?”
“Come to think of it, James, I saw 32 souls damned just today as a direct result of liberal theology…”
I’m no fan of McLaren myself, but this sort of impudent statement only confirms his claims that the evangelical church is judgmental and conceited. Gracious rebuke is one thing, James; brash, uncouth detraction something else altogether.
Hey Tom: (from the article you commented on)
John Piper has a great section in his book “Brothers We are Not Professionals” where he discussed the current tension where certainty is considered arrogance and uncertainty is considered humility. He suggests that expressing certainty actually requires a greater ‘death to self and true humility,’ versus the modern form of humility which is often nothing more than a self interested pursuit of harmony at the expense of truth. I think we probably see alot of things very differently. Thanks for commenting.
james
April 2nd, 2009 at 11:21 pm
Thank you for knowing what God’s word says, and more importantly speaking “out loud” on bibical truths!!! Acording to the bible it’s the truth that shall set us free! PRAISE GOD!! Keep on keeping on for Christ.
April 2nd, 2009 at 11:25 pm
I would propose that 90% or more of those who claim to have major theological problems with Brian McLaren have never read one of his books, only excerpts put forth out of context. I regularly hear the sarcastic “yeah, when Brian McLaren titled his book “A new kind of Christian” he really meant “a new ‘KIND OF’ Christian” (implying “half-assed”, etc…).
Suffice to say that I have read many of Brian’s books. I found “A generous orthodoxy” to be far from false teaching… and I am not a political liberal.
On your topic of claiming he is a false teacher, I would propose that quoting all verses about false teachers doesn’t mean that someone with an opposing opinion within Christianity is a heretic or false prophet. Has anyone read 1 Corinthians 1? Paul talks much about division among the church… he points out that people may find the views of one teacher more appealing than others, but that the focus should be on Christ. He doesn’t say “declare heretical anyone who isn’t me.”
I would also propose that there are many streams of thought within Christianity. Many different people have different gifts which propel them into different arenas with different passions.
If you have a specific gifting or passion, you may find yourself advocating strongly for your position or way of thinking. You may also find yourself shortsightedly ignoring other streams of thought or other’s passions as they don’t apply to you.
I would propose that this is normal, but within Christianity it is highly exaggerated. It is common to label someone else’s denomination, passions, or focuses to be heretical or false simply because it doesn’t work for you and your community. This is not love. This is not Christ’s church…
C.S. Lewis often wrote “I will say this, and if it doesn’t work for you, then just forget it, only keep it to understand God better” (paraphrase).
Brian might ask different questions than those that are important to your stream, but it doesn’t invalidate the questions.
I respectfully, yet strongly, disagree with your declarations in this blog entry.
Peace.
-Zach
Dear Zach:
Defining the attonement, the reality of Hell and the authority of scripture are not issues of denominational difference. They are matters for which people have given their lives. Brian started all this by assaulting the major doctrines of orthodox Christianity. My first post predicted his ultimate irrelevancy. My second post gave what people had requested, a bibilical reason for doing so that noted precisely what his false teaching is. Really Zach? Do you really believe these errors are the same level issues as 1Cor. 1 apollos/Paul type things???
james
April 2nd, 2009 at 11:50 pm
Sad.
This is so sad.
Everyone’s so scared of protecting their own beliefs that they can’t take the time to recognize the fact that we’re all humans, and we all have the potential to err. A friend pointed me to this article and it greatly disheartens me. Disagreeing isn’t difficult. Disagreeing well is an art–one that reflects the love and grace of Jesus.
Why is your opinion any more valid than that of Brian McLaren? You’re a human. He’s a human. You both were raised differently, in different homes, had different educations and had different life experiences. You would expect different world views. Because his doesn’t agree with yours doesn’t make his wrong and it certainly doesn’t make yours right.
Listen, you’re obviously quite conservative and you obviously label McLaren as a liberal. I fit somewhere in between. Does that mean I should start writing blogs about you are a false teacher because I don’t agree with your views on what orthodoxy is? Does that mean I should label you a “false prophet” and start warning people?
Come on, now. Don’t we have more pressing issues to focus on?
JD:
Revelation 1:2, “For the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.” I think you must have a very different view of the primacy and authority of scripture than I do. Possibly your view is more like Brian’s where relationship comes before ‘it is written’ rather than governed BY ‘it is written.’ Thanks for commenting.
james
April 3rd, 2009 at 12:29 am
Hi James:
This is my first time here. And I wholeheartedly agree with you. In fact, I try and do the same when I teach especially young believers who may be gullible. This is not to attack the characters, but their theology!
April 3rd, 2009 at 5:43 am
Pastor James, Thanks for the unmasking. Often criticisms are clouded in such PC language that it is not possible to know who or what is being corrected. This allows us to understand and avoid the error that is being promulgated by a false teacher. Keep up the vigilance.
April 3rd, 2009 at 6:13 am
It is amazing that we as christians will not stand being offended in matters far less critical to eternal life and point them out. Bad hairdressers, doctors, lawyers… We will let our friends know in a moments notice! We wouldn’t want them to be inconvenienced or have the same awful experience we did. Why is it so terrible to point out the poeple that are leading others to not know Christ truthfully? Not only is it biblical (as Pastor James pointed out)and that should be enough, it is saving the lives of many by doing so. I would imagine that’s why our Lord and His followers have done the same. The truth frees us. Lies ensnares us. I am all for the truth! True love doesn’t let a lie prosper when the hearers could be dammned? Thanks Pastor James for the courage to be biblical in this twisted, upsidedown world.
April 3rd, 2009 at 6:48 am
And what concerns me also are the more “subtle” aberrations that mask bad theology such as found in popular “Christian” literature in “Christian” bookstores, such as the novel “The Shack.” Most Christians trust Christian bookstores to stock doctrinally sound materials. Sadly, that’s not always the case. And once such images enter the mind, it’s difficult to remove them.
April 3rd, 2009 at 8:03 am
[...] The Public Rebuke of False Teachers James MacDonald: “I do not view Brian as an ‘erring weaker brother,’ worthy of sympathy or olive branches, but rather as a dangerous false teacher who repackages mainline liberal theology. (Have the past 50 years not been adequate to see how liberal theology empties churches and damns souls?) More dangerous still is that McLaren packages his false teaching and denials of Scripture as solutions to some of the excesses currently plaguing evangelicalism—the danger being his winning over of young people who have legitimate complaints about the current church, but who lack the discernment to see that his solutions are often unbiblical even when his critiques are fair.” [...]
April 3rd, 2009 at 9:04 am
[...] | Tags: bad theology, emergent church, false teaching James has written an article on his blog about McLaren’s teaching. It is worth the time. Luke and Gerald also have some great posts. [...]
April 3rd, 2009 at 9:40 am
Hello, first time commenter, so please be gentle.
One concern I do have, James, is the way you respond to each comment on false teaching with the same excerpt from the article. While I can understand the use of such a reply if the point was missed, several of the comments actually addressed this exact point (and one comment that got slapped with such a response actually agreed with you). I get the sense their objections weren’t addressed, but sidestepped, ignored under the pretense of answering them (though I don’t think this is necessarily done on purpose).
I don’t feel like this represents well the way Christ would have us respond to one another – if this blog is not a place dialogue over alternative views and comments, then why allow comments at all in the first place, since all the comments would simply agree with the points made in the post?
Jesse:
Your points about how to respond etc. are well taken. I have made the corrections, thanks for helping me.
james
April 3rd, 2009 at 10:04 am
Thank you for sharing TRUTH (rather than opinion). It is time in love the followers of Jesus boldly proclaim his gospel/good news to those so in need of hearing (not what tickles the ears).
In Christ, Luke
http://lukearussell.blogspot.com/
April 3rd, 2009 at 10:30 am
(Apologies, James, if this is the nineteenth time you’re seeing this – my computer’s been on the fritz.) I’ll try my hardest to be brief!
I won’t presume to speak for others, but the issue I personally had from the beginning with the original Palm Pilot post was with the method and not the meat. Call out / rebuke false teachers as you are led (it’s in your God-given job description, after all!), but do it in a way that provides a) a proper rebuke and b) a word of warning to the saints. In my view, this post does a much better job of both. Thanks for speaking at greater length about what specifically you deem heretical in McLaren’s teaching.
To continue the conversation a bit, my follow-up question is as follows: beyond calling out false teachers for their heresies and warning the church to avoid the snare of their mis-instruction, what ought our position toward these men and women become? My gut reaction (and I think I see a case for it in Scripture, to boot) is that – in regarding them as unbelievers and not simply erroneous weaker brothers – we ought to be no less vigilant in our pursuit of them in evangelism than anyone else standing outside of the mercies of the cross, rather than resigning them to their eventual condemnation. After all, aren’t the folks who take seven days of a ten-day antibiotic more often than not in worse shape than those who never took one to begin with? Shouldn’t our hearts break for those who have received so little of the true gospel that they falsely assume they have all of it? Isn’t this why Jesus warns (“woe to you”) when he rebukes? What do you think?
Dave:
I know we disagree about the first post, that’s ok.
What you have written above is insightful. What interaction I have had with Brian by phone or correspondance is best kept private for a number of reasons. It is not extensive, but suffice it to say it did not put my heart at ease. You are right to suggest that loving pursuit should be the mindset of those best in a postion to do so. I think I will leave it at that. I always appreciate your comments.
james
April 3rd, 2009 at 10:57 am
[...] Here is a great article on why James MacDonald names names when he denounces heresy (and false teachers) from the pulpit. And its why we should too. Click here to read it. [...]
April 3rd, 2009 at 10:59 am
Pastor James,
This being my first time here, I cannot say how completely I agree with you. However, I note the reasonableness of the disclaimer you have repeated several times:
“Let those who complain about naming false teachers state how Jesus and the apostles were wrong to confront those in error, personally and publicly, in their time. If they cannot do so, let them show that what we name as false teaching is, in fact, the truth. If they cannot do either, then let their mouths be stopped.”
I also notice that the chief objections posted within this Comments section seem based upon sentiment and emotion rather than upon any application of God’s Word.
These points alone are enough to bring me back again for more.
Thank you.
April 3rd, 2009 at 11:08 am
. . . Derek, I cannot post your comment, as those are serious additional allegations and I have not way/time to confirm if they are true.
james
April 3rd, 2009 at 11:55 am
Thank you for your boldness to refute false teaching and false teachers. it is sad how many Christians don’t know the Word or accept that it is their personal responsiblity to learn by studing The Word through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and sitting under the teachings of the “James McDonald’s” of our faith. Like I have heard so many times before. To be able to recognize a conterfiet bill you must study and know the real one. We as Christian cannot recognize false teachers unless we know God’s Word. Many new Christian can wander into false teaching unless those that know the Truth are defending it and calling the false teaching and teachers by name.
April 3rd, 2009 at 12:06 pm
[...] another note: James McDonald has an awesome post about naming false teachers (McLaren, etc). Very [...]
April 3rd, 2009 at 12:17 pm
James,
I referenced Ezekiel 33:1-7 in my message on the Sunday we appointed our first elders at Harvest Houston. As I was studying for this message that passage had a serious impact on me. For years in law enforcement I had been charged with protecting and warning the people of Houston when danger existed and if I failed to do so I could be held responsible criminally. This is so much more profound for us as leaders in the church because I do not want to have the blood of people on my hands because I was afraid to sound an alarm over dangerous teaching.
Ezekiel 33:6 says “But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet and the people are not warned, and a sword comes and takes a personfrom them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood I will require from the watchman’s hand.”
I think a lot of people really don’t understand the gravity of the position of church leaders. I take this role very seriously and I know you do as well. Watch carefully my brother and continue to sound the alarm so that the people will be warned. Our goal must be to be pleasing to God, so I will watch and warn people when I see danger.
By the way, welcome to the biker world. I have been riding almost all my life. I have a 2002 Electra Glide that I ride everyday rain or shine and I am the national chaplain of the Los Carnales Motorcycle Club which is a club made up of law enforcement and retired law enforcement officers with chapters all over the country. Ride safe and I look forward to seeing that new bike when I come up in a couple of weeks.
Buddy
Cool Buddy:
Didn’t know about the biker thing, we will have to talk. Thanks for commenting. I hear great things about your growing work in Houston. Love ya,
james
April 3rd, 2009 at 12:32 pm
Dear Pastor James,
I don’t understand at all how any Biblical Christian could think it was advisable to NOT name false teachers. My husband and I are ‘young’ Christians and I don’t know where we would be if we didn’t have strong scripture teaching leaders and mentors (yourself included) to help guide, teach and protect us against apostates.
I strongly believe it is up to each believer to personally protect themselves from false teaching through personal study and learning of the scripture. But we have seen firsthand how easy it is for the most innocent looking ‘concept’ to weed its way into the body of believers, and soon sway the minds of so many that you would think were more solidly grounded.
I can personally testify that the best-intentioned friends have recommended books to me for spiritual growth that, had a strong mentor not warned me of the author, I would have picked up and possibly been unknowingly ‘poisoned’ by the ideas of these ‘wolves in sheep’s clothing’.
We NEED to know who the false teachers are, to warn, educate and protect the entire body of believers. THANK YOU FOR CONTENDING FOR THE FAITH.
April 3rd, 2009 at 12:52 pm
We obviously do have different views on the Bible. I certainly believe Scripture can be trusted and is valid. However, Jesus is the authority in my life and not your perspectives on orthodoxy and Scripture.
That’s my point.
We don’t have to agree. Christians aren’t EVER going to agree. But that doesn’t give you the right to run around calling out other followers of Jesus as false teachers. Teach the people in your church to read, study and comprehend Scripture on their own. Teach them to read Jewish books, teachings and documents so they can better understand the Old Testament and the worldviews of Paul, Peter, John, James, Jude and Jesus. Teach them to read current books and listen to podcasts discussing the church and the way of Jesus. Teach them to have grace when it comes to other’s thoughts, ideas and beliefs. Teach love.
Don’t teach them to point the finger and cause more division.
JD:
Love without truth is hypocrisy. If the differences my blog describes were just preferences or opinions I would agree with your comment. But as I have stated they are differences of very significant substance. Yes we can disagree about such things as how to handle false teaching. But when the false teaching is about the nature of revealed truth or about the attonement, or about the reality of hell etc. we have no option but to confront it as best we can.
Regarding books needed to understand the bible, jewish books etc. = classic liberal thought. The bible as a peice of literature needing to be defragmented by analysis of cultural bias etc. is 100% a viewpoint of mainline, liberal protestantism. Jesus as my authority as though somehow he can be separated from the things His Spirit inspired the human authors to give us = same = classic liberalism.
I don’t know if you could possibly understand what I have done in this blog with the view of scripture you seem to hold. Because of that, you have a different view of love, a different view of truth and in the end a different view of what it means to follow Jesus. I am most assuredly not on the scripture denying, sentimental Jesus train. Check out my Jesus the New Wine Tasting, post, I would love to hear your comment on that. It will help you understand where I am coming from at least.
Warmly,
james
April 3rd, 2009 at 3:37 pm
Pastor James,
You don’t understand Brian McLaren’s theology, nor should you claim to. Your first post was pure sarcasm — not a thoughtful, gracious critique of McLaren. You’re kidding yourself if you thought it was anything more than a clever way to character bash a fellow follower of Jesus. I expect more from a senior pastor such as yourself, especially one who pastors a church that claims to be “missional.”
April 3rd, 2009 at 3:45 pm
[...] The Public Rebuke of False Teachers [...]
April 3rd, 2009 at 3:59 pm
What cracks me up is that you are still unwilling to admit that you could even be slightly wrong.
You have the notion, for some reason, that your thoughts, perspectives and worldviews are correct and that there is no possibility of you being wrong. That, sir, is blind arrogance. You point the finger and call out “Liberal! Liberal!” but all I hear is echoes of the Inquisition: “Burn the witch! Burn the witch!”
How sad that the way of Jesus brings people to this. Disagree! Please, let us disagree! But let us disagree well. Do you think the Christians in the early chapters of Acts really had EVERYTHING in common? No. But their cause and mission was bigger than some theological differences–Jesus was (and still is) bigger than theological squabbles to them.
Sure, love without truth is hypocrisy. Just like love without freedom of choice is slavery. I agree. But you don’t seem to love Brian McLaren. You love to bash him and to get a bunch of pathetic “amens” from people. If you loved him, you’d call or write him, talk with him, and work it out privately. This would be a conversation between the two of you. Instead, you are rallying people behind your little witch hunt.
You have my email. I’d love to meet you for lunch or coffee or anytime that you have open to talk about these things in person. I don’t think we’d ever come to any sort of understanding through this method. I was just hoping that we’d come to the consensus that we disagree, but that’s okay.
You seem to hold to the idea that we disagree, but you’re right and I’m a liberal… which makes me smile.
JD:
I have not spoken an unkind word to you. You are incorrect to assume I have not spoken with Brian personally, I have. Offenses are to be worked out privately. This is not an offense issue, it is an issue of warning. Warning the sheep about false shepherds is part of the best traditions of 2000 years of biblical Christianity. I do believe Liberalism is wrong or I would be one, not just a different perspective but wrong, unbiblical and damnable heresy. I will continue to discuss this if you talk about what I have written rather than all this nonsensical, “can’t we all just get along.” Specifically . . .
“Let those who complain about naming false teachers state how Jesus and the apostles were wrong to confront those in error, personally and publicly, in their time. If they cannot do so, let them show that what we name as false teaching is, in fact, the truth. If they cannot do either, then let their mouths be stopped.”
Otherwise, just keep calling me arrogant, rather than discuss the substantive doctrinal error, or the biblical mandate to expose it.
james
April 3rd, 2009 at 4:14 pm
Not just false prophets get pointed out in the New Testament. Paul publicly called Peter to task in Galatians 2 when his personal hypocrisy was leading others to misunderstand the gospel. Peter’s fault was not even in his explicit teaching, but the implications of his personal example!
April 3rd, 2009 at 5:05 pm
Pastor James,
Thank you so much for the courage and fidelity to the Word to speak directly to an issue. I am deeply concerned about the current trend in discussion to be so “humble” in our approach that we provide no meaningful warning! I have kids (who, of course, I love) and I am so greatful for pastors of reputable standing who have the courage to name names – it is critical, in my view, in underscoring the loving warning of parents who want their kids to receive Biblical direction and protection.
So thank you. Thanks for taking the heat for being direct. Thanks for loving your flock (at home and on the net) enough to be specific!
April 3rd, 2009 at 5:21 pm
I haven’t taken the time to read all the other comments or even the entire blog post that caused the uproar and know very little about Brian McLaren, but as a show of support with regards to calling out false teachers, I think it’s interesting that the Apostle Paul specifically called out and named false teachers in a slightly important Document (see 1 and 2 Timothy, i.e. The Bible). Those names (Hymenaeus and Alexander) were recorded on the pages of Scripture, Scripture that “stands forever, will never pass away, etc.” Come to think of it, Judas will forever be remembered as the betrayer of the Savior; Balaam is forever remembered for his error and his being a stumblingblock to the people of God. It’s sad to notice that after reading several people’s comments, they obviously hold to a less than orthodox view of Scripture. I am confident, however, after observing the track record of Scripture over the last 2,000 years or so, that long after their blog comments are gone and forgotten, the Scriptures will go on as they have, standing as an eternal testament to the truthfulness of God and the falseness of His enemies…naming them by name.
April 3rd, 2009 at 5:51 pm
Excellent post. I’ll be subscribing to your site.
April 3rd, 2009 at 7:39 pm
Just having this debate saddens me. It is what tears at my faith to the point that I wonder if what we have is real. I don’t agree with everything that McLaren says but I think his disaffection with what passes for authentic Christian faith is not groundless.
Mike:
That’s my point exactly. Brian’s complaints have merit for the most part, but his solutions are unbiblical and unhelpful for the most part and in the worst parts they are heretical. Jude exhorts us to “ernestly contend for the faith,” that will always involve, in every generation, disagreement about what the scriptures actually teach. Hashing that out is painful but in the end it is neccessary that all who claim to speak for Christ are held to the standard of what His word actually says, self included, for non of us see it all perfectly, but there is strong unanimity and historical precedent in regard to the essentials.
james
April 3rd, 2009 at 10:00 pm
James,
Why is it that the hackles of Christians come up when they are challenged by the Word? God is not PC. He will not be mocked. He is no respecter of people whether it be me, you, Brian or anyone else. I think so often we made authors and teachers sacrosanct. We are only people indeed. If I were slipping into err in my teaching, doctrines and belief I would hope that someone loved me enough to bring it to my attention and then take the step to call me out and warn others of my false teaching. It is always a battle in this PC, postmodern, liberal, new age culture we must guard the truth and our doctrine all the more. God and His Word are the only two sacrosanct things. He is teaching false teaching. In this day where false teaching stays on the New York Times Best Seller lists for months at a time discernment is most certainly lacking in our lives and our churches. We are living in 2 Timothy 3 end times. People want their ears tickled. They claim godliness but deny it’s power. Why are Christians so afraid to let God be God and His Word reign and rule in their lives and their theology? Have we, as the church universal, so departed from the Truth that we don’t know false teaching when we see it?
Lorri
April 3rd, 2009 at 10:53 pm
These are the beginning of birth pains…………
All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved…………..
For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform signs and miracles to deceive the elect – if that were possible. So be on your guard; I have told you everything ahead of time.
I pray in the Name of Jesus, who is our LORD and one and only God to Whom belongs all Glory and Praise, that His Holy Spirit indwell this blog site so that those with ears to hear may discern the voice of truth.
April 3rd, 2009 at 11:06 pm
Hi James,
I’ve enjoyed your ministry via the radio for a long time now. Thank you for your faithfulness and commitment to the Word!
This is an issue that I struggle with. I go back and forth on the validity of claiming that calling someone out is biblical if you haven’t spoken with them first. Perhaps you have had the opportunity to speak with Brian McLaren first hand, I do not claim to know.
What I struggle with is whether or not Matthew 18 applies to situations such as this. We are given no solid evidence either way that Paul did or did not have personal contact with Hymeneus and Philetus and Alexendar. Or if John had a conversation with Diotrephes. Jesus and Peter were vague enough with the moniker “false teacher” that people would know who they were talking about without using names.
Do you have any thoughts that could guide me in my search for the biblical way to warn my flock about false teachers?
For the King’s Service,
Pastor Lance
Lance:
The Mt. 18 passage deals with personal offenses. I think if you are ‘personally’ offended by a false teacher you should at least attempt to talk to him prior to talking about what he teaches. I think it unlikely that most false teachers with broadly known messages are actually available to discuss it with everyone who would object. By making there message public in broadcast or book, they invite accountability to the scriptures. If the issue is minor it is best left alone, if it is major warning becomes the higer priority. Warning your own flock is your first obligation, not resolving a point of disagreement with a wolf.
james
April 3rd, 2009 at 11:54 pm
I seriously doubt we agree on any of the three issues you specifically named (ie, hell, scripture, and penal sub. atonement). In fact, I’d put money on it that we agree on 0 of 3. And attempting to hash it out on the comments section of someone’s blog would be futile.
My whole point is that you’re awfully wrapped up in YOUR VIEW. You are unwilling to admit that your view on the Bible could be flawed. You assume that your perspective and understanding of Christian scripture is 100% correct and that others are simply wrong if they don’t agree with you. In that respect, I certainly think you’re arrogant. Its silly to think that you have it all nailed down. I have a lot of ideas. I blog and write about and discuss them often in all kinds of settings. But, at the end of the day, I’m human and am willing to admit my ability to screw things up–especially something like this.
This isn’t math. If I take two apples and add two more apples, then I have four apples. But we aren’t talking about math. We are talking about trying to understand thousands of years of history, the nature/character/person of a unique/holy God, and the life/teachings of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Its not just black and white. This isn’t addition and subtraction. This is much bigger and much more complicated than that.
So you go ahead and call out all the false prophets you want. You take your “Biblical mandates” like that very seriously, I suppose. I just hope that you would take mandates like “love the Lord with everything you are” and “love your neighbor like you love yourself” just as seriously. I pray my life, and yours, centers around those two things and those two things alone. I, once again, would like to extend to you my offer of coffee or lunch anytime your schedule is open. I’d love to sit and talk if you care to.
Shalom.
JD:
I believe the bible is the innerrant infallible word of God and that it is 100% reliable in all that it asserts. It is understandable and demands obedience as God’s revealed word to us. Living that, teaching that and calling others to the same is the mission of my life. I believe it is just as specific and just as unyeilding as your mathematic example. I am grieved that you consider the unapologetic proclamation of truth to be arrogant. I think we should leave such assesments of heart and motivation to people who know us better. I have no way of knowing from your comments if you know anything about me ie. that I have given my life to preaching and teaching the bible? That I write about alot more things than false teaching? People like us do exist JD, and not a few of us. We believe very different things about the bible than you do. Have you read or are you even aware of my book, “God Wrote a Book” Meeting for coffee? Are you in Chicago? Have you ever been to Harvest? Is there another issue that I am unaware of that causes your strong reaction?
james
April 4th, 2009 at 12:23 am
YES!!!!!!!!! Let God be true and every man a liar! We must stick to scripture!!! I can’t stand the traditions passed on by men not God and the whole blind leading the blind. Half the people who are against your stand on this just want a cause to argue. THANK YOU for defending the faith. I have been praying for you!! I thank God for you. You have helped disciple me over the last 9 years through Moody radio.
Jenny in Alabama
April 4th, 2009 at 5:56 am
[...] by Don Bryant on April 4, 2009 James MacDonald at Straight Up is asserting that we shouldn’t just preach against false teaching but name those who are [...]
April 4th, 2009 at 10:23 am
Thank you, James, for BODLY speaking truth. We who bear the name of Christ have an obligation to warn and derail false teachers/teachings. Should others not hear or head, then it is off our hands and on their hearts.
Judy
April 4th, 2009 at 1:26 pm
Thanks for this.
April 4th, 2009 at 4:09 pm
Bravo Pastor James.
Certainly false teaching is a work of darkness, thus I believe Ephesians 5 would also apply to the ‘exposure’ of these teachers. How do you ‘expose’ something if not by name?
“8For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9(for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 10and find out what pleases the Lord. 11Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.”
Thank you for standing for truth, spoken in love…not wishy washy sentimentality but love that is straightforward.
Katie K
April 4th, 2009 at 4:56 pm
Like the Dad on “Fiddler On The Roof” There is no other hand!
April 4th, 2009 at 5:25 pm
Wow, I just read all the prior blogs on this issue and I just have to say thank you, James, for just being willing to dive into this and then to stay with it. I thank God for you and for the commitment of your life–bolding speaking Truth and calling out error. Don’t stop now!
April 4th, 2009 at 7:57 pm
James
Great post. This certainly isn’t an “I think” issue, which is what some groups like to claim it’s about. This is about truth and error and you are wise to warn the flock about heresy.
April 5th, 2009 at 3:29 am
James,
You said,
1. Private meetings for private offenses, public rebuke for public false teaching.
2. I believe the bible is the innerrant infallible word of God and that it is 100% reliable in all that it asserts.
A question do you uphold that God created the earth in 6 real days as we know them as per Ex 20 & 31?
OK John:
Easy boy, settle now, ha ha. Anyway, YES I am a young earth, 6 literal 24 hour day creationist. This is what I have always believed and taught. But I am not looking for a fight about it. And I don’t believe it is of the same level as the subjects we have been talking about on the blog this week ie. substitutionary attonement. etc.
Here it is, wow, a pastor qoes to church for 1 day, and you assume he deleted you comment.
james
April 5th, 2009 at 6:10 am
[...] April 5, 2009 in Sunday Shorts | Tags: Brian McLaren, Charles Spurgeon, Easter, False Teaching, gospel, Iron Man, James MacDonald, Mark Driscoll, Marriage, men James MacDonald: The Public Rebuke of False Teachers [...]
April 5th, 2009 at 7:57 am
Well, well, well. Unless you’ve mailed me personally, judging by your refusal to post my query about your doctrine on origins, I can only assume, that you spread another gospel, like the Sydney Anglicans.
Your doctrine on origins is in all likelihood, different to Moses, Jesus, Paul, Theophilus, Augustine, Aquinas, Luther, Calvin…That makes you heterodox. Motes and logs!
Ummm, hi John:
who are you? and what are you talking about? did i miss a comment? query????
james
April 5th, 2009 at 8:50 am
Dear James,
“Teach,warn and rebuke with all long suffering”
thank you for your stand on this subject,so much weak preaching out there that will not take this stand, a biblical stand that has been omitted from many public pulpits.
The Lord strengthen and keep you
April 5th, 2009 at 9:20 am
Superb post about the need to rebuke false teachers.
However, I’d like to see if it’s prudent or wise to extend it another level. Hypothetically, suppose Professor Scot Mcknight defends and shields Brian McLaren from criticism and rebuke while not explicitly endorsing Mcknight’s teachings. Let’s say that Mcknight seeks to mute and defuse the light being shined on McLaren’s doctrinal aberrations by rebuking the rebukers. Let’s say that he’s somewhat effective because he has stature as a professor, as a published author, and carries some “weight” as a theologian.
Question: Would he (Mcknight) merit rebuke as well since his actions effectively serve in granting safe conduct and passage for McLaren’s teachings to spread?
Hypothetically? = good question, got an answer?
James
April 5th, 2009 at 11:14 am
Oh, Rabbi, rabbi, rabbi James, don’t you just like reading the kudos thrown your way
April 5th, 2009 at 12:46 pm
I just don’t understand. If someone belittles or attacks a central tenant of scripture, like the reality of hell or substitutionary atonement, we are just suppose to agree to disagree? These things are clear. They are not gray areas. We are not discussing worship music styles. A false teacher could be leading thousands down the broad road, and we should just let them? perhaps have a coffee and ask them if they could maybe, please, if they wouldn’t mind, stop belittling the cross, if its not too much trouble?
Amen Andrew:
Nice use of sarcasm to make the point. thanks for commenting,
james
April 5th, 2009 at 3:01 pm
Pastor James,
Thank you so very much for boldly proclaiming the Word of God and for speaking the TRUTH no matter what! As followers of Christ in this PC obsessed society , we need just that! May the Lord bless you for your obedience to Him!
April 5th, 2009 at 7:18 pm
Having had to leave a church because they were going down the “Share the gospel, and if necessary, use words” road, I so appreciate what you’re doing here. Hope to see you soon!
e
April 5th, 2009 at 8:15 pm
My apologies, James.
I am so used to the evasiveness of far too many Christians. I found a link to your site on one such man’s blog, well known for his dishonesty and who loves to point the finger at Christians for their not so “kosher” theology but when it’s demonstrated that his(theirs!) doesn’t quite cut the mustard, then it’s a case of shut up shop and stopping or comments on his blog. Thought you were the same.
Again, apologies.
thanks John;
All good
james
April 6th, 2009 at 12:34 am
#73: “Hypothetically? = good question, got an answer?
James”
Heh. I was looking to you to provide an answer!
FWIW, IMHO, Scot Mcknight would merit a public rebuke as well for providing “cover” for false teachers.
April 6th, 2009 at 5:03 am
[...] es lo que está sufriendo la iglesia. Falsos maestros como Chalke, Brian McLaren, Rob Bell, Doug Pagitt y Tony Jones, entre otros, que se han dedicado, como dije antes, a atacar la [...]
April 6th, 2009 at 11:38 am
Thanks P James for this post and for your courage. Without judging McLaren’s motives it’s quite obvious that the theology he is teaching is unbiblical at best and heretical at worst. And to imply that the best way to reach the post-modern generation is to “change to new ways of thinking” the church’s basic doctrines of heaven and hell and Christ’s return so that it is more palatable for the world is both sad and sobering. Maranatha.
April 6th, 2009 at 11:56 am
James-
Long time listener and just want to share some very important bible topics with you and brothers. I feel that we need to begin studying much deeper bible topics in these days where it seems more evident than ever that Christ is coming soon!
The Second Coming
Hell
The Lost Day of History
Sorry for the big post. May God richly bless you all!
Hey Aaron:
Thanks for the comments. I agree, just did a full length message on Hell one week ago, What’s Down with Hell.
It is available through walk in the word. Thanks for commenting.
james
April 6th, 2009 at 8:00 pm
Hi, James!
My pastor used #30 in his sermon last night, about the emergent church & false prophets. Truth is truth is truth! The Bible is truth, we should have faith in it, & not question it.
Thanks, brother!
April 8th, 2009 at 12:52 am
All this talk about arrogance if you claim truth reminded me of a great quote by G.K. Chesterton:
“What we suffer from today is humility in the wrong place. Modesty has moved from the organ of ambition. Modesty has settled upon the organ of conviction; where it was never meant to be. A man was meant to be doubtful about himself, but undoubting about the truth; this has been exactly reversed. Nowadays the part of a man that a man does assert is exactly the part he ought not to assert–himself. The part he doubts is exactly the part he ought not to doubt – the Divine Reason. . . . The new skeptic is so humble that he doubts if he can even learn. . . . There is a real humility typical of our time; but it so happens that it’s practically a more poisonous humility than the wildest prostrations of the ascetic. . . . The old humility made a man doubtful about his efforts, which might make him work harder. But the new humility makes a man doubtful about his aims, which makes him stop working altogether. . . . We are on the road to producing a race of man too mentally modest to believe in the multiplication table.”
April 8th, 2009 at 8:18 am
Kaj,
Fantastic Quote. You’ve inspired me to read more of Chesterton!
April 8th, 2009 at 11:30 am
Amen! I read Generous Orthodoxy and that was far too generous to be orthodox.
April 10th, 2009 at 4:06 am
First thing: James thanks for your sermons, i’m living in the Netherlands and am recovering from a dark period full of sin, the word of God is powerfull, even reaching beyond the USA
duh!
Now,
I also read through his book a little, searching on “Generous Orthodoxy 293″,
So I found this piece where he says that its advisable in many circumstances to help people becoming followers of Jesus Christ AND remain with their budhist/hindu/whatever contexts.
If i’m correct, he says that its okay to be a follower of Christ AND to remain with my other religion that has nothing, and even rejects the idea of God… like you once said in a sermon, Jesus was angry to his apostles for being in-between, not HOT or COLD, but this lukewarm thing… he rather spit them out of his mouth!
And isn’t this the same thing? or am I “intepretating” this wrong?
Noone’s perfect though, but it is dangerous when a lot of people believe “words” from a man who’s intentions are just, but which content is bad.
Terrible things have been done with the best intention…
April 13th, 2009 at 1:13 pm
James,
I’ve been blessed by your ministry, and we are praying for your continued healing. Thanks for preaching the Word.
What issues are within orthodoxy, and at what point does someone become a false teacher? There were many who called you a wolf and a goat-herder regarding your blog on the new president, which was stupid. (sorry, had to use it.) Now you are calling a person a wolf who differs with the traditional views such as substitutionary atonement, hell, and Scripture. I agree, these are HUGE – for me central to my faith system, but do you call John Stott a heretic because of his views (more recent) on hell? Or how about NT Wright and his view of Christ’s death as “Christus Victor”? John Piper in his critique of NT Wright’s view of justification does not call him a heretic. (The Future of Justification) There might be some on the fundamentalist side who think that you are giving Theistic Evolutionists a pass because for you that’s not a deal breaker.
Is Brian Mclaren going to heaven? I assume false teachers are on their way to hell, but how many differences with traditional orthodoxy does it take to make you a false teacher who should be called out? For some, that would be you, because of your thankfulness for Obama and your softness toward those who have different beliefs on creation. For you, that would be guys like Mclaren, who are re-examining doctrinal issues that have been central to the Christian faith. For guys like Mclaren, it might not be anyone except those who completely reject the idea of God…I don’t know.
I’d like to ask Paul who called out the Judaizers – were they lost because they believed in Jesus and…
Where’s the line and who sets it? We see through a glass dimly, and I think Christians disagree about what is clear and what is dim
God Bless you and Harvest – Steve
Steve:
alot of questions, can’t answer them all, I do believe Ephesians 4 and it’s call to unitity name 7 things about which a Christian must agree to be orthodox. One Lord, One faith, etc. I have a whole message on that called, Convicted About Unity.
james
April 13th, 2009 at 7:08 pm
Several years ago I became familiar with McLaren and read one of his books just to verify what he was promoting and to understand his critics. I find McLaren plays “cutsie” as he couches his disdain for orthodox reformed Christianity in fiction and/or proposing, through a kind of questioning technique, his heresy. As a result I began telling fellow Christians about McLaren and others like Rob Bell, Doug Pagitt, Tony Jones et al, who are teaching these kinds of messages. I felt so guilty after this because I thought it unkind and un-Christian to mention names. Then I began to rethink my position and felt that those unsuspecting brethren may be led to read these authors/pastors and if they are weak in their knowledge of Scripture or if they have poor discernment could fall prey to these aberrant teachings and be led astray.
I will withhold going further, but would it be inappropriate to mention any churches that routinely host Brian McLaren at their conferences? I think when a church invites these kinds of teachers they are perhaps unknowingly endorsing them. Just wondering.
Thanks Pastor James for all you do. You are so faithful in proclaiming God’s Word and that is why I support and love your ministry.
Connie
April 14th, 2009 at 9:40 pm
Thanks James for the response, I guess I am just struggling right now in my ministry regarding who to “call out”, if anybody…and I HAVE called people out. I am 4 years out of seminary, (same one you attended,) and the waters appear to be getting murkier (word?) and to be honest, Ephesians 4 doesn’t really clarify, in my mind, the point at which someone becomes a heretic. There are plenty of people who differ on many subjects, but which are the untouchables? and does it have to be more than one offense? You can be saved – without believing in inerrancy, without believing in hell, without believing in a literal 6 day creation, BUT by believing in Jesus as Lord and that God raised him from the dead. If teachers of God’s Word differ on this, and they are still saved, are they heretics? Honest question.
(I am a pastor at a growing (2-300) church, an hour outside of Chicago, and i have been bombarded about what I think of this guy and that guy. Hey, thanks for this site and the ministry of Harvest. FYI – I was an intern at Chain of Lakes Community Bible Church with Kerry and Doc Sweeting.)
God Bless – Steve
Steve:
The passage does answer what is worth dividing over and what is not. I will send you the message if you give your address. Re: people pressuring you, I had to learn to say, “i don’t have an opinion on him/her.” “Who are you to judge the servant of another, to his own master he stands or falls, and God is able to make him stand.” Romans 14:4 This verse has helped me remain silent in regard to those I consider believers who differ in bigger issues etc.
james
April 17th, 2009 at 1:30 pm
just an observation from someone who has walked with Jesus as her Lord and Savior for MANY years . . . perhaps if more of our ’shepherds’ would ‘rightly divide the Word’, not ‘be ashamed of the Gospel of Christ’, be willing to ‘preach the Word in season and out of season’, ’stand’ on the Word of God, ‘know the truth’, ‘the truth shall set you free, ‘there shalt have no other gods before me’ – not be afraid to call sin a sin – and most of all – ‘fear not him who can destroy the body but him that can destroy the soul’ – - – - then perhaps our churches would not be in the condition they’re in. . . perhaps a world of unbelievers could see what God could do in their lives! Think about it — few pastors have preached messages about living separated lives, being holy, not sinning. . . . over many years. I’m afraid many have been more interested in patting people on the back, telling people how good they are instead of ‘all have sinned’, and preaching with ‘that’s okay-God understands and will forgive attitudes. Yes, He will forgive, but He’s a HOLY God and I think too many have forgotten that He does not have patience with sin in our churches or in our lives! It’s time to stopping putting God in a box and trying to raise men’s feeble standards above His. God doesn’t call pastors to make us feel good!
Thanks Brother James for standing for truth and not being afraid to stand on the Word of God !! Too often we look to ‘men’ and books to teach us instead of getting in the Word and listening to men who TEACH the Word!
Keep preaching the Word Brother! Praying that God will bless you richly for your faithfulness.
jeannette
now that said – what about Rick Warren’s recent actions???
April 20th, 2009 at 7:54 am
I read this whole thread with great interest. I am a professor at a Christian liberal arts university where subscription to one particular epistemology is not required. Consequently, our professors hold divergent views of scripture and the world. When I arrived, I found this variety to be very disconcerting. Yet while I remain conservative (theologically, culturally, and politically) I have come to appreciate that, while I do not believe it to be so, my epistemology may be wrong at points.
When I was converted, I believed that lack of epistemic certainty was tantamount to unbelief. Consequently, I found a need to come to concrete certainty about virtually every issue in order not to be unfaithful to Christ. I have found this view to be prevalent among many (not all) who believe the bible to be completely inerrant, particularly those who hold a dispensational hermeneutic.
I serve with a distinguished biology professor whom I know attempts to meld what he knows of God’s word with what he knows of God’s world. He shared with us a piece of advice he received 30 years earlier when his major professor learned that he was going to teach at an evangelical school: “Be careful of the evangelicals; they tend to study the easy stuff and write about the hard stuff.”
My reason for raising this issue is that I have come to think that complete epistemic certainty is a ruse. We all have been wrong so frequently in our lives that I cannot, in clear conscience, believe that my worldview must be correct. I believe that it is but I must leave room that, at points, it is not.
All that said, we have 2000 years of church history to teach us and we have the words of scripture to guide us. It is hard to escape the clear biblical instruction for Christian leaders to point out heresy, including those who espouse false teaching, publicly. I agree with your view of private discussion for personal offense, public criticism for false teaching. Christian history supports such a position.
While I believe that God accommodated human error in the scriptures, I still believe in scriptural authority. As the great theologian, Mark twain, quipped, “It’s not that parts of the bible that I don’t understand that bother me; it’s the parts that I do.”
April 24th, 2009 at 1:43 am
Hummm. C. S. Lewis also rejected the “orthodox view of hell, as did F.F. Bruce and as does John Stott. I guess their writings belong in the theological dumpster as well. The truth is, there are many pubic Christian figures who don’t buy the orthodox view of hell but can’t afford to be attacked by James Mac and others who shoot those who don’t line up with ALL of their theology. Sad day!
April 28th, 2009 at 4:35 pm
I think it is interesting that Brian McLaren has built a nice little empire and career by throwing stones at virtually all evangelicals. Of course his critiques will be welcomed by many who are angry, bitter or simply rebellious.
After all of this, he and his followers don’t want to accept a public response to his very public rebuke of the evangelical church, writ large? Or if there is a response, it must be whispered to him personally?
Come on folks!
April 30th, 2009 at 10:37 pm
hello again,
i agree the brian mclaren goes off the deep end many times in his writing and thinking but hell is a very difficult doctrine. especially when you couple it with the idea of predestination.
i recently listened to john macarthur answering people’s questions about how God could predestine people for heaven and thus in the same stroke predestine people for hell. he says he struggles with it like anybody but his answer is ultimately that if God predestines some for hell is must be because it glorifies god. this is very very hard to reconcile with a god that loves people and “is willing that none should perish.”
there are a lot of philosophical problems.
if he is willing that none should perish than why are some perishing? can’t he save them? is god subject to a higher ideal or power? you say his justice demands payment for sin. but didn’t the cross accomplish that? or did the cross not cover everyone. only those who god choose? but that would say grace is limited. limited to those he choose.
infinite torment for finite sin? oh, but you committed sin against an infinite god and thus the punishment is infinite. not very logical.
so, god created a world and introduced evil and choose a select group for heaven and the rest to experience eternal torment.
the bible says “god does not delight in the destruction of the wicked but desires that all men repent”.
anyways just some thoughts. i believe in hell. there is just a lot to process and think about.
Hey AJ:
Check with your parents for the message I recently gave on Hell. It was very tough to teach, but deals with alot of what you are thinking about here.
james
May 2nd, 2009 at 5:42 am
Excellent post!
May 12th, 2009 at 7:44 pm
This is good. I left the Word of Faith Movement and criticized its leaders by name. Many of my church members left, forcing me out of the ministry. We have to identify heretical teachings and teacher by name.
May 28th, 2009 at 5:37 pm
I welcome a pastor or any other Christian who stands up for the truth and stands publicly against false teachers. Jesus did it, Paul did it, and I sure don’t have any problem with you doing it. It’s so needed with all the barage of “Christian” information out there in the form of books and tv – not to mention the numerous denominations. Which one is right? When I hear certain preachers on radio telling new converts to find a great church, I cringe. How do babes even know what a great church is? If anything, James, I wish you’d go further than just this one guy. I’d like to know what you think of Christian radio stations, tv station and denominations too and speak out against all the false teachers, doctrines and heresies out there. From almost the moment I got saved, I got involved in a word of faith church. Now I see how it is so wrong. Please continue to warn others about false teachers!!!
June 9th, 2009 at 9:06 am
James,
Thank for being honest. The Emergent Church is Dangerous. Extremely dangerous.
I posted a sermon on my blog and some freinds took offense and accused me of being side tracked because I was exposing false teachings. But as the scritpures that you quoted state, it is our duty as believers to defend the faith against those who would try to redefine Christianity. I heard a good sermon by Eric Ludy and Ben Davenport on Purelife Ministries website that was very troubling and yet very encouraging. You might want to hear it.
http://www.purelifeministries.org/index.cfm?pageid=168
The Emergent Church (01:16:08)
By: Eric Ludy and Ben Davenport August 22, 2008
Many Christians sense that something is wrong in our churches and are looking for answers. But are those offering solutions prophets of God or wolves in sheep’s clothing? Listen to Eric Ludy, author of The Bravehearted Gospel, and Ben Davenport as they passionately share their concerns about the emerging church.
June 26th, 2009 at 12:30 pm
James, I appreciate that you are trying to point out false prophets, however, I have a few comments.
The “traditional” understanding of Heaven and hell is that we must subscribe to a certain set of doctrines or religious principles by building our lives on scripture in order to attain eternal life (this may not be stated, but it is definitely the practice).
This is not what Jesus taught. The only qualifier for eternal life is that we follow Jesus as Lord. Jesus taught that HE is the way, the truth and the life and that ALL authority in heaven and earth has been given to HIM. He also teaches us that we should not think that we can attain eternal life by reading the scriptures. We need to come to JESUS. Yes, we meet Jesus in scripture, but this is just a beginning point. Scripture is the marker, or street sign that points the way to the real deal. Jesus needs to be our end goal in everything we do, including studying scripture.
And if Jesus is truly the end goal, we will put down our bibles, get out into the world and make a real difference by seeking Christ’s heart, and building the kingdom through our relationships with other people.
Jesus teaches us that the Kingdom of God is “Within or among us” relationally, not “in” us personally.
This is basically the foundation of Brian McLaren’s teachings.
Ryan:
You think your relaying something new? Brian Mclaren etc.? Your call to know the ‘real Jesus’, the scripture is just a ‘beginning point,’ and “Christ’s heart” etc. This is nothing new, or fresh or revolutionary, it is simply old line liberal theology/neo-orthodoxy, in a contemporary narrative package. No thanks, you don’t have to be a prophet to know where that road goes just a historian. = Very Sad.
james
June 29th, 2009 at 1:36 am
James
Nope, I don’t think I, nor Brian McLaren are relaying anything new when it comes to Jesus. McLaren is into this whole post modern culture thing, which is fine … post moderns need Jesus just as much as anyone else. But that’s Western culture and for the most part, culture will always be in some sort of conflict-of-interest with the gospel.
I still think that Jesus asks us to follow him as the one who has all authority (Mat 28:18) first through the event of baptism, and then ultimately by obeying his commands (Mat 28:20). He tells us that to Love God totally (Deut. 6:5) and love your neighbor as yourself (Lev. 19:18) are the two greatest commandments that we should follow.
As for scripture, I think you’re right. Love is the starting place. This is clearly Jesus’ approach and it should be ours as well.
The reason I said scripture is a starting place is this: 2 Timothy 3:16-17 – if we spend all of our time getting equipped for righteousness, but never actually get out there and do anything that Jesus would consider righteous, what have we done? Also, if we spend all of our time internalizing Jesus’ teachings but never actually obey His command to (for example) love our enemies, what then? Jesus teaches us through Matthew 7:24 that we need to not only listen to his teachings, but put them into practice as well. This is Jesus’ definition of building on the Rock.
October 19th, 2009 at 10:23 am
[...] “Let those who complain about naming false teachers state how Jesus and the apostles were wrong to confront those in error, personally and publicly, in their time. If they cannot do so, let them show that what we name as false teaching is, in fact, the truth. If they cannot do either, then let their mouths be stopped.” -James MacDonald, The Public Rebuke of False Teachers [...]