“Good grief. I’d have to put disclaimers on my own sermons, writings, and probably even in the church bulletin!”
Scott AniolI have recently been criticized (in a private letter) for quoting men in my book, without qualification, with whom I would otherwise disagree on some matters.
Dave Doran offers some helpful comments on this kind of criticism.
It is unprofitable to adopt a “speak no good of my opponents” approach to ministry. I have never heard anybody advocate throwing out qualifiers altogether, but something is wrong with our sub-culture if we cannot mention a book, sermon, or well-known person without making sure that everybody knows that “we are not endorsing everything that this man teaches or does.” Good grief. I’d have to put disclaimers on my own sermons, writings, and probably even in the church bulletin! I imagine I’ll write more on this at a later point, but I personally believe this is one of the most telling marks of spiritual immaturity within our circles.
This one is a bit of a straw man, Scott. Those of us who are complaining about current practice aren’t complaining about quotations. We are complaining about promotion. These guys shouldn’t be promoted without clear teaching about the dangers and differences.
Maranatha!
Don Johnson
Jer 33.3
Just to clarify, when I said “this one” above, I am referring to Dave’s quote, I don’t really have a comment on the quotes in your book one way or another.
Maranatha!
Don Johnson
Jer 33.3