There is trend in the blogosphere by some younger reformed emerging sympathetic ecumenical guys that when the discussion they begin gets to real, to honest, confrontational, or challenging they want to tuck tail and run. They will shut down their threads, ignore anyone with a dissenting opinion, or just run away. Mind you, this is on issues that they have started. But instead of standing up and being counted for what they believe, they bail. They check out, they "run home to mommy" complaining that "someone hurt my feelings today - they didn't like what I wrote". Waa, waa, waa. In the words of Don Henley, "get over it."
One thing I agree completely with Mark Driscoll on is that there are too many feminized men in the body of Christ today. The issues are tough today and men of courage and conviction speaking from the Word of God are needed to address them--to run to the battle. We don't need those who put on the Potemkin-village face; but to let their "yes be yes and their no be no." Therefore, it is disingenuous for some bloggers to solicit discussion on their own blogs regarding controversial issues and then cry foul because someone might really take them to task on some of their naive assertions. It is cowardice and insincere to shut down their blogs if the heat gets turned up. If they begin it, they should finish it. Amen?
But some of them are just plain soft; they are weak. They are not men of conviction, but are men of convenience. We could follow them to a retreat, but never to the battlefield to "fight the good fight of faith." We would run the risk of one of them getting their feelings hurt because some out there in the blogosphere are just so mean that they just can't bear it. I have had my share of being told that lately. That's right; I have been labeled by some (and unfairly I think) as the poster child of blogging criticism, saying the hard things, and being just plain mean, etc. :-). But like Rush Limbaugh, people that know me know that I am just a loveable little cream puff; a harmless little fuzz ball armed only with a Bible, hundreds of commentaries, 2,000 years of church history, great pastoral friendships, a blog, and a MacPro G4. I sit in my dining room ("home office" for the geeks) or go to the Good Cup to study, seek the Lord as what to write, and type away. I will speak about some of these things to other pastors before I post. I do a smattering of radio interviews on some of these issues; still travel and do concerts on weekends along with preaching and teaching in various churches; write songs; record; blog, etc. It is a joy to dialogue with so many on key issues pertaining to faith and culture, learn from them, be corrected and encouraged by them.
But here is the double standard in the Christian blogosphere these days by a few key bloggers: if I offer constructive criticism in challenging one of these evangelical girly-men (deal with it) and their statements with the truth of God's Word they will consider it out of bounds, mean, and not nice. BUT, if they post something on their blogs that is sweet, supportive and nice of someone and their beliefs, even if they have no theological, doctrinal, biblical or factual footing for their assertions, people will praise them for the godly attitudes. Why? Because it is viewed as being positive and not negative - it was "nice."
But the test of orthodoxy, beloved, is not nice, it is truth; and that is where I part company with some of these brothers. None of these bloggers I am thinking of have ever had to fight for the truth within evangelicalism; preach the gospel before hostile audiences of unsaved people; or contend for the faith to their own demise, popularity, or station in life. Not one. We are to speak the truth and do so in love; but speak the truth we must.
The Eyes Have It One of the very best parts of my day is to be with my five amazing sons and daughters. They are real people, sinners in need of grace each day just like their Dad, in process, loving life, and struggling through it too - just like their Dad is. I love them tremendously and accept them unconditionally. My sons are real young men; and my daughters are real young women. They are not confused about that identity.
So when it comes to blogging, in addition to the unceasing eyes of the Lord Jesus Christ to whom we will all give an account, my ministry board, local church, pastors, friends and family, I have five pairs of eyes that I want to be faithful to. They are watching, looking, observing, taking in, conversing, and wondering. I have tried to teach them to know what they believe; to have an opinion; to make an argument and to stand up for what they think and feel. Not to just regurgitate what their Mom and Dad might tell them, say or think. But to really own it for themselves. There is no short cut in that process and I like seeing them trying to work it out on several levels. I am learning with them and from them. It is a great, sometimes painful, but always wonderful adventure.
How I wish that some in the Christian blogging community had one ounce of their honesty, courage, strength of conviction, and grace. One that does, is a dear friend of mine, Carla Rolfe. She posted this today to which I was grateful to be included:
While I am grateful for people like John MacArthur, Steve Camp, James White, Phil Johnson, Albert Mohler and others who take the same stand they do, I'm afraid they are in the minority, as our "culture shift" is sliding straight into some sort of wimpy, watered-down, effeminate, group-hugging, Kumbaya-singing version of what the Scriptures say a real church and real leaders should look and sound like.
It's time for courage my brothers and sisters. If you are a blogger and open up the can on a controversial issue on your blog, then may I encourage you to see it through to the end. Play the man. Don't wimp out. Don't run home to mommy because one of us "meanies" actually challenge your Peter Pan assertions with the Word of God. Stand. Stand up and make your case. Plant your feet and say what you need to say. And do so, if you can, from a biblical worldview; say it with honesty, forthrightness, charity and humility. And by humility, I don't mean soft spoken wimpy feminized men who cry at the drop of hat, are introverted, and are tolerant of everything and everyone within evangelicalism because they just heard Bono sing ONE and claim to share the same social agenda.
What I mean by humility, is someone who is willing to be teachable; submissive to Someone greater than themselves and to each other in the body of Christ; who will love their neighbor as themselves and serve others selflessly for Christ's sake; seeing themselves as small and the Lord and His Word as great; who won't bury the gospel on their blogs or play politics with its truths for the sake of position, prominence or power. That's humility.
So have the guts to represent faithfully the courage of your convictions and not write-off others for simply disagreeing with you. Invite their scrutiny; embrace their criticism; cherish the differences of opinion; stay in the discussion; don't bail because it gets a little rough and heated; work towards the biblical understanding on any issue if you are a Christian; and don't shut down, check out and "cry to mommy" if your little feelings sometimes get hurt.
You know what I mean Vern?
These are serious times beloved that demand serious answers to the hard questions of our generation. If you're not up to the task that's OK. "Go your own way, get out of the way, or just go away." But don't put those of us down who are dealing with ministry issues everyday from the crucible of grace of systematic theology, sound doctrine, church history, and the pages of the Bible.
Now, here is the truth of it that one blogger didn't want to discuss at his blog because it was just too much for him to handle on this important issue:Rick Warren preaches a watered down gospel; his endorsement of Tom Ascol's resolution for a regenerate church membership hurts that resolution severely. You cannot vet your congregation by reading The Message and heralding a watered-down gospel. Add to this, Warren has partnered with Barack Obama on the AIDS issue and allowed him to speak at his church even though Barack supports abortion, partial birth abortion, and live abortion. That is a fact. IOW, if you're unborn he will support your death if its convenient for the birth mother. But, if you somehow survive abortion and do contract HIV, Barack will fight for your right to live. Ridiculous, hypocritical, and plastinated.
But, Warren doesn't mind partnering with the likes of Barack. Rick has forged these ecumenical alliances with nonbelievers on political and social issues for some time on such issues as global warming (which is a myth), ending poverty (which he can't), and AIDS (with any group that shares his views). Mind you there is no biblical support for his unequally-yoked allies. But this is no surprise, for Warren has consistently demonstrated a skewed and unbiblical view of cobelligerence and seems to be oblivious to what the Scriptures actually teach about these things.
What do you think? Let me hear from you. I'm unafraid and welcome your views - even if we disagree.
With grace from one loveable, harmless, little cream puff... Steve 2 Cor. 4:5-7
Disclaimer: Worldview Weekend, Christian Worldview Network and its columnists do not necessarily endorse or agree with every opinion expressed in every article posted on this site. We do however, encourage a healthy and friendly debate on the issues of our day. Whether you agree or disagree, we encourage you to post your feedback by using the feedback button.
Steve, I just came across your blog and website. I am so thoroughly excited because you think as I do. I have read many of your comments. Thank you, thank you, thank you, for speaking for the many of us who stand on the Word of God in a church gone mad. I will continue to read your thoughts daily. Click here to reply to this post
AMEN!!!!
Posted On: 05/23/08 02:07:54 PM
Age 41, WA
And again I say AMEN!!!
Like your song says, "Where are the heroes now, when we need them so desparatley?" Click here to reply to this post
Whiners
Posted On: 05/22/08 07:57:00 PM
Age 38, CA
Thank you, Steve, for addressing this problem with whining cry-babies. I hope they take to heart what you've said and examine their behavior, their hearts, and what they truly believe to be Truth. I greatly enjoy everyone of your articles. They're always right on track, always scripturally based. I have a special file with your name on it in my email account. These articles are used to teach my two home-schooled sons when we do our Bible studies. I didn't think you'd mind! :) Click here to reply to this post
Rick Warren preaches a LIE!
Posted On: 05/22/08 12:39:20 PM
Age 45, NJ
Steve, stop giving credence to a lie. Rick Warren does not "preaching a watered down gospel" but is, in fact, preaching a LIE.
Don't capitulate to a lie or equivocate the truth. Rick Warren is a FALSE TEACHER and a WOLF not even trying to hide the fact that he is a wolf.
And you should label that picture like I did...
"Here's a quarter... call yourself a WAAHmbulance!"
Patrick Burwell/OnlyJesusSaves.com Click here to reply to this post
The Apostle Paul.
Posted On: 05/22/08 11:37:22 AM
Age 30, WA
Doesn't everybody think that Rick Warren is like a modern-day Apostle Paul? I am joking of course. Isn't it a good thing that the Apostle Paul wasn't like these wimpy, effeminate-type preachers and bloggers? Just think of how long the Church would have lasted if the early Christians were wussies? Yeah, I'm not pleased...And this article is a great wake up call for those of us all who are dead weight on the body of Christ. Thanks Steve for the wake-up call. Rob Apperson Click here to reply to this post
WE HAVE TO KNOW THE MAN IN ORDER TO BE A MAN
Posted On: 05/22/08 10:19:47 AM
Age 64, OH
Some have commented on the fact that men should lead, as they are commanded so by The Lord Jesus. But they did not tell us HOW these men should lead. Philippians 2:5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
6Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
7but made himself nothing,
taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
8And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to death—
even death on a cross! - We being men and the head of the household should not think that head of household is something to be grasped, but make ourselves nothing and be the servant of all. This is why we must follow the Holy Spirit because Jesus was The Servant that came to serve and at the same time was The Lion of Judah who came to conquer. Of course Jesus conquered death by dying on the cross. Eph 5: 25Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her 26to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word,- We have to do both, Lay our life down for our wife, and wash her with water through the Word.- Of course we have to be in close communion with The Word to be able to do so. Lou Click here to reply to this post
wimpy men
Posted On: 05/22/08 09:56:13 AM
Age 58, AR
Steve, this is a woman saying, "I love ya man". My thoughts on those men and women in church who love to be neutral: Good luck with that! God is going to put an ejection device under your seats and up you'll go, right into the mix. That is, if you don't get busy about His business. I speak to myself here. My Sunday School teacher is the greatest, tries not to be proud, and listens to anyone in the class with a different viewpoint. But he is a wimp. He doesn't believe we should judge the brethren,or be harsh in ANY way, no matter what the issue is. He has a problem with me, I think, because I speak up about the issues (false doctrines) coming into the church today. Many of the brethren don't know it, and they don't want to. Good article!! Agree 100%!! Click here to reply to this post
The fine art of pugilism
Posted On: 05/22/08 09:31:34 AM
Age 54, GA
Steve,
Thanks for the provocative call to climb into the ring and go for 15 rounds. When one goes soft the very thought of a round of boxing is undesirable. to begin with it sia barbaric sport and left for those who can do little else.
In our world of contending for the faith, we are so desirous of being accepted by our peers and bringing no offense for the sake of the gospel that we have become willing to accomodate the most spurious views as though they were well founded.
When I hear others say that John MacArthur is just plain mean I think that the one who says that has no idea how serious the stakes are in pursuity of truth. I do not want to be some self appointed last line of defense for theological purity, but I do want to fight the good fight. Click here to reply to this post
Right on brother Steve! Thank you for your continued boldness to speak truth! I as a woman continue to pray especially for godly men in the pulpits who will preach with much boldness, who will not cower to man but fear our Holy God. I pray for men who will be men. I pray for preachers with backbones who will preach the word of God with conviction and not this mumbo-jumbo psycho babble. I pray for prophets (those who proclaim the word of God) who will do just that, prophecy what the word says and not appeal to peoples' emotions but believe that the Holy Spirit will do the convicting and that the Father will draw those to Himself.
Oh Lord, raise up godly men who will indeed stand firm on your words, true men of God who fear you rather than man, who want to see you increase and not their own ministries, who are more interested in the spiritual health of the church rather than "numbers".
To you oh Lord be all glory, honor and praise!! Click here to reply to this post
There is trend in the blogosphere by some younger reformed emerging sympathetic ecumenical guys that when the discussion they begin gets to real, to honest, confrontational, or challenging they want to tuck tail and run. They will shut down their threads, ignore anyone with a dissenting opinion, or just run away. Mind you, this is on issues that they have started. But instead of standing up and being counted for what they believe, they bail. They check out, they "run home to mommy" complaining that "someone hurt my feelings today - they didn't like what I wrote". Waa, waa, waa. In the words of Don Henley, "get over it."
