Monday Matters: On not listening to others

As part of another forum I also read this article. The same thing bothered me, Jim, although you have put your finger on what's bothersome much better than I did.

I confess, I was raised in a Wesleyan-Arminian denomination and find some points of Calvinism still 'rub me the wrong way'. The Presbyterian church where I'm serving now (the only church I've served outside my growing up denomination) has taught me that there are more important things in life than the debate over predestination etc.

Anyway, Driscoll seems like a bit of a control freak who has carved out his own niche out there on the west coast. In Canada (as in the US I believe) the west coast is a law onto itself in some ways. I also agree though that all this does not mean he is not accomplishing some good things for God.

Jim,

I have been a fan of Driscoll's for a few years now, enjoying his no-holds-barred preaching style and his willingness to tell things straight. (I might have repeated myself there.) I have a feeling that I am much more in agreement with the views of "New Calvinism" than you are... but that's not really the point of this comment.

When I read the NYT article, I was indeed dismayed by Driscoll's statement that "They are sinning through questioning." I cannot conceive of a context in which Driscoll's statement is defensible. Even though all church leaders, at some point in their time of service, have wished that their parishioners would just shut up and accept the decision, most are wise enough not to say so, and nearly all would hesitate to call such questioning sin.

I would very much like to hear Driscoll's explanation for that statement.

Evangeline, well I suppose I should confess my wesley-arminian roots. After all, I grew up United Methodist and came to mainline PC(USA) presbyterianism in my early 30s.

My experience and theological leanings are inclined to respect the fact that living the life of faith is a lot more messy and mysterious than your typical hardcore five point Calvinist makes it out to be, so I guess when it comes down to it, I refuse to claim that any one tradition has it all right. Which is much less than what, I'm sure, Driscoll is prepared to do.

Chris, I have wondered if that quote is some how taken out of context, but as you suggest, it seems nearly indefensible. I too would like to hear an explanation.

Is Driscoll ever known to reply/justify/defend comments about him in articles such as this?

"Sinning through questioning?" I was all set to try to be charitable to Driscoll (with whom I differ greatly), but that's just out-of-the-park horrible!

excellent post, keep it up! I will be checking back often :)