Mike Wittmer, author of the new and important book, "Don't Stop Believing" (Zondervan) has an excellent post on his blog about the charity of clarity (when it comes to one's theological commitments). Here's an excerpt:
"Conservatives increasingly are asking key Christian leaders to clearly say what they believe: must you believe something to be saved? Is hell for real and forever? Is the Bible a revelation from God? Does Scripture teach that homosexual practice is sin?
"Many leaders duck these questions, often answering with another question, saying that these are the wrong questions to ask, or questioning the motive of the person who asked it.
"Here is my question: which person in this scenario does not love his neighbor? Many assume it is the one raising the question, for she appears to be the aggressor, putting the leader on the spot. I propose it is the obfuscating leader, for muddying the waters on purpose demonstrates disrespect for the listener. Teachers who love their students, pastors who love their people, and authors who love their readers take care to nourish their faith with truth. Those who conceal their actual beliefs (or bury them in the endnotes) likely care more about their own careers than the followers who depend on them for guidance.
"It is not unloving to ask these leaders to clearly spell out what they believe. Considering the stakes involved, it would be unloving—both to them and to their followers—not to."
2 comments:
I think that this is very important for leaders in any catagory to remember. That there will not only be a blessing bestowed upon a leader but also a higher standard as a result of the added responsibility of shepherding the flock. Was this addressing a specific issue at hand?
Hey Eric,
I don't know of any specific issue being addressed...it's just an ongoing concern in light of the apparent reluctance of a number of emergent authors/leaders to really step up and explain what they really believe.
Doug
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