The Danger in Theological Debate
Thursday, March 17, 2011 at 10:25AM It's easy to assume the worst about others. We all do this. The irony is that it's never easier to be wrong than when we're right.
I found this early on in my marriage. I was unaware of how condescending I was in how I related to my new wife. The good news is that she helped me discover this; the bad news is that she paid dearly for my blindness.
No matter where we may stand in the current debate over the Rob Bell book, we run the same danger. Here's what I mean.
If you're opposed to the message of Love Wins, it's easy to be cynical about Rob Bell's motives. It's easy to sneer when he's put down. It's easy to become shrill and judgmental in our critique and project an attitude of superiority. I know, because I've been guilty of all of these things.
Likewise, if you think the critics are overwrought, it's easy to think they have nothing to teach us. It's also easy to judge their motives and to write them off. I read a critique last night that spoke very harshly against those who are critiquing Bell. There's room to disagree, but there's no room to make harsh pronouncements that say more than is helpful or fair. We need to be careful in the way that we critique the critics, even (especially) when we have a point.
In short, don't fall into one of my besetting sins. Don't be condescending. I write as one who's been guilty of this many times. I'm slowly learning that there are better and more effective ways of expressing disagreement, and that I'm never more in danger of being wrong in the way I interact with others than when I think I'm right.
Reader Comments (7)
Excellent reminder, Darryl. Thanks for your openness about this besetting sin and the encouragement for all of us to avoid the trap.
Did you see Eugene Peterson's comments on the book and the controversy? They seem in line with yours, I think. (Apparently he endorses the book even while disagreeing with it.)http://www.patheos.com/community/loveandjudgment/2011/03/16/eugene-peterson-would-jesus-condemn-rob-bell/
Marc:I did. I found the last couple of sentences a little harsh, though.
There is a time to judge someone's false teaching as heretical and without apology. The stakes are too high on the issues of salvation and eternal destiny.
I had the same initial reaction, but I think those words are the natural outcome of what he says prior to that. That is, Peterson's problem, it seems to me, is with the notion of "fighting" Rob Bell, not disagreeing with him (as he himself does), which in his view is contrary to the way of Christ.
You are the least judgemental , shrill, attitude of superiority person I know, which may explain why you think you are."... it’s never easier to be wrong than when we’re right. I found this early on in my marriage." Wow - Two things about this that are astounding. 1 - You are the husband 2 - You were right Your wife is truly amazing - she let you believe you were right.
Ken,Now that you mention it, I should have said "when we think we're right." It turns out I was wrong a lot of the time! Seriously.