Shock
Wow…you know…we’re being told never to criticize pastors, but…um….
Well, you can read what might be Mark Driscoll’s most offensive, disgusting thing said yet here, and some calm, wise words from Steve Camp here. Driscoll made this hideous remark in relation to the Song of Solomon and Jesus, and it’s so awful it does not seem right to me personally to reprint it here. I read it yesterday on Mr. Camp’s blog and became physically ill because of it. So…consider yourself warned.
This is just…appalling. Shouldn’t it be unacceptable in the church, especially from a pastor? Is this the kind of mouth we’re supposed to be imitating? Is there no consideration for the congregation, the mind pictures this could drag up, much less consideration and respect for God?
Listen, I do not believe for a minute that the Song of Solomon is allegorical poetry and nothing else. But there’s a sophisticated, intelligent, edifying way to teach it…and a crass, rude, dangerous way to preach it. I’ll leave it up to you to decide what one Driscoll went for. That is beside the point though; the problem here is his treatment and use of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour and Redeemer.
Still, people will come roaring out of the woodwork (and denying the need and requirement of basic reverence toward God) to defend him and these horrifying things he’s said. I no longer even know how to speak to them about him. At this point I’ll just have to end the conversation when they begin making excuses, because it seems to me they find no fault in this man. My time is too limited to spend it banging my head against a wall.
What did I say a week or so ago? That we need to pray for this man and those like him? John Piper, too, apparently. Several people have said she can no longer recommend Piper due to his acceptance of Driscoll. Not sure I can disagree with them.To repeat what Mr. Camp has said…dude, this is NOT funny. At all. At all! Jesus is our SAVIOUR. He is NOT a punchline.
Goodness. I wish and pray he’d stop this foolish, dangerous talk (oh, that dangerous unbridled tongue!), and I wish and pray some elders of the church at large would take heart, be bold, and step forward with loving correction.
7 comments
I’m from Seattle. I had no idea that this was what was going on at Mars Hill –though, I suspected that not much good would be coming from that church–. There are no elders at that church. It is comprised of liberal Christian college students. I have friends who go there –and your posts about the pastor have opened my eyes to the cause of the shift in their behavior!–.
I have friends who named their daughter after John Piper. He is there close personal friend and mentor, I will ask them what they think of this, and if they would not be interested to know what was really coming out of Mars Hill.
Thank you for these posts. Did you realize that they would reach someone who could talk with these people directly? I think I will be talking with my pastor –who is incredibly well respected in this region– about all of this. I know that he’ll go to bat for other pastors who come under attack, but it’s when their under attack for standing up for The Word –ie Ken hutcherson, also from Seattle–.
Cassandra, I didn’t know (remember?) that you’re a Seattle-an.
This has been part of my knowledge for a while, but…a lot of people have long been concerned with Mr. Driscoll’s language and…well…I don’t know, unbridled tongue, like I said. Writing about it last week, it’s my sincere hope that he and God are working on this together and he’s calming down, but then something like this happens…!
Hubby and I were discussing this last night, and my suggestion was that the reason most people are SO upset about this sort of thing is that…well, it is a true disappointment. We’re taught to look up to, admire, hold in high esteem, and even imitate our pastors, and from a young age. Obviously it’s important not to *idolize* pastors, but the Bible says we’re to imitate and defer to them…so when some do wacky things like this, it is disappointing and frustrating. Out of that, it seems, the anger is born, but anger isn’t the real emotion toward Mr. Driscoll and Mr. Piper here, it’s disappointment and sadness.
This stuff really makes me sad, especially regarding John Piper. From what I know he has taken Mr. Driscoll under his wing and is trying to teach him, so it stands to reason they’re close, but…oh my.
This is just really sad and frustrating.
Some might say the sadness is a sign of idolization, but I don’t think so; who isn’t sad when someone they love makes a mistake, any mistake, even burning supper? By God’s grace we are loving and want to see our brothers and sisters succeed and please the Father. We don’t like to see mistakes and sin in each other’s lives because we *love* them, not because we idolize them. So this backlash against Mr. Piper especially is probably borne out of such emotions.
Personally, I am just unsure. While I don’t agree with every word Piper has ever said, he seems to be pretty trustworthy and pretty wise for the most part. This, though – unless, of course, there is loving discipline and concern noted – well…what do we do? We’re not supposed to promote such things.
BTW, I have heard of Ken Hutcherson. Not sure where but the name is familiar…! Now my curiosity is piqued and I must look him up.
But any pastor who preaches soundly and based on the Word of God is more than worth defending in my book!
Never thought my writing would reach someone with direct, hm, authority. lol It just seems to me that as a body we need to be aware of what is going on in other parts of itself so we can pray for, encourage, and edify each other to follow Jesus as closely as we can and pray for each other when we screw up.
I wish we could find a good pastor. *sigh*
I’m headed off to church right now, but I will post more later.
Oh, Jen – this is just terrible! And is the Josh referred to in the second link the same young man who wrote “I Kissed Dating Goodbye?” If so, I am shocked that he would go along with such a tragic irreverence. This is just so sad.
Hi Laura, yes, it’s that same Josh Harris, from what I gather.
All of this stuff is heartbreaking. It makes me want to sit and cry…I want to ask God why it’s happening, but part of me is a little afraid He might answer and tell me exactly why! Ever have that feeling?
[...] Another more recent example can be found here. [...]
I think MD’s speech was a bit over the line, a bit, and that’s all. He’s making a very good point. So many prudish Christians try to clean up the Bible to the extent that their round-about readings of It take the bite and the savor out of what It actually says. What MD is saying is this: “are you trying to clean up the Bible? are you trying to be more holy then God? yah… lets take a look at where that will get you…” he shows pritty clearly that trying to clean up the Bible will just lead you into unwittingly spinning absurd and atrocious ideas. He showed what was hiding under the whitewash of pharisaical christianity and made people look at it square in the face. You think its ugly? You think it’s irreverent? Good! That’s the point! Don’t attack the messenger.
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