gdp's Comments

Frequently Unasked Questions : Forgiveness is Hard

Sun, 11 Sep 2011 23:23:16 +0000

I would agree that the immediacy of the act is necessarily theoretical. But it shouldn't take away from the potential to do so. I think coming down on the side of, or flirting with, the idea that immediate forgiveness is impossible is to sanction pride. Not everything needs supernatural intervention. As Joshua asked, choose this day whom you will serve. Otherwise, it smacks somewhat of Calvin's precept of total depravity.

Frequently Unasked Questions : Forgiveness is Hard

Sat, 10 Sep 2011 21:28:37 +0000

I spent most of my 20's learning that the best way to forgive is to be at peace with everyone. In simpler terms, the golden rule. It got tiring for me in holding grudges against people that were weeks and months, but usually years, old. Circumstances that are outside my control? It's a very imperfect world and things happen. It is neither fair to me nor the God I claim to serve to hold something against someone. Forgive them and move on. I'll tell you, it's wholly liberating to live in such manner. Besides, if we claim to be Christian, or literally "little Christ", then should not our act of forgiveness imitate Christ's example - immediate, free, unconditional?

Frequently Unasked Questions : My Stupid Mouth

Mon, 25 Jul 2011 01:59:17 +0000

I guess the number one rule of speech giving really is true: know your audience. Don't worry, Matt. In ten years your speech will wind up on America's Funniest Videos and then you'll get the laughs you were looking for.

Frequently Unasked Questions : Afternoon In The Park

Wed, 13 Jul 2011 00:05:31 +0000

Good thoughts, Matt! I decided that past summers have gone by too fast with all the normal summer distractions. So this year, I've been spending many afternoons parked at a lake about 20 minutes south of my house - reading, napping, people watching. And when the afternoon has passed and the sun begins to set, I start up my car to drive back and find myself uniquely relaxed and refreshed.

Frequently Unasked Questions : New York Is Gay?

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 17:40:20 +0000

(Note to self: Stop reading articles by xtians talking about homosexuality) This is one more reason I'm glad I left NY six years ago.

Frequently Unasked Questions : Do You Believe In Pastors?

Sun, 1 May 2011 01:39:06 +0000

I think the ultimate insult is that my comments end up with negative numbers attached to them. Person: I think Donald Trump would make a great candidate for the presidency! Me: I'm so glad you're not God. Troll: Minus 2 points for the house of Gryffindor! Kidding aside, if personality does matter, then where in the Pauline letters is there restrictions on such? Because if we require of our leaders a certain personality over their humility in obeying the voice of the Lord, then God certainly is being put in a box. I stand by what I said originally, God calls who he calls.

Frequently Unasked Questions : Do You Believe In Pastors?

Fri, 29 Apr 2011 18:38:06 +0000

Then I'm quite thankful you're not God ;-)

Frequently Unasked Questions : Do You Believe In Pastors?

Wed, 27 Apr 2011 23:11:15 +0000

Focus on personality and you'll miss out on what the Spirit is doing. God calls who he calls into leadership - from the tongue-tied Moses to the great orator Billy Graham. They are given their personalities from God and so they are who they are. And God corrects us all when we need correction, not because of personality type but because of our human-centered thought and action. Emphasize personality type? Hope God likes the box you've put him in.

Frequently Unasked Questions : To Hell With Rob Bell!

Tue, 29 Mar 2011 00:23:25 +0000

I certainly agree on this point - to attack without having first read is to wholly subvert any validity within disagreement - and is simply wrong no matter how the cookie crumbles. I've read a fair number of articles on this issue. Believe me, none of the men in leadership within Orthodox Christian circles are throwing around "accusations" toward Rob Bell lightly. Albert Mohler has an excellent article here and participated in a four person discussion panel here (it's a 90 minute video, but well worth viewing it in its entirety). Matt, it's not an issue of Bell "approach[ing] theology differently". It's that he's redefining theology to fit into a universalist/inclusivist religious perspective and therefore, by it's very definition, it is heresy. And judging by his interview with Lisa Miller, he might very well be a heretic. As Mohler et al point out in the panel discussion, universalism/inclusivism are at the core an unloving approach to Christianity. Christ is interested in particulars: social justice, righteous behavior and not least of all - belief in him as a requirement of salvation. Someone mentioned below about reviews on Amazon. This one and this one succinctly show glaring errors in Bell's book. Such lead Bell to unOrthodox doctrinal teaching. The same was true with Rick Warren's A Purpose Driven Life and Debbie Maken's Getting Serious About Getting Married. I've commented before in other posts of yours that there's nothing wrong with asking questions, because there isn't. But I've also advised you to take a bit longer between posts for a reason - this one demonstrates a lack of thought on the topic. It comes across as a very snarky retort, esp in light of the use of a curse. And ultimately it creates just as much dissension towards Christianity as the so-called divisiveness you're decrying. Mohler's panel states the obvious - those who have influence must be careful with their words, spoken and written, because of their leadership position and the power of words. Your blog is no different - I'd advise you not to take that lightly. Btw, no, Evangelical Christians do not want either you or Rob Bell to go to hell. Stop being so facetiously bitter.

Frequently Unasked Questions : Christianity: The Best Religion?

Sat, 26 Mar 2011 20:20:03 +0000

Hey Matt - I think this is the type of church culture you should be arguing against. ;-) Your story reminds me of Elijah being informed by God that indeed, there were 7000 others who had not bowed to Baal. A gracious God we serve, that even in our cynicism and bitterness, he speaks to us. Time to pick yourself up and dust yourself off, Matt. Sounds like there's a fire brewing within you.

Frequently Unasked Questions : I'm The Next Karl Marx!

Wed, 16 Mar 2011 06:21:25 +0000

Aubrey, glad to hear from you! I was thinking you might have been tied up with other things and thus hadn't been able to chime in for yourself till now. Your 4th paragraph - couldn't agree more with you. Your metaphor re: your student teaching experience is spot on. But when discussing issues that relate to spirituality and faith I simply don't see it the same way because, personally, I want to be sensitive and discerning to how the Spirit works in drawing others towards Christ. That is where I think the wisdom found in the New Testament should be taken seriously - leaving our offering and settling disputes first, letting the hierarchy of the local church (the elders, etc) effect a resolution when we have an issue with faith or church or interpersonal matters. I've certainly never said we shouldn't ask the tough questions or investigate things intellectually and rationally. In fact, I'd vehemently disagree with anyone who says otherwise - Scripture is equally clear on this matter - that we should test all things, as well as our self, to study and show our self approved unto God. I think this is precisely what Matt is doing, kudos to him and I am just one of many who wish him well so that he might be made whole from whatever is currently broken. However, as I've mentioned before, he is very wise to ask whether what he is doing - declaring aloud faith issues via the internet - is in any way a stumbling block to others. Scripture is clear on that as well - not to give offense or reasons for disbelief to those weaker than us, Christian or not. This is why I say, again with New Testament passages in reference, that we should wisely err on the side of caution and keep personal questions about faith private when they arise out of a personal faith crisis - ie discussing them with another mature Christian or church elder(s). You have admitted truth to my point of view in saying that your past experiences with not being allowed to raise questions has left you somewhat bitter. I would conclude this is why you are so adamant in openly asking things. And that is something I've already mentioned a few times previously - that if we're raising these questions out of anger or bitterness etc then we are wrong to do so. Because whether we admit it or not, those things are readily evident in what we write on the internet, they attract others who readily agree, and who knows, they could cause weaker brethren in the faith to stumble. It's therefore wise to ask such things in private rather than on an internet forum. It's difficult to come to terms with the fact that anyone can see anything on the internet, which makes it akin to standing on a street corner and shouting something out loud. In any case, that's the last I'll say on the subject. I think you, Douce, and me have gone as far as we can go with this :-)

Frequently Unasked Questions : I'm The Next Karl Marx!

Wed, 16 Mar 2011 05:50:45 +0000

Douce, Please know that in no way was I frustrated about our conversation, I rather enjoyed it just as you did. I've been tied up the last few days because of my work schedule, but I have to agree with Aubrey's comment below that we've gone round and round on this near ad infinitum, so everything that could be said has been said. I certainly don't want to clog up Matt's blog with our comments! (Though from what he's written in the past about comments, I don't think he'd mind!)

Frequently Unasked Questions : I'm The Next Karl Marx!

Sat, 12 Mar 2011 04:58:35 +0000

Douce I would agree with you if II Peter 2 stopped at verse 17. But v18-22 contain the paradox that not only are individuals responsible for their own damnation, but so are those who lead them to such an end. It's flawed reasoning to make an exception towards salvation/damnation of the responsibility and culpability of both oneself and another, and then, for example, blame drug lords and crack dealers for the drug use of the average citizen. Whether or not we want to admit it, what I as an individual say and do has a direct effect on others. Yes individuals are responsible, Scripture makes that clear, but that doesn't mean they can't be led astray. Yes I attend a Reformed church, but please don't be so presumptuous as to make me an acolyte of the entirety Reformed theology. I strongly disagree with Calvin on one or two of his main points. [The reason I attend this particular church is the congregation is smaller, the teaching is abundantly rich, they allow for disagreement on certain Calvinist points, and in my early/mid 20's I simply tired of seeker-sensitive Evangelical theology so prevalent among the mainstream American Church.] So yes, I quite readily believe a person's "election" can be "overridden" as you say. Otherwise there would be no Scriptural admonition to test oneself in the faith, to hide its word in one's heart, to be wary of false teachers, etc. I've said it twice already and I guess I have to say it once more - there's nothing wrong with asking questions, I'm all for it. But how is it being done - with malice or with honesty? I assume the latter in Matt's case, but he's very wise to ask how his questions are taken by others. This is the inherent downfall of internet forums and this is why I keep my complaining about spiritual things mostly to close family and friends who are fellow Christians. It serves no purpose for me to complain about Church things in the presence of non-believers or those backsliding. Whether or not the attack on the Church was an excellent use of hyperbole is rather moot. Does it serve to edify? Does it build up? I dare say in most cases, no it doesn't. It only comes across as complaining and divisiveness...just look at the debate it's hurling us into! Imagine those words in the hands of others more adverse to Christ. So yes, it was a straw-main argument as her her first point, or thesis, was expanded upon in pts 2-6; therefore it wasn't just pt 1 that I "so strongly disagree[d] with". But I suppose most of this is neither here nor there. Matt has a soft heart and is surrounded by people who love and care for him - I remember the same being true ten years ago at Elim.

Frequently Unasked Questions : Emergency!

Fri, 11 Mar 2011 05:27:01 +0000

May his health be graciously returned to him. And just as importantly, grace and *peace* to you and the rest of the family.

Frequently Unasked Questions : I'm The Next Karl Marx!

Fri, 11 Mar 2011 05:14:12 +0000

Exactly. Which is why I personally believe in a public forum, ie blogs, the internet, a person needs to be extremely careful of what they say. Especially concerning all things faith. I simply do not want to be responsible for causing another to stumble, question or deny. Matt: Struggling out loud about faith stuff - that's something you're going to have to talk to God about. I think Apologists do a wonderful job with the difficult questions people have - Watchman Nee, Bonhoeffer, C.S. Lewis, etc. I personally think it's wrong for me to publicly air my personal doubts I'm encountering at any one point in life. I think that's what the local church body is for - to build up, to edify, for teaching, correction, reproof, etc. Eccl. 4:9-10 Everyone has doubts, especially those of us who have come out of a difficult situation and are questioning things we had previously held as absolute - believe me, I know exactly how that is. But in my experience, perhaps it's totally different for you, there is a tendency to go through a degree or phase of bitterness and cynicism. And because of that, I think it is thus wise to keep my struggles between myself, God, and a few mature Christians until God resolves those struggles.

Frequently Unasked Questions : I'm The Next Karl Marx!

Fri, 11 Mar 2011 04:58:45 +0000

"You're not responsible for others' disbelief or loss of faith or anything like that. Quite frankly, it's a little egotistical to even think that you could be." I strongly beg to differ on that - II Peter 2 is quite clear on that. [And please don't think I'm equating Matt to be a false teacher!] Aubrey, you're making a straw-man argument. Matt's thesis wasn't that we shouldn't "question or think critically or be skeptical", to never "develop cognitively/intellectually". The argument, rather, is: do I keep writing when I fear the negative unintended consequences it may have on others? I Cor. 10:23-24. Matt has the freedom to say whatever he wants, but is it ultimately beneficial to others - will it serve to strengthen another Christian's faith or make them stumble? Will it cause an unbeliever to move towards or away from God? I was pretty critical towards the Church, its culture and whatnot in my early/mid 20's. But the Holy Spirit convicted me of that. There's enough people and blogs out there raising cynical, skeptical questions and I don't need to be a part of that. Are there things that need correction? Certainly. Can we do things better and be less hypocritical? You bet. But that only happens by serving the Body and speaking in love, kindness and corrective wisdom, not in publicly airing doubts, questions, with a cynical or mocking attitude. It's like a former pastor told me after an incident with the youth group I was in charge of: People don't need to know everything you're thinking/all of your opinions. I think your attack on the Church at large is unfair and at least part untrue. Yes, certain segments of the Evangelical movement are highly superficial *coughJoelOsteencough*, but other segments are alive and well, discussing the deep things of the faith. I attend a Reformed church of which this is true. Don't throw the baby out with the manger. I don't think Matt's wrong at all for asking what he does. The issue lies in how the questions are framed. Are they cynical or divisive? Or do they edify? I really do applaud Matt for his self-inflection on how his words might affect others - if that's not a Christ-like attitude then I don't know what is. But again, as I said in my previous comment, that's my personal opinion - and I'll go out on a pretty sure limb and say Scripture backs me up on that. Yes I know, everyone who has a bible is an expert - gotta love that relativistic argument.

Frequently Unasked Questions : I'm The Next Karl Marx!

Wed, 9 Mar 2011 05:47:29 +0000

Seems to me that God foreknew the unintended consequences of giving Man free will. It's a great question you raise. We have to be careful what we say. But even still, people are ultimately responsible for their response to Christ - I think God's big enough to handle our doubt, distrust and/or unbelief. He's certainly enough eternal to outlast our immaturity. Personally, I believe any issues we have with God, faith, the Church etc should be kept personal or discussed with close acquaintances - it reminds me of Matthew 6:5-6. But again, that's just how I approach it.

Frequently Unasked Questions : Tattoos Are From The Devil

Mon, 7 Mar 2011 19:35:33 +0000

I experimented with a temporary tattoo once...except I licked the wrong side and wound up with a big, red heart on my tongue for a few hours. Moral of the story - if I can't even do a temporary tat right, I'd best stay away from the real thing!

Frequently Unasked Questions : Don't Say THAT!

Mon, 7 Mar 2011 19:32:24 +0000

Then post away, good man, post away to your heart's content :-)

Frequently Unasked Questions : Don't Say THAT!

Mon, 7 Mar 2011 09:34:42 +0000

You know, I didn't say anything at the time, but Nate had a good point a few weeks back on one of your previous posts - quality over quantity is the better approach. From all the blog sites I've read in the past and currently read, that generally holds true. And I imagine it would have a more positive effect for your blog as it would create the time and opportunity to flush out ideas, discussion and debate via our comments...but that's just my personal opinion.