Bauder Weighs In
Today Kevin Bauder addresses the Dan Sweatt message I referenced in my last post. He makes a point I have been making with friends and colleauges for years.
Bauder on Sharper Iron today:
I am grateful to have been reared in a version of fundamentalism that was led by men who refused to become “giants.” You have probably never heard their names, because they were not trying to create or control empires. They were willing to stand up to bullies, however, and in some cases they were savaged by the very “giants” whom Pastor Sweatt identifies.
Missionary Broadcasting.com on April 10, 2008:
There are some fantastic fundamentalist ministers around today. They are found at small Bible colleges, medium sized churches, and remote mission fields all over the world. Their teachings are more difficult to find, I understand, but the power of God shines through their every word. They give testimony of simple faith, consistent Bible teaching, and love for people.
Bauder is focusing on Fundamentalist leaders from the past, while I reference their paralells today. Either way, we are making the same point. The finest men of God in Christianity did not (and do not) lead vast movements or write best-selling books!
I would contend the “giants” Sweatt references (on both sides of the issue) are the chief problem. Every time questions are raised about the doctrine or methodology - beliefs and convictions, not personalities – of current or former “big name preachers”, things start to get ugly. They got ugly when Pastor Sweatt mentioned some of his heroes, and they get just as ugly every time the names Piper, Keller, Dever, Mahaney, Driscoll or even Calvin himself are put forward.
People that are sycophants in either camp disregard the merits of any criticism on belief and/or methodology, choosing instead to enter ”defense mode”. In short, the men engaged in the argument have the identical problem – and it is a huge problem. They focus on men, fellowships and movements of the day instead of focusing on individual issues, doctrines and specific discussions. The sad part is that neither side seems to realize their failure.
If someone (anyone) writes, preaches or behaves wrongly they ought to be called on it. Let’s stop jumping on every opportunity to defend our favorite authors and teachers! Some have been proven categorically to be wrong, yet their actions and beliefs are still being justified, excused, defended, dismissed and forgotten. If he’s one of our favorites he “has a different style”, but if we don’t like him he is “harmful to the cause of Christ”. Ridiculous. Wrong is wrong is wrong, and it’s about time someone stood up and said so. But then…I guess I just have.
Tags: Fundamentalism, Leadership, Tradition
Editorials | Chris | 
May 18, 2009 6:00 pm
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Missionary Broadcasting.com » I Hate That — May 23, 2009 @ 1:47 am
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By Chris, May 18, 2009 @ 7:16 pm
One quick addition to this post: I generally agree with Dr. Bauder in his critique. I would only suggest that a similar rebuke is in order for some of the “fanboys” on the other side of the issue. Many are blind in a similar way to the flaws of their favorite commentator of the day.
Chris