Wednesday, February 13, 2008

C. J. Mahaney Conftronts Rob Bell's Erroneous Doctrines

Today’s pastor is given the challenging task of discerning error that comes published in hip packaging from Christian publishers, authored by professing Christians.

So many errors, so little time.

In executing this responsibility, pastors must discern whether the influence of the individual and the gravity of their error necessitate research and evaluation by a pastor. Today I want to explain one particular concern and give you an inside look at how I approach this difficult task.

Mahaney goes on to point the reader to Greg Gilbert's critique of Rob Bell's NOOMA videos (here are some examples) and gives four biblically guided priorities for those in positions of pastors/elders/overseers.

Here are his four biblically guided priorities. Read the article to see meat behind them.

1. Protect your people.

2. Prepare your heart.

3. Preach sound doctrine.

4. Pray for Rob Bell.

You can read more here.

Here is an excerpt from Greg Gilbert:
Once you get past the razzle-dazzle of the videos’ style and really listen to what Bell is saying, you start to wonder if maybe they’re not so good after all. Watch the videos with a discerning eye, and certain questions start nagging you: What’s the cross for again? Why did Jesus die? How do you become a Christian? Hold on—did he just say that everyone has the Spirit of God living in them already? Jesus has faith in me? I am the gospel? What in the world does that mean?

You can read more from Gilbert here.


Some questions:
-Do you think Greg Gilbert is right?
-Why should we invest time guarding against unsound teaching?
-Do you see anything wrong with the NOOMA videos? What about after reading Greg Gilbert's critique?
-Do you find these four principles worthwhile?
-Is it arrogant to call another "christian" out if they teach something slightly different than you would?

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