In his current volume The Truth War: Fighting for Certainty in an Age of Deception, Pastor/teacher John MacArthur (Grace Church of Sun Valley, California) goes after the "Emerging church" folks this time.
Let me recap for all those who may not be familiar with John MacArthur's past publications:
In the late 70s/early 80s, he wrote a book called Those Charismatics. In this volume, MacArthur (who pastors a mega-church in Southern California) basically blasted, with skewed information I might add, all those in the Charismatic/Pentecostal circles with whom he disagreed. He went after practically everyone...few, if any remained unscathed.
In the mid-1990s, he republished his book (with some much needed editorial revisions) under the title Charismatic Chaos. This effort didn't even deserve a yawn--much less a read.
Now he seems to have nothing better to do than go after Rob Bell (Velvet Elvis fame) and anyone else who dares to reach people with Gospel of Jesus Christ using methods other than what he has used over the last forty years.
He really should be ashamed of himself. Really, he should.
Confession time here.
When I was in college, I absolutely LOVED John MacArthur's daily broadcast "Grace to You." As a matter of fact I have several of his books from way back then, and I still enjoy re-reading them. His commentary series has been very helpful in many ways as well.
But, my question remains. Does John MacArthur like anything or anyone that doesn't "do it his way"?
I'm not sure. But I wish he would document why he doesn't like all these people?
What will MacArthur say when he gets to glory and see all these people who have come to saving faith in Christ because of these ministries?
8 comments:
It's also really difficult to find more of what God has for you (especially if you came from a cessationist background) when reputable bible teachers such as J.M. are railing against anything unusual - i.e. Wimber's healing and worship ministry with the Vineyard. I remember when that was so controversial... now from my vantage it is fairly tame. Great post. CBB
Hey,
I have to agree with much of your assessment of MacArthur. His tone is often uncharitable.
At the same time, I agree with much of the content of his criticism of Rob Bell, Brian McLaren and others in the Emergent stream.
I've just posted the first of a multi-part series on Rob's book "Velvet Elvis" and I want to have a conversation about it.
Join me in conversation at:
http://ascenttotruth.blogspot.com/
John MacArthur preaches from the unchanging word of God. Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever, those are the facts people. The emerging church is twisting the Bible and taking verses out of context, context is key here people. The job of Christians is not to make this world a better place, or to save it, it is to preach God's message of a repentant faith through Jesus Christ alone!
John MacArthur speaks the truth. Yes, his tone is usually rather aggressive, but he is defending God's Word! We need to stand firm, especially to the emerging church movement, and voice the Truth with authority.
The title of the book wasn't as bad as you make it seem: It was The Charismatics (Zondervan, 1978),not Those Charismatics. It even contained a chapter about good things that could be learned from the movement. That last chapter, alas, was eliminated from Charismatic Chaos.
Recognize that MacArthur isn't doing what he does because he doesn't like someone. Rather, he is responding to trends he considers dangerous.
And the answer is NO. John MacArthur doesn't like anyone else but his "true" church. I became a Christian under Johnny Mac and attended Grace church for several years. Then as i got older, I also attended those "other" churches. Vineyard, Word of Faith, etc. I can now see clearly what an arrogant pompous blowhard John still is. But if you look at his background, you can see why. And for all you Johnny Mac supporters I ask you to consider this. John CHOSE as a Christian, with "the mind of Christ" to attend Bob Jones University to learn about the bible and study to become a minister. I ask any of you. Would you for 1 second ever consider attending Bob Jones University? Doubt it. That speaks volumes to the character and mind of Christ that Johnny Mac had, and still has. The bible says, you shall know them by their fruits. After moving away and attending different churches, I can't Begin to tell you how different things are when you get away from a mean, harsh, and hate filled church like Grace Community Church was. I have to this day, NEVER attended a more judgmental church in all my life. And talk about projection. If a name, never was less fitting, it's for the church in Sun Valley headed up by God's chosen defender of the faith, headed up by Johhny Mac, who still to this day is running about a quart of two low on, you guessed it, grace.
Agree with Donovan, above. At one time, I'll admit I liked what I heard from JMac--knowing little more about him than he holds a high view of Scripture. But wow, the more I became familiar with JMac, the more I came to see him as a curmudgeonly, self-righteous Pharisee. Also, what kind of egomaniac splashes his name/initial across a bible and fills it with his own personal opinions as "study" notes?
All that said, I do have to give credit where it's due: John MacArthur, more than any other Protestant preacher-man, helped me see the utter silliness and logical inconsistency of U.S. Evangelicalism--a key signpost on my journey Home to Rome, to the One, Holy, Catholic & Apostolic Church! :)
I hate the man with as much hate that a man can hate with.
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