As organizations and individuals throughout Christian fundamentalism and conservative Evangelicalism scramble to reassess, rebuke, and remove Mark Driscoll, it is important to consider the fact that for ten years Driscoll was indeed a (if not the) poster boy for many conservative Evangelicals. To put that in common English, many conservative Evangelicals were fine with having an angry, power hungry, theologically-illiterate misogynist represent their theological and ecclesial ideals. How convenient it is now to speak of how Driscoll recently changed; of how he was only lately corrupted. Though evidence is emerging that discredits this interpretation, the narrative of a back-slidden prophet functions as an easy escape. Mark Driscolls fall from grace absolutely calls for theological critique. Driscolls theology, the same theology that he shares with many conservative Evangelicals, the same theology that was spoon-fed to him via special mentoring relationships with professors at conservative Evangelical seminaries, which he never bothered to attend, allowed him, even spurred him to abuse women, power, and anyone who was different than himself. Here is the catch that is not being addressed: Driscolls actions were a logical outworking of his beliefs. While it is entirely appropriate to critique the mans failures as a Christian, and even more fundamentally as a human being, lets remember that his theology is not all that offensive to many of those who right now are disowning him. Their actions and beliefs just contain subtler, more appropriate forms of hate and domination. And to those who profited from Mark Driscolls personality and charisma ... (Yes, Im looking at you Acts 29 and The Gospel Coalition and lots of individuals whom I know personally.) ... only to disown him when his past decades of behavior have caught up with him, lets be clear. You have disowned the man because he is an unrepentant and arrogant human being (a natural outworking of his theology), now what are you going to do about the theology that made him that way?
Posted on: Mon, 11 Aug 2014 02:39:39 +0000
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