Learning from People with Bad Theology

Eric
Excellent comment. If I had not read books from those who I believed had bad theology, I would never have read Spurgeon, Calvin, Edwards, Pink, and Luther. What I believed to be Bad Theology, has turned out to be VERY GOOD Theology.

If we only read those whom we think have our point of view, then we might just fail to come to the truth.

And even those who do have a different point of view from us, have other views which have been good for us to understand.

Charles

Eric

A friend of mine was one of the writers of the recent book "Reinventing Jesus". He was sharing with me that when he had something positive to say about NTWs perspective on the resurrection (considered by many one of the best defences of it ever), there was a torrent of criticism, some extremely harsh. Rome and NTW are indeed wrong on justification and this is something that must be confronted. On the other hand Wright clearly demonstrates how theology can benefit from historical study and does have some important things to say that I have not seen much of elsewhere. I have personally benefitted from his books, of which I have read many. But at the same time I would want to really caution anyone when reading them because where there is error it is more pronounced and in more important areas than others who also have errors but not at such a critical juncture in theology (justification or the gospel). It is a delicate balance, one that I have to consider almost every day as I build monergism.com.

A agree the spirit and letter of your post ...thanks for your thoughs.

John: Absolutely, justification is a bigger deal than many other issues, and we must scrutinize thoroughly that which we read. We don't get to relax in life, but must always be on our guard, vigilant, etc.

Thanks for your positive comments on NTW—I personally haven't read much of his work, but most of that which I have read has been good, in my estimation. It's good to be able to say that about someone whom a lot of people in our circles might consider taboo.

I am having some problems accepting your thoughts as posted. I readily agree that nobody has a corner on the truth - we all are imperfect creatures. Never having read any book by N.T. Wright I may not be qualified to comment, but on the other hand I have read much on the New Perspective by authors I trust. I must admit I am very wary about reading anything by N.T. Wright when I know he is wrong on justification - probably the key issue in Christianity. I have piles of books I hope to read someday and only have a finite period of time to read them, therefore I choose to read books that come highly recommended by those whose judgement I trust or authors I know to be well respected and orthodox. My brother loves N.T. Wright and is frustrated that I haven't read any of his books, but as I said, once I finish off the one hundred or so I have piled around my bedroom that I know will be edifying to me I may consider picking up something by the likes of N.T. Wright.

Eric, you made the comment that you'd like to write a whole book on this problem why don't you? If this blog post is an indication I am sure it would be a fascinating read.

I guess one of the issues is that when you put someone's quote onto a website or something folks tend to think you endorse that person and not just the quote.

Todd: I completely understand the need to prioritize reading according to time available and worthy content. And there's nothing wrong with being wary of reading Wright's stuff—we should be wary when we read anything aside from Scriptures! But fear shouldn't prevent us from learning from anyone, if we believe that the potentially good things they might have to offer are granted by God in his common grace.

Theologian: A little more to the point is whether you're endorsing everything that person has to say by quoting from him in one area on which you agree. That's hardly ever intended, but unfortunately that's what people usually think when you quote from sources that seem questionable in their minds.

Eric,

Thank you for this post. I don't know how many times I have been castigated by well-meaning brothers and sisters in Christ for reading someone who is not 100% Reformed.

Given how many people today are floating in murky theological waters, not having grown up in any particular church and being very hesitant to lable anything "right" or "wrong" without giving a fair hearing to all sides...how can these people know that they should read certain authors before others? Someone who's read much Reformed, orthodox theology could benefit from NTW's historical perspectives while weeding out his "critical realistic" look at justification...but someone new to the faith might accept the whole NTW package, especially since he's such a clear, eloquent, and prolific writer.

How are these people to know where to even begin? Or which recommendations are trustworthy?

Bill

That's a great point.

Bill: That is a good question. How did it happen for you? I guess my advice would be the same way it happened for me—1) read the Bible, 2) go to a church where the Bible is important, 3) hang out with friends who read the Bible.

God's Spirit uses his Word to transform our thinking enough to be able to discern between what is right and wrong in whatever else we might read. Interaction with church and friends helps also, as people read various things and start making suggestions to each other.

If someone "floating in murky theological waters" were to begin doing this, and asking God's help, I wouldn't be too afraid of his or her growth in theological discernment, though obviously my advice isn't some magical way to perfection in this area. God has mercy on whom he has mercy, and that includes our ability to think about what we read.