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onefear said:
I am advocating merely a hermenutical approach that seeks understanding; takes into account the breadth, complexity, and ecclesial context of Wright's teaching; and eschews judgments about Wright's intentions and desires (used twice in your post, Pilgrim, strongly imply for example that Wright "desires to deny Biblical truth) that are not discernable outside a close personal relationship with Wright himself.
onefear,

First, we are to treat those who profess to be "sheep" and who have much learning and/or have positions of authority in the Church much stricter than simple "lambs". In Wright's case, he is no novice to the teachings of the Scriptures.

Second, we are to extend more grace and tolerance when the subject being addressed is not a fundamental article of faith. However, "Sola Fide" is not a doctrine which gives any latitude. You either have it right or you have it Wright and are therefore wrong.

Third, If Wright has no "desire to deny Biblical truth", then why has he attacked the Church's doctrine of soteriology and sought to correct it from its alleged error? Is this something he has done against his own will? Men always choose to do that which is most desirous at any particular time. Since Wright has made a conscious effort to overthrow a fundamental article of faith and introduce something which has already been considered and discarded over several centuries, I cannot but conclude it is his deep desire to deny that faith once delivered unto the saints. There is no need for me to know N.T. Wright personally. "Ye shall know them by their fruit."

Lastly, those whose agenda is to influence men to depart from sound doctrine are not to be extended the right-hand of fellowship but rather they are to be deemed "wolves" and cast out of the assembly lest they destroy the souls of men. In doing so, it is everyone's hope that they will consider the severity of the action against them and repent of their evil and return to the flock. Once again I would rest upon the apostle Paul's words and actions toward the Judaizers of Galatia to whom he wished they would not only castrate themselves (Gal 5:12), but pronounced them "anathema" (Gal 1:7, 9).


"I am not permitted to let my love be so merciful as to tolerate and endure false doctrine. When faith and doctrine are concerned and endangered, neither love nor patience are in order.... when these are concerned, neither toleration nor mercy are in order, but only anger, dispute, and destruction - to be sure, only with the Word of God as our weapon." - Martin Luther



In His Grace,

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simul iustus et peccator

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