The Highway Forums General Discussion Open Forum John Piper Interviews Rick Warren

Perhaps the way I phrased it didn’t communicate what was on my mind effectively. Of course I agree with you that who said something matters. However, that was not what I was talking about.
What I was trying to say, is that I don’t want who said something (other than Scripture authors) affect the way I view truth. I may have a lot of respect for certain authors, however although I might want to take special notice to authors that have earned my trust. I should remember that they are human and as such are prone to error. In John Piper’s case, in the last few years I believe he has errored a little too much for my liking and has lost a lot of my respect.

I agree with this and don’t want to make light of it, because it should be mentioned in a good critique. However, when we are so focused on that aspect that we fail to understand how the words are being used we fail to deal with the author’s actual teaching. I am not saying all of John Piper’s critiques are guilty of this, but some are.

Very well put.


I think what I said should be enough to show that I agree.

Tom

Man oh man...

As always, I'm challenged as I read posts on here. I was initially drawn to the topic because I've recently listened to a lot of Piper via the free resources offered on the dg website. After reading the posts and a link Pilgrim provided, I've come to a conclusion...I'm more confused than I was before. lol. Really what I'm trying to say is that throughout my life as a believer I've become internally impressed with how God the Holy Spirit uses or works magnificiently through a certain person. However, as we all know, men are fallible while the word of God is not.

I think what disturbs ME the most, namely in regards to what we might consider non-heretical differences, is that who do we trust to biblically/accurately interpret those issues (definitely not discounting the Holy Spirit, or saying that God's word is not understandable/discernable to the believer). There are just certain things that I struggle with on a personal level that when I say, "ok, I'm not sure how to interpret this circumstance or idea accurately from the Scriptures, now let me see what Piper, or MacArthur, or Sproul says on the subject.." I'm left with a spinning head & more confused on the issue because each may interpret differently, and to me it's like "I need to know. It's life or death to me!"

...this post just brought these thoughts to mind, and I'd appreciate any responses. I apologize in advance for straying off topic. (Pilgrim please let me know if I need to start a new topic...thanks)!

Here are a couple of threads here that discusses Piper's view of justification in Future Grace: 1) HERE, and 2) HERE (this is more on Piper's view of the atonement).

I hold as does the majority of the historic Reformed writers, that the qualifications for Deacon are nearly identical to those for Elder/Bishop (cf. 1Tim 3:1ff), i.e., they are to be the husband of one wife, etc., which are clearly references to males. For more on the traditional understanding of office bearers, see:

Women as Office Bearers
And, Hermeneutics of Women in Ordained Office

Because one can find some truth in a book that does not justify any errors, especially serious errors which are also contained in the book. Nor, should it diminish those errors. Piper's main premise is forced; a reversal and contradiction of the biblical teaching concerning God's glory and a proper understanding of man's view of himself. Methinks he has probably been negatively influenced, at least in part, by charismatics due to his non-cessationist views.

The Acts 29 Group is but one of several expressions of the "New Calvinist" movement. They claim to hold to and teach the "Five Points of Calvinism", but they have little or no use for the Reformed Faith as it has been historically understood, i.e., a total cosmology based upon the totality of Scriptural teaching. Some more notable examples are their disregard and violation of the Second Commandment, the Fourth Commandment, redefining of or rejection of the Regulative Principle of Worship, etc.

For more see: The Merger of Calvinism With Worldliness
And, Acts 29 and the Emerging Church
And, MARK DRISCOLL, ACTS 29 NETWORK, & THE EMERGING CHURCH
And, CHURCH WITH ACTS 29 NETWORK OF MARK DRISCOLL WORKS WITH HAMAS FRONT GROUP
And, Acts 29 Network and Reformed Counter Reformation Spirituality?

That should keep you busy for awhile.