I think it’s odd that grown-ups quarrel so easily and so often about petty matters. - Anne Frank, “The Diary of a Young Girl”
Sometimes it’s best to just look away when people are behaving badly. Spectators at a brawl can, by their presence, encourage and even ramp it up. We all remember what happened in school when someone yelled “Fight!” Everyone came a’ runnin’ because everyone, it seems, is entertained by conflict. I don’t see that as healthy or good, so the responsible thing to do is, in most cases, just keep walking.
But some conflicts should be noted and learned from, and the current one generated by Dr. John MacArthur’s new book Strange Fire, and his recent public comments about Charismatic believers, is a pretty good case in point.
MacArthur, as you probably know, is a prolific author, radio host of the syndicated show Grace to You, and longstanding pastor of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, CA. Controversy’s no stranger to him – his past public comments about Christian counseling and Christian rock have ruffled plenty of feathers, mine included – but I respect him and deeply appreciate so much of what he’s written and said, not to mention his consistent shepherding of the thousands at Grace Community Church.
But I don’t think he’d return the admiration, judging by his recently released book Strange Fire: The Danger of Offending the Holy Spirit with Counterfeit Worship (Thomas Nelson) which has just hit the stores. Quotes from it, and from him, have also just hit the fan. Among them:
-The charismatic movement dishonors God and deserves judgment.
-Charismatics are attributing to the Holy Spirit the works of Satan.
-The Charismatic movement has made no contribution to biblical clarity, interpretation, or sound doctrine.
-God doesn’t strike it down only because He’s patient
OK, full disclosure: I’m a Charismatic member of the Assemblies of God who does indeed believe in a second experience commonly known as the “baptism in the Spirit”, and in the operation of supernatural gifts of the Holy Spirit as seen in the Book of Acts and discussed in the epistles. But really, I’ve no particular dog in this fight. I’m in close fellowship with plenty of non-charismatic believers holding a different view, and both they and I literally couldn’t care less. This simply can’t be an issue worth dividing over, and never try telling me that either Charismatics or non-Charismatics have the corner on doctrinal soundness or holy living. Charismatic leaders like the late Chuck Smith or Pastor Jack Hayford are, to my thinking, on par with non-Charismatic giants like J. Vernon McGee and RC Sproul. Plenty of room in the Body of Christ for both; plenty of good done for the Body by both as well.
So my concern is not MacArthur’s dim view of charismatics, a view he’s not only entitled to but one which is shared by some of my favorite Bible teachers. My beef is with his insistence that the issue is one which essentially divides sheep and goats. His ire is raised by the numbers and influence of those identifying as charismatic, but to my thinking it’s a strange ire, every bit as strange as the strange fire he laments, roused by an issue I just can’t see as essential. And indeed, on some basics like the divinity of Christ or the authority of scripture, I would part company with those holding a different view because those are vital doctrines that cannot be compromised. But this? Different opinions allowed; no harm, no foul.
MacArthur does, in fact, make points charismatics should take to heart. He rightfully notes there have been some inexcusable extremes among them, ranging from outlandish behavior during worship to nonsensical claims of the Spirit prompting hysterical laughter or animal noises, and ludicrous self appointed prophets demanding cult-like authority and tolerating no criticism of their flamboyance. And don’t get me started on those folks who mambo with rattle snakes and call it worship! So yes, like all groups, ours has its wayward elements that should be called out. But it’s common knowledge that casting too broad a critical net unfairly tarnishes the many with the extremes of the few.
Stoking the fire is the recent bustup at MacArthur’s conference on the subject last week, when Mars Hill mega-church pastor and author Mark Driscoll (himself no shrinking violet when it comes to controversy) showed up, seeking to distribute his more pro-charismatic books on the conference grounds without permission, challenging MacArthur’s position and later claiming his materials were forcibly confiscated by Grace Community Church’s security.
I disagree with MacArthur’s position on charismatics, but agree with his insistence that only pre-approved materials be allowed at his own conference. I agree with Driscoll’s position on charismatics but disagree with his barging into a conference pushing his books and viewpoints, even if they are views I share. And while shaking my head over everything I disagree with, I’m reminded of Anne Frank’s comment on childish behavior among adults quarreling so easily and unnecessarily.
Because really, with the number of social ills, ministry challenges, and genuine heresies facing the church today, can’t we find something more worthwhile to get worked up over?
I’m not saying there’s no room for discussion, even the heated sort. We can voice our disagreements over doctrinal issues. Why not? Arguments like that can be instructive to everyone involved. But we cross unacceptable lines when we cast aspersions on the spiritual authenticity of those we disagree with. So I say we keep up the vigorous debates over the timing of the Church’s rapture, the possibility or impossibility of losing one’s salvation, the nature of the coming tribulation and yes, the fabrication or reality of the charismatic experience. In-house debates on these matters can be healthy and productive, provided they’re had without resorting to broad dismissals and sweeping stereotypes.
That happens when we take to heart what Rupertus Medenius, the German Lutheran theologian of the early 17th century, said in his oft-quoted phrase, “In essentials, unity. In non-essentials, liberty. And in all things, charity.”
To which I’d humbly add,
“Lord give us wisdom to know the difference between essentials and non-essentials, and grace to hold the right position with the right attitude, never settling for one without the other. Amen.”
