Christianity Offers No Answers About the Coronavirus. It's Not Supposed To
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N.T. Wright’s article is probably the dumbest, most un-Christian thing I’ve read in a long time. He says, “It is no part of the Christian vocation, then, to be able to explain what’s happening and why.” Wrong!
No discerning Christian should buy this man’s books. This is what happens when you don’t actually believe the Bible. His article closes with some fluffy drivel that means nothing; like a grande mocha frappuccino for your soul. It sounds great, but doesn’t do anything good for you. This man is a very poor representative for Christianity.
HINT: for those who have always wondered, this is what liberal Christianity sounds like …
Tyler is a pastor in Olympia, WA and works in State government.
Here’s Dan Phillips’ response: https://pjmedia.com/lifestyle/the-bible-gives-buckets-of-answers-about-…
Dr. Paul Henebury
I am Founder of Telos Ministries, and Senior Pastor at Agape Bible Church in N. Ca.
N.T. Wright’s article is probably the dumbest, most un-Christian thing I’ve read in a long time. He says, “It is no part of the Christian vocation, then, to be able to explain what’s happening and why.” Wrong!
No discerning Christian should buy this man’s books. This is what happens when you don’t actually believe the Bible. His article closes with some fluffy drivel that means nothing; like a grande mocha frappuccino for your soul. It sounds great, but doesn’t do anything good for you. This man is a very poor representative for Christianity.
HINT: for those who have always wondered, this is what liberal Christianity sounds like …
I agree. What’s so ironic is that much (not all) of his core doctrine that he claims he believes would be considered orthodox, yet the practical outworking of it in the real world is the fluff drivel of liberalism. He would claim God’s sovereignty in his confessions, yet practically acts like an open theist. He puts all the emphasis on lamenting and completely downplays the proclamation of God’s truth. Why does it have to be one or the other? Why can’t we walk along side of those suffering and lament while we practically love our neighbor and also speak God’s truth in the pandemic (including God’s sovereignty) by giving a reason for the hope that we have in Christ?
Article 13:
We believe that the same good God, after He had created all things, did not forsake them or give them up to fortune or chance, but that He rules and governs them according to His holy will, so that nothing happens in this world without His appointment; nevertheless, God neither is the Author of nor can be charged with the sins which are committed. For His power and goodness are so great and incomprehensible that He orders and executes His work in the most excellent and just manner, even then when devils and wicked men act unjustly. And as to what He does surpassing human understanding, we will not curiously inquire into farther than our capacity will admit of; but with the greatest humility and reverence adore the righteous judgments of God, which are hid from us, contenting ourselves that we are pupils of Christ, to learn only those things which He has revealed to us in His Word, without transgressing these limits.
This doctrine affords us unspeakable consolation, since we are taught thereby that nothing can befall us by chance, but by the direction of our most gracious and heavenly Father; who watches over us with a paternal care, keeping all creatures so under His power that not a hair of our head (for they are all numbered), nor a sparrow can fall to the ground without the will of our Father, in whom we do entirely trust; being persuaded that He so restrains the devil and all our enemies that without His will and permission they cannot hurt us.
Tyler is a pastor in Olympia, WA and works in State government.
Carl Trueman’s recent First Things (“Deaths Delayed”) post doesn’t appear to have been a response, but it could have been:
As Philip Rieff once commented, in past times people did not go to church to be made happy; they went to have their misery explained to them. If the Book of Common Prayer is a guide, that is understandable: Life in the sixteenth century was miserable, and it ended in death. People wanted the tools to face reality, not distractions to make them feel good about themselves.
As an aside, I’ve been teaching Shakespeare lately. One of the common stock sayings of his time was that every man “owes God a death.” Now there’s a different conception of reality for you.
https://www.firstthings.com/web-exclusives/2020/03/deaths-delayed
Tyler, I really appreciate your use of the Belgic Confession. To my shame, up until 4 years ago, I had no acquaintance with it. I’ve been astounded at how plainly and pastorally the Confession sets out the grand doctrines of orthodox Christianity. Before we were interrupted by COVID, my pastor was preaching/catechizing through the Confession in our Sunday night services. I encourage anyone who is not familiar with the Belgic Confession to take a look at it, prepared to be blessed.
I’ve always loved the Belgic Confession. Of course, it’s the longest confession in church history (I think)!
Tyler is a pastor in Olympia, WA and works in State government.
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