Team Pyro: Open Letter to Mark Driscoll (2013)

Mark who?

Neither Calvinist nor Arminian because neither theological system is completely biblical.

Understand role distinctions within an egalitiarian mindset.

Neither charismatic nor cessationist, open to God’s work among individuals.

Both missional and fundamental.

So what group is this?

Do open letters actually mean anything more than grand standing anyway? Don’t get me wrong, I can’t stand Driscoll’s inflated ego and desire that all see his wisdom. I don’t see the purpose of this when Turk even said that Driscoll wouldn’t even read it. If you want to go off on someone Turk, stop with the open letter nonsense.

What am I missing? I’m not a big fan of Driscoll, but even though he makes some broad sweeps, he’s describing many who are in these so called “tribes.” Why the open letter from Pyro? Isn’t Driscoll essentially right, that tribalism could get in the way of actual on-the-ground ministry?

Someone fill me in…

I thought his jab at Fundamental Baptists was kind of funny. So he does sift through IFBdom! Hi Mark!

iK

By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, that you write scathing open letters to one another? Keep it classy!

Unexpected reaction to this piece. I didn’t see it as anything other than calling out bad practice by someone pretty influential among young conservative evangelicals and the young restless reformed group (and dangerously misguided), something I assume we would all support in principle.

Yeah I was a little surprised at the response as well. Driscoll is still joking around about being known for swearing in the video. I think an appeal to repentance seems pretty straightforward.

I am a young fundamentalist, but I’m increasingly getting the impression that I’m far more “old school” than many other young fundamentalists. Right or wrong, I have always been very leery of celebrity Pastors. I instinctively distrust them. I have no firm reason why - it’s just my initial reaction. I know nothing about Mark Driscoll at all. I recognize his name. That’s about it!

The folks whose works have had the most influence on me are Alva McClain and Rolland McCune. I’m far more interested in substance over style.

Amen! I had an hour long discussion with a Pastor on this very subject yesterday.

I think the open letter format is a good way to caution the flock. But the snarky tone was over the top. I think the same mission could have been better accomplished with a kinder spirit.

[Alex Guggenheim] Dear Kettle ….. Regards, Pot Or “How Insufferables Disagree”

Could it be said that Mr. Turk generally prefers a polemic style to his arguments?

As I’ve said many times, Pyromaniacs would be taken a whole lot more seriously if they would just change their name. Setting the world on fire? I’m supposed to like that? A polemic style can be done without a boatload of snark.

[Andrew Comings]

[Alex Guggenheim] Dear Kettle ….. Regards, Pot Or “How Insufferables Disagree”

Could it be said that Mr. Turk generally prefers a polemic style to his arguments?

I was held captive on a yellow school bus yesterday and had time to kill. I’m embarrassed to say I spent a considerable amount of time Tweeting with Frank regarding the Sovereign Grace Ministries situation (by the way, there was a new amendment to the lawsuit released. It’s posted on my blog - the new allegations are horrific.) The debate got no where. Just take a look at his tweets and blog. His style is to illicit response by publishing words that hit a nerve with people. It works. I find it obnoxious. And then, if you get reeled in at the Pyro site, you have to play by their highly controlling rules. They don’t look kindly on people who differ from their beliefs or question them.