Don Johnson: An open letter to John MacArthur

[Don Johnson] many claim MacArthur is a fundamentalist. His actions belie it, they even belie his own strong words.

He is a Bible expositor extraordinaire … trumps fundamentalist

I’d hardly put him in “extraordinaire” class. I can think of at least one fundamentalist who far surpasses him. But it is foolish to make those kinds of statements. It really doesn’t matter, it doesn’t trump anything, and it isn’t the issue. Your comment is just another attempt to sidetrack into sniping.

To educate the undiscerning - many claim MacArthur is a fundamentalist. His actions belie it, they even belie his own strong words.

What would hinder someone from saying, “Don Johnson claims he is a Baptist. However, fellowship with Bob Jones University, that has historically had a tolerant and even receptive attitude towards paedobaptists, belie these strong claims” (well, actually, I have run across people who would question one’s “Baptist credentials” based on things like this).

Question: can there be different kinds of separatist fundamentalists? MacArthur’s position on this (not to mention other things) might not allow him to be a member of the FBFI in good conscience. But can you really deny that he has been unwilling to speak out on these things? Can you really say that MacArthur’s endorsement of John Piper is blanket and unqualified, any more than say, Mike Harding’s endorsement of someone like Mike Barrett or Ian Paisley would be?

I understand, in a way, why Don would feel the need for such a letter. At the same time, I don’t understand why it’s needed (again), any more than the FBFI would feel the need to write an “open letter” every time a Free Presbyterian was included in the roster of Bible Conference speakers. There are differences between the FBF and John MacArthur, just like there are differences between the FBF and the GARBC, or the FBF and the OBF, or the FBF and Evangelical Methodists, or…

The only thing I can think of is that leaders of the aging generation feel threatened when they see younger leaders seeming to gravitate towards people like JMc and therefore away from their organizational/institutional moorings. I would respectfully observe that perhaps it is this kind of thing that drives them away. It seems there is criticism fueled by a kind of competitiveness that is justified by appealing to separation. Don’t get me wrong- I understand the need to maintain some distinctions. At the same time, I don’t think it doesn’t mean we can’t have friendly relationships across some of those distinctions. I’ve had both Phil Johnson and Mike Barrett in my pulpit here in Marshall- neither of whom would match Marshall precisely in practice. I’m confident enough in what we believe (not to mention the character of the men I have invited) not to assume everything will be undermined by having men of their caliber minister the Word.

The concerns aired in the letter may be- I might concede even are​- legitimate. At the same time, airing them has questionable value at best, because in the process of airing them, what stand out is not the legitimate concern as much as the perception of continuing to grind the axe.

He hasn’t responded to me, not that he has to.

But the reason that this is far different from a Presbyterian at BJU or Marshall is that it goes to the level of fundamental doctrine, as stated above. And as, I think, MacArthur et al stated in the Strange Fire conference.

Anyway, you are welcome to not understand it. I’ve already answered the question and I really don’t see much point rehashing the same question over and over.

[Don Johnson]

I’d hardly put him in “extraordinaire” class. I can think of at least one fundamentalist who far surpasses him. But it is foolish to make those kinds of statements. It really doesn’t matter, it doesn’t trump anything, and it isn’t the issue. Your comment is just another attempt to sidetrack into sniping.

When has John MacArthur self-identified as a “Fundamentalist”? Don’t think he ever has.

Re: ” I can think of at least one fundamentalist who far surpasses him”

Response: Consider his body of commentary work (and the some)

[Don Johnson]

why don’t you put the question to Phil Johnson?

He hasn’t responded to me, not that he has to.

We discussed related matters at length, actually (though our conversations happened before Strange Fire)- which is why I am not convinced that they do not see this as easy as endorsement or withdrawal, however else anyone else might.

I understand that the issue of revelation is a matter of fundamental doctrine. What isn’t so clear to me is 1. that MacArthur is giving Piper a free pass on the matter, or 2. that MacArthur’s current demeanor and actions or lack thereof toward Piper (who appears to me to be somewhat rambling and speculative on the matter at hand) is a a matter of fundamental doctrine (because whatever else, he certainly has not endorsed Piper’s specific position), and that 3. T4G might provide a platform for some kind of confrontation on these things (whether or not that would be public).

Let me ask you this, Don- Hypothetically, if John Piper wasn’t at T4G, would there be no issues of concern then? Would he still need to denounce more than he has to satisfy you? If Piper was roundly denounced, what then? Do you arrange to have the next FBF West Coast Regional on the campus at Masters? I suspect not, but I’d like to give you a chance to respond and clarify.

Don:

I appreciate and thank you for your answer.

Thank you Don. I appreciate your concise summation of your purpose. I agree with you that there is a remote chance of his responding to you considering the absence of any connection between the two of you. I sense that questions test your patience and thank you for your indulgence.

I’d also like to know which fundamentalist’s body of work “far surpasses” MacArthur’s. As a book lover, that one has me stumped.

I’m a cessationist but I find it interesting that for nearly half a century I’ve heard noted fundamentalist preachers claiming that “God told them”, “God called them”, or God spoke to them” without any of their peers questioning their revelations.

Actually Ron, Don didn’t say body of work but exposition of scripture as first posited by Jim.

So Don’s probably thinking of Mark Minnick then. I would take Mac to Minnick, but that’s just me.

There may have been better preachers than Spurgeon during his era. But why do we know Spurgeon and not them?

Whether we like it or not, should Jesus tarry His return, history is going to remember JMc as being a definitive faithful preacher- if not the definitive faithful Christian preacher- of this era of American church history, if for no other reason than the volume of work of his that has been broadcasted and produced. Of that there can be little dispute.

I agree that there are some good fundamentalist expositors. The problem is that no one outside of “The Village” knows who they are.

Ron while I agree that you are correct I think that may be changing. Guys like D.A. Carson and Naselli are recognizing that some of the better expositors are self proclaimed fundamentalists.

[Ron Bean]

I’m a cessationist but I find it interesting that for nearly half a century I’ve heard noted fundamentalist preachers claiming that “God told them”, “God called them”, or God spoke to them” without any of their peers questioning their revelations.

I’m going to leave aside the “expositor” discussion, it really belongs in another thread.

What ceased in cessationism? Did the ministry of the Holy Spirit cease? Did the leadership of the Spirit cease? Did the intercession of the Holy Spirit cease? Did the gifts of the Holy Spirit cease?

The answers - No, the ministry continues, no, the leadership continues, no, the intercession continues, but yes, at least some of the gifts ceased (at least for the current dispensation).

Yes, some people have misunderstood the Spirit’s leading and have abused the concept. But that doesn’t mean the Holy Spirit no longer leads or ministers to His people.

So we don’t hold that the minisrtry of the Spirit has ceased, only that some of the gifts have ceased to be given. These are the revelatory gifts and the at-will miracle types of gifts, i.e., healing and signs.

for clarifying.

:)