Tuesday, September 06, 2005

"Yes" Theology: Is That All We Can Say?

LeadershipJournal.net - The Inadequacy of "Yes" Theology

This is a good, short article on the necessary task of saying "no" to certain theological positions; saying "yes" necessarily means we say "no" to other postions. If you are a reader of this blog, you are well aware that I am concerned for a sizeable chunk of contemporary evangelicalism-I am worried it is becoming too comfortable with saying "yes" to the exclusion of saying "no." It feels good to assent and dialogue (with very little of a definable goal), and it hurts to say "no." After all, some people will be left carrying the lable of "wrong" if we do so.

The author writes:
Few issues portend so much for the future of the church, because none carries so much potential to fly in the face of the spirit of the age. I speak of the infatuation with pluralism and inclusivism and certain brands of multiculturalism; the belief in the egalitarianism of opinions and feelings—that it is not only wrong, but rude and bigoted to this that some people's ideas and feelings may not be as good or as valid as others. It's the "Who's to Say?" syndrome: Who's to say what is right? The answer is everyone, or no one, or both. Whatever. It's cool.

In response to the accusation that "no" is a narrow response:
But its narrowness is the narrowness of the birth canal, or of a path between two precipices...

Another great religious leader once said something about narrow gates and broad paths.

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