This hit home for me. I have been good friends with Shane for almost 6 years now and my sister went to Cedarville. Shane was scheduled to speak there, but because of a few bloggers complaining about his theology, they canceled the event. Shane has offered to talk with those who disagree with him, which is Shane’s style. But has not been accepted. You can read what happened here and here.
Here are Scot McKnight’s thoughts on the topic. This is definitely worth reading.
I just don’t understand our fear as Christians to not want to hear from people we disagree with or who make us uncomfortable. What are your thoughts?
8 responses so far ↓
Ken Silva // February 19, 2008 at 1:42 pm
Since you asked Josh,
1) Fear actually has zero to do with our contending for the faith once for all delivered to the saints.
My problem with Shane’s theology is here:
Shane Claiborne and the Gospel of Goodness
“Shane has offered to talk with those who disagree with him, which is Shane’s style. But has not been accepted.”
And 2), you might wish to amend the above. While Shane may have offered to talk with those involved, he hasn’t tried contacting me.
I’m also good friends with Ingrid Schlueter amd I know that she hasn’t been contacted by Claiborne either. So therefore we could not possibly have refused to accept his offer.
Josh // February 19, 2008 at 2:13 pm
Ken,
I only can go on what I read on Christianity Today and God’s politics websites.
Ken Silva // February 19, 2008 at 2:33 pm
Why is that? Am I a liar?
Josh // February 19, 2008 at 2:37 pm
Ken,
I’m not calling you or anybody else a liar, I just read what I read. Whether they got it right or wrong, I have no idea. You will have to take that up with them.
david // February 19, 2008 at 4:41 pm
josh. i don’t hear you saying Ken is driven by fear. (so ken, don’t fear josh!)
i do think you’re right. i think Cedarville’s decision was driven by fear…
and while i’m still supportive of the school and the direction President Brown seems to be setting, i’m sad about this decision.
Josh // February 20, 2008 at 8:41 am
sad is a great way of putting it.
plukevdh // February 20, 2008 at 11:47 am
I think there are things that can be gained from a lot of these more controversial people, even if we don’t accept what they teach as a whole. What I get from Shane Clayborne and Tony C. both is the need to avoid judging people. We are not called to judge people. Show me where it says we are to judge others in the Bible… I see rather a call to peace, love, and a sharing of the Gospel through those things. Coming at people saying “You are wrong, we are right.” Is incredibly egotistical and prideful on our part. Yes the Gospel and Islam (as Ken’s post argues) are very different things, but perhaps coming out as radically opposing DOCTRINE instead of loving the people who accept that doctrine ignores what the Gospel is really about!!
I also find it interesting that Apprising Ministries doesn’t leave room for comments to be made on their website, which is why I’m responding to it here…
Thanks for the post.
Josh // February 20, 2008 at 2:17 pm
I found that interesting as well that you can’t leave comments. But great thoughts.
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