Could we all agree that for a Christian church elder to publicly refer to an unbeliever as “local reprobate Ralph Nielsen” is the height of arrogance, belligerence, and combativeness? Is it likely that we could all recognize that even if the Scriptures didn’t tell us that love is a requirement for assuming a position of Church leadership — actually, for the totality of one’s Christian walk — we’d desire it in our elders anyway? For just a moment could we consider that it’s not Professor Nielsen’s antagonism toward evangelical Christianity, but his humanity, that defines him? Not “even” to Christians, but especially?
Would it be too far out to suggest that Christ Church Elder Dale Courtney, whose blog, Right-Mind, actually refers to another human being by name as “a local reprobate,” be rebuked by his pastor and fellow elders?
And does anyone at all think it’ll actually happen? Of course not. Dale’s learned well at the feet of his master. I think it’s despicable behavior for a Christian elder, but it’s things like this that define leadership at the Kirk, with seemingly no concern for the pleasure of the only Master who really matters.
John called the Pharisees a brood of vipers and Jesus said they were the offspring of Satan. By your definition, they are disqualified from eldership. Would you agree?
Comment by rick — June 21, 2009 @ 7:58 am