Brian McLaren Encourages Al Mohler: "Please don't back down" by Peter Lumpkins

Emergent icon and well-known radical theologian, Brian McLaren, posted an encouraging note he wished someone to pass along to Dr. Mohler. Dr. McLaren desires to express his genuine thanks and appreciation to Mohler for his courage to "take a risk and say things that you believe need to be said" even when Mohler knew he would be "maligned for doing so">>>

Of course, McLaren is referring to Dr. Mohler's controversial words at the Southern Baptist Convention in Phoenix when Mohler not only charged evangelicals and Southern Baptists with lying about the nature of homosexuality, but also stated we've practiced a "form of homophobia" from which we should all repent. 

Hence, we thought we'd assist Dr. McLaren and post his letter of encouragement here. Perhaps a reader of SBC Tomorrow will pass this link along to Dr. Mohler:

Dear Dr. Mohler,

I wanted to express my sadness at the way your recent comments about repenting of homophobia were attacked and ridiculed by one of your fellow conservative Christians. I was also saddened to see your critic attack the SBC's mildly-worded statement of concern for immigrants.

First, I wanted to express empathy. I know it took courage for you to say what you said, and of course I think your comments are a step in the right direction. I know what it's like to take a risk and say things that you believe need to be said - because you believe they're true and because justice, kindness, and humility require you to say them - only to be maligned for doing so. I'm sincerely sorry you are experiencing this.

Second, I wanted to share a spark of hope. I wonder if, as you deal with these dismissive criticisms now and in the future, you might get some insight into how some of your past comments have seemed to people like me. I wonder if, being put in the situation you sometimes put others in, you might gain some insight that will make a difference in how you respond to others less conservative than you in the future. I hope that will be the case. But even if it's not, please know that I'm still sincerely sorry you're being maligned.

Third, I wanted to share a word of encouragement. Please don't back down. You don't seem like the kind of person to be bullied, but I've noticed how people are more prone to be bullied by their fellows than by their opponents. The simplistic dismissals and ungracious manner of your critics should not be rewarded with concessions. So stand firm, and maintain the courage to graciously differ with them - just as you have done with me and others like me on some occasions.

Finally, I wanted to say thanks to you and your colleagues for making the kinds of statements that elicited this negative response. On behalf of my gay family members and friends who face real homophobia from far too many churches far too often, and on behalf of immigrants who face increasing xenophobia as well - often within Evangelical churches more than anywhere else, thank you for taking a risk and saying some things that needed to be said.

I know that many who read my blog will join me in praying for you and your colleagues in the days ahead. Don't be intimidated. Keep moving forward.

Warmly, in Christ,

Brian McLaren (//link)

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We thank Dr. McLaren for demonstrating precisely what Dr. Mohler's words indicated to many of us who heard them--a confusing departure from both the sufficiency of Scripture and the historic Baptist position.

Perhaps now, Dr. Mohler will know the weight of his words and how they came across even to nuanced theologians like Brian McLaren; that is, suggesting a reversal of his stated position for the last decade and a half. If Southern Baptists have been intentionally deceiving people on the nature of homosexuality as Mohler indicates by owing Jonathan Merritt's quotations from him, and practiced what can only be called a "form of homophobia" when we have attempted to speak the truth in love about the sinfulness of sin,  then we have a major divide among us.

We anticipate Dr. Mohler's public response to the undeniable confusion his words created. In addition, given Dr. McLaren's obvious elation that Mohler's words definitively indicate a "step in the right direction,"  we now anticipate Dr. Mohler's public response to the perceived shift toward left-wing evangelicalism's socio-ethical position on gender-sexual matters.

Comments

[volfan007]

wow

[JS Houston]

First Wade Burleson, now McLaren. Waiting for Joel Osteen to chime in any minute now with his affirmation.

[Cody]

Peter, Peter, Peter....

Let this go.

[peter lumpkins]

Peter, Peter, Peter

let this go

can’t you see

we’re not to know

all the things

our leaders say

we’ll know too clear

come judgment day

 

Cody, Cody, Cody,

no, no, no

I will not let

this issue go

Christ calls us now

to make all clear

the Word of God

in every ear

 

With that, I am…

Peter

[Lee]

WOW! How could Mohler be the only one not to see this coming? He's to smart to be this naive. Therefore, it begs to ask the question again...has he changed his position and moved far left? Has he joined the likes of McLaren?

[Dr. Jim Roebuck]

Bro. Peter,
Keep up the good work. Let the liberals & Bible rejectors squeal. Personally, I always intend for a hit dog to holler.
Dr. Jim Roebuck

[Les Puryear]

Peter,

To me, anything less than an apology from Dr. Mohler to the SBC for accusing us as liars and homophobes is unacceptable.

Do not let this go.

Les

[John]

"Peter,

To me, anything less than an apology from Dr. Mohler to the SBC for accusing us as liars and homophobes is unacceptable.

Do not let this go.

Les"

True conviction hurts. Yet, our repentance from homophobia is not as difficult as someone's repentance from homosexuality. Get some perspective.

[peter lumpkins]

John,

So, are we to assume you have perspective on this issue contra our Les' lack of at least "some perspective," a perspective based upon a questionable assertion that "repentance from homophobia" is less difficult to accomplish than "repentance from homosexuality"? Tell me, how does that work? What evidence exists to which you could appeal to argue your point? More importantly, would you have some scriptural justification for what seems to be a strange proposition, John?

With that, I am...
Peter

[Christiane]

Hello Peter,

It's me, Christiane.
I was wondering if you ever had an opportunity to see the film
'Molokai: the Story of Father Damien' ?

It shows so much of what can happen among Christian people when faced with an 'uncomfortable' reality which still calls to them for ministry, and yet at the same time can push that needed ministry away.

I think in watching it, if you can, you will recognize some of the themes it portrays, in a way that doesn't make present difficulties greater, but offers support to all concerned from the perspective of how Christian people faced a great challenge in the past, disagreeing among themselves, and in the end, finding their way forward:

yes, the film is about 'leprosy', not 'homosexual behavior';
but in a way the real theme is to seek the renewal of all things in Christ, even amidst great difficulty and especially amidst the failures of people to understand one another's viewpoints and needs.
You will see the connections, I know, and the perspective may offer some good during a difficult month.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wpnee2hbY4w

[Les Puryear]

John,

Dr. Mohler said that we in the SBC are "liars" and "homophobes." He admitted to saying that. I am a member of the SBC and so is my church. I am not a liar and I am not a homophobe. For Dr. Mohler to make such a broad statement, which, by the way includes you as well, is wrong and he crosses the line of his authority. That is my issue. To me, nothing less than an apology to every member of the SBC is acceptable.

BTW, do you know me? How do you know easy or hard it is for me to repent about anything? I have publicly repented of some things to my church. I have publicly repented of comments I have made on my blog. For you to assume you know me well enough for you to to make a judgment on what is or is not easy for me to repent about is one of the most arrogant comments I have ever read. Perhaps you need to resign from being the Holy Spirit for a while.

Les

[Asaf Pelled]

Ouch... brethren, it's painful to see that you fail to see what Christians around the world seem to see so clearly. The spirit of bigotry is still all but past in the American church.

The course of time will prove to vindicate brother Mohler's perspective.

In Christ,

Asaf Pelled

Semper reformanda!

(I am secure you are honest and truthful and will therefore present this post. Thank you for this kindness!)

[Remi]

The god of this age falls under the guise of "tolerance" and "acceptance."

Mohler is trying to avoid being linked with hateful, intolerant bigots(also known as those with a biblical view of homosexuality), so he can be thought of as thoughtful, intellectual, and tolerant by the world.

What he and John don't realize is, if Jesus himself was hated for his views of sin, how do we expect to avoid being hated for it? There's not some way you can spin the bible regarding homosexuality and sin that will be acceptable to the lost. It doesn't matter how much you try, you won't accomplish it. You'll either be hated for doing what is right, or loved for doing what is wrong.

[A.M. Mallett]

McLaren and Mohler united under the rainbow gay awareness banner. When does Mohler start his new show on TBN?

[Jennifer L. Grisham]

Mr. Lumpkins,

I just came across your blog while trying to research the happenings of June's SBC convention in Phoenix. I am a third year student with Liberty University studying Religion and the more I learn about the SBC, (Richard Land calling mormonism the fourth Abrahamic faith, the SBC "cleaning up" Obama's Dream Act-no wonder the convention was conveniently held in Phoenix, the influence of Emergent theology and sin going unchecked in the SBC church and now Mohler's comments) I am feeling greatly discouraged wondering if there will be a place for my husband and myself to minister as we wish to humble ourselves under Godly leadership. My husband and I have been attending an SBC church for about a year now and felt as if we had found a church fellowship that was very conservative and doctrinally sound. Imagine my suprise when we found out the GA's leader is living with a man who is not her husband, while the other teacher is very engaged by the writings of Sue Monk Kidd. The pastor refuses to deal with this issue. We love Jesus and the church but feel as if we are being asked to compromise; either join and compromise or have no outlet to minister at all. Please pray for us and our children.

Jennifer Grisham
Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia

[Peter]

Jennifer,

Thank you for your comment. And, know I prayed for you and your family this morning. I'm so sorry you feel called to ministry but find it may mean compromise on your part. Be patient. God will put you in a place of service which will best honor Him and fit your gifts. Know also it takes courage, love, and much patience to confront sin as you've described. Pray for your pastor and encourage him. Pledge to be the ministers God calls you to be when He places you in His vineyard.

Blessings, Jennifer. May our Lord use you greatly for Him.

With that, I am...
Peter