Is every issue a gospel issue?

Below is a sampling from a young but obviously erudite theologian from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, Dr. Blake Newsom. In pursuing the question, What is the Gospel?, Newsom cuts through the literary wasteland in evangelical circles that tends to see all issues as "gospel issues" by flatly concluding "If everything is the gospel, then nothing is the gospel." Here's the entire contextual snippet:

Of concern to this writer is that the gospel has become a buzzword in Evangelicalism. As is often the case with buzzwords, they lose their core identity and meaning due to their overuse in books, conversations, and retweets of pithy statements. The word gospel has become a catch-all term that captures attention. Since every Christian theme or doctrine seems related and attached to the gospel, every Christian theme or doctrine is mistakenly regarded as synonymous with the gospel. Consequently, all of the important doctrines in Christianity become the gospel, including (but not limited to) creation, theology proper, Scripture, the Trinity, prayer, angels and demons, anthropology, soteriology, pneumatology, ecclesiology, and eschatology. Again, do not misunderstand my claim. The gospel is inextricably linked to all elements, themes, and doctrines of Christianity; however, all elements, themes, and doctrines of Christianity are not the gospel and should not be posited as synonymous with the gospel. Holding such a view complicates a legitimate understanding of the gospel. If everything is the gospel, then nothing is the gospel (pp. 4-5).

So far as I am concerned, Newsom effectively dismantles the trendy but thoroughly inadequate--not to mention confusing--usage of "gospel this" and "gospel that" even in Southern Baptist sub-culture.

I think you'll find Newsom's entire piece well worth the time it takes to absorb his point. 

 

Note: NOBTS offers the Journal for Baptist Theology and Ministry free of charge. You may download the Fall 2014 volume (cited above) at baptistcenter.net . 

Comments

[Mary]

Seems to me that when you make the current cause de jour a "gospel" (little g intended) issue then you've created a works based gospel which actually cheapens the real capital G Gospel. The Gospel is completely about what Christ has accomplished at the cross not about our works. The Gospel is simply and only the Good News that Christ lived, died, and rose again to save sinners.

[Max]

Yes, too much hype these days about gospel-centered this and that. I even heard one young pastor at an SBC church plant declare "We are the gospel!"

The 21st century church needs a refresher course on what the gospel is not. The gospel is not a theological system or an institutional structure. It’s not a platform from which to launch good works or a formula for righteous living. It’s not a creed, confession, teaching or tradition of man. It’s not even the Baptist Faith & Message!

The gospel is a living reality. Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. The way is Jesus. The truth is Jesus. The life is Jesus. Jesus lived a sinless life, died on a cross, and rose from the dead for forgiveness of sin and salvation of souls. “The Gospel of Christ is the power of God which brings salvation to everyone who believes it” (Rom 1:16). Whosoever will may come ... that is great news!

(Glad to see you back in cyberspace, Peter. Happy Easter!)

[Luke]

Very thought provoking. My favorite passage for "wrapping" the Gospel is Paul's words to the Corinthians. In I Corinthians 15:1-5(specifically 3-5), Paul declares what he sees is "The Gospel". I think the words of Newsom fit nicely with Paul's understanding.

Good to see you posting again.

luke

[Scott Shaver]

"Gospel Issue" is the new code word for Baptist social engineering.

Don't let anybody tell you different. Claims the mantle of scriptural authority while chasing every cultural trolley car that rolls down the tracks.

[Archie Walker]

the gospel Paul said he preached to both Jew & Gentile (i.e. everyone). . . "repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ" [Acts 20:21]