That Interview.......

 

The most anticipated podcast since William Lane Craig vs. The Chair

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Had a listen last night and I hope I was open minded, because I have enjoyed Mark’s sermons and I love Justin’s show.  It was nice to be exposed to a realer side of Justin when the tables turned because obviously on his show he shows complete impartiality.

Justin asked if he could talk about more than just the book, which Mark said he was happy with, so he can’t really then complain that parts of his ministry were discussed.  Justin told Grace to be free to chip in at any time, she only responded once at Justin’s invitation.  Mark has said he found Justin to be disrespectful towards Grace, but I actually feel it was Mark who was disrespectful towards her.  My husband and I in no way have a marriage we could write a guidance book about, but if we had written a book together and were being asked about it, I would expect him to invite me into the conversation or mention my input and lead me into talking about it. Having said that I would feel I could have a say if it needed it without invitation!  So I concluded from that, Grace is either uber shy, or uber submissive suffering from ‘I will not speak until spoken to’ little woman syndrome.

Marks problem with men and make no mistake he thinks this is ALL men, not some who suffer from this, every single man is inherently lazy, sex-crazed, un-committed etc. and that is why only a macho Pastor like him can get through to them, they simply will not engage in a church that isn’t led by an action man.  He then contradicts himself though by saying that the men in Seattle are Arty types, business men, upper city men etc. So I was unsure why he was concerned with the possible congregations outside his own church, because obviously under his guidance there are no knuckle draggers in his church.

Considering the interview primarily was for an article on the book, I do think Justin didn’t give as much time to that as he could’ve, but he was almost led away from the subject of marriage by Marks attack on men, which obviously is going to lead on to further questioning.

I also think Justin could’ve been a bit more positive with his answers to Mark at the end, I know it must’ve been pretty intimidating suddenly having the shoe put on the other foot, but I assume he knows what he believes and he did come across a bit uncomfortably in his answers.

So, will I read the book? No, for me personally I think it would do more harm than good, but if anyone else wants to, go for it!

Will I listen to Pastor Mark’s sermons again? Yes, I can’t ignore the fact I have probably been blessed by them more than I have been outraged.

Will I listen to Justin’s unbelievable radio show anymore? No………….Joking I am, I love that show!!!!!

Pastor Mark Driscoll, What A .........

“Let’s just say this: right now, name for me the one young, good Bible teacher that is known across Great Britain. You don’t have one – that’s the problem. There are a bunch of cowards who aren’t telling the truth.” Pastor Mark Driscoll

Why does Pastor Mark think we need to be able to name a well known Bible teacher?  I can name dozens from my Church or area or my favourite podcasts, and I expect you can too.  Doesn't mean we will have heard of who each of us are talking about.  They are fantastic teachers none the less.

Me thinks he is getting a little too obsessed with his 'celebrity status'.  I really wouldn't pursue it if I were him, over here you only have to walk into shot behind a newsreader on location to be assured a place on a 'celebrity' show.

Increasingly the things Pastor Mark is teaching are becoming uncomfortable to listen to - not because he is hitting the truth, but because he is just being a loud mouthed arse.  His "God Hates You" rant, need only be taken in the context of those three words.  God has no capacity to 'hate'.  God is love, he actually is the very form of love, not he loves, his being is love.  If something is black, it cannot also be white. So if God is love, he cannot also hate.

And as for the marriage book, get a room, close the curtains, and do whatever it is you want to do.  I am not naive to think that there aren't couples who need guidance in this area, but this is surely best coming from a confidential counselling session, not an Amazon over-hyped best seller.  But seriously, if you're both happy with it, and no-one else is involved, do you really need Pastor Marks blessing to do it?

Going back to his quote about cowards not telling the truth, I tend to be more impressed with a teacher whose only interest is in preaching God's word and inviting the listeners not to blindly believe, but to also check for themselves that what they have heard is true.  Nothing cowardly in that.

The onus on getting to the truth is with the listener, something that wouldn't hurt being pointed out to Pastor Marks congregation.