Evangelical criticism

An excellent piece from Richard Mouw of Fuller Theological Seminary reminds us that when we discuss theological error, focus on the false teachings and not the teacher:

"We want to oppose false teachers because they do not teach things that are true. But if in our attempts to defeat them we play fast and loose with the truth, by attributing to them things that they don’t in fact teach and if we don’t really care whether we have it exactly right or not then we have become false teachers: teachers of untruths!

I suggest this as a rule of thumb: focus on false teachings rather than on false teachers. When we concentrate on opposing false teachers we tend to think about defeating people which can lead to all kinds of dangers. When we concentrate on the careful examination of false teachings we are more aware of the need to speak
truthfully.”

He’s right. Sinner and wretch that I am, I’m critical of teachings that I believe are thoroughly unbiblical and are leading Christians astray. I must remember to not question someone’s faith, only their teachings.

(Hat tip to Evangelical Outpost.)