Wednesday, December 05, 2007

CONFRONTING ERROR
...do it biblically, seriously, and leave the silly attempts of sarcasm behind

"What Is needed to-day is a Scriptural setting forth of the character of God-His absolute sovereignty, His ineffable holiness, His Inflexible justice, His unchanging veracity. What Is needed to-day Is a Scriptural setting forth of the condition of the natural man-his total depravity, his spiritual insensibility, his inveterate hostility to God, the fact that he is "condemned already" and that the wrath of a sin-hating God is even now abiding upon him. What is needed to-day is a Scriptural setting forth of the alarming danger in which sinners are-the Indescribably awful doom which awaits them, the fact that if they follow only a little further their present course they shall most certainly suffer the due reward of their iniquities. What is needed to-day is a Scriptural setting forth of the nature of that punishment which awaits the lost-the awfulness of it, the hopelessness of it, the unendurableness of it, the endlessness of it. It is because of these convictions that by pen as well as by voice we are seeking to raise the alarm." -A.W. PINK


The Call
There is a double-edged sword in ministry: instructing in sound doctrine and refuting error that contradicts (Titus 1:9). It is serous work to handle God's Word accurately. The Apostle Paul compares it to being a skilled workman: "do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth" (2 Tim. 2:15).  Rightly handling means to "cut it straight."  It is a seamstress term used to depict one who cuts the fabric accurately so that all the pieces used fit perfectly to make a beautiful garment to wear.  In like manner, the true exegete and/or expositor of God's Word cuts the fabric of Scripture so that the pieces fit perfectly together so that the truth of the Word can be clearly seen; beautifully adorned.

We are also under a biblical mandate as well to "contend for the once for all delivered to the saints faith" (Jude 3). We are to champion the truth of God's Word as one who is in an arena battling for what is right and just according to the Scriptures to the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Error concerning the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ should also be treated biblically with the utmost of doctrinal concern and theological sobriety.  Consider again the words of the Apostle Paul when he says this of those who are defecting from Christ and His gospel:

"I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed." -Galatians 1:6-9 (emphasis mine)
Notice that twice Paul pronounces a severe judgment on those who defect from Christ, distort the true gospel, and embrace a different one - let him be accursed; anathema; damned.  This is powerful language and we will not water it down.  Error of this sort should not be treated lightly or in a slovenly manner.

Notice also what is missing from Paul's words above: biting humor; sarcasm; cutting jibs, and pompous puns.  He treated the eternal state of those trying to pollute the gospel with the utmost dignity as possible; for their eternal soul was at stake.  No wonder my friend John MacArthur has developed this saying for The Masters Seminary: "we train men as if lives depended on it."

The Concern
I say the above to address a concern with you today.

There has been a trend lately within certain blogs of the Christian blogging community to treat doctrinal error with a kind of cavalier attitude manifesting itself in humor and sarcasm against the very ones who are promoting the error.  This should not be happening beloved.  This reveals a heart that is calloused against another and their eternal plight.  I'm not talking about giving unvarnished candor; I am for that and try to present that on this blog.  AND, I am not saying that we need to reduce this exchange to the level of "being-nice" to those who are the angels of light spreading false doctrine.  On the contrary; speaking the truth in love demands strong, direct language in dealing with false teachers and their assertions.

But what we don't need are Christians trying to make fun of; sport of; by humor that is designed to only degrade another person or just make fun of ones beliefs so that we can appear as being more righteous ourselves.

If any of us really believe that the doctrinal error of say a Rob Bell, Brian McLaren, or Doug Pagitt, for example, has eternal, damnable consequences, why would anyone want to just poke fun at them and their teachings? Why not confront their error with the gravity that it demands than just to play cute with it?

The Commentary and Combox
Here is to what I am referring: when you confront doctrinal error today don't do it like this (the Bullwhip Guy).  Instead, operate according to God's Word and confront the false teachings of others infiltrating evangelicalism like this; or like this. To refer to the Lord Jesus Christ (as was done in one of these videos) as "Bullwhip Guy" is very disrespectful to the Lord, not at all funny, and unprofitable for the kingdom. The one that this video is designed to mimic doesn't need to be sarcastically poked at.  What he (Rob Bell) or anyone else deceived by the doctrines of demons and disseminating  dire doctrinal error really needs is to be challenged with the truth of the genuine gospel, confronted with the Word of God, and publicly called to repentance. Making fun of him by some cheap-shod-dish childish video parody that at face value is an embarrassment to biblical Christianity is not the way beloved and will not produce the corrective in doctrine we all are praying for...

The issue of the gospel is one of eternal life and death beloved; let's treat it with the reverence and gravity that it deserves; and those who are in severe error about essential matters of the faith, let's approach with boldness, with charity, and with truth compelling them to be reconciled to God through the Lord Jesus Christ; warning them of the wrath to come; and that those who proclaim another gospel that what they face is nothing less than eternal damnation.

Now, let me ask you:  does anyone reading this blog think this is still funny? Does anyone here think this plight is worthy of sarcasm? Does anyone one want to simply poke fun at those who do such things or believe such things as if their lost souls meant nothing?  

How should a godly man or pastor respond to anyone blinded by this kind of doctrinal darkness?  
"And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will." -2 Timothy 2:24-26

The Conclusion
"If the professed convert distinctly and deliberately declares that he knows the Lord's will but does not mean to attend to it, you are not to pamper his presumption, but it is your duty to assure him that he is not saved. Do not suppose that the Gospel is magnified or God glorified by going to the worldlings and telling them that they may be saved at this moment by simply accepting Christ as their Savior, while they are wedded to their idols, and their hearts are still in love with sin. If I do so I tell them a lie, pervert the Gospel , insult Christ, and turn the grace of God into lasciviousness." -C.H. SPURGEON

"Grace is a provision for men who are so fallen that they cannot lift the ax of justice; so corrupt that they cannot change their own natures; so adverse to God that they cannot turn to Him; so blind that they cannot see Him; so deaf that they cannot hear Him; and so dead that He Himself must open their graves." -G.S. BISHOP

24 comments:

Michael Nevarr said...

Well said Steve. It is shameful to see men who should know better posting such things. King Jesus is far too precious to be referred to as the "bullwhip guy" even if it is a parody.

Psalm 89:7 "God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, And to be held in reverence by all those around Him."

PJ needs to repent,

Alice said...

I agree wholeheartedly with this column and thank you for writing it(I didn't even watch that bullwhip guy clip), but I also have a question. I read another site: www.alittleleaven.com (you may have seen it). There is a fair amount of satire in the postings and comments there, and their basis for that (biblically) is Elijah and how he mocked the false prophets. Steve, (or anyone else), how would you address that? Thanks!

kkia said...

Thank you so much for speaking the truth in love. Unfortunately it is easier to try to be funny or be sarcastic than to refute error with scripture.

And thank you too for this excellent site where I can find meaty teaching that nourishes my soul and challenges me to grow deeper in my faith.

Jim Wright said...

Thank you Steve for posting this timely article. I am dealing with the same thoughts over at my site in the forums and it amazes me the way Christians today think.

Keep up the good work.

Blessings

Jim Wright

Unknown said...

Steve,

I partially agree with you, as Christians we are to love those we disagree with... and the more they stray from the truth the more we should love and engage them with the Gospel.

However, I believe satire and sarcasm can often communicate a truth more powerfully than simply stating it flatly. I think this is biblical and thought of these two examples off the top of my head...

1 Sam 2:1b "My mouth derides my enemies, because I rejoice in your salvation"

1 Kgs 18:27 "And at noon Elijah mocked them, saying, “Cry aloud, for he is a god. Either he is musing, or he is relieving himself, or he is on a journey, or perhaps he is asleep and must be awakened.”


Telling Rob Bell that sometimes preaching biblical truth must be harsh, and that sometimes people will be offended is true... but to take his own words and apply them to the work of Jesus Himself makes more than a simple truth statement it EXPLODES his whole way of thinking in a way that, in my humble opinion, was much more effective.

In Christ,
Eric

Unknown said...

Actually... according to John MacArthur when he commented on 1 Corinthians 14:4 & 9, Paul himself was "caustic and sarcastic" when he was confronting the Corinthians who had a false understanding of "tongues". (http://www.biblebb.com/files/MAC/sg1872.htm)

or search on the word "sarcasm" here --> http://www.biblebb.com/files/MAC/sg1865.htm

Actually, if you want a very good example good helpful "sarcasm & satire" read a copy of the short story "The Gospel Blimp"

Of course, with all that said, I have a tendency to be very sarcastic if I'm not careful... so to clarify, I think sarcasm can be helpful in "sprinkled" amounts... not "buckets full". ;-)

In Christ,
Eric

SJ Camp said...

eec

I also believe that sarcasm in some cases can be used to drive home a point. No question. I try to use it wisely on this blog; so this article is not calling for a prohibition against its use.

BUT, when it comes to the gospel or the doctrinal errors of another that can have eternal consequence to them, we should treat those instances not with humor and snarkasim in the blogosphere, but with the seriousness that the error demands. Don't you think?

The video Bullwhip Guy was ridiculous and missed the mark on Bell's Bullhorn guy by a mile. It was offensive to hear my precious Lord called such; and for this gentlemen to be praised by the TP crew was beyond me.

Bell's initial point about the Bullhorn Guy we all could agree with. I have been in many cities around the country where guys like that are billowing away and nobody is listening. They are not communicating the gospel effectively or accurately in most cases. They are just trying to draw attention to themselves and are a nuisance.

In that video, Bell was referring not to content, but to that man's approach. The reason he mentioned sin, hell, condemnation, wrath, etc. because that is what is usually on their posters or signs as they bark away. That's a no brainer.

On separate note, is there genuine concern for Rob Bell's content through Nooma and his own books? Absolutely. So let's deal with those things accurately and biblically (which Bullwhip Guy did not do). AND if necessary, call Bell publicly to repentance on those issues in the same venue that he is propagating those errors.

IOW, it would be proper to use some sarcasm to address Bullwhip Guy (too easy, not worth it to me) and his attempt at humor, and being clever, etc., but not to use it when dealing with the doctrinal errors of a man like Bell when key issues of the gospel are at stake. I cannot find any Bible to that end.

Here is the question: have those who champion such tripe like Bullwhip Guy had the courage to contact Bell directly, point out the grave errors he is making on issues of the faith and call him to repentance? I don't know of any.

It's easy from the cheap seats to appear to be championing the truth when all that is happening is that some are preaching to choir with means that are not ministry centered and profitable for eternity.

Thanks for your comments...

In His grace,
Campi
Col. 1:9-14

MarieP said...

Campi, the more I consider this, the more I see the tendency for us, myself included, to forget that we aren't just dealing with those who hold to heresy but with those who are held captive to sin and have a never-dying soul. Yes, Paul used satire, but sparingly, and he always did it for a point, and the point wasn't so he could have a good laugh or so he could feel better about himself. Paul had a heart that sought to glorify and love Christ and His truth, a heart that hated error because it spoke falsehoods about his First Love, and a heart that desired for the lost to come to a saving knowledge of his Lord.

What if, whenever we are tempted to make a joke about someone in error, we choose to pray for them and for our own witness instead?

It certainly would calm the rhetoric and work wonders for the killing of our pride.

Athanazius said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Athanazius said...

I am so very glad you posted this.

It really distubs me when someone like James Whiteresorts to a caricature artist to mock a person like Dave Armstrong. It's good to see you distancing yourself from such a man and his snarkastic style.

S.J. Walker said...

Mr. Camp,

While I am still mulling over your post admittedly, I must say this.

There may be less of a problem with the Bullwhip Guy parody than is being made here. HOWEVER.

When I examine the texts, there is no question the "alternative", if you will permit such a description, is absolutely unquestionable as to its accuracy, and Biblical base.

I may not see Bullwhip Guy quite as offensive (yet) as you, brother, but is either methodology is called into question, only one will stand all tests of God's ordination and approval.

That is what I appreciate about your post.

I love the TP guys. They are good men. I might ask them about their thoughts on this myself.

One last thought. The issue of Eligah mocking the pagan priests is a relvant argument, but, remember this: he never brought a parody of his God into the mix. He mocked their gods and quite strongly, but when He mentioned God he,... well read it yourselves...
(1 Kings 18:30-46)

If you don't mind, I'm linking your site to mine. If you would rather I did not for some reason, let me know here and I'll remove it straight away.

God bless you Brother

Melvin said...

Steve, please read a little further in Galatians. I guess according to your standards Paul was out of line: "I wish those who unsettle you would emasculate themselves!" Galatians 5:12, ESV)

SJ Camp said...

MarieP:
Bingo. Amen to your well voiced words my friend. Thank you for your insights on this important topic.

SJ Walker:
Thank you for your comment here and I do appreciate your thoughts.

A few things:

1. My comments were not directed at TP but at the Bullwhip Guy video which they simply posted.

2. Elijah was mocking their gods in defense of the One True God. This is a different scenario.

3. The Bullwhip Guy video is weak on four counts: it is not an exact parody of Rob Bell; it failed to biblically address Bell's skewed theology; it treated whatever error as comedy rather than with the seriousness it deserved. and it used a term of derision in describing our Lord Jesus Christ.

I am honored that you linked to this site. Thank you again for your comments.

Melvin
Thank you brother for your comment here as well.

I do love Galatians--it is one of my favorite NT epistles; especially on defending the gospel against doctrinal error.

As to Gal. 5:12; in context, it is not sarcasm for laughter's sake at all. He was not simply poking fun. He was taking the legalism of the Judaizers in a faith + works view of salvation to its logical conclusion. He was being graphic - not simply humorous.

In the NT record, the Apostle Paul never treated heresy with a wink and a nod. It was serious stuff. Again I refer you to MarieP's excellent words here.

This is a good discussion so far and I appreciate all who have participated here. Let us remember that souls are at stake. Evangelical leaders that have embraced false doctrine need to be confronted, challenged, and called biblically to repentance. They don't need to be parodied, satirized or laughed at simply to be made fun of.

The gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ deserves better care than that.

Grace and peace,
Campi
2 Cor. 4:5-7

S.J. Walker said...

Brother Camp,

Thanks, and you said better what I was trying to point out as well about Elijah. Well put. And upon further reflection, I agree with the four-count indictment of the video.
And I think I will still ask they men over at TP about what they think of this perspective.

Gee, thanks. Now look what you've done! :)

God Bless, drop by the the old "Lion's Den" sometime

Solus Christus, Amen

donsands said...

Some good thoughts to consider. Where do we draw the line on sarcasm?

I remember watching a video of Bob Tilton, which mocked him in what I thought was a hilarious way. This man is a false teacher, and preaches a perverted gospel, there's no doubt about it.
I'm not better than he is, and it's only by God's grace that i see this man's deception for what it is.

A very respected pastor friend of mine, who also saw this video, did not like it. It was wrong to him, to make such a video.
I take to heart what he said.
As I take to heart what you say here Steve.

I need to think on these things, and share them with my pastor as well.

Thanks for always challenging us. Keep on.

Theolog_Shmeolog said...

As to seriousness, I agree, Steve. My perception is that the BWG video, and Phil's re-airing of it did have a note of seriousness in it. How? Because they point out that Jesus Himself used methods as seemingly foolish as BH Guy's methods. The element which brings gravity to their critique of Bell (amidst the humor) is then the interjection of our Savior's methods. There does seem to be a mitigating force to that--mixing gravity & sobriety with some (Pauline-like?) sarcasm. Not using humor to soften the blow, but actually to punctuate the foolishness which is behind some of Nooma's message and methodology. Just a thought. I agree as far as our tendency to become fleshly in using tongue-in-cheek methods. But, as I minister here in RB's backyard, we see the immediate effects of false teaching, and I can't help but wonder if BWG and PJ aren't spot on, or close. I understand your concerns, and you have given me much to think about.

Should RB's teachings be treated as coming from a false teacher, or as from a misguided teacher? Jesus, Paul, etc., were quite bold, and harsh, and even sardonically funny in dealing with false teachers. I understand your concern as to the seriousness of handling it and other EC error/heresy correctly. Thanks for the careful thoughts.

Grace, Peace, and for the Glory of Christ Alone,
Sam Hendrickson

SJ Camp said...

Sam:
Thanks for your thoughts here.

You said, "Because they point out that Jesus Himself used methods as seemingly foolish as BH Guy's methods"

I couldn't disagree more. The Lord never used methods like the BHG. That really dumbs down His ministry to that of a wide-eyed maniac at a subway station in NYC.

That's the point I guess. There is no reverence in the BHG's approach and the BWG's response. It's treated as a joke.

Bold, harsh, straight-forward biblical exhortation, a call to repentance, etc. are all good and necessary in correcting error. These videos are a lightweight mocking approach to that with no call to repentance in the context of serious biblical, doctrinal examination of what Bell actually teaches.

Once again, are there severe issues surrounding Bell's theology? Yes! Do they need to be addressed? Absolutely! The only thing that any of us are "arguing" over then is "how."

BWG, IMHO, is the wrong approach to deal with serious theological issues of a skewed or heretical nature. Here is one acid test: if Rob Bell were watching that video, would he seem himself in parody, being made fun OR would he see careful biblical examination of what he teaches through the lens of God's Word and possibly be brought to conviction and repentance because of the clear unfolding of God's Word on a particular strain of his beliefs?

The end result is his repentance (isn't it?), the health of the church, the restoration of biblical ministry, the purity of the gospel, and ultimately - God's glory!

Grace and peace to you,
Steve
2 Cor. 4:5-7

Theolog_Shmeolog said...

Steve,
thanks for the note. I guess I did not intend to specifically equate our Lord's methods with those of the creator of BWG, or the perceived/real foolishness of some subway/street preachers. I think what I was driving at was that at the time, Jesus' methods were likely seen as rash, foolish, and perhaps out-of-control. Clearly, His message and methods are without question--yet the perception remains. Maybe that is what the creators of BWG were after, I don't know. The reason I use the word "perception" because that is what RB is really working from--who knows, there may be people won to Christ, or at least initially challenged regarding their need of Christ, thus such an encounter being part of the drawing of God. I dunno...

I AM convinced that we are unduly influenced by a world-view which is increasingly nihilistic, cynical, and dismissive to those who differ. Christians did not invent such, unbelievers did. And we can improperly mimic them--maybe you are right, we mimic it too much, and should not do so at all. I have had to stop my own online attempts at humor because too often my depravity kicked in, and no amount of smileys could aid in proper interpretation!

I do wonder if RB would not be challenged biblically by the images and message of the video--as off or improper as it may be.

Thanks, and I DO see where you are going with this...thanks for making me think more carefully about our Lord and His body.

For His Cause and Glory Alone,

S.J. Walker said...

I think the thing we could all take from this is that is "okay" to mock false teaching, or outright paganism to even politically incorrect limits. BUT, BUT, BUT, we do not need or have the right, no matter how noble our intentions, to pretend to mock our Holy Father in the name of Theological correction.

It was easy--and appropriate--for Elijah to mock the priests of bale--bale was a false god entirely. I do venture to say that the RBs out there do not worship God. I say that because they contradict and twist practically everything He gave us in the Word. So, we are not dealing with ridiculous fake gods but the Almighty, Holy God of Heaven.

The more I reflect on this, the more i realize that this shouldn't propel me to joke, but rather it should prepare my hands for war.

This is not cause of action for a court jester, but a guardian of the Gate. It is not cause for a joke, but The Sword.
(Hebrews 4, Ephesians 6)

Pray that God's word will divide us AND Rob Bell to the division of soul and spirit, joints and marrow and discover our condition.

All possible brotherly love,

Sam Walker

Unknown said...

Steve,

A while back (a few months maybe) you had mentioned doing a thorough critique of Doug Paggitt.

Do you have any plans to still do that? It mught be helpful to through in Rob Bell and some other Emergents as well.

I think it would be very helpful to see a critique of this movement and its leaders from a solidly biblical viewpoint but one that was also tried to be fair and even handed.

What do you think?

Athanazius said...

Campi: My comments were not directed at TP

Oh, dear brother, please don't back down now. Team-pyro, James White, the Fideo blog, and the Triabloggers all use snarkasm and charicatures all the time. They need someone like you who they respect to call them out by name and call for their repentance.

SJ Camp said...

The issue here again lies on ones view of the reverence of God in all things. If understand Him and all that He has done for us through Christ Jesus our Lord in our redemption then we will respond like Peter said in 1 Peter 3:15-16. If not, we will respond as many are in the blogosphere today.

For example, consider the Apostle Paul in Romans 9 when he said that he wished he could be accursed for the sake of his countrymen if it would bring any of them to Christ!

What selfless love and devotion. That is the burden he had for them and some of were his greatest persecutors of the faith.

Question: have we become so full of ourselves that another Emergent leaders aberrant teachings are just a punch-line for us to blog about shrouded in the rags of snarkasm?

Sam you nailed it when you said: "This is not cause of action for a court jester, but a guardian of the Gate. It is not cause for a joke, but The Sword. (Hebrews 4, Ephesians 6)"

Amen and amen!

eek
I tried to reach Doug Pagitt by phone again today but to no avail. I am going to write a biblical response to him, Bell and Jones soon. Your prayers will be appreciated for these men are quickly abandoning the orthodox faith and the One Triune God for a lesser god of their own imagination.

I appreciate you all.
Campi
Titus 3:1-8

gigantor1231 said...

S.J.

I think that the point to all of this is this; what ever we do we need to remember that we are ambassadors of the Kingdom of God and all the things that we carry out should be done in a manner that brings glory to God, even in the face of a mocking hateful world! To jest, even in a 'legitimate' manner can be a risky act in that the way we do it may take away from our ultimate goal and that is to bring God glory. Not that it should not be done, but as with everything it should be tempered by prayer and a sensitivity to that which could possibly grieve the Holy Spirit.
Our job is to cut it straight;

2Tim. 2:15, 16

15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved,2 a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. 16 But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness,

The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (2 Ti 2:15-16). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

We need to all take this to heart. Is what we are doing and saying bringing shame on ourselves, the Gospel and the Kingdom of God? Are our words 'irreverent babble?' We need to be circumspect in the way that we conduct ourselves in the world, we only have one chance here to bring him glory. If others think I am a stick in the mud or not entertaining because of the way that I present the truth in a serious and reverent manner then that is a small price to pay in comparison to grieving the Holy Spirit. I pray that I would never grieve Him, let my words be His and let me decrease that He might increase.

Perhaps off topic, yet right to the heart of it, please read the following article from the Oregonian newspaper. This is very tragic and sad, not to mention another slap in the face to all true Christians. We need to pray that God would be glorified in all of this as well as this young man's soul would be delivered and healing and grace would be given to all the victims of this tragic, sinful crime!

Portland street preacher pleads guilty to sexual abuse of girl
12/7/2007, 2:07 p.m. PST
The Associated Press

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — A preacher often seen on the streets of Portland lecturing about Jesus and sin is going to prison for sexually abusing a 13-year old girl.

The Oregonian newspaper reports that Danny Alan Howe, a 32-year-old Portland street preacher and Pioneer Courthouse Square regular, pleaded guilty to attempted first-degree sexual abuse and attempted second-degree rape in a plea deal. He will spend more than five years in prison.

The deputy district attorney who prosecuted the case said the teenage victim was a daughter of Howe's friend and was entrusted to stay with him.

The victim's father told authorities that the victim has been deeply traumatized by the crimes and has attempted suicide several times.

Howe was indicted on charges in the case in February. But he then disappeared, leaving his wife and two young daughters behind. He was discovered several months later in Arizona. He was extradited to Oregon and booked into jail on $1.5 million bail.

Howe's crimes have been a tragedy for the 13-year-old girl. But it has also been a blow for all those who knew him, said his mother-in-law, Bonnie DeParrie. DeParrie said her daughter was devastated.

The couple had been married for five years, according to court records.

The couple met on the streets as they both spread the word of the gospel.

Howe didn't have a bricks-and-mortar church but conducted Bible studies at the Portland Rescue Mission. On Sundays, he helped cook and serve breakfasts downtown. He was also often seen preaching his ideology, loudly, on the streets — sometimes wearing a sandwich board asking "Can you escape the wrath of God?"

Howe, who remains in jail, could not be reached for comment.

rpavich said...

Steve,
I'm going to have to disagree with you on this for a couple of reasons:

1.) Bullhorn guy was a straw man. The Nooma video portrayed this guy in the worst possible way. (notice the blue lighting effect and the sound effects, all designed to make us see him as a real loser)

2.) The bullwhip guy vid can be summed up in one sentence..."what you are implying; that the gospel must be changed because nobody is "buying what you're selling" is an incorrect way to look at the idea of street preaching ...just look at how our Lord was received"

Yes, he could have just typed that sentence in response to the bullhorn guy. I didn't see the vid as disrespectful to our Lord at all...the person that made the vid was drawing a comparison is all.