JOHN PIPER JUMPS THE SHARK

Hear ye hear ye, the Calvinista court is now in session to seek out and convict all "witches" (heretics) who would deviate from the path of the one true and living playbook, Five Point Calvinism++++ in all of its glorious, 100%, blessed assurance of theological correctness!!  (Hope you have read our series on the Puritans.)

 

What do we mean by “jump the shark?” In keeping with the spirit, TWW’s policy of offering linguistic remediation to those pastors stuck in the day-to-day rut of boring insult words, we offer the history and meaning of said phrase with the help of Wikipedia.

 

How many of us remember the following episode from “Happy Days”? Probably not the YRR crowd.  Fonzie and his friends visit Los Angeles. "The Fonz", who is wearing swim trunks and his trademark leather jacket, jumps over a confined shark on water skis, answering a challenge to demonstrate his bravery.

 

The expression was popularized in 1985 by John Hein,who would later create the web site jumptheshark.com, which now redirects to TVGuide.com. Hein explained the concept as follows:

"It's a moment. A defining moment when you know that your favorite television program has reached its peak. The instant that you know from now on…it's all downhill. Some call it the climax. We call it 'Jumping the Shark.' From that moment on, the program will simply never be the same.”

 

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jumping_the_shark)

 

TWW has written about the arrogance found within the ranks of the Calvinistas who claim to know the exact meaning of every little word and punctuation mark in the Bible.  That's why they have come up with their own superior translation — the English Standard Version (ESV).  Although their dedication to Scriptural integrity appears commendable on the surface, we can’t help but wonder whether their motives are a bit mixed. In fact, according to one of my pastors, we can state categorically that their motives are mixed since all of us are burdened with an uncanny ability to express our own peculiar worldview.

 

On another occasion, my pastor commented that some of these Calvinista types reduce the Bible to a simplistic algebraic function and cannot accept that there may be several ways to interpret passages. To assuage the fears of the rabid ignorant, we are not talking about the beliefs of Scripture that are well outlined in many congregational statements of faith and in some of the historic creeds. We are instead focusing on toeing the line on secondary and even tertiary issues, which this crowd has elevated to primo importance. We have discussed such issues as age of the earth and eschatology in the past.

 

In our opinion it was inevitable that this restrictive group would turn inward and start devouring one another. Once Calvinistas have eliminated all the rest of us who are not five pointers, they must continue to hone their doctrine in such a way that they begin to eliminate some of the inner crowd.

 

Before you know it, they will have the set speakers (looks like that may have already happened) and loyal attendees (the wannabees) for all future conferences.  No longer will they need to rent convention halls because SGM will likely have facilities large enough to accommodate these gatherings — for a rental fee of course!  And, SGM will do all the conference planning.  According to Josh Harris, "Sovereign Grace Ministries has the privilege of organizing and running the conference."  http://www.covlife.org/blog/category/pastors

 

Plus, when one of these leaders writes a book, all they have to do is mass distribute it to all the small groups in the Calvinista network.  This distribution system will be highly efficient, cutting out the middle man.  Of course, the price of the books will be full retail for this captive market.     

 

The predicted buzz at T4G 2010 involves John Piper, who recently disappointed the Calvinistas with his announcement that he is taking an eight month leave of absence to reexamine his heart.  A few days after his surprising news, Piper once again stunned many Neo-Calvinists by announcing he has invited none other than the arch heretic, Rick Warren, to speak at the next Desiring God Conference.

 

Yes, yes, we know all about the complaints. Warren cavorts with Muslims and Mormons, doesn’t explain the Gospel in depth in The Purpose Driven Life, is not a five pointer, has authoritarian issues (just like his five point friends), doesn’t emphasize sin and repentance, uses various Bible translations, and cherry picks Scripture (and the Calvinistas don’t?)!

 

Yet, at the same time, millions are getting an introduction to Christianity by reading Warren’s book. How many of these lost souls would pick up and read Mahaney’s Living the Cross Centered Life, which promotes a "deficient" Gospel?  Check out our book review of Mahaney's masterpiece:

http://thewartburgwatch.com/2010/02/10/living-the-cross-centered-life-a-%e2%80%9cdeficient-gospel%e2%80%9d/ 

 

Let’s talk about “becoming a Christian”.  I was raised in a non-Christian home and became a believer at the age of 17 during an episode on Star Trek, along with an article in LIFE Magazine called, “The Groovy Christian of Rye, New York". The only thing I knew when I became a Christian was that I am loved by my Creator and that this was made possible through Jesus Christ. I didn't know the depths of my sin; I merely knew that I believed in Jesus. Suddenly, I began to read the Scriptures and FINALLY understood them! As the weeks went by, I became increasingly aware of darkness and sin, and I would pray for forgiveness. As I have matured in the faith, I have become more cognizant of the role of sin in my life as well as of the glorious forgiveness and the new life I have found in Jesus Christ.

 

For many of us, conversion happens without a comprehensive picture of systematic theology. This week I remembered a Swedish friend who became a Christian through reading Hal Lindsey’s The Late, Great Planet Earth, hardly a theologically acceptable treatise. Yet, this man went on to live a remarkable Christian life with a deep understanding of the Bible that he developed over the years. Lindsey’s book was merely the beginning to this man’s life in the Lord.

 

The reformed blogs are all abuzz over Piper’s "indiscretion". A few bloggers are muttering the heresy word, while some are calling for Piper's resignation.  Others are expressing dismay while still supporting Piper. One blog had the audacity to claim it was the women who were making the worst comments, which just goes to show that Calvinistas never waste a minute putting "gullible and easily deceived" women in their place. 

Here's the link. Please read the second paragraph under “The Critics.”

http://teampyro.blogspot.com/2010/04/on-piper-warren-connection.html

 

Both of us learned a very important lesson while pursuing our MBAs. We were admonished to first figure out why a company is successful before focusing on all of its faults. There is a reason why Apple, for example, became profitable. Too many young MBAs have gone into companies believing they know what's wrong and what needs to be fixed. Such arrogance has been the demise of many a surprised young businessman.

 

This post is not meant to be a defense of Rick Warren. TWW has issues with some of his actions. However, we believe Piper, with whom we also have some disagreements, knows exactly what Warren believes and would never share the platform with a man whom he believed to be a “heretic.” In other words, in our MBA programs we would have been told to figure out why Piper's decision is smart before criticizing it. One thing is for certain, John Piper, perhaps more than any other reformed leader, knows his brand of theology and could run circles around the YRR crowd in a theological debate.

 

Perhaps Piper is tiring of the theological hit men who are narrowing the parameters to such an extent that only C.J. Mahaney will be left standing (and that's because everyone is afraid that he will "de-gift" and disqualify them like he did Tomczak). As this Calvinista controversy continues, Deb and I plan to sit back and watch the fireworks. Arrogance is a hallmark of the T4G crowd and that may be the ruination of them all.

 

Semi-digression alert:

TWW was saddened to learn of the passing of Meinhardt Raabe at the age of 94. Don't know who he is?  Raabe uttered one of the more memorable lines in show biz history. As the Munchkin coroner in the movie, The Wizard of Oz, he pronounced the Wicked Witch of the East dead when Dorothy’s farmhouse landed on top of her.  You probably have his line memorized, just as we do.

 "As coroner I must aver, I thoroughly examined her, and she's not only merely dead, she's really most sincerely dead."

 

If the Calvinistas keep up this nonsense, they'll likely be singing these lyrics (sung to the tune of "Ding dong the witch Is dead") when they force John Piper out of their camp due to his unfortunate and ill-advised association:

 

“Ding dong, the Piper’s fled,

Yes he has

He has fled,

Ding dong the heretic has fled…”

 

After reading the opinions of Calvinista bloggers regarding John Piper's newfound association with Rick Warren, maybe they aren't so different from those who accused the "so-called" witches of Salem.  Truly, there is absolutely nothing new under the sun…

Comments

JOHN PIPER JUMPS THE SHARK — 14 Comments

  1. What I have a hard time understanding is why people would want to put themselves under a belief system that insists upon doing their thinking for them, and ultimately, if carried to extremes, strips them of their humanity.

    What is it? Is it fear? Fear of non-acceptance, ostracism (or worse)? What is it in the human psyche that does this to people?

  2. Muff
    I have the same questions. I thin a small part of the answer lies in our wanting to be in absolute control of what it means to be a Christian. If I say and do things in the correct way and CJ and gang agree with me, I must be absolutely correct and am assured of my spot in heaven. For a group that stresses man’s absolute inability to choose God, they seem to be absolutely sure that by doing all of this, God will choose or that this will assuage their fears that they may not be one of the elect. Surely only the elect would be a rabid member of T4G?

  3. “This post is not meant to be a defense of Rick Warren. TWW has issues with some of his actions. However, we believe Piper, with whom we also have some disagreements, knows exactly what Warren believes and would never share the platform with a man whom he believed to be a “heretic.” In other words, in our MBA programs we would have been told to figure out why Piper’s decision is smart before criticizing it. One thing is for certain, John Piper, perhaps more than any other reformed leader, knows his brand of theology and could run circles around the YRR crowd in a theological debate.”

    Wouldn’t your MBA prof also tell you to look at past performance and trends? If we take that into consideration, it is easier to see what Piper is doing. Piper has been a soft shock jock and is getting bolder and bolder. From Christian Hedonism to the Scream of the Damned to Driscoll and now Warren. (and a bunch of silly stuff inbetween.) Piper gets off on pushing the envelope. It is like adrenaline rush to him. (As was his announcement about taking time off to work on his marriage…think about it…why make that public announcment. Why not just take time off?)

    Did you listen to the audio of Piper’s questions to Warren to prove he is orthodox? One of them was about women in ministry! But does Piper not understand that Warren is a doctrine wonk? He is the Bill Clinton of doctrine. He is spouting Spurgeon one day and Finney the next. He believes it all! Actually, he plays to his audience whether it is one or thousands. That is Warren. And folks eat it up.

    Chris Rosenbourgh does the best analysis of this I have seen yet. (except his views on women) And Chris has met and talked with Warren, too. He gets it.

    http://www.fightingforthefaith.com/2010/04/analysis-of-john-pipers-invitation-to-rick-warren.html

  4. By the way, this is the same Piper who believed and defended Mark Driscoll publicly when he said he repented of vulgarity. But was back doing it again (worse) within weeks. As a matter of fact, Driscoll said that every single word out of his mouth when preaching comes from the Holy Spirit…even the vulgarity. And he was back speaking/partnering with Piper. After all, who defines vulgarity?

    THAT is Piper.

  5. Lydia
    Thanks for keeping us honest. I am not getting what is going on with Piper and his temporary “step down.Thoughts?

  6. Lydia
    What is your opinion of Warren? Is he orthodox in terms of the faith? Does he take Scripture seriously?

  7. The problem is that Warren is what you want him to be when he is talking to you or to your ‘group’.

    I have NO idea what his doctrine is because I do not think he knows or thinks it much matters. He is about marketing, felt needs and being liked. gotta run will write more later

  8. I think Piper is being Piper. Are we Christians so Jerry Springer like now that we actually applaud a Christian comp leader for announcing publicly he is taking time off to work on his marriage? I find this tacky and insulting not only to us but his wife. Why isn’t that a private- personal thing? Why can’t he just quietly take unpaid leave saying he wants to rest with his family. Why all the details? To what end? It only brings into question the time spent on travel to preach his fervent brand of gender religion. Not to mention the speaking fees paid to him. Celebrity Christianity. Ick. It is getting worse and worse. And we are becoming more and more desenitized to it.

  9. Lydia,

    Do you think that Warren is a typical product of Southwestern Seminary of that era?

    I can remember several SBC friends who did not want to go to Southern or Southeastern in the early 70s because those seminaries were liberal.

    Southwestern was conservative, but in the typical SBC way back then. The focus was on mission, not theology. What reaches the most people? Debtaing doctrine was not productive because it did not reach people.

    A lot of folks went through the religious ed track at Southwestern in those days. Some of them, like Warren, are still the same.

    Some of them crave deep theological training that they did not get then, and some come to the Reformed camp because it offers a rigorous theological emphasis.

    Interestly, I don’t see many of the Bible Church guys into this currently. They all went to DTS. They got rigorous theology, just of the dispensational stripe. A lot of that dispensationalism has become unpopular, so you don’t hear it too much. But those guys still got a rigorous theological program. Chuck Swindoll is a good model for these guys. Swindoll is an excellent speaker, but is also theologically astute.

    I used to hear comparisons of Southwestern and DTS in those days. The DTS program was 4 years. Many years of biblical languages required – both Hebrew and Greek.

    The Southwestern program was 3 years. Had a non biblical language option.

    The students at DTS were more likely to be a little older and more serious. The Soutwestern student body was younger and comprised of a lot of aspiring youth pastors etc.

    Do you guys have any thoughts about this?

  10. “Do you think that Warren is a typical product of Southwestern Seminary of that era?”

    Warren’s bent is more intune from his time at Fuller with the Church Growth MOvement taught by Peter Wagner (Third Wave). And he is a follower of Peter Drucker and Robert Schuller.

    “I can remember several SBC friends who did not want to go to Southern or Southeastern in the early 70s because those seminaries were liberal.”

    Define liberal and to what extent? As it is defined by these guys would mean NO SCHOLARSHIP on the tertiary issues. You are going to hell if you are an OE or an egal.

    You are either lockstep or are out. You forget that ESS is coming out of Southern. A HUGE horrible heresy they are promoting to defend human authorities in the Body of Christ.

    I was a FULL supporter of the early CR. UNTIL I saw the fall out. You know how it goes…they keep defining liberal until it reaches tertiary issues. I saw a lot of good folks thrown under the bus. Ruined because they DARED to ask questions or disagree on tertiary issues.

    The CR was simply a political movement that used rally cry inerrancy. And that word was used like a club with no scholarship at all. I believe the Word is inerrant. I just do not believe translators are. :o)

    “Some of them crave deep theological training that they did not get then, and some come to the Reformed camp because it offers a rigorous theological emphasis.”

    I agree with this totally. Reformed is a backlash against the Church Growth Movement.

    Problem is, strip away the veneer, peek under the hood and Mohler and Warren are more alike than different. Both love power, influence and love being in control of others. The Nicolatians.

    “Interestly, I don’t see many of the Bible Church guys into this currently. They all went to DTS. They got rigorous theology, just of the dispensational stripe. A lot of that dispensationalism has become unpopular, so you don’t hear it too much. But those guys still got a rigorous theological program. Chuck Swindoll is a good model for these guys. Swindoll is an excellent speaker, but is also theologically astute.”

    And a brilliant businessman. Ever check out the officer salaries from his para church org on charity navigator? This was in addition to his church income, books, speaking engagments, etc.

    “I used to hear comparisons of Southwestern and DTS in those days. The DTS program was 4 years. Many years of biblical languages required – both Hebrew and Greek.”

    I have to admit, I have found many DTS folk more doctrinally astute.

  11. I don’t think Warren can ever be described as “typical.” I am confident that Warren’s tenure at SWBTS did not teach him how to be a megachurch pastor and do what he’s done. If someone were to write a book about Warren, Southwestern Seminary would not rank at the top of his greatest influences list.

    It’s really inaccurate to say that the focus was on missions and not theology. If you look at the distinguished graduates of Southwestern, you’ll see a commitment to applied Christianity. Prior to Paige Patterson, ethics was a huge emphasis at Southwestern thanks to the work of T.B. Maston. Maston taught a watered-down Niehburhian theology to thousands and thousands of students for over four-decades. The focus was on both theology/ethics and evangelism/missions.

    If anything the non-biblical language option signals the importance of theology to the Southwestern curriculum. It’s helpful to know German when studying modern theology, right?

    A good book on this subject is Texas Baptist Leadership and Social Christianity, 1900-1980 by John Storey.

  12. Lydia, thanks for your thoughts on whether and to what extent you think Southwestern influenced Warren. I wasn’t really trying to get into the other SBC seminaries.

    Lydia, your observations about DTS students square with mine. I don’t know if it still holds true, but it did years ago.

    Cliff Mathis, does Southwestern still have a non-language option, or are they requiring more of the biblical languages? Ancient Hebrew and Koine Greek are non-negotiables. German is good for PhD’s, but I put it way down the line for M.Divs, ThDs or ThMs.

  13. Cliff
    You seem to know quite a bit about SBC history. Could you help me with something? I was an SBC member for approximately 9 years (until 2009).I was told that Patterson got rid of the “liberals.” I am all for that it t hat means teaching a watered down Gospel or compromising on issues that one might find in the various creeds and many church “what we believe” statements.

    But, what I seem to have discovered, and correct me if I am wrong, that Patterson did far more than that. He went after conservatives who held do slightly differing views on gender, missionaries who were not baptized “properly” and even fired a female professor who was teaching a language at the seminary. So, did he really just go after “liberals” or did he go after anyone who did not believe as he did on secondary issues that he elevated to primary issues? I am not sure what is going on.

    Finally, on this GCR, what’s the deal? Why do they need a resurgence? I have always focused on the Great Commission in my walk as a Christian.

  14. Lydia

    My current pastor is a DTS graduate. I would agree with you that the most theologically astute teachers that I have been blessed to know have either come out of DTS, Gordon Conwell or Trinity. He has now deviated from a dispensationalist viewpoint and is the best teacher I have ever had the privilege to hear. If you email me, i will give you his site.