Did the man really read and understand the book?

If Mark Driscoll isn’t an emergent leader, then maybe we ought to listen to him . . . When Christ taught about the kingdom, it was always “black and white.” And He was always right.

He takes cheap shots and just shouts louder than his (often unwilling) opponent. He also often says things that are half-truths, even quoting Scripture out of context when it suits his argument.

I didn’t like the Shack that much (and yes, I read it), but not because of some great theological issue. I recognize it’s pure fiction, so I cut the author some slack in that area. It was just a bit cheesy for my taste, though I certainly get why other people like the book so much. I have no problem with that.

However, Mark Driscoll, though he’s often painted as an emergent leader, is nothing of the sort. The guy doesn’t appear to have a discerning bone in his body, so he can’t see the good in anyone or anything unless they are just like him. He’s not gracious and doesn’t seem to have the ability to take the good and leave the bad. It’s always black-and-white (and, of course, he’s always right).

First, let me say that I often times disagree with Mark’s theology, I am not much of a reformer myself.

Second, let me say I attend Mark Driscoll’s church regularly, and am even involved in a community group, and thinking of serving (trying to figure if if God wants me at Mars Hill or another church I go to…every 20 year olds battle).

(awkward, yeah)

I am trying really hard to not just go off and say a bunch of terrible things about MD right now (though that would be easy) because I know how little help that would be (and I know you have all thought them too . Anyways, a few things I was going to say:

1. About the congregation that makes up MH. From the people I have talked to (keep in mind I am in a community group that meets weekly), they pretty much think Mark is the greatest theologian ever. No I am not exaggerating that much (but a little). The thing is, many of the people that attend, come from one of two backgrounds. 1) White, evangelical, (maybe homeschooled), suburbs..you get the picture. I hate to stereotype, but those types (of which I am) often times believe anything they hear if it has the word “Jesus” attached. I hear VERY little challenge to Marks teaching. 2) Unchurched hipsters in the urban Seattle area. I have NO idea why they like MD, but they do. My guess is that MH being their first church experience, the loud rock/worship band draws them in, and they don’t have any other church opinions so they just believe Mark. Obviously not a good thing, but probably better than them believing in Hinduism or any other spirituality here in Seattle (of which there is a lot).

I attend with some friends (now my ex girlfriend, but we still get along), and this is the most troubling thing to me. Every time we go out to dinner after service (we go to an evening service, mostly filled with college kids), and we get to talking about the sermon….I am really the only one even questioning what Mark says. When I ask what people thought, they say something along the lines of “Yeah, sounded good. Mark was right on.” It is usually clear they have no prior opinion to what MD was speaking about that night. (This is where I need to practice humbleness, and not just say “Well Mark was wrong for these three reasons…etc”)

2. It is very hard to tell form watching the video’s online, or the podcasts, and I know this will be VERY hard for some to believe…

Mars Hill is maturing as a Church. Especially in the last two months I feel. Anyone who attends the services can tell a difference, it is starting to become a somewhat grace filled community (this is downtown seattle, some of the snobbiest people ever, behind the french). Even though I theologically disagree much of the time, I am trying to recognize that God really is using this ministry to reach thousands of people. Now of course I wish MD were less harsh, didn’t think of himself as the heretic police, and wouldn’t wear jeans with pre-made holes in them…

If MD would just keep his yapper shut about everyone else being a heretic, I think some even greater things could happen.

3. Wanted to briefly mention…I go to Seattle Pacific University which is just down the road from the main MH campus. Many of the students around here don’t like MH for various reasons. I just wanted to say that there ARE discerning people in Seattle (granted I am at a very socially conscious Christian campus).

Also, since this is such an old blog and I doubt many will read this…I may copy/paste this on the next MD post (you know there will be more).

(yeah, I use parenthesis a lot)

Even the Father puts His word above His Name. For some schmuck to come along and belittle the Godhead, and for the droves to follow him, is a sad reality indeed.

jeff,
Thank you. I fixed the link and hopefully this one will continue to work.

stephen,
I don’t understand your question, but feel free to share your thoughts about that concept.

The comments that I’ve read seem to be picking sides as opposed to trying to find truth.