A brouhaha broke out while I’ve been writing at the beach. Did you hear about Beth Moore’s controversy/conflict? John MacArthur has criticized her for preaching. In fact, he told her to “go home.” Then the men in the audience laughed.
Yes, I know about the Bible verses that talk about women’s roles in the church, but I don’t want to focus on those right now. I’ll leave those to biblical scholars to continue to debate. I think it’s important to consider why one Christian would treat another Christian so callously. Yes, we’re supposed to call our brothers and sisters out when needed, but the chastising is supposed to be done in private, not before throngs of people (Matthew 18:15-17). Another verse, James 4:11, admonishes us not to speak evil against other believers.
I’m thinking Satan is cackling and rubbing his pointy-fingered hands at the strife he’s stirring up inside the kingdom.
To be honest, I’ve never been one of Beth Moore’s followers. I’ve taken only one of her Bible studies. That’s it.
Maybe it’s just me because I’m not a real fan of Henry Blackaby either. A dear friend of mine loves him, knows him and his family personally, and I always feel a tad guilty when she’s raving about him. The church I attended years ago in Pittsburgh studied his Experiencing God class. Maybe I had a bad attitude from the beginning, but I never received much from that study. In fact, I cringe a little thinking about it. Members of my home church, however, swoon whenever Experiencing God is mentioned. Like I said, it’s me.
My go-to Bible study for nineteen years (!) has been Bible Study Fellowship (BSF). While I was meditating about all the controversy this morning, it occurred to me that BSF doesn’t have any superstars. There is no one lowly human for the rest of us to look up to/try to immulate/wish to be best friends with. Just Jesus and His Holy Word.
Jesus already calls me friend. Jesus has the peace that passes all understanding. Jesus is my strength and hope and peace.
I don’t mean that I’ve got it going on because I don’t follow people who write Bible studies. I mean Jesus isn’t going to let me down, make a misstep, reveal clay feet sometime in the future. He is the Holy, Perfect One.
Jesus.
Praise God.
*I deleted a few sentences from the original post because upon reflection I decided the sentences did more harm than good. I apologized for any insensitivity.
Hi Hope! Good read!
I cringe when I hear the “famous” Bible teachers too!!
Thanks for reading and commenting, Mark. My cringing was mostly because I didn’t enjoy a particular Bible study and couldn’t agree with my friend. But that’s just it, Christians don’t have to agree on every point. Healthy debate is good. Tearing down fellow believers isn’t. I appreciate that you stopped by my blog!
HOPE, I agree with you on BSF. It’s been years since I’ve been in class, but it’s Christ centered, not person centered. I’ve enjoy 3 or 4 Beth Moore studies, but I still cone back to – are we studying her take on scripture or true Scripture’s meaning. Thank you!
Thank you, Janetta, for reading and commenting! BSF always wants us to seek the Holy Spirit’s leading while we study, the perfect way to read Scripture!
BSF has been changing in the last few years. I’ve found myself questioning some of the ‘questions’ and have cringed at some of the answets given by fellow group leaders and notes. I’m sad.
Lori, thank you for reading and commenting. I’ve been involved with BSF for over 20 years. I’ve seen many changes: leaders no longer have to wear skirts or dresses. There’s more grace for absences. The children’s program now includes infant and toddler classes, and, yes, the notes and questions have changed. What hasn’t changed since the beginning of BSF is its commitment to teaching sound biblical doctrine. In an age when people want to believe what makes them feel good, when some services are more entertainment than Gospel, where truth slips daily on a sliding scale, BSF stands solidly on the Bible. Keep studying the Bible no matter what!
Well said Ms. Hope. Whether we support the Max Lucado’s, Beth Moore’s, or John MacArthur’s of this world, we should and MUST treat them with the same Christian love we would ask them to. The agape kind of love that overlooks the differences and focuses on the person. Whether in Christ or working towards it, every person (Christian or not) should be treated with respect. I don’t, and probably never will, agree with everyone. God’s word has taught me that it’s better to be silent and deal with an issue in private (small group if needed), then to seek the attention or applause of others. Good on you ma’am. God’s blessings.
Thank you, J.D!
Thanks for your take on this, Hope. I have known Beth for over 20 years and think very highly of her. I’m not a follower but a friend and, full disclosure, a former publicist for two of her books. Whether one likes or does not like her method of teaching Scripture is actually not the point of this controversy; no one needs to study under her teaching if they don’t wish to. What has sickened thousands of us this week is the way she and other female teachers are treated by the very men who should be championing them as fellow defenders of the faith. It’s inexcusable. I have been in the ministry myself for over 40 years alongside my husband, and I can’t think of another Christian who loves and proclaims Jesus more faithfully than Beth Moore. I wince when focus is placed on her hair and clothes as men do not come under that same scrutiny or criticism. Beth is the genuine article in every way – the same woman in private as she is in public. You’re right about Satan delighting in stirring up strife in the Kingdom; when we raise our voices to support others we help to frustrate his purposes. Thanks for your take on this painful situation this week.
Thank you, Maggie, for your insights. You are absolutely right. In a feeble attempt at humor in a situation that frustrates me, I commented on surface things that aren’t important. I apologize for my misstep and am grateful for you to point it out.
It’s been said before but it’s worth repeating:
WWJD? Seriously?
What He call out a woman in public?
Would He use His position of influence to destroy another?
Would He damage a reputation irreparably?
Would He sow discord among the brother in?
Or would He bring dignity and honor two women of his culture, who were discounted and disregarded?
Just sayin’.
Kari
That’s how I see Jesus. Thanks, Kari!
Great point. When it comes down to it, the focus is Jesus.
Thanks, Pamela. That really was my main point–keep our focus on Jesus.