Shaun Groves
I bought Donald Miller‘s book A Million Miles In A Thousand Years for my wife recently…at Barnes & Noble – across the street from my local LifeWay store. I think I was too hard on them.
I planned to buy it at LifeWay but when I pulled the book from the shelf I discovered that it – and every book by Donald Miller at the store – comes with a slip of paper tucked inside, a note instructing me to get extra info on Donald from the cashier before making my purchase. So I did. The extra info turned out to be a warning which read, in part:
We want you to know that the authors of books marked Read with Discernment may have espoused thoughts, ideas, or concepts that could be considered inconsistent with historical evangelical theology.
On LifeWay’s website the following further explanation is given:
We at LifeWay Christian Stores are dedicated to providing biblical solutions that spiritually transform individuals and cultures.
One way you can grow spiritually and intellectually is through reading. And whenever you read we encourage you to read with discernment, asking God to reveal His truth to you as you read…
At the time the warning bugged me enough to send me across the street with my money. It shouldn’t have. Now, I like the warning. I like it so much I wish it accompanied every purchase.
Just Say No…I Mean, Yes…I Mean, No
LifeWay warns Miller’s readers to exercise discernment because it believes his books to be inconsistent with historical evangelical theology in some way, yet instead of refusing to sell them, LifeWay chooses to profit from what it alleges to be heresy(ish). That seems a bit like Nancy Regan going into the crack business. “Just say ‘No.’ First one’s free.”
But more odd is how LifeWay is defining “historically evangelical theology.” Actually, I’m not sure how they’re defining it.
What definition both condemns Donald Miller as a heretic but approves the writings of Joyce Meyer and John Hagee?
What History?
It’s historical fact that Christianity was almost entirely led by pacifists for the first three hundred years of its existence. Should LifeWay then carry books written by soldiers, books endorsing America’s wars, books by Oliver North, for instance? I mean, I don’t have a problem with General Colonel North, who knows hundreds of ways to kill any man who has a problem with him, but Tertullian wouldn’t agree with the guy.
It’s historical fact that for most of Christian history individuals did not ask Jesus into their hearts or “accept Jesus.” Should LifeWay carry books and tracts that communicate personal salvation in such non-biblical non-historically Christian terms? Would home churches that existed before Rome’s building projects scratch their heads at books on institutional church administration as well?
Is “historical” Christianity the stuff that happened after Constantine…or after Calvin…or is it after D.L Moody?
And what historical evangelical theology is communicated by paintings of cottages printed on mousepads, and t-shirts that print scripture pulled from context across an American flag, or keychains or romance novels minus the sex?
Save Me From Myself
I was too hard on LifeWay. Or at least hypocritical. Anyone not exercising selective discernment may cast the first stone. Anyone?
Truth is we all do what LifeWay appears to be doing here. I do this.
I read certain books fearfully, prayerfully, critically while others get a pass. I breeze through them with my heart and head wide open and unguarded. This guy is dangerous. That one not so much. Because he thinks like me, I guess.
This assumes I think like God, or that God thinks like me – that I’m not a heretic, that I don’t need God to protect me from myself.
LifeWay’s right: We need a warning alright. And the one they distribute with some books is a pretty good one to start with. Maybe they should stick it in every book. Or, better yet, print that advisory on a massive banner and hang it outside every store:
We want you to know that everything in here might be wrong. Exercise discernment.
I’d like one to hang up at my concerts:
I want you to know that everything I’ll sing and say tonight might be wrong. Exercise discernment.
And one for my church:
We want you to know that everything taught and sung here today might be wrong. Exercise discernment.
And of course one for this blog:
I want you to know that everything I write might be wrong. Exercise discernment.
Everything. Not just Donald Miller. Because, well, is selective discernment inline with historical evangelical theology?
MainlineMom says:
Wow Shaun, I love this post so much it hurts 🙂
So my only concern is where is the line between “Question everything” and “there is no knowable absolute truth”? I believe in using a huge dose of discernment, but I want to keep from sounding like a spineless, “everything is relative” post-modernist.
Shaun Groves says:
Discernment is exercising judgment. It’s necessary for getting at the truth that can be gotten to.
Andy says:
MainlineMom – I think the way to balance questioning and Truth is not to shrink the quality of absolute Truth, but rather the quantity. Many of the things we call absolute need questioning and some of the things that get questioned should be leaned into as absolute! Where the Bible speaks clearly, we should too – with confidence. When the Bible is vague (or even silent), we would honor God with our inquisitive humility.
Pastor David says:
Great job Mainline Mom! There are most certainly absolutes that the Bible teaches and there are most certainly things that we have made absolute that are not. It is a sticky problem to discern the difference but each of us should not give in to the easy place of either extreme. I appreciate Shaun’s point but question the disclaimer on “everything” part.
Scott Hamilton says:
Thank you for venting! I teach at a Christian high school, and so many students just blindly accept all teachings without questions. It’s the ones who question things that are so much fun to teach. It’s called “discussion” for a reason.
cshell says:
In my christian school if you questioned anything you were a rebel and labeled the “wrong crowd”, just sayin.
Scott Hamilton says:
Oh how right you are! Unfortunately too many teachers and administrators in that situation believe that.
Faye says:
That was my Christian school too! And that was a LONG time ago! Funny how little some things change.
Adam Shields says:
Wasn’t that the bookstore that also banned Charlie Peacock’s album “Love Life” because in a song clearly about mariage he dared to have the line “naked and unashamed”. Yeah, I wouldn’t worry about their opinion of proper theology of pretty much anything. (And I used to work for the Southern Baptists.)
Diane says:
Wow. They didn’t like ‘Kiss Me Like a Woman’? Seriously, dude, I wasn’t married when that album came out, but that song help reaffirm what I wanted & hoped for when I did become a wife. Actually, there are many reasons why Charlie rocks, this was just one of them.
And I’m pretty sure they would’ve hated the line in Monkeys at the Zoo, “should I be content with my beautiful Christian life” as well.
Jeff Holton says:
Yes. I read an interview years ago with Peacock in which he kinda shook his head at that one, but stood by the song, of course.
Heidi says:
Wow. Just…wow.
I’m pretty sure would should read everything, except for the Bible, with caution. Because none of us are God, and all of us can be wrong.
I, for one, LOVE reading Donald Miller, because I see his writing as a look at someone who trying to live in the world as an authentic, always-growing Christian. Does that mean everything he says is Christ-inspired? Of course not. But does it mean everything he says is a part of his process of trying to be more like Jesus? Yep, I think so.
Jennifer Pelletier says:
I think we must often use discernment with the Bible, too. Not because we can’t trust it as absolute truth, but because we can sometimes read it with the bias of things we’ve been taught, right or wrong, rather than delving into what it really says and how God speaks to each of us through it. I know that I can do that at times- read it the way others have interpreted it rather than with an open heart that God could make aware of the real context or point that He wants me to see. Then again, sometimes we read what we want to read and make it fit our lives to excuse ourselves, I think, too.
Being open and honest and willing to be convicted at times and uplifted at others while reading the Bible is a form of discernment as well.
😀
Joe Bradford says:
Great article. Loved it.
Amy Savage says:
Can’t tell you how much I love this post. Isn’t it scary how frequently we Christians think we have it all right? I think you hit the nail on the head when you said:
“I read certain books fearfully, prayerfully, critically while others get a pass. I breeze through them with my heart and head wide open and unguarded. This guy is dangerous. That one not so much. Because he thinks like me, I guess.”
We tend to welcome everything and everyone that represents well what we think and believe. The rub comes when WE’RE WRONG. And let’s face it, we’re wrong more often than we even know. Thanks for challenging us today. I’m off to go put an advisory on my blog. 🙂
Kelli says:
I really love reading your blog. You present such clear, concise points while still giving us room to formulate our own thoughts and opinions. This was great! Thanks for sharing.
JessicaBowman says:
!!!!!!! Oh. My. Goodness. That is just too good.
I picked up that book several months back. But it was from that heathen Books A Million, so I didn’t get spiritually heckled.
You know, you’ll probably get the same Lifeway discernment treatment if you ever write that book of yours. 😉 And I will march right back into that pagan Books A Million.
Faye says:
Haha! “Spiritually heckled”
Love that line!
Joe Bradford says:
Re: mainline: “Where is the line between “Question everything” and “there is no knowable absolute truth”?
My humble reply, is: “The logos of God is living and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing as far as division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intents of the heart.”
That should be enough for any of us. Problem is we are so addicted to the knowledge of good and evil that god’s word and spirit are not sufficient until Calvin or Graham or Benedict imprints our team logo on it.
Let’s be bold and believe. 😀
MainlineMom says:
Really great reply.
My question wasn’t really intended to imply that questioning is wrong, only that I wrestle with these ideas personally. My sister and I have this kind of discussion going, which I think is leading to a blog post from me, but I’m afraid it will upset her. She feels strongly that it’s better to have strong convictions on things that never waver, while I constantly question what’s right or wrong and according to her “am heavily influenced by other people.” I am eyes and ears wide open, but hopefully not unguarded.
Scott Hamilton says:
Very nice. That is me too.
FzxGkJssFrk says:
Heh. Your point about Miller relative to other “no discernment necessary” authors is very well taken.
CheesecakeJones says:
LifeWay has the right not to sell a book because it doesn’t meet their theological criteria. It does seem dirty for them to stick a note on something and say “We don’t agree with this, but we’ll still take your money if you still want to buy it.”
I wonder if this is something that the publisher and author have to opt into? Maybe LifeWay said “We refuse to sell your book unless you let us attach a theological disclaimer.” I think it would be hard for an author or struggling publisher to close themselves out of one of their biggest markets because of something like this.
Shaun Groves says:
Every right in the world. Agreed.
I don’t think this is a publisher opt-in thing, but I’m getting that from a conversation with a cashier. Surely someone reading works for a publisher and could enlighten us. ; )
CheesecakeJones says:
I think that if I were an author or represented a publisher and LifeWay was doing this to one of my books with out my consent, I’d be pretty furious. I’m sure to many shoppers a note like this might persuade them to just not buy the book.
I mean, this is basically Wal-Mart putting a sticker on a pint of Ben and Jerry’s saying “This stuff will make you fat… Why not try the Skinny Cow instead?”
Brian says:
I liked this post Shaun! I agree. I imagine this is a new thing for them…I wonder if it is localized to just that Lifeway or all of them are doing it now? I wonder if this is in response to something else, now everything thats not written by certain approved authors is getting this treatment or what. I wonder what the guidelines are. Hmm….Interesting.
Shaun Groves says:
It’s not a new policy. It’s going on at least since The Shack and Velvet Elvis were released. What is that, a couple years?
Amy @ My Friend Amy says:
Well even though it rubs me the wrong way to label some books in this way and to sell them b/c of the profit, I’m glad they do still sell them and make them available for people who might not be able to to just go to Barnes & Noble.
No person interacts with a book in the exact same way. I’m not sure why we (as humans) feel the need to worry about how others will react to something. Oh the constant fear makes me tired!
Incidentally, I just read a blog post today on how Mohler has fundamentalized evangelical Christianity.
cshell says:
Is this just like the Gospel Music Channel doing articles and specials on Beyonce?
Sarah says:
yesssssssssss! Shaun! Thank you for speaking up about this! ALWAYS exercise discernment! Always! I hate seeing anyone put all their trust in a human – whether it’s Donald Miller, Joel Osteen, or anyone in between.
“Test everything. Hold onto the good.”
(1 Thess 5:21)
Jonathan says:
A good reminder, thanks.
In several of his talks, N. T. Wright says, “About 25% of what I am telling you today is wrong. Trouble is, I don’t know which 25% it is.”
It’s also good to remember that the goal of “testing everything” isn’t so much to attack the incorrect or evil, but to “hold on to the good”.
Chad says:
Great post! I’m so glad that Jesus doesn’t bid us to turn off our brains when He bids us to come and die.
Ally C says:
Great thoughts, Shaun. i was in a Christian bookstore earlier this afternoon and had this thought– why do they still carry Amy Grant and Ray Boltz, but not Jennifer Knapp? Who are we to judge who is and isn’t truly “Christian”? Such hypocrisy (and other frustrations) make me wonder why i even try to stick with Christianity…
Rick Orrell says:
I stick with christianity because, in spite of the rampant ‘hypocrisy’, the template I should be patterning my life after has never waivered, changed or waffled. 🙂 Don’t let the shortcomings of others cause your faith to waiver!
Shaun Groves says:
Abraham believed GOD and it was credited to him as righteousness (Romans 4).
Believing in anybody else or anything else is of no credit at all.
Ally C says:
Hmmm… you both make a good point. Thanks for the reminder that it’s still all about God. And perhaps i shouldn’t be so hard on the Church; to quote Augustine, “The Church is a whore, but she is my mother.”
J. M. Richards says:
I go through periods like that perpetually (having grown up in the church). It was authors like Donald Miller who helped me see that it was okay to follow Jesus and not look like the mainstream Christians I had become disillusioned with. It helped me to know I wasn’t alone.
My faith in God is rarely in question, but my faith in the church, especially the American church, has crumbled significantly. Thankfully, we can know we are ultimately part of something bigger and better: the Kingdom of God, which is not limited to a denomination, time period, or culture.
Kate Etue says:
I don’t frequently shop at Lifeway, but it seems that perhaps translating the message on the paper you found in the book as Lifeway saying Miller is a heretic is a bit of an exaggeration. My guess is that it’s most likely a business decision resulting from too many complaints from customers who are offended by Miller’s more progressive thoughts. Lifeway might actually be more open-minded than you think by carrying Miller’s books despite customer complaints.
That said, I agree that we should read everything with discernment and it’s sad that it’s apparently necessary to tell people that.
Shaun Groves says:
I hesitated to use that word, Kate, so maybe you’re right. I talked it over with my wife and then I looked it up in a few dictionaries. A heretic seems to be consistently defined as someone who is departing from the norm of the established faith, from what is historically true. Of course “historically” true, as we’ve seen, is a bit of a hard thing to determine when it comes to Christianity.
But, as defined by LifeWay, Miller isn’t historically orthodox. Thus, by their standard, I labeled him a heretic.
And, yes, I think it’s possible the warning is a business decision. A bookstore chain – not LifeWay – once decided not to carry a CD of mine because the store had a no-return policy on music and thought one line in one song might cause some people to return the disc. Same might be going on here. LifeWay might be covering themselves against returns by warning people they might be offended in advance. That’s sure possible.
Lindsay says:
“Faith that does not doubt is dead faith.”
Accepting everything you are taught or told does not make you faithful or a better Christian…….. it makes you stale. Doubt brings questions, which -if you let them- will lead to truth.
Pamm says:
Accepting everything you’re taught or told doesn’t just make one stale, it often makes you wrong! People who don’t listen with discernment and never question what their hired holy person teaches or says often miss what the Holy Spirit wants them to know!
dubdynomite says:
Well, I think you’ve destroyed any chance of the above-named retail store carrying any book you publish…
Discernment is something we all need to exercise. But I think some view discernment as a practice of filtering everything through their own worldview. That really does nothing for learning or growth, it just helps to protect our set of beliefs.
To me, discernment is a spiritual thing; not as much something we do, as it is something that God does in us.
Diane says:
“Discernment is something we all need to exercise. But I think some view discernment as a practice of filtering everything through their own worldview. That really does nothing for learning or growth, it just helps to protect our set of beliefs.”
Totally agree with that. I do think we can stray perilously close to political correctness as Christians, making areas grey when they shouldn’t really be. There is a huge difference between discernment and permissiveness, and we have to be so careful that we don’t adopt the lesser and call it the better way.
Our filters have to be God-filters. In that way everyone, from the most conservative to the most liberal ‘thinker’ should and would be challenged daily.
On the other hand, so often we approach things with a protectionist viewpoint, but that robs others of the ability to discern. In doing so, it neuters Christ living through people, and makes churches full of co-dependency.
Do we believe we have Christ in us or not? If we do, then He will lead us to discern. And if we don’t read our bibles, we’re pretty much on a hiding to nothing – discerning what is correct becomes a blindfold hide and seek. But what is most powerful, most exacting is when we allow God’s word & the revelation of the Holy Spirit to do the work.
We complicate things beyond the level they should be. If just would we let God do His thing through us…
Lisa Smith @stretchmarkmama says:
Full of win!
euphrony says:
Shaun, Banned Book Week was last week, not this week, so you’re a little late in posting this. But I do love your take on Nancy Reagan “Just say ‘No.’ First one’s free.” Classic.
No, as you say, this is a most common problem – I can trust so-and-so’s teaching because, well, because I can; but nothing that guy from the other side of the theological tracks writes is worth the paper its printed on.
I hesitate to ascribe purely financial motives to their decision to sell the book, albeit with a caveat. The cynical me certainly wants to make it a pure profit motive, but God’s taught me to extend grace and hope for better. To be fair, decrying perceived heresy is a well-established Christian heritage. Legend has it that jolly old Saint Nick slugged a guy at the council of Nicaea for just such a reason. And heresy is a thing to take seriously, of course, but not without examination of our own prejudices. Thoughts echoed by the comments above.
It my memory serves me, it seems that you had your own prior run-in with Lifeway over a similar issue with your third album. Not that I’m suggesting vendetta in this blog post; far from it, as I couldn’t imagine you actually going in the store if you held hard feelings. I’m just pointing out a history of their actions.
[Shaun here, butting in to fact correct: Actually, my “run in” was with another store chain. LifeWay’s always been nice to me. Very.]
euphrony says:
Thanks for the correction, Shaun. Wouldn’t want to propagate something false.
rhonda says:
oh amen. and amen. that is all
Shannon says:
Love this post, Shaun.
I’m curious if Lifeway posts this warning on other books as well. I can’t think of a concrete example, but I know I’ve seen books there that make me raise my eyebrows as to their theological solidity (i.e., some of the “if-you-have-enough-faith-things-will-go-fine-for-you” ilk?) I understand their intentions, but it begs the question–do I really want to have my theology screened by a bookstore? Don’t get me wrong–I DO want theological input from people smarter than me. But don’t I want that screening to come from the Church (capital C)?
Interesting questions raised, Shaun. As always.
Shaun Groves says:
Shannon, my understanding is that everything by Rob Bell, Brian McClaren, and Donald Miller have written, plus The Shack carries this warning…according to the cashier on duty at the time.
Shaun Groves says:
A couple folks here and over on Facebook seem to be saying that we should exercise discernment (aka judgment) when consuming any information except the bible. And that any theology we back up with the bible is not in need of discernment either.
But, whoa! Slavery was backed up by the bible. So was David Koresh. Hitler quoted the thing too.
Yesterday I read about infanticide carried about by God’s nation in 1 Samuel in a war against a pagan nation. What are the implications for me and my enemies? Is there any parallel to America’s war on Muslim terrorists? And on and on… DISCERNMENT is needed.
Maybe especially when it comes to the bible.
JessicaBowman says:
Are you trying to get a standing ovation out of me?
Cause I just might do it!
Pamm says:
Already standing and clapping and “woo-hoo”-ing over here in the Great State of Texas . . .
Melissa says:
Amen! Paul encouraged his readers to test EVERYTHING with the truth of God’s Word..anytime I read the Bible I ask God to reveal to me what He wants me to understand, not what I want to hear.
Discernment is essential!
Darren Tyler says:
Acts 17:Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.
We don’t necessarily need a banner, insert or helpful and earnest cashier to tell us.. the Bible already encourages this. (i think they sell Bibles too)
Derek says:
I really liked this post. this was a great reminder of the importance of discernment. It can be difficult to be careful about what other people say, and what you hear of God, but It’s even harder and more difficult to test your own theology.
Kandi says:
AWESOME post!
Shaun Groves says:
A friend affiliated with LifeWay e-mailed me a comment (the coward!) and said his/her belief is that LifeWay’s policy has more to do with ideology than theology. Interesting take.
Would love to hear from someone at LifeWay on all this. Any takers? I know you’re out there.
Jason Rust says:
I kind of like those warnings. Maybe I am just dumb, but I might see a book and think…”oh that is pretty…me want to read”. So….now everything I read, I try to look for book reviews and see what others say. Sometimes I get mad and think that people are just being theological snobs, but most of the time I realize that there is good critical discernment going on. I don’t know what the answer is in this situation. I don’t like not putting the book in the store. Maybe they just need some kind of review for every book? That probably isn’t possible either. Maybe if they feel that strongly to put a warning, they should have some kind of written review on the book?
It does seem weird that warnings aren’t on the others listed.
I like this review between Kevin D. Young and David Platt. Kevin was fairly critical of Platt. At first I was ticked and annoyed…”NOBODY PICKS ON PLATT I SAY, NOBODY”….but then I realized that Kevin made good points, Platt was allowed to respond and then I was left to make a decision.
I was proud of the way they handled it.
So maybe that is the way to go, put the warning in, back it up, let the author respond.
http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/kevindeyoung/2010/05/25/getting-to-the-root-of-radical/
Kris at home says:
But who gets to do the reviewing and from what background/viewpoint? I see that as the problem – we should each be able to use our discernment that God gives us without running it through someone else’s idea of of “theology”. I say how dare a bookstore attach a warning on a book that they have agreed to sell. It sounds all too much like censoring to me.
Robin says:
Wow…Donald Miller a heretic? Joel Osteen gets a pass…
I’ll sign up to be a heretic under these circumstances. Jeez.
jen says:
Ack – don’t have time to read all the comments, but is “selective discernment” (especially when one is told by a bookstore or any other public entity) discernment at all?
(perhaps you’ve already covered that above)
Janet Oberholtzer says:
Wise, wise post Shawn … thanks!
I am so grateful for the www … because sometimes I feel alone in my thinking and it’s great to see others that get annoyed at things like this also.
Janet Oberholtzer says:
my bad … Shaun, not Shawn … I have a family member named Shawn, so I tend to default to that, I’m sorry.
Bob says:
What a great post, Shaun! Well said!!!
Laura @ Texas in Africa says:
A tiny bit of context: those slips of paper have more to do with the SBC’s fight over what constitutes “historical evangelical theology” than anything else. And Lifeway (formerly known as Baptist Bookstores) has always operated in the tension between needing to earn money and the messiness of Baptist theology.
Shaun Groves says:
Agreed. Thanks for reminding me of that larger political denominational context, Laura.
Tj says:
I think I am a bit of a snob. I read the post and heard a loud “Amen” burst forth within. I read the comments and all the “atta boy Shauns” and wholeheartedly agreed. Then I thought of how thankful I now live outside the whole modernized Christian thing, with t-shirts, bumper stickers and all the other assorted paraphanalia of the most recent rendition of westernized Christianity.
Like I said, I am a snob, for thinking, “I am right and they are wrong”, isn’t much different, is it?
Discernment and humility are good things. And I certainly need more of both.
Shaun Groves says:
Amen.
suzie stogner says:
well just read olivias book, and don’t worry about any of that stuff.
http://www.theunfaidingbook.com , it s here !!!
no warning , no disclaimer , its even ok for baptist to read.
suzie stogner says:
and for people who cant spell their sisters book
http://www.theunfadingbook.com
peace!
Inside Man says:
I’ll speak up. But quietly. So I can still have plausible denial if it comes back around.
LifeWay likes this book and wants to carry it. They do not believe it is against the Southern Baptist standards of belief. But there is a very loud sub-set of Baptists that do. So, this is their way of saying, “Look, some people say this author isn’t ‘right’, but we think he’s fine. So please don’t complain.”
It’s really a catch 22. Without the label, the book can’t be sold because it will garner too many “historically un-Christian” complaints.
But, with the label, you get long inquisitive (and sometimes even damning) blog posts and rants. I must admit though, this is one of the most reasonably stated posts on the topic that I’ve read.
LifeWay wants to help people by providing all kinds of Biblical solutions. And yes, that is even the intent of cottage laden mouse pads. But sometimes gets trapped in Southern Baptist politics. It is still overseen by that illustrious body of SBC trustees.
ps – You can drop the money argument quickly. LifeWay doesn’t carry Joyce Meyer or Joel Osteen books. If it was about money, they’re the biggest money makers in the CBA.
Shaun Groves says:
Thanks for that inside response, sir. I’m definitely empathetic to the spot LifeWay’s in: between a rock and a hard place.
(Also, Joyce Meyer has been sold at my LifeWay store.)
Inside Man says:
If so, then that’s an over sight where a special ordered book–one that a customer didn’t find on the shelf so it had to be ordered from the distributor–didn’t get picked up and then put out on the shelf instead of getting returned.
It happens from time to time.
Her books are not part of the LifeWay assortment because of her Word of Faith theology.
Rand Jenkins says:
Too hard? I don’t think so. Sadly, LifeWay stores aren’t even in my consideration set. However, I’m really glad you wrote this post and that they didn’t actually burn the other authors’ books.
I too may begin with disclaimers:
“I’m a Christ follower but don’t always act accordingly. Exercise discernment.”
Jennifer Pelletier says:
I think I’ll make a t-shirt that says that! I LOVE that line!
Rand Jenkins says:
Jennifer, please do make a shirt. I may buy one… Or, I could get one done myself. After re-reading it, it does seem to fit a t-shirt.
Andy says:
I think we’ve lost complete perspective, as a Christian community, about the faith we put in ANY leader / author / speaker. I once had a guy mad at me because I quoted Bill Hybels in a message. When I asked him to clarify, he said that my quoting Bill Hybels meant that I endorsed everything he’s ever said / done. He said that Bill Hybels supports Robert Schuller – in that same sort of once-for-all way, I suppose – and therefore, I, by my quote of Bill Hybels, am endorsing the life and ministry of Robert Schuller.
I asked if he understood that meant the only reliable leader we have is Jesus… and all we know about him came from biographies that four flawed men wrote…
Life without active discernment sort of takes you to bizarre places! No one is “safe” … except maybe Becky!
jeffrey says:
Skipping all of the important issues I have one question: which line from which song got your cd banned?
Sara says:
Ahh, yes! Inquiring minds want to know!
Jeff Holton says:
Wow. He’s really hesitant to share. 🙂
eddie broussard says:
Wasn’t Jesus a heretic?
Kellie says:
🙂
[email protected] says:
Shaun, I love this post!
I echo so many thoughts listed in the comments. Perhaps the biggest take-away for me is a reminder that I’ll probably never really, for-real, really know much of anything. There are godly, wise people on opposing sides of just about everything, and for me to draw a concrete line in the sand about most things other than His crazy-love and my crazy-need, well, perhaps that proves my own arrogance more than anything else.
Amy Courts says:
Beautifully put, Shaun. Maybe the most effective and generous thing any of us with a “voice” (and we all have a voice in various spheres of influence, right?) can do is tell those who listen, “I may well be wrong. Don’t take my word for it.”
And it reminds me further of another quote I just recently found (forget who by), “Discernment is not knowing right from wrong. It’s knowing right from almost right.”
Anyway, the idea of putting a disclaimer in certain books is at first incredibly offensive to me. But in the end, they/we should ALL have them.
Again, beautifully put.
Kim says:
What you say is so spot on with what we should do as Christian readers and as Christian writers as well. None of us knows absolute truth beyond one specific point and that is that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life and no one comes to the Father but through him. All the rest has been argued about for centuries and is likely to be for many to come.
Megan says:
Seriously well said. Are you familiar with http://www.ransomfellowship.org? You would probably appreciate the ministry of the Haacks.
Scott Baker says:
So I trust that anything with dispensationalist theology in it carries the warning as well since it has no basis in historical Christianity. No? Innnnteresting. Very interesting.
What has to be repeated, ad nauseum until it truly sinks in, is that Lifeway is not a Christian bookstore. There is no such thing as a Christian bookstore. A bookstore cannot be Christian. Only a person can be said to be Christian. Lifeway is a Southern Baptist establishment business. As such, they cover the entire theological gamut from A to B. They represent only the very narrowest of thought that may be said to be related to Christianity. So this warning business, though pathetic, cannot come as a surprise.
Greg Garrett says:
Shaun, thanks for calling this to our attention. As someone who’s always worried whether Christian bookstores will sell my work, it’s actually nice to hear about the compromises they’re making to try and sell what CBA sources call “edgy” fiction, theology, and memoir. Since I know some Christians will not buy outside a “Christian bookstore,” their refusal to do so would be awful for Don—or for me–since a whole segment of the market would be taken off the table. And that would suck, especially it it’s a group of people that might discover some challenging but beautiful truths about God by reading our work with discernment. So thanks, Lifeway! I disagree with your warning label, but I celebrate your willingness to challenge your customers.
Shaun Groves says:
For the record, views expressed in the comments (and in posts linking to my site) might be wrong. Exercise discernment.
Jan Owen says:
Shaun, last fall Lifeway refused to display a Charisma magazine that had several female pastors on the cover – but they did not pull the magazine, they just carried it under the counter, like porn. If you knew it was there you could still get it. I wonder if they wrapped it up in brown paper before you left?
I emailed them with a complaint saying that I respected their opinion as being THEIRS – but couldn’t understand why they didn’t just refuse to make money off it if they thought it was so evil.
I no longer shop at Lifeway because this felt like such a lack of integrity to me. (besides the fact that I felt it was disrespectful to the female Baptist ministers that have spent tons of money at their store – I am one of them!)
I agree to read with discernment. But if they don’t think those books are theologically sound and deserve a warning I guess I just don’t think they should carry them.
JamesW says:
Nobody has brought up politics here, but I think that might have something to do with it. Miller sounds an awful like a Democrat, as does McLaren and Bell. And although I’m a strong conservative myself, I am saddened by the way so many of my evangelical brethren have decided that political liberalism is in direct conflict with “historically accurate” theology.
(For the record, I think McLaren is a borderline heretic. but either carry him or don’t carry him, Lifeway. Don’t take the profits and issue this ridiculous label/disclaimer.)
Jason says:
Great post, Shaun. When I was in Christian radio we used to have to deal with people all the time upset that a song we played “wasn’t Christian enough” or “not Christian at all.” I know a few times I’ve been at stations where the program director had to pull a song because the GM or owner or “board overseer” had someone in their Sunday School class complain about the song.
LifeWay’s a business. They need to make money. If they alienate a chuck of regular customers, it hurts. I think the insert is simply silly but I can see why they do it.
Marsha says:
It does bother me that Christians can be judgemental about songs that are played on Christian radio. My mother and I have had disagreement about whether I should publish some stuff that happens to talk about more than just Christian themes.
Doug Hibbard says:
I’ve been in this discussion, and it’s basically a matter of some people holding to the idea that any book you pick up from Lifeway should be down the line, just right Southern Baptist. Back when they were Baptist Bookstores, that was closer to true.
Anyway, as they have expanded, there’s been a constant push-and-pull between what’s new and edgy or what’s safe and stable, and Lifeway has, occasionally, had to make decisions to keep certain parts of the SBC happy. Keep in mind, the entire Lifeway Board of Directors gets elected by the Southern Baptist Convention, the SBC is the only shareholder of the operation. So, just like any business, you have to keep the shareholders happy.
Problem is, there are a good number of vocal (probably small minority of people, but vocal) who don’t like Don Miller, The Shack, or anything that leans towards emergent or outside of a certain boundary. So, Lifeway had to be seen as doing something about it. They started with putting “Read with Discernment” stickers on the books, but apparently changed to this plan. It allows them to sell the books, but not have the “Lifeway sold, so it must be perfect” responses, and all the bickering about it.
It keeps the books present in Lifeway, though, so I guess here’s the question: is it better that the book is there, labeled “Read with discernment” or should it not be there at all? Realize that, especially down here in way-right-wing land, people don’t buy “Christian” books from B&N, because there’s no way that “secular” corporation knows Christianity. (Yes, someone once cornered me, as a pastor, about the Chronicles of Narnia and the fact that B&N was selling it as Christian! It’s about a witch! ACK!) However, these same people will hear “historic orthodox” and get bored, buy the book, and give it to their teenager, young person, or even read it themselves. So, if that’s good, then the “Read with discernment” is better than the alternative for Lifeway, which is to not carry these books at all.
Really, that’s the option being given your local Lifeway store by their board of directors, just like B&N’s board tells them to make a profit, Lifeway’s has rules too. Profits are part of them.
And yes, everything should be considered with discernment. I’d slide a little and say that Scripture should be read guided by the illumination of the Holy Spirit, and everything else with discernment based on the Scripture, but for what you’re saying here, it’s really the same thing: make sure you’re not doing stupid things with the brain and ability God gave you.
Sorry, long statement. Just wanted to give the far side of the picture. I know it’s annoying and sounds near to censorship, but it allows the store to carry the book and keep their board happy.
We’ll avoid the argument about keeping the SBC happy. I’m not sure it’s possible.
Doug
JamesW says:
Doug, I find your conclusion puzzling. Your response boils down to “it’s not Lifeway, it’s the board of Lifeway.” Isn’t that the same thing?
Deborah says:
Thanks for the thought provoking post. I was just thinking something similar last week after I posted on Facebook that some guys from a church are meeting at their local pub for a beer and bible study. I could almost hear the gasps when I commented that I thought it was a cool idea It was 50/50 for and against, but as I read each comment I began to ask myself who decides if this is right or wrong. Just as Lifeway most likely justified putting a disclaimer in the book because they felt they had scriptural grounds, so we justify many of our actions by finding scripture to back up our way of thinking.
I love that God gives us the freedom to make these decisions on our own and grateful for the Holy Spirit who gives each of us the discernment to know what books may or may not be consistent with historical evangelical theology.
Michelle says:
Well, i must confess to not even knowing about Donald Miller. (No tomatoes, please) I haven’t been reading much of anything new besides home school material!Lol And even though I am Southern Baptist, we don’t have a store in our area so I’ve not seen the slips you are talking about. It seems rather strange to me though. Beyond labeling things for age appropriateness, I am not sure why they need to do this.
Your take on this made me laugh. You have a funny sense of humor, but I think it is rather sad. I think it gives the message that we can’t think or judge the books for ourselves. i don’t care what author it is, I use discernment because I refuse to accept that any fallible human being is going to 100 percent correct on everything.
Kellie says:
Hey Michelle. You can “read” Donald Miller’s stuff by just taking in his blog for now at http://www.donaldmilleris.com (no tomatoes, I promise)
Kellie says:
Of course, I put that web address in wrong. It’s
http://www.donmilleris.com
That just goes to show you once you have something bookmarked it immediately leaves your head to fit something else in.
Karen says:
Such a terrific message. I love this post. And boy how I wish somebody would hang a sign from the pulpits of America. They could start with Creflo Dollar and Joel Osteen.
Brandi says:
this post is TOO GOOD. it’s actually almost comical to me that an organization such as Lifeway could be so absolutely ridiculously off base.
I’m not as nice as you. Amazon is cheaper anyway. 🙂
Steve says:
Thanks for the tip. So now I want to head over to lifeway, go through all the Donald Miller books, remove the slips and put them in the Albert Mohler books.
Zack says:
wow!
Ranae says:
I can’t officially say I support this idea but it made me laugh. The whole idea of the waning labels does make me think of how Mohler has “revolutionized” the SBC. With that thought, I’m sort of thankfull Lifeway is still selling Miller’s books. And, of course, any book I find with a warning lable makes me want to go to my library, get it, read it and think.
Lindsay says:
LOL!
Sarah says:
I think that, in general, books are an amazing way to hear peoples’ experiences and ideas to enrich a relationship with God, but the bible always does need to be number one. I love Donald Miller’s books, but people distort the truth. That’s what we do.
“Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.” – Acts 17:11
I think it is great that they put that slip of paper in the book. Why it did not apply to all books, however, is strange.
For anyone relying on Donald Miller to show them the truth.. that’s wrong. But if Donald Miller helps you GET to the truth, which is the bible, and yes can be different from what Miller has to say, then amen.
Traynor says:
I think you’re being too hard on LifeWay. I used to work at one of their stores and, while there’s no love lost between us, the issue is more nuanced than you’re making it out here. For one thing—at least when I worked there four years ago—we didn’t carry Joyce Meyer or John Hagee. We did carry all of Donald Miller’s books.
You have to realize that LifeWay is owned by the Southern Baptist Convention and thus is accountable to a conservative constituency. I don’t think it’s fair to say they only sell Don’s books to make a profit. (They are, technically a non-profit, even though I know that sounds ridiculous.)
Also, the word “evangelical” in “historical evangelical theology” should clarify for you that they’re referring to a particular kind of theology that really has roots in C18 England, not the early church. That’s the tradition that they (and again, many of their constituents) align themselves with, plain and simple. Theological history is a continuous narrative; there should be no problem with aligning oneself with part of that narrative and keeping those who are similarly aligned abreast of where particular books do or don’t fit in, too. One might even argue that they’re providing a service to those customers who might otherwise be bothered by “unorthodox” content.
All that to say, I think your overall point of reading with discernment is spot on. I just don’t think it’s fair to use LifeWay as a punching bag of narrow-mindedness on this issue.
Shaun Groves says:
Oh, man, I sure didn’t want to appear to be beating up on Lifeway. If I were half the writer Donald is then maybe I could have made my point a bit more clearly…and briefly ; )
I admit (twice actually) to being too hard on Lifeway. I’m not condoning my criticism of their policy; I’m confessing it. And then I’m turning the wagging finger back at myself.
Sorry that wasn’t clearer, Traynor. Me write pretty some day.
JaneJane says:
@Traynor: I live in Portland, OR and we have very few souther baptists here. Very few. But we have their store. I find the argument that they are accountable to their board and their conservative denominationt to be a weak one. Sure, that would be fine if they mainly sold and marketed to their own constituents. But they don’t. They’re in Portland and presumably want to make a profit here. And to do that, they need way more than just southern baptists to frequent their store.
Reading this blog post and the comments of many of the “insiders” of the organization, makes me realize more than ever that they don’t want ME as a customer. Not really.
So, I’ll buy my Christian books from amazon.com or Powell’s (huge, wonderful local bookstore in Portland). Because the more christian books I buy from those “secular” bookstores, the more they’ll realize that their Christian audience matters.
Lifeway? Keep your southern baptists happy. You never really cared about this non-conservative, non-baptist anyway….
Robin Lawrimore says:
Amen! Great post! I learned to read everything with discernment when reading an author I would normally “believe every word from” and found something glaringly wrong. I prayed about it and felt the Lord say “Take from it what I show you and leave the rest.”
Unfortunately, Lifeway has chosen for it’s readers for years, and not only based on content, but also on who or what the author is associated with that they feel may not be OK. I was personally told this by the cashier when I couldn’t find a book on prayer that was totally scripture prayers. They consider it their responsibility to their customers.
Read everything written with discernment because none of us have the whole picture. And for the record, it’s my opinion that A Million Miles in A Thousand Years is the book Miller was born to write. It has challenged me to live a good Kingdom of Heaven story and lined up with things the Lord was already speaking to me.
So thank you Shaun, and thank you Don Miller.
Marsha says:
Explain what is meant by Kingdom of Heaven.
Kellie says:
Amazing… I do hope they don’t also sell Glenn Beck’s book in there… (shhhh, I hear he’s a Mormon…)
Oh goodness, I would hope we would read anything with discernment. All this stuff is written by humans anyway. I do believe God influences the writing. But we really do have to work hand in hand with God when we’re reading anything to see what His goal is in it. What is He calling us to do with the message.
Heck, I can honestly say I’ve been moved by reading totally non-Christian things and still realized God used a portion of something to direct or guide me. But yes, you have to be very careful.
As for Donald Miller, well, I think the numbers of people God has reached thru his writing and blogging and soon-to-be movie will speak for itself. He’ll always be on my must-read list.
Amber Gray says:
I really like that you are bringing this topic up for discussion. I totally agree that we should be approaching all literature, music, speakers, pastors, teachers, etc with discernment & prayer. The Bereans in the Bible questioned the teachings of Paul & Silas. (Acts 17:11) We have to hear God for ourselves–otherwise we don’t have relationship with Him–we only have religion.
Marsha says:
Depends on the purpose of the messages and the intent. If it has a doctrinal intent, you should read it with discernment. I listen to both Christian and mainstream. It depends on the purpose of the music of where it will be used. There are songs appropriate for Christian settings then there is music that some of us feel liberty to listen to. Perhaps when it comes to a lot of mainstream music we have to follow convictions. One song I listen to on the alternative channel called Fallen, I know what this artist is talking about. I will give her credit in that it is honest but unlike her music 10 yrs ago it should not be sold in a Christian market. It admits that she has fallen.
Jay says:
Good post. Thought provoking to be sure.
Slight correction: Oliver North was a colonel not a general.
Faye says:
Thank you for stating this concept, Shaun.
When did we ever get away from personal responsibility? When did we decide to let a group of humans decide what is right and true for us to consume? When did we decide that it’s okay to abdicate our responsibility before God to choose well, seeking HIS wisdom and discernment?
Lifeway won’t have to answer for our choices before the throne. We will. It’s always up to us.
Leah says:
How about one sign that’s good in every situation like, “God gave you a brain. Use it.”
Kyl Dellevoet says:
Shaun,
Thanks for this. It is very insightful. I’m a pastor for University Students and I try to give the disclaimer almost every week when I teach. I bust my tail to do the work and handle the word correctly, but let’s be honest whether it’s you or me, Macarthur, Miller, Bell or Driscoll we’d better pray hard and use discernment.
Shaun Groves says:
Thank you for all you do for college students. Someone like you changed the direction of my life, helped my faith become mine and not just mom’s and dad’s. If someone hasn’t told you recently, thanks.
Susan Isaacs says:
Did anyone at LifeWay tell you what part of AMMTY was inconsistent with historical evangelical theology? Was it the cross country bike ride? Or dating a girl? Or was it Bob Goff building a school in Uganda?
Or is it really “inconsistent with politically conservative American churchianity?”
Shaun Groves says:
You know, Susan, I haven’t heard from LifeWay about that (or anything else). The cashier wasn’t much help either.
My best guess, based on the wording of the warning, is that it’s not the book but the author that’s in question.
Susan Isaacs says:
You know that would be worse: to question a person, not just their work. I got to tour with Don last year, and thought the message of AMMTY is so rich. God wants us to take big risks, and conflict is part of the story. This is much more biblical than the prosperity books peddled at Christian and secular bookstores. BTW Kathy Lineberger just informed me you are her bro-in-law. What a small world
Viki says:
Shaun,
Two things. You say you haven’t heard from LifeWay. According to the biblical model shouldn’t they have heard from you first before you told everyone your problem? Also, you say you were wrong about Lifeway but you still said it. If you know something is wrong, don’t do it. It’s like a gossip saying, “I shouldn’t say this but…. then going ahead, like somehow saying that makes it ok.
Your friend,
Viki
Brian says:
Great post. I’m bookmarking your blog.
Jeff Holton says:
I may have breezed through this post and all the comments too quickly, but Shaun, I think you missed one important book.
Shouldn’t the Bibles have the same slip of paper in them?
I mean, I’m thinking of that Rich Mullins line from “Jacob…,” where he says, “It’s right there in the Bible, so it must not be a sin.”
You can see where this is going, I’m sure. “Abraham married his half-sister and then tried to pawn her off on Pharoah, so incest and wife-swapping must get the green light from God.” Right. So very consistent with historical evangelical teaching.
Shaun Groves says:
Yep, you missed that in all your skimming ; )
Agreed.
Here‘s where we covered it.
David says:
While I applaud your stance on this issue Shaun, I have to wonder if you would say the same thing if the warning were in books by Joel Osteen, Crefflo Dollar, and Kenneth Copeland. While I have my disagreements with all of the above, its been my experience that if you have a disagreement with Don Miller then you just don’t “get it”. I have had people roll their eyes at me and even relationally distance themselves just because I don’t think that Blue Like Jazz is the second book of Romans. It seems to me that modern Christianity is holding folks like Miller and Bell to a different set of standards.
Shaun Groves says:
I think that’s a fair question, David. I need to spend a little time in self-examination I think to give you anything approaching an honest answer.
At first blush, I don’t think it matters to me who the author in question is. I don’t think. Like I’ve said, I’d love this warning message to be in every book. That’s pretty even-handed…I think.
Great question. Thanks for reading, David.
Kay says:
That’s obvious!
MarySue says:
Great post, Shaun! I actually tried reading “Blue Like Jazz,” and didn’t get very far. As Christians, we are to reflect CHRIST, not culture. I’m concerned that some Christians think being “culturally relevant” means reflecting culture rather than adapting the message to the audience.
Julie Reid says:
Well I see you still are opening cans of worms Shaun….ah and this is a brilliant one that needed to be exposed and talked about. I think you are spot on with this issue. Every book should come with the same disclaimer – or none. Really, we need to be responsible for what we put into our minds – the Shack, really…..Joyce Meyer,come on…Creflo Dollar? Someone give me some change!
Discernment leads to truth, and truth leads to wisdom, and that is what we should all be seeking after in the kingdom of God.
All the best,
Julie Reid
Terry says:
I used to be a manager of a LifeWay store and dealt with this frequently. The chain is owned by the Southern Baptist Convention and must abide by standards consistent with the SBC. The first concern is whether anything contradicts or opposes the Baptist Faith and Message. The product is also judged according to conservative Evangelical standards. The people who do this are sincere, strong Christians, however, they are not perfect.
The chain has struggled over controversial books for years. Joyce Meyer is not carried by the chain nor are all Hagee books. The chain will special order books like Meyers and even Charles Capps, but they are not supposed to carry them on their shelves. There are diverse people who come into the stores and are offended when store associates explain that their book is unacceptable. The chain wants to balance theological responsibility and customer service, an almost impossible task. It often puts the sales associate, who has no say in the product selection, in a very difficult spot. Plus, pastors and ministers sometimes want a controversial or even heretical book for research purposes. The current system is not perfect, but they are trying to find the right balance.
I appreciate your blog and your fair approach. Though I don’t work for LifeWay anymore, I still ask for some sympathy for their position. It’s not just about making money, but sincerely trying to provide Biblical products.
Shaun Groves says:
“neither are all Hagee books…”
That line betrays some inconsistency don’t you think? As I understand you, it seems you’re saying LifeWay will carry some books by a guy who sometimes writes/says things that they don’t agree with.
At the same time, they place a warning in EVERY Donald Miller book, not because the book itself is inconsistent with “historical evangelic theology” but because the AUTHOR has written or said things in the past that were.
If Hagee (or any other author) has EVER been inconsistent with “historical evangelical theology” then EVERY book by that him/her has to contain a warning slip or else LifeWay’s being inconsistent. Make sense?
Their issue, in other words, is about all of an author’s past expressed beliefs not their present product…as the warning is currently worded.
AStev says:
Shaun, brother, I pray that the Lord checks my own tenacious pride when I say this, but it seems you (and a great many commenters here) may be violating the tolerance principle of Romans 14-15, while LifeWay is adhering to it.
They have disagreements with the authors in question (which they’ve indicated through the included notices), but they aren’t calling them heretics, and they’re not refusing to sell their books. They’re extending grace in spite of differences of opinion.
By contrast, however, a lot of people here definitely seem to be judging LifeWay (their “weaker brother”) in pride, for not being as open-minded as they are. Now, open-mindedness within the bounds of Scripture is indeed good! “Blessed is the one who has no reason to pass judgment on himself for what he approves.” However, judgmental condescension towards those who are cautious about theological faithfulness is unhelpful and divisive and we all ought to be chastened when we engage in it.
My grandparents think Christians shouldn’t drink alcohol. I think they’re wrong (and I can back up my position Biblically), but I don’t despise them or pass judgment on them. On the contrary, “Let us rather decide never to put a stumbling block or a hindrance in the way of a brother.”
If a Methodist bookstore was selling R.C. Sproul or John Piper or N.T. Wright books, I’d expect them to include some sort of “discernment notice”, but I wouldn’t get indignant about it and go buy from the secular superstore instead, just to teach them a lesson.
On the contrary, I’d rejoice that they are making these authors available to their flock, despite a difference of theological opinion.
Are there authors who are beyond the pale? Certainly. I’m assuming LifeWay isn’t selling books by Jehovah’s Witnesses or Unitarians or Muslims. But LifeWay clearly believes Miller, Bell, McClaren, etc don’t fall into that category.
Meanwhile, arguing that “They should put this notice in ALL their books, including the Bible, or they shouldn’t put it at all” sounds like hollow political correctness aimed at a lowest-common denominator rather than highest.
You conclude your post with, “is selective discernment inline with historical evangelical theology?” I think perhaps that’s the wrong question. A better question might be, “Is selective conviction ever inline with historical evangelical theology?” Indeed it is. There’s nothing wrong with conviction in certain areas. We don’t have to qualify every firm statement we make with, “…but I could be wrong.”
Clearly, we could be wrong. The heart is deceitful above all things. But by the grace of God, his Spirit opens our eyes to a truth worth standing on. I pray that he awakens us more with every passing day, that he removes our pride and confidence in our selves and replaces it with confidence and boasting solely in him.
“Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God, through Christ Jesus our Lord!”
Shaun Groves says:
I actually don’t disagree with you, AStev. I’ve said this before in the comments, I’m not the greatest writer and I think my lack of skill has made my point less clear than I thought. I am saying (twice in the post) I was wrong. LifeWay was right to remind us to use discernment…but discernment should be used at all times, not just when reading a select few books. LifeWay took a good thing not nearly far enough.
Ryan says:
Great post. I hope that someone from LifeWay will read it.
By saying that some books require using discernment and not others, LifeWay is passing judgment. It is not always wrong to pass judgment and LifeWay certainly has the right to sell whatever books it pleases. Still, to say “we think this author is out-there, watch out for this guy” seems wrong.
Most likely, when some of the greatest Christian authors of all time started publishing their books they would have gotten similar warnings – having been a little “out there” at first.
LifeWay is right though, Donald Miller isn’t about “historical evangelical theory.” He’s more about creating a personal and more spiritual relationship with God. The way he frames it, it’s a new idea. It’s unconventional. And I love it.
P.S. Lifeway, I buy most of my books on Amazon. 😛
Shelia says:
I have always been intrigued by the way Christ stepped into situations and always knew precisely what was needed….at that time….in that place. No hesitation. No recrimination. Sure, He was God. But, he chose to live like a human…
…a human who spent lots of time in “lonely places”…with God….seeking…discernment? So that in each situation, the path was crystal clear.
Thank you for the reminder that in EVERYTHING we read, EVERYTHING we say, EVERYTHING we do, it is a life lived in constant wrestling and writhing and seeking that most radiantly shows the Glory. Just this week, I heard a gentle, godly man say we speak with far too many exclamation points and far too few question marks. I think he is probably right.
Thanks for provoking us all to think.
Nathan Colquhoun says:
Great post Shaun, its unfortunate that whatever someone disagrees with is considered heretical. Hopefully one day we can be part of a faith and learn to embrace different beliefs on matters not as right or wrong, but as someone’s version and perspective on a story, even if it isn’t historically accurate.
Shana says:
I’ve been mulling over this post (and all the comments) for a few days now, trying to figure out how I felt about it. My comment (for the very little that its’ worth) is this:
Absoulutely Discernment is needed and I’d say it’s safe to say, it’s needed with everything!
The trick is this:
How do we treat those who have exercised discernment (for themselves) within a given/specific area and their response/opinion ends up being different from our own? It’s sad, when someone practices discernment or is following the Holy Spirits guide for them and they, in turn get attacked by other Christians because of that practice
For example, I’ve read a couple of Donald Miller’s books. Each time I read, I had a “check” in my spirit. It was not necessarily about what he was saying, but more the way in which he was saying it and treating his fellow brothers/sisters in Christ. But already, from the commenters I “just don’t get it”.
Or, I can turn the tables and give another example. I am a christian. I drink alcohol. Is it right/fair for me to look down upon those who have decided (based on their conviction) that they shouldn’t? – No, it isn’t.
I guess my point is taking it a step further. Yes, discernment is needed. And, for those who have practiced discernement (and those who haven’t) a little GRACE is needed to.
(spoken as much to myself as to anyone else) – just thinking out loud.
Shaun Groves says:
Absolutely. Thank you for the reminder to practice grace as much as we desire to receive it.
Mr. Clint says:
nicely put. one question remians. What do we teach the children? How will they know what to read?