Kneading Bread

I admire both John Piper and Mark Driscoll, so it caught my attention that there seems to be a fair bit of chat in the Christian blog-o-sphere about this past weekend’s “Desiring God” conference. Flack is coming from both the more conservative and liberal ends of the spectrum. I use those terms to describe my observations, not as a value judgement. Although, for full disclosure, I have drifted away from the “emergent conversation,” as I find their jargon driven communications too distracting- I agree with what they want to do, just not how they are doing it.

Frankly, I’ve been thinking a fair bit about this since reading these two posts (Immoderate: Mark Driscoll The Impresario and Tall Skinny Kiwi: John Piper and the Desiring God Conference – as well as others, however these are the best representatives of the views I have come across.) I have a great respect for both of these bloggers, although I know neither personally and their views are vastly different.

When it comes down to it, I think Mark and John are espousing classic reformed theology. If reading Luther or Calvin gets you riled up, these guys will too (most emergents would have a hard time sitting at a table with the great reformers.) Mark has a little bit of an explosive personality, rich in contemporary cultural references (and not always condemning those things he is referencing,) which sometimes draws a negative response, so I will try an make a little foray into thinking about him.

The reason why I feel compelled to think about Mark Driscoll’s personality is that I believe he is preaching in the character of Luther; passion and effectiveness are natural by-products of his personality and mission, not a convenient marketing strategy meant to cash in on his hipster appeal. Mark might be a bit off color, but Luther himself was very much so, even while defending sound doctrine. I’ll grant that other times Luther’s theology was a little off, but my theology is also off and as we are all members of a fallen mankind anyone reading this suffers likewise… we are trying to get our collective head around the glories of God, infinite glories – glories that await us in eternity.

Anyway- check out the primary source material here. I’m blessed enough to have at least a two and a half hour daily commute so I’ve already listened to most of it and find it excellent, useful, and fruitful teaching.

Faith alone (Sola Fide)
Scripture alone (Sola Scriptura)
Christ alone (Solus Christus)
Grace alone (Sola Gratia)
Glory to God alone (Soli Deo Gloria)