Oct 3, 2009
Tullian's Take
By Timothy R. Butler | Posted at 11:47:42
I don't claim to be well versed enough in the situation to make a clear statement on who is right in the Coral Ridge conflict, but I like what Tullian Tchividjian said in an op-ed published in the South Florida Sun-Sentinel:
Finally, whenever you see any of us who claim to be “Christ followers” behaving in a manner that is unlike Jesus, please forgive us. And please let that be a reflection on us, and not on Him. As imperfect people, we will continue to let you down and disappoint you, but Jesus will never let you down—he will never disappoint you. This conflict has “given the world the justification they're looking for to disbelieve the gospel”, and I am sorry.
Very true.
1. Should I feel bad that I have no clue what coral ridge is?
2. Should I be educating myself or can I safely move along?
1. Coral Ridge is a very large church whose pulpit was long occupied by the (in)famous Dr. D. James Kennedy. Tullian Tchividjian is notable as the new pastor and the grandson of an evangelist fellow you may have heard of at some point. Perhaps you've run into Billy Graham?
2. Nah, it's nothing theologically significant… just a sad case of church conflict.
At least Tchividjian knows how to write an outstanding apologetic for the situation. He skips over what I honestly believe is the most dangerous changes he has made since coming to Coral Ridge — too loudly embracing Christian Zioinism, making it a measure of orthodoxy — but at least he gets the part about the earthly organization not always reflecting the divine purpose.
So I agree the story is unlikely to figure much in future Church History courses.
Tim,
Why is the late Dr. Kennedy infamous, in your view?
I think the politicizing of the pulpit is potentially due that designation, except under very certain circumstances…