Due to spending less time online, I'm a bit late in the game on blog reading and commenting. One blog post I did read this morning however, was this one over at PyroLand, written by Dan "don't call me Dave" Phillips. It's quite possible after this post & all the comments Dan may be henceforth known as Dan BOOYAH Phillips. In any event...
In light of NT Wright's view of Christianity, (that Wright is even involved in this issue will be a red flag to many) Dan asks:
"One must seriously ask the question: if Wright has a view of Christianity that pencils in the bodily resurrection of Jesus as an optional add-on, and embraces Marcus Borg as a "passionate" lover of Jesus... can there possibly be any doctrine that isn't optional?"
Then came 182 comments, and counting.
Folks, this is a no brainer. For the record I'm not big on that term, but I couldn't think of another one that says it more clearly.
Last year I dealt with this topic (here, here, and here) and was surprised to find out there are many who believe you can either deny the resurrection with knowledge of it, or deny the resurrection as a result of ignorance, and still call yourself a Christian. You can hear of it and deny it, or you can be ignorant of it and deny it - either way, you're in a position of NOT believing the resurrection, and still calling yourself a Christian.
I don't believe either is possible, and I don't believe the Scriptures teach us either is possible.
Must the gospel message contain the resurrection of Christ?
YES
Must this message be believed?
YES
Can you deny the resurrection and be a genuine believer?
NO
Can you deny the resurrection even in ignorance (never having heard of it) and still be a genuine believer?
NO
To me it's quite simple. You cannot take the resurrection out of the gospel message that proclaims the person and the work of the Lord Jesus Christ. If you do, you have no good news at all, and the message you preach that is received is NOT the gospel. The man "receiving" this message has not received the gospel but a lovely story about how Jesus loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life. It's a nice story, but there is no good news if He is not risen from the dead.
Are there many who disagree with this?
YES
Is this in part, what is so messed up about Christianity in our day?
YES
Currently reading: Losing Our Virtue By David F. Wells
tags: Biblical Christianity
