The Dangerous Idolization of John Piper (Part One)

To be fair, I have not read or researched extensively about John Piper, and some might contend that I ought.  Everything within me sounds an alarm where he is concerned.  I hate to use the word *feel* because feelings can be wavering.  However, with some recent events, people that Piper has invited to teach/speak with him, or he with them makes the alarm bells slightly more shrill.

Do not follow men...follow the Word of God...be a Berean (Acts 17:11) and check out EVERYTHING that is told you against what the Word of God states.  AND as my granny used to say, birds of a feather flock together, not only is care required with whom we call friends and/or hang out with, but specifically a greater responsibility is required of those who are standing or posturing themselves as shepherds.

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"I deeply respect John Piper and the work he has done to bring serious biblical and theological thought back towards the mainstream of American evangelicalism. I also respect his passionate preaching, fiery rhetoric, and focus on the glory of God. When, I was first turned on to Reformed theology, I avidly listened to everything by Piper I could. But then I subtly began to be demystified with him, because I noticed that almost every word he spoke in public was in print, audio, or both on the Desiring God website. And I simply wasn’t cool with that.

At the same time, I noticed that those around me were extolling this guy to a point that no human should be extolled. Let me give you one anecdote that substantiates the effect of Piper’s reach into the Young, Restless, and Reformed movement due to the massively publicized nature of his teaching. I’ll be as vague as possible so as to not give up the identity of this person. I had a friend making a major, major life decision a few years ago (I can’t overestimate how important this decision was) and because of the teaching of Piper he was going to make an onerous mistake. Piper held to a very minority position on a particular interpretive issue and this friend was potentially going to follow his opinion because of the esteem in which he held Piper. And this isn’t an isolated instance: I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard people go further and say, “Piper says this or that,” subtly replacing ”Scripture says” or “tradition says” with Piper’s name!

Which leads us to today and tomorrow’s posts…"

Part 1 - read more--> HERE.

Part 2 - HERE.