One of many reasons why I’m thankful for John Piper…

The Irony of Clergy Immorality as a Case Against Christianity

I’ve been reading through Timothy Keller’s “The Reason for God” and benefiting greatly.  It’s a good, accessible, thought-provoking, and extremely useful read.  I would recommend it not only for evangelistic purposes (skeptics, seekers, etc…), but also for all Christians in general. In it, Keller, who is the pastor at Redeemer Prebyterian Church in New York City, tackles head on many of the top questions and objections contemporary culture has against historic Christian faith.

Why does God allow suffering in the world?

How could a loving God send people to Hell?

Why isn’t Christianity more inclusive?

How can one religion be “right” and the others “wrong”?

Why have so many wars been fought in the name of God?

Christianity can hold up against honest questions and scrutiny…because, if it embodies the Truth (and I believe it does!) than good honest questions will find good solid answers.  Christianity is ultimately THE “reasonable” religion…since it reveals the One True God and explains more of what can be known about reality and existence and meaning than any other alternative.  (Which in itself is a claim that many find unreasonable…I recommend buying and reading the book for a good response to such criticism!  Tasty Tip: Everyone makes exclusive truth claims at some level!)

Reason is not enough by itself, but the life of the mind and “true logic” play a vital role in true Christian faith, whether believers are aware of it or not.  Often, when Christian faith is challenged or critiqued, believers find their own understanding woefully shallow and miss many prime opportunities to glorify Christ and give great evidence of the grace of God in the Gospel.  As 1 Peter 3:15 says:

But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.

One critique I heard again recently had to do with the fact that there is so much clergy immorality.  It is sad but true.  Pastors and priests are easily the butt of jokes.  Trust me, if you’ve ever had to answer the question “What do you do?” with an answer like “I’m a pastor” or “I’m in the ministry“…it’s sure to provide an interesting response, one way or the other.  (It’s really interesting if people knew you before you became a Christian…”you are a pastor?!”)  But is it reasonable for people to doubt the validity of Christianity based on the immorality of so many if it’s professing leaders?

In many ways, yes, disillusionment is understandable.  But ultimately, it reveals a lack of understanding what the real teaching of Christianity is, even its own teaching about itself.  Much of Jesus teaching and ministry was spent slamming the “religious” leaders of the day, the Pharisees.

And secondly, and here’s the irony:

The moral ethic/standard used to discredit Christianity comes from within Christianity itself.

Thoughts?