I have shared previously (see here) that while many evangelicals are unaware of the discussion taking place regarding the New Perspective on Paul, it does have major implications for the Church.
It may help to understand the intensity and foundational nature of the debate if you read N.T. Wright’s strong criticism of the NIV:
I do not know what version of Scripture they use at Dr. Piper’s church. But I do know that if a church only, or mainly, relies on the NIV it will, quite simply, never understand what Paul was talking about . . . This is a large claim, and I have made it good, line by line, in relation to Romans in my big commentary, which prints the NIV and the NRSV and then comments on the Greek in relation to both of them. (Justification, page 52).
Is that not an amazingly strong statement by Wright? Churches that mainly use the NIV will never understand what Paul was talking about.
My point here is not to dismiss Wright’s argument because he is a harsh critic of a major translation. Indeed, the reason I am studying Wright so carefully is because I think this is a discussion that deserves attention. My intent with this post is to allow people to see the seriousness of the discussion regarding our understanding of Paul.
Piper has also gone on record regarding concerns about the NIV and he is a vocal advocate of the ESV, see here.
For the record, I also have concerns about the NIV – - see for instance this post. The nature of the NIV’s approach to translation does leave it more vulnerable to a criticism like Wright’s. But, I am long ways from stating that churches that use the NIV don’t understand Paul.
At a minimum – - be aware that there is a major discussion taking place today in the church about the doctrine of justification. The parties include those who defend a traditional reformed understanding of the doctrine of salvation and others who espouse what is often called the New Perspective on Paul.
One of the decisions I have made with my blog over time is to target the people in my church. I avoid getting into doctrinal discussions that are unnecessarily esoteric or difficult to follow. Of course, I am not a pastor who believes we should preach “down” to our people. And, I do believe that people in our churches need to be aware of significant doctrinal developments.
So, for those willing to stretch their thinking, go over to Mike Wittmer’s blog and read his post on N.T. Wright’s latest book (Click here).
Again, be aware that there is a major discussion underway in the Evangelical church about the doctrine of justification. Since the Reformation, the Protestant definition of “justification” has been a legal declaration by God that those who believe are righteous. But, N.T. Wright and others are calling into question the Reformer’s understanding of the doctrine of justification. Which leads Wittmer to ask, “If someone adopts a different doctrinal understanding . . . should they still consider themselves Protestant?”
This is arguably the most important doctrinal discussion taking place right now in the English speaking world. (Agreed?)
I would acknowledge that I have not studied this enough to write with real clarity about it. I welcome comments from those who will help others understand more clearly the nature of the debate.
It was a good weekend all around for Brian McLaughlin – - the Buckeyes did complete their back into the title game. Because we are an encouraging people, we here at “A Brick in the Valley,” refrain from making any comments about last year’s title game(s) with Florida.
It’s been a big weekend for Brian McLaughlin – - the Buckeyes managed to back into the National Championship game and Brian has posted a review of Piper’s book, The Future of Justification.
He then outlines areas where Piper and Wright agree.
We anxiously await the next stage of the review.
Brian’s commitment to being careful and fair in this evaluation is commendable, and speaks well for a senior pastor who would help recruit him to a particular church.
@chrisbrauns
"All sin is equally wrong, but not all sin is equally bad." Cornelius Plantinga. 1 week ago
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