We interrupt our coverage of RatherGate to mention another topic. After all, this blog is supposed to be a mix of politics, theology, and religion. Although tempting, it shouldn't be all Dan, 24/7!
It seems like every year or so, there is a new blockbuster book in evangelicalism. Some people mistakenly treat any bestselling book as if there is something wrong with it just because of its high sales. More commonly though, and just as mistakenly, others jump on the bandwagon, thinking they have discovered the heretofore-oscured secret to the Christian life.
One of the latest blockbuster authors is John Eldredge. What should we make of his theology?
David Rea and Carlton Wynne have written an excellent critique of his key work. Their review is entitled Wild at Heart: A Critique. After commending Eldredge for some of the positive things he is advocating, they write:
The manner in which Eldredge attempts to prove his thesis, however, is founded upon bad theology, an erroneous use of Scripture, an undermining of the biblical notion of vocation, and a distortion of biblical femininity—all of which potentially misguide readers into living unbiblical and unwise lives.
And my friend Randy Stinson at the Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood has also written a review, entitled Is God Wild at Heart? Randy comes to similar conclusions:
Eldredge has some good things to say to men today, but coupling these good things with an unbiblical view of God and the believer in Christ, deals a blow to the entire book from which it cannot recover.
Hence: Reader Beware. If you know someone who has been unduly influenced by Eldredge's teachings, you may want to pass these links along to them.
