Ray Boltz: How should I respond to sin in the lives of Celebraties

I am not generally driven by the Contemporary Christian Music scene, especially by recent artists. However, a limited few have made an impact on me, always based on the content of the lyrics, then by the music (well most of the time). So when one of those who have impacted me falls, it grieves me.

Ray Boltz announced to the 'Washington Blade' that he is a homosexual. I heard about it at 'Onenews Now' and went so far as to confirm it at the 'Blade' website [I will not link to the website as I do not wish to promote. A simple search will locate it though]. I also visited his website.

He has divorced his wife and is pursuing an 'alternate lifestyle.' After all these years, he gives into sin, publically, as a leader in the Christian community. He is not in a repentant state, but one of pride and arrogance before God.

I recommend reading Matt Friedeman's column on this matter, Ray Boltz and his sexually confused generation.

As for myself, I found myself wrestling about how to handle this matter. How do I lead my family in situations like this? I was blessed a pastor who had words of wisdom to share on this. He pointed me to Romans 14 (whole chapter is best here), and in further conversation I remembered Philippians 1:12-18 (though he had to give me the reference).

The question I posed to the men I was meeting with was, "What do I do with the Ray Boltz's music that I already had?" It was agreed that we should avoid his new music as long as he was in rebellion with God. But most of us had been touched by his music in the past. This is where Romans 14 came in to add clarity. The bottom line is, that the music had a valid message and the messenger represented God admirably, even more so with hindsight, now knowing the intensity and nature of struggles he was having. However, if my listening to the music of a homosexual might cause someone else to stumble, then I need to let go of my freedom in this matter.

I was reminded of Philippians 1 at this point in the discussion. Paul was in prison and others were preaching Christ to create problems for him. Yet he rejoiced that the message as bring proclaimed. God's glory is foremost in Paul's mind, not his comfort. With this in mind, I try to apply it to my own life in this situation. I can rejoice that God has used Mr. Boltz's music in the past. However, as long as he is in rebellion to God and his word, I must question his ability to represent God.

My desire is not to harm Mr. Boltz. My desire is to bring glory to God. God does not change; man changes. My heart grieves because Mr. Boltz has separated himself from God and rebells against His Word.

Lord, have mercy on Mr. Boltz.
Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner. Psalm 51.
Praise be to God he has saved me. Ephesian 2:4-7

Visiting "The Shack"

The motivation for this post is that as we are moving forward with a ministry to men in our community, some of our small group leaders have encountered comments and questions about "The Shack" by William P. Young. I am in the process of gathering some material for them about it. Our pastor and I are encouraging them to read it, though with a discerning eye. Below are some of my own thoughts, and then links what others are saying about the book.

A Moving Story
While I didn't find "The Shack" on par with what I would consider to be classic works, it was a very moving, even compelling book. The story line about the abducted, abused and murdered daughter and the father's struggle with the aftermath is enough to move any father or mother. Mr. Young has great potential as a writer of fiction.

Taking Every Thought Captive
While I enjoy reading novels (frankly I find novels addictive and try to avoid them that I might get regular sleep, as I often read through the night if it will hold me interest), I always ask questions:

• What is the author saying? His words in the text are his thoughts, and he is trying to communicate them. It is not about what I am 'hearing' but what is he trying to say.
• What is the author's worldview? This makes a lot of difference in understanding what he is trying to say.
• Is this book something that should fill my mind? After reading a book, hearing a story, watching a movie, even hearing a song for the first time, we are never the same. Our minds have been changed. Further, the content we put in is likely to be replayed over and over again. This is especially true if we don't analyze the content when it goes in. The apostle Paul tells us in 2Co 10:3-7 (ESV):
  "(3) For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh.
  (4) For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.
  (5) We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,
  (6) being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete.
  (7) Look at what is before your eyes. If anyone is confident that he is Christ's, let him remind himself that just as he is Christ's, so also are we."
• Is this something which to think on? Again the apostle Paul in Php 4:8-9 (ESV):
  "(8) Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
  (9) What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me--practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you."
  I use these verse as a filter for everything that enters my mind, and my family's home, as best I can. It is my sword for taking every thought captive.

As a result, I read "The Shack" with a critical eye, even as I enjoyed the story. My analysis is that there are many theological issues that make, in my opinion, this book UNacceptable for general consumption. However, I believe it is an excellent tool for instructing in worldview training and being able to discern heresy.

Mr. Young does make some very valid points about the church as an institution and how it handles hurting people. However, he largely rejects the church, and even disparages the Word of God in attempt to deal with the problem of suffering.

The most positive aspect of this book is that he really drives home the need for us to have a relationship with God, and to have a relationship with others to help them deal with their problems and issues. However, this does not offset his theology.

Not Just Fiction
Mr. Young has claimed that "The Shack" is just a work of fiction, not a work of systematic theology. Perhaps. However, the whole point of the book is to deal with issues in theology. You cannot deny this. Reading the book will make this abundantly clear. If you are going to focus your dialog on conversations with God in his various forms, you are making theological statements. They are not even hidden, but right our in the open. Please don't insult our intelligence by saying it is not a theological work.

Further, the website for "The Shack" promotes use of the book like a track. By doing so they are in effect saying that you should proselytize to this way of thinking with this book.
http://theshackbook.com/missy-project.html
(This link has since become non-functional. An archived copy can be found here: https://web.archive.org/web/20160101161556/http://www.theshackbook.com/missy-project.html )

Here are a couple of quotes from the site:

"It offers one of the most poignant views of God and how he relates to humanity that has been written in our time. It will not only encourage those who already know him but also engage those who have not yet recognized his work in their lives."

"Give the book to friends, even strangers, as a gift. They not only get a compelling page-turning thrill ride, but also an magnificent glimpse into the nature of God that is not often presented in our culture. "

These are not isolated quotes but very representative of how they are trying to promote the ideology of this book. No where is the Bible mentioned, only "The Shack."

The Narnia Herring
When someone expresses concerns about "The Shack" (and other fictional works like "Harry Potter"), others throw out the "Well what about "The Chronicles of Narnia". While it is of value to discuss and analyze the works of C.S. Lewis, it is a 'red-herring' to throw you off the scent. The issue at hand is the work of Mr. Young in "The Shack." Each work should be evaluated on its own before the Bible, not in comparison to other works. After "The Shack" is evaluated, then one could consider the other works. The Bible is the standard, not other works of fiction.

Below are links to resources that might help you sort things out about "The Shack." I would ask that regardless of your current thoughts, examine this book in light of the whole counsel of God, His Word, asking him to show you the true about this matter. Don't let your emotions rule over the truth in this matter.

Written review(s) and analysis:
Tim Challies has written what I believe is a very fair and balanced analysis of "The Shack" which discusses the seriousness of the biblical issues involved.
http://www.challies.com/archives/book-reviews/the-shack-by-william-p-young.php

"Second, we must also realize that, because of the emotional impact of reading good fiction, it can be easy to allow it to become manipulative and to allow the emotion of a moment to bypass our ability to discern what is true and what is not. This is another thing the reader must keep in mind. We cannot trust our laughter or our tears but must allow our powers of discernment to be trained to distinguish good from evil (see Hebrews 5:14). Discernment is primarily a Spirit-empowered discipline of the mind rather than an emotional response."

Joe Holland offers his thoughts on "The Shack" but most useful I think is his collection of links of reviews and responses by Tim Challies, in various locations.
http://mininggrace.com/2008/09/09/my-thoughts-on-the-shack/
One very useful quote from his blog.

"The common retort to negative reviews of The Shack is, “But it is only fiction.” The assumption behind this plea for unconditional grace is that fiction 1) can’t be that bad and 2) should be judged by different standards than other written media. I disagree. My disagreement was further solidified by a quote from CS Lewis I heard this past Thursday night. Lewis said,

…any amount of theology can now be smuggled into people’s minds under cover of romance [romantic, imaginative literature, fiction] without their knowing it.

Lewis saw that an author could “smuggle” truth into people’s heads and hearts through fiction. He sought to use this profoundly influential genre of literature–theological fiction–to introduce hundreds of thousands of people to Christian themes."

Podcast discussions:
Earreverent w/ Bob Lapine interviews William P. Young, Tim Challies, and Steve Brown
http://www.familylife.com/site/apps/nlnet/content3.aspx?c=dnJHKLNnFoG&b=3961711&content_id={335ACEC9-A786-42C2-987B-B5EDA3D37318}&notoc=1

Radio Worldview w/ Bill Jack and Dell Cook
http://www.worldview.org/podcast/individual.php?mode=individual&post_id=95
http://www.worldview.org/podcast/individual.php?mode=individual&post_id=96

Understanding the Times w/ Jan Markel interviews Eric Barger and Pastor Larry DeBruyn
http://mp3.olivetreeviews.org/OTM2008_08_16A.mp3
http://mp3.olivetreeviews.org/OTM2008_08_16B.mp3

GOP VP Choice: Sarah Palin (Part 2)

Doug Phillips thoughts on this issue are also what I would consider as excellent reasoning from a Christian worldview. The bottom line is this: "Is Scripture God's Word? And if it is, are we willing to accept it?"

Check out this link to his blog.

John McCain Picks Mother of Five and Member of 'Feminists for Life' as VP Candidate

GOP VP Choice: Sarah Palin (Part 3)

One last note on this subject (at least for now).

Ingrid Schlueter as a women's perspective to this topic as well. I had trouble tracking this particular blog back down, as she was receiving rather troubling feedback.

I don't agree with Mrs. Schlueter on everything. However, I appreciate her insights on this particular subject.

*Updated* Thoughts on Sarah Palin and Babies

For addition views about this matter from women see Doug Phillips blog as well.

Christian Mothers, Pastors, Writers, Students
Communicate Their Opposition To A Feminist Vision of Family Life and
the American Presidency

GOP VP Choice: Sarah Palin (Part 1)

I am encouraged and amazed at some of the blog
postings that have happened since Sarah Palin was announced by Mr.
McCain. My family has been suffering from Dad reaction to political
issues again. Yet, I have found three blogs that speak to the issues I
am concerned about with Mr. McCain's decision.

The first
I would point you to is by Voddie Baucham. I would like to comment on
his views, but at present it suffices to say that I agree with his
observations and adds information (with documentation) of which I was
not aware.

Did McCain Make a Pro-Family VP Pick?

Purpose of this Blog

Over the last couple of years I have started multiple blogs.

One as an aviation journal, to record my thoughts about my flights, that I might learn from each one and have a record, in word and pictures (most that my daughter takes).

A second is one on legacy issues, specifically relating to manhood, but also to family issues. I want to keep that one focused.

A third for my family, to be a place where my children can post, and family thoughts and issues, and pictures can be shared, amongst ourselves as well as extended family and friends.

That leaves this one.

For some reason, I feel compelled to have a place to 'spout off'. I don't want it to be an angry site, but one where I can take the time to process the words I write, and thoughtfully share thoughts about the issues of our day, specifically as I understand God's Word to relate. Because I am human, my understanding of God's Word is incomplete. Further, while I intend to be as gracious and merciful as possible, I do fail at time. So I apologize in advantage for any missteps I have, and will correct, and apologize, asking for forgiveness as needed.

Thanks,
Bill