The following appears in my book, Fatal Drift-Is the Church Losing Its Anchor, Two Clicks Away: The Lost Art of Vetting : My friend and colleague . . . indeed my collaborator on this book project, Pastor Larry Johnson, has been a faithful minister for over thirty years. He and I attended seminary together in the late 1970s.
In my book, Fatal Drift – Is the The Church Losing its Anchor? I wrapped up my remarks to do with the recent phenomenon known as Narrative Theology by quoting Desmond Alexander (Biblical Theology Word Press 2008). I wrote, “I began this chapter with the premise that Satan is a master of offensive counter-information tactics. I then discussed the roots and current face of Narrative Theology. I came across this interesting blog which posed the question ,”Is there a wedge being driven between Biblical Theology and Systematic Theology?” The author writes
Is it literature, lore or something of an entirely different order? In our continuing series of posts to do with the whole subject of Narrative creation or more to the point …Narrative Theology, I felt it would be a good idea to let you know that I have a dog in this fight. It goes back to my first year as a Christian.
The governor of Indiana stridently defends a law that has an almost identical federal counterpart, which was signed by Bill Clinton. The aim of the law is to insure that religious liberties are not compromised. Within twenty four hours…a mere twenty four hours… a sophisticated, well- funded, well connected and well executed campaign changes the narrative to Indiana hates gay people. The governor within twenty four hours is issuing a statement to respond to the new narrative.
I realize that is entirely possible for me to cross the line from passionate commentary to personal attack. Please know that I have no personal animus towards any of the writers and leaders I may mention in these posts…but I am driven to speak out against a trend that I feel is extremely dangerous and that will, if left unchallenged, bring about dire consequences for the Body of Christ. That trend involves the phenomenon known as Narrative Theology. Another variant has been dubbed Open Source Theology.
The Bible is a nice compilation of stories, right? I have been fascinated by the means used by progressives, both political and religious, to change the corporate mindset of the nation by twisting and tweaking language. When Richard Nixon was in the center of the firestorm known as Watergate, he gave a subordinate some very telling advice. He said “When your back is against the wall…redefine your terms.”
We have all seen them… the State Department Spokesperson, The President’s Press Secretary…eyes furtively darting to and fro… measured breaths… contorted facial expressions…trying to keep a straight face while giving anything but a straight answer. Here is a word that will you will hear in virtually every newscast…Narrative.
The following is taken from a lecture I gave to some seminary students
This second half of our time together has been interesting and sometimes challenging to speak of contending for the faith in an age marked by (on the part of an increasing number of pastors and leaders) a deliberate downplaying of the very notion of one absolute truth. One God One savior,, Jesus Christ…is getting to be a tough sell in an age obsessed with the tolerance and in some instances blending of all the religions in an effort to demonstrate so-called ‘unity’.
