For some reason, there are those out there who believe that setting the record straight on every minute detail of doctrine, even at the expense of unity, relationships, and grace, is their duty as a Christian. I think people too often think in terms of "right and wrong" instead of patience and grace. I know that's how I used to think. My wife later showed me the importance of valuing people above truth. To clarify, I don't put aside my beliefs or bend truth to suit relationships, but I do overlook things in the name of love.
I really believe that the tendency to defend minutia and insignificant doctrine, even defending the institution of Christianity itself, as opposed to Jesus, is the cause for so many unnecessary church divisions over the years. It seems to me that it's getting worse, likely thanks to the explosion of information availability. The Internet has seemingly turned people loose with a newfound freedom to voice their opinion about everything (ironically like I am doing right now). The real problem though, as I see it, is a failure to see the person they're "reviewing" or "correcting" as a PERSON. I seriously doubt most, if any, of these reviewers contact the authors or speakers they are correcting, prior to posting their thoughts, in an effort to find out what they meant, what they were thinking, etc.
So, it may be hypocritical, but I'm going to point out some flaws in the writing of some "Christian Bloggers". While I have a problem with anyone nitpicking another person's statements and opinions, I'm going to focus on what I feel like are the most egregious instances. Reviews of two books come to mind, books that use parable, allegory, metaphor (or artistic imagery). The two I'm thinking of are The Shack by William Young and One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp.
First, as a disclaimer, I've not read either of these books. They didn't interest me. But my wife has, and she is quite trustworthy. Additionally, based on the quotes in these reviews I've read, I can tell that their most convincing evidence leaves much to be desired. In fact, one review I read of The Shack, a few years back was both comical in its insane attempts to find fault with the book, but also horribly depressing that someone would go to such lengths to find fault.
I don't know if it's the type of people doing the reviews (generally angry sounding conservatives, my own personal heritage) or if it's coincidence, but these people generally seem to have one thing in common: they fail to recognize writing that uses allegory, parables, metaphors and other artistic imagery, instead still thinking them to be subject to their theological dismantling. (I wonder what they think of the Psalms....).
Before I go any further, I want to be clear that I don't want to come across as hateful... I'm mostly sad, and upset that people insist on dividing the body of Christ. There are certainly things worth dividing over (core doctrine, such as who Jesus is) but most of the problems these criticisms (in the reviews) are more along the lines of things the Pharisees had problems with ("Why aren't your disciples fasting!?!?!"- Mark 2:18) and yet, ironically, both parties seem to miss the point (tithing spices but neglecting justice, mercy, and faith - Matthew 23:23). So anyway....
From what I know of the aforementioned books, they are NOT intended to be a high form of theology or doctrine of some kind. They're art. They're intended to inspire and to point to Jesus as the ultimate prize. Just as you wouldn't take the Psalms or a book of poetry and point out the inaccuracies, you probably shouldn't do it with books like this either.
To be clear, you usually can't dismantle the doctrine or theology of someone speaking in allegory, metaphor or other artistic imagery. It's nonsensical. When Ansel Adams says "There are always two people in every picture: the photographer and the viewer." it's silly to retort "There aren't always two people in every picture! That's a lie!"
If these books said something dogmatic, taking a doctrinal stand, then maybe it'd be different. But, for the most part, they don't. So, my advice? Stop being divisive. Stop taking artistic books, which do no harm (One Thousand Gifts isn't convincing people to become mystics or panentheists) and finding minor fault with them.
Besides, this kind of constant nitpicking isn't what God has for you... as G.K. Chesterton says
“Poets do not go mad; but chess-players do. Mathematicians go mad, and cashiers; but creative artists very seldom.” Find the beauty in others, in their creations... not the doctrine.
I know many of us want to seem like bigshot theologians, to prove our worth, but you don't have to do it. Jesus loves you regardless. Revel in it.
