Just thinking out loud, folks:
Here is the entire tweet:
Having just come from ETS, I’ve come to believe that winsomeness might not be quite at the center of the bullseye for what besets so much of evangelicalism. I do believe it may be related to what’s at the center, but i also believe wisdom should inform the delivery of the Christian message, which may not be identical across every context, and I believe Christians should try to exude joy — being wyn-some, “joy-some.” So what do I think is to be at the center? Respectability™. Or, what the Bible refers to as fear of man. Now, respectability is categorically different from the genuine article that is commended by Paul in the pastoral epistles when he says elders ought to be well-thought of by outsiders. We could refer to this virtue as being respectful. Here’s the all-important difference: Respectability is wholly dependent on society’s determination of one’s respectfulness, not with the virtue of respectful integrity. This means your measure of success regarding respectability depends entirely on socio-cultural standards — which are always changing and frequently contrary to righteousness — and not God’s standards. Too many at ETS, and evangelicalism at large, are beset by Respectability™.
NOTE: “ETS” refers to the annual meeting of the Evangelical Theological Society held last week in San Antonio.
I have seen this charge framed as “too-much-niceness.” He makes a good point. However, too often it is used as an excuse to avoid clear scriptural commands such as
– Colossians 4:6 – using gracious speech (always!) in every situation – note that it is directed toward our interactions with “outsiders.”). Is Paul advocating respectability or Christ-like character: “When they hurled insults at him he did not retaliate, when he suffered he made no threats (I Peter 2:23)?
– Ephesians 4:29-31 – avoiding “unwholesome talk” – which would include such things as bitterness, rage, anger (common among conservative talk radio hosts and listeners, many of whom are evangelicals), slander, malice (which includes pet nicknames for our opponents, left or right along with the banners which are too coarse to even mention here) Why aren’t more Christians calling for confession and repentance from these? Instead, I hear their courage in confronting evil being praised and admired ad infinitum. I have seen too many stickers insulting our current President side by side with fish decals proclaiming their faith and church affiliation.
Many of these same advocates for less niceness and more confrontation are strangely silent when it comes to the Scriptures and admonitions I have cited. Instead, there is a form of idolatry which masquerades as respectability before God. Pull the mask off and it reveals an attitude which frames all disagreement in apocalyptic terms. It is formed within and by the echo chambers of which these folks are a part. Christ is absent. Suffering is avoided. Fear reigns supreme.
Maybe Professor Smothers can help us understand the $8/month he pays to have that little blue check affixed to his X profile. Respectibility, perhaps?
$8???? I didn’t know that.
Thanks for this, Chris.
Mother always loved Colin best.