One of the things I've come to see over the last three years is that some of the things that I didn't think mattered that much, really really do matter.
But all of this is not to say that everything matters to exactly the same degree or at the same time. David Field is passionate and persuasive about covenant infant baptism, but here he is explaining his personal experience of fellowship in a baptist church and the baptism of his own children.
It's a reminder to people like me (who arrived at college fairly convinced paedobaptists, and are now really really convinced and keen to advocate and teach it for the sake of Christ) of the need for patience, gentleness, respect, love and never being more exclusive than Christ is. As I finish semester 1 of my final year, and really do start to look forward (in both senses of the phrase) to the next stage, it seems extremely important to remember that.
Also available at Dr Field's blog are the essay questions I'll be selecting from for semester 2's Puritans module.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
4 comments:
Pete
As one who disagrees with some of your theological emphases, not least the one you mention here, it should be noted that I see you as a model of humility in debate and discussion. Our constituency is generally poor when it comes to doing disagreement graciously and to that end I am grateful for John Piper's recent critique of Tom Wright ("The Future of Justification" Crossway, 2007) - 'wright' or wrong, Piper has taken time to engage him on his terms and his response is direct but temperate and gracious.
Thanks Reuben, for your comment and your gracious disagreement.
I haven't read Piper on Wright yet, it's on the list though - you?
Is Piper's book available now? It wasn't in the library when I looked?
Can I without turning this into too much of a back patting session second Reuben's comments -there as another who disagrees with you on some things -I appreciate your thoughtfulness , patience and willingness to listen.
Too often we fail to learn the right lessons from people. Is the most important lesson to learn from Fieldy post millenialism, covenant paedo-baptism...or is it a generosity in debate that comes from a genuine love for God and the saints.
Or all of the above perhaps!
Post a Comment