“Theonomy is a facile hermeneutic that channels an eschatology of triumph. Historically undesirable, it instrumentalizes religion, blurs church-state relationships, and jeopardizes religious dissent. And it proves unnecessary because of how other covenants showcase the benefits of common grace and natural law.”
Andrew T. Walker
Associate Prof. – Christian ethics @ Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
Fellow with the Ethics and Public Policy Center
The Gospel Coalition Article
1.) If the Bible teaches a eschatology of triumph (and it does) then there is no problem with having a hermeneutic that channels an eschatology of triumph
2.) Historically undesirable according to whom? According to Satanist or Humanists or Baptist? But I repeat myself.
3.) Any religion that isn’t instrumentalized is useless as a religion.
4.) Only a Baptist would complain about the blurring of Church and State relations since the Baptist religion requires the Church and State be divorced. As such anyone who disagree with the idea that the Church and State must be divorced is someone, per the Baptists, who are guilty of blurring Church and State relations.
5.) The jeopardizing of religious dissent is a good thing when that religious dissent is dissenting against Christianity. The jeopardizing of religious dissent is only a bad thing when it is Christian dissent against false religions like Baptistianity that is being jeopardized.
6.) Common grace and natural law are myths in the way Walker wants to define them.
7.) Walker is an over educated not wise man.
FWIW:
1.) If the Bible teaches a[n] eschatology of triumph (and it does) then there is no problem with having a hermeneutic that channels an eschatology of triumph. Good. Amen.
2.) Historically undesirable according to whom? According to Satanist or Humanists or Baptist? Excellent question. But I repeat myself. Ouch! Seriously? I hope you are kidding. And are willing to apologize. A little humility could go a long way toward permitting us attempted-Jesus-followers actually to pursue His Kingdom along the lines of John 17:20-23.
3.) Any religion that isn’t instrumentalized is useless as a religion. Sounds right.
4.) Only a Baptist would complain about the blurring of Church and State relations since the Baptist religion requires the Church and State be divorced. Does it? Absolutely? I know, historically, some American Baptists requested such a divorce. And there are and have been Baptists of such a variety from very early on. But this church-state separation is required by a Baptistic faith? As such anyone who disagree[s] with the idea that the Church and State must be divorced is someone, per the Baptists, who are guilty of blurring Church and State relations. Mmmmm. Okay.
5.) The jeopardizing of religious dissent is a good thing when that religious dissent is dissenting against Christianity. The jeopardizing of religious dissent is only a bad thing when it is Christian dissent against false religions like Baptistianity that is being jeopardized. As I have followed Dr. North (especially), but other theonomists to some small degree as well, it is this “jeopardization” that most disturbs me. Because, it seems, many theonomists hold their opinions–even on (what many others of us believe are) minor points–with great conviction. They “know” they are absolutely right and no one can dissent from their firm convictions. . . . I.e., anyone who does dissent is worthy of being cast out . . . into the outer darkness. The theonomists have no room for a comment like what Jesus made, that “he who is not against us is for us” (see Mark 9:40; Luke 9:50).
6.) Common grace and natural law are myths in the way Walker wants to define them. Sorry. Over my head.
7.) Walker is an over educated not wise man. You’re sure? This comment isn’t an ad hominem . . . and/or doesn’t put you in jeopardy of the judgments of which Jesus speaks in Matthew 5:22?
Hello John,
2.) Yes, I am kidding about the Baptist/Satanist line. Mostly. When Baptists or anybody deny the first commandment by suggesting that it is wrong to have Christian Magistrates and a Christian Nation I do see that as doing the devil’s work.
4.) Compare the original Westminster Confession of Faith with the London Baptist Confession of faith on the subject of Magistrate.
5.) But antinomians — those who wage war with Theonomists — are against Christ and “us.” Jesus also said, “Whoever does not gather with me scatters.”
6.) Jesus said to “make righteous judgments.” That is what I am seeking to do John.
Thanks for stopping by John.