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Tony Jones on Mark Driscoll: What came first, the thug or the theology?
This drawing is inspired by the Ouroboros Snake... of the snake eating its own tail.
What came first? The chicken or the egg? What came first? The thug or the theology? I read Tony Jones' thoughts on Mark Driscoll.
Jones has always admired Driscoll, maybe envies him a little, wants the best for him, believes he can be redeemed, and suggests that things can be restored.
What I found most interesting though is that Jones believes the problem with Driscoll is theological.
- He titles his post is "Thoughts about Mark Driscoll"
- He talks about the "heady" days of publishing and speaking.
- He dismisses his disturbing personality traits by his use of the word "sure".
- He says it isn't a moral issue (evil) but that he is passionate.
- He says more than once that Driscoll is "extremely smart" or "brilliant".
- He suggests that he will "see" (as in "think"?) his way out of this.
- He writes that Driscoll has just embraced a toxic version of theology.
- He hopes that Driscoll will turn away from this toxic theology.
- He concludes therefore that Driscoll is not the problem, but his theology.
But my question is‚ What came first? The thug or the theology?
That is, did Driscoll become the focus of concern because of his theology? Or was it because of his behavior?
I'm concerned that Jones' post reflects the refusal of the church to understand spiritual abuse. It neglects the pathology of its abusive leaders. I don't think this is being fair to the victims or the perpetrators of spiritual abuse. People are victims of not just a bad theology, but a pathological cruelty.
I don't think Driscoll's theology made this happen. Driscoll "embraced" his toxic version of theology because it aligned with his moral compass. It fit his personality. It worked for him to achieve his goals. Then it manifested the worst in him. Then he continued to develop his toxic theology in order to make more room for his pathological behavior. Mars Hill Church too.
Jones' sentence, "It could have happened to any of us." is true, because I believe we all participate in this dynamic. Theology is our creation. It is a reflection of our drives and desires.
Then, not satisfied to only be the product of our drives and desires, it also becomes the producer of them. Theology is a vicious cycle of our desperate need to understand and control our universe.
Step into this cycle at any point and you can see that we are both the root and fruit of our theology and pathology.
And yes, it spins out of control by manifesting itself in toxic, controlling, and abusive behavior. Nothing can be done about bad theology because of free thought and speech.
But we can do something when this manifests itself in bad behavior. Cruel theology is a nuisance. Cruel behavior is unacceptable.
When Driscoll thinks bully to his people, we can say please stop. But when he actually bullies people, we can step in and say you will stop now!
I don't think this is a theological issue. I think it is a pathological one. Not just for Driscoll and Jones, but for the entire church.
If we would be healed, our theology would take care of itself.
1080 comments
Well, Julie (and David), it would appear that this post has hit a nerve. People don’t try and suppress something, and hide the fact that they’re trying, unless it’s serious… and shameful. (And it doesn’t work – anyone ever heard of the Streisand effect?)
All this attempted “image management” shows a pretty comprehensive awareness of the issues raised here. (And, giving full credit to the experiences of the victim, consciousness of guilt for past actions.)
I can’t imagine how anyone reading this thread could miss Julie’s requests for an apology. Even if they’ve only read parts of the thread, it’s been repeated several times.
It’s a simple, genuine request, from someone who could demand a lot more. Some who were involved have come and apologised in response.
Many of those who have demanded control the conversation in the past, can’t stop attempting to do the same here. Power and control can be quite seductive, and very difficult to give up. But now, despite their efforts, the story is public.
I wonder if there will be a public (“official”?) response.
I genuinely hope it’s an apology. Even if it is costly, it’s the least anyone could do to make things right.
I was a grunt in the Christian machine that supported this behaviour. I read the books and blogs, and didn’t ask enough critical questions. And when those around me did ask questions, I ignored them.
I feel awful for supporting systems that allow people to be victimised in silence. I hate that my money, time, and energy went to support the power of the oppressors. It’s just not right.
I am honoured to be able to see this particular situation put right by Julie sharing the truth publicly. I’m hopeful that she will continue to receive apologies. As someone once said: “the truth will set you free”.
David, I think your management of this comment thread has been exemplary and outstanding. Too bad the emergent folks don’t agree with me.
Yes Annie, many of the “leaders” connected with emergent at some time or another have corresponded with me privately to express their distressed over this post and its comments, advising me to step in, manage, censor, edit, block, remove, etc…
I am thankful for this comment thread. I started reading here daily about two weeks ago. There has been much to ponder, reflect on, pray about. and to remember. I have been noticing good changes with me as I go about my daily life. There are other sources of encouragement and challenge in my life, but I know that what I have gained here has been substantial. In God’s providence, I am noticing a measure of hope and of joy in my life. These are not rooted in conforming to man’s expectations. I am asking more questions out loud and am more apt to speak truth when I notice burdens being placed upon people – in the name of “serving God”.
Julie, you were very gracious to forgive me a few months ago. As you know,I was told you were crazy, vindictive and lawsuit-happy. I believed it initially but as I observed your behaviour over the years I came to the conclusion that I had been misinformed and misled, along with many others like me, with tragic consequences. I am glad your story is finding a place to finally land and be heard. I have asked Tony for his story but am still waiting.