Join our Newsletter
If you like The NakedJournal, you'll enjoy my weekly newsletter about deconstruction, freedom, and life in general.
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.
1079 comments
@Bill Kinnon: Thank you very much.
Sadly, artistglover, there appears to be an awful lot of fear – perhaps of/for litigation, reputation, livelihood, movement, or even identity.
I would encourage everyone, but particularly those who follow Jesus’ words:
“You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
“Perfect love drives out all fear.”
And maybe this thread isn’t a safe communication mechanism for some. That’s ok.
I hope they find a way that feels comfortable for them.
@Nathan: Thanks for responding and, most especially, for correcting my misconceptions about what you were saying.
I’ve been observing from a distance, but I’m really in SHOCK at the number of people who have condemned this thread. It appears that all of this could have been avoided if numerous opportunities to answer emails and questions had not been ignored. Besides, mediation is ALWAYS a wonderful thing. It’s ugly and messy and no fun, but truth is coming out, misconceptions are being cleared up, and healing is taking place!
Resolution is the goal. That’s truly been made clear by Julie’s quickness to forgive those who have apologized. So to all those saying your name and reputation have been tarnished on this thread: get on here and hash it out! Leaving the thread does nothing. Clear the record and work out the miscommunications. Restoration can be reached.
LostVoice:
Hi kiddo! Thank you. I am. Of sure I risked anything . I did not get to play in the inner circle of a fiefdom that fed toxicity. In my great fall, I gained a deeper world with my daughter….who you were helpful to me when she was going through hell, more than any of them (some of them contributed to her pain). ..and I gained a better, albeit broker me. I like me now. I didn’t back then.
You did not lose. You did what you felt was right in that day and time. You win by living your life free of the codependent abuse. You live your life and keep going. You are wonderful and good and a friend even though we don’t talk a lot.
I don’t know if what is happening here has momentum. I am not much o a joiner these days. My priority is me and my daughter. But emergent village and progressive Christian alliance hurt my kid, and unlike me, they never tried to make it right. I will stand with you and Julie and any other victim if needed.