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Writer's pictureClare DeGraaf

Red Letter Christians

When I grew up in the Church almost nobody questioned the authority of the Bible. But as Dylan sang, “The times they are a-changing.” If you’re a parent, grandparent or mentor, there’s another alarming trend coming your way – “red letter Christians”.


A decade ago, two hugely influential writers, Tony Campollo and Shane Claiborne, wrote a book entitled, The Red Letter Revolution. In the author’s own words, the basic premise of their book is this;


“Not only do we say that the red letters (the actual words of Jesus in red letters in the four gospels) are superior to the black letters of the Bible, but Jesus said they were! Jesus over and over again in the Sermon on the Mount, declared that some of the things that Moses taught about such things as divorce, adultery, killing, getting even with those who hurt you and the use of money, had to be transcended to a higher morality.”


In all fairness, I agree, as do most theologians, that the last part of this quote is true. Jesus did “toughen up” and raised the bar of Moses’ teaching in almost all of these areas. But that’s exactly why this book and this red letter revolution idea is so dangerous. It mixes, “let’s just live like Jesus” (and who’s going to argue with that!) with making commands in the rest of the Bible, including the balance of the New Testament books a virtual footnote.


But, this blog isn’t a personal assault on Tony, or Shane, two men I’ve not always agreed with theologically, but who clearly are trying to be serious followers of Jesus and are courageously calling others to do the same. But, it is a warning about red letter Christianity.


My concern is that these views will only further undermine the confidence of younger Christians in the reliability and authority of all scripture for their lives. So, why would these authors do that? Here’s my theory; A new kind of Christianity There is a second book written by Brian McLaren, who has been called “The theological Martin Luther of the emergent church”, entitled A New Kind of Christianity (and sadly, it is a new kind of religion, but not a new kind of Christianity).


I’ll try to summarize the main issues and what I believe are their motives appear to be for doing so:

  1. The Bible is full of teaching that they feel is legalistic, politically incorrect and unacceptable to many younger Christians and non-Christians. By subordinating the black letter Bible to the red lettered words, you automatically rid yourself of many troublesome passages and issues Jesus never addressed, like creation, the genocide of the Canaanites, homosexuality, abortion, one’s responsibility within the church and headship in marriage.

  2. Red letter Christians are no longer under the authority of the whole Bible. As I said in previous blogs, McLaren views the Bible less like a constitution which has enforceable authority, and more like a library which is a useful resource for knowing God, the history of his people and for guidance on “How then shall we live” issues. Thus we steer clear of legalism, judgment and the “thus saith the Lord” absolutist mindset. As Brian says, “I encourage Christians to read the Bible as an inspired library.”

  3. All these authors point out that Paul himself told us not to follow him or anyone but Christ. “My brothers and sisters, some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. What I mean is this: One of you says, “I follow Paul”; another, “I follow Apollos”; another, “I follow Cephas”; still another, “I follow Christ.” Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized in the name of Paul?” I Corinthians 11:13  “There you have it”, say the red letter advocates, Paul himself tells us to follow only Jesus. Yes, true Christians do follow Jesus but Jesus himself quoted from thirteen books of the Old Testament. Jesus believed in the Old Testament.

  4. Red letter Christians sound orthodox when they affirm that the whole Bible is inspired by God. However, they mean something completly different than theologians historically have understood inspiration. Inspired does not mean authoritive. They believe many of the other New Testament writings, though inspired, were to a specific church to correct a problem unique to them in their culture, not a mandate for all Christians, for all times. By this logic they avoid saying the Bible isn’t inspired, which makes them sound more evangelical than they really are. Ironically, all of those authors take a much softer view of Jesus’ very direct and unambiguous teachings on hell, divorce, remarriage and sexual purity and lean heavily on forgiveness and grace. But essentially, what you have is a Bible within the Bible.

  5. The final reason I believe those authors are advocating those positions is this is a more simple Christianity. Jesus is still an attractive figure to younger Christians and many non-Christians. His concern for the poor, his warnings to the rich and his disgust for religious leaders and hypocrites make him a folk hero. Red letter Christianity is a much easier sell!


The red letter Christians have conveniently forgotten this: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.” II Timothy 3:16


It reminds me of Satan’s first temptation. “Did God really say.. ?”


Question: Have you seen these ideas expressed by your young adult children, or heard your friends express them?

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3 Comments


Nice

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Don Woods
Don Woods
May 23

Clare, you have always been an inspiration to me. I remember our special times with CBMC when I served as the Prayer Chaplain. I am nearing 89 years of age, but I am still active in the ministry of our Lord. I teach a Bible Class at a Community Church in Roseville, CA. May God Bless you richly. Don Woods, PhD

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clareword
clareword
May 24
Replying to

And Don, I’ll always remember your gracious, kind spirituality when we met in the conference room of my office on Burton. You taught me let the Holy Spirit lead wherever he wants, in any way he wants. I’m delighted and not the least surprised the Lord is still using you!

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