Discussion Board 1
While I cannot speak for most pastors, I do believe the statement in this module’s
discussion board that “Some Christians and ministers do not feel it is important
to be informed or studied in scripture, philosophy, history, etc.” This lack of
importance seems to be a result of ministry becoming a profession that needs to
cater to public opinion in order to thrive. Kevin Vanhoozer states, “Too many
pastors have exchanged their vocational birthright for a bowl of lentil stew (Gen.
25:29–34; Heb. 12:16): management skills, strategic plans, “leadership” courses,
therapeutic techniques, and so forth.”[1] Vanhoozer adds, “What causes pastors
to sink—or rather, to shrink from the theological task—are the waves of public
sentiment and winds of public opinion that act as obstacles and temptations,
hindering progress toward their vocation of bringing others to maturity in Christ
(cf. Eph. 4:14).”[2] By pandering to the pressures of cancel culture that we see
today, the gospel becomes a watered-down version of the Christian faith.
d d d d d d d d d d For Pastors and Christians alike, the importance of being informed in
biblical teachings, philosophy, and church history has never been more important
than in the days we live. Paul writes to Timothy, “Preach the word; be prepared in
season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience
and careful instruction. For the time will come when people will not put up with
sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a
great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear” (2 Tim. 4:2-
3).[3] This time is now, and pastors must not lose the vision but preach the truths
found in Scripture that bring hope and allow the hearer to gain life.
d d d d d d d d d d Furthermore, pastors and Christians are called to speak into the things
of our culture. The Bible should be our primary source for all things ethical. In the
course video, Dr. Fred Smith states, “The Bible is recognized as the final authority
on all matters.”[4] Therefore, while public pressures may be focused on the
approval of abortion, same-sex marriage, and gender identity, pastors must speak
God’s truth in love. Without the foundational truths found in God’s word spoken,
not only to congregations but the public, non-believers and those who proclaim
belief, will drift further and further from God. Smith states, “It [Christian Ethics]
supports our call to the world to repentance.”[5] May I continue to carry the fire
that faithful pastors before me have carried.
[1] Kevin Vanhoozer and Owen Strachan, The Pastor as Public Theologian:
Reclaiming a Lost Vision, (Grand Rapids: Baker Academics, 2015), 1.
[2] Ibid., 2.
[3] Unless otherwise stated all Scripture is from The New International Version.
[4] Jeff Smith, Course Video: Dimensions of Christian Ethics, (Liberty University,
2021).
[5] Ibid.
