Five to Live By: The Elephant Room Edition

Linking you to the top 5 Christian blog posts of the week—posts that provide robust, rich, and relevant insights for living.

Note # 1: Today’s edition is a special post related to a recent “Christian blogosphere controversy” over Pastor James MacDonald inviting Bishop T. D. Jakes to the second edition of MacDonald’s “Elephant Room.” The particular question in point revolves around Jakes’ view of the Trinity. Given the nature of this issue, today’s Five to Live By will have more than five links. Even still, given the number of blogs on the topic,
I’ve had to be selective and I’ve attempted to provide something of a cross-section of posts and responses.

Note # 2: The first three headers/links below are posts from “later” in the discussion. They provide something of a summary of issues. They also will be the last links I add in this edition of Five to Live By.

James MacDonald Responds to the Responses

After reflecting on all the response he received, Pastor James MacDonald pens a humble response in the appropriately titled: Humble Pie—A Hearty Meal.

Carson and Keller Offer a TGC Response

D. A. Carson and Tim Keller, founders of The Gospel Coalition, provide a detailed, nuanced post expressing something of an “official” TGC response not only to this issue, but to other similar issues. You can read their insights in: Reflections on Confessionalism, Boundaries, and Discipline.

Kellemen Discusses Our Relational Obligations

As the “dust is settling,” I wanted to offer my perspective not so much on the issue itself, but on how the issue has been and could have been developed in the Christian blogosphere. Read my thoughts in: Responding to Public Error.

The Elephant Room

If you want the background to the Elephant Room, along with updates on speakers invited for ER2, visit: The Elephant Room. As of September 29, 2011, there is a Revised Purpose Statement listed on the ER home page.

James MacDonald’s Initial Post

After his initial announcement about the invite of T. D. Jakes created a response, MacDonald posted: Association Versus Discernment and Is James MacDonald Changing?

James MacDonald’s Follow-Up Post

When MacDonalds’ comments in his initial post resulted in additional blogosphere interaction, MacDonald added his follow-up post: Why I Am Excited to Have T. D. Jakes in the Elephant Room. 

Thabiti Anyabwile Writes Candidly and Carefully

Pastor Thabiti Anyabwile provides both a biblical and cultural perspective on this important issue. Having written about Jakes in his book, The Decline of African American Theology, Pastor Anyabwile’s insights are pertinent. Read them in: Collateral Damage in the Invitation of T. D. Jakes to the Elephant Room. 

A. J. Carter on the Elephant

A. J. Carter presents his perspective as an African American pastor about the impact of this issue on the Black Church in: The Elephant Wins. 

Tim Challies Offers His Discernment

Tim Challies offers his nuanced perspective: MacDonald, Jakes, and the Elephant in the Room. 

Carl Trueman’s First Response

Carl Trueman attempts to place the current discussion in historical perspective with his post: Is Nicene Christianity That Important? An Historical-Ecumenical Note.

Carl Trueman’s Second Response

In: L’Orthodoxie? C’est Moi!, Trueman files a follow-up response, that is, shall I say, quite pointed.

Nathan Busenitz Weighs In

Nathan Busenitz, who serves on the pastoral staff at Grace Church and teaches theology at The Master’s Seminary, provides a theological and historical perspective in: Modalism, Oneness, and T. D. Jakes. 

Mark Driscoll Responds to Some Responses

Mark Driscoll weighs in as he responds to the responses with a lengthy post, including a history of the doctrine of the Trinity, in: Reflections on James MacDonald, T. D. Jakes, and the Trinity.

Kevin DeYoung on the Trinity

Pastor Kevin DeYoung’s post never notes whether it is intended to be a response or even whether it is related specifically to the current issue, but at the very least it is timely. Read Pastor DeYoung’s post: The Doctrine of the Trinity: No Christianity without It. 

Ray Ortlund on the Trinity

Pastor Ray Ortlund, like DeYoung, never notes whether his post is motivated by the current debate. Again, it certainly is, at the very least, timely. Read Pastor Ortlund’s post: Father, Son, Holy Spirit. 

Owen Strachan on the Trinity

Owen Strachan provides some video material on the Trinity and church history. View the video (and others) in: On the Trinity. 

Tim Keller’s Ground Rules for Blogging Interactions

At the Redeemer City Blog, Tim Keller provides three ground rules for blogging interactions when discussing theological issues. While not necessarily prompted by the current discussion, the ground rules are timely. Read them in: Gospel Polemics. 

Justin Taylor Provides Some Links

Justin Taylor provids several links to the early responses. Read his thoughts and follow his links in: Not Your Grandpas Anti-Trinitarianism: An Analysis of Oneness Pentecostalism. 

Join the Conversation

After reading this selective cross-section of posts, counter-posts, and responses, what are your thoughts? What additional posts would you add?