So I brought this up a few weeks ago without much time for discussion. However, what follows is my thoughts on why the jewel analogy of the gospel should supplant the pizza analogy in the third camp catechism.
Thus sayeth the Driscoll:
"...the cross is a multi-faceted jewel. Throughout church history much ink has been spilled as various theologians and Christian traditions have debated the effects of Jesus' death...we are essentially arguing for all of the perspectives that are nourished by biblical roots in
an effort to teach the totality of what Scripture says without obscuring any faithful view of the cross. One theologian has called the cross the great jewel of the Christian faith, and like every great jewel it has many precious facets that are each worthy of examining for their brilliance and beauty. Therefore, you will be well served to see each side of this jewel shining together for the glory of God in complimentary and not contradictory fashion. Most poor teaching about the cross results from someone's denying one of these facets, ignoring one of these facets, or overemphasizing one of these facets...Such narrow and reactionary theology has tragically caused the beauty of the cross to become obscured by the various warring teams that have risen up to argue for their systematic theology rather than bowing down in humble worship of the crucified Jesus."
an effort to teach the totality of what Scripture says without obscuring any faithful view of the cross. One theologian has called the cross the great jewel of the Christian faith, and like every great jewel it has many precious facets that are each worthy of examining for their brilliance and beauty. Therefore, you will be well served to see each side of this jewel shining together for the glory of God in complimentary and not contradictory fashion. Most poor teaching about the cross results from someone's denying one of these facets, ignoring one of these facets, or overemphasizing one of these facets...Such narrow and reactionary theology has tragically caused the beauty of the cross to become obscured by the various warring teams that have risen up to argue for their systematic theology rather than bowing down in humble worship of the crucified Jesus."~Mark Driscoll, Death by Love, pg. 10.
I think this explanation of the gospel/cross is a more accurate and useful analogy for how we should view the gospel in light of evangelism. Here are two specific points as to why.
1. The nature of the gospel. The pizza analogy suggests a disjointed or changing nature of the gospel. A Turney deep dish meat lovers pizza is a fundamentally different thing than a thin crust veggie lovers pizza. Further, various toppings that people put on pizza would definitely conflict if combined onto a single pie - black olive, bbq sauce and anchovies?? Gross! In contrast, the jewel analogy maintains that all aspects or facets of the gospel are ever present, of equal importance, and of complimentary use to one another.
2. Perspective v. Preference. The pizza analogy is essentially a conversation about preference, which is essentially a man-driven discussion. It runs the danger of overlooking or downplaying other "toppings" and it has subtle similarity to the concept of buffet theology. On the other hand, the jewel analogy is essentially a conversation about perspective. My life circumstances and the resulting opinions will render me in a distinct position in relation to the jewel. Thus, when I first perceive the jewel, I will perceive its beauty through a specific facet. As I grow in Christ, I grow to understand and appreciate other facets due a) increasing knowledge of the word, b) life's inevitable changes that change my position in relation to the jewel and thus how the gospel comforts, sustains and sanctifies me, and c) through the experiences of other believers whose experiences of the jewel also serve to teach me.
What are your thoughts.
What are your thoughts.