A few days ago I wrote a post on how Christians casually use the word ‘heretic.’ They fling it around like confetti at anyone who is or thinks different. Now to be sure, there are ideas and teachings that fall outside of Christian orthodoxy, but sometimes the question remains what that orthodoxy is and usual when that word is used it has nothing to do with it. In response, my new, virtual friend (as in across the country through the internet, not made-up!) Chris wrote a thoughtful comment that I thought should be poste. He comes at this from a personal experience, one which I think gives good instruction on how using such a weighty word can simply destroy and denigrate valuable, valid kingdom-work. Any thoughts?

I think you’re right Jeremy. [Heretic] is a weighty word that is often emotionally charged and used negatively. It seems to be the next best thing to cussing for those who regard themselves as authorities on religion.

But the argument here is going to be over what, exactly, the body of Christ should be divided over. Some would say Osteen is THAT dangerous and is, therefore, a heretic.

Well? I used to go to Lakewood, and before that I spent my life growing up in other charismatic, non-denominational, word-of-faith churches. So I’d love to share my thoughts. I hope that’s ok.

I have personally experienced the disastrous effects of only hearing a partial message and consequently being rather immature in my theology. One would think that I, of all people, would condemn these kinds of church environments (Lakewood is only one among many) for not diving “deep enough” into scriptural teaching.

But I can’t really. I know too many people in prosperity-gospel churches who can, in the face of tragedy, look to the Heavens and joyfully sing “It is well with my soul” to their totally sovereign God. It took Calvinism and a Southern Baptist fellowship and rigorous theological study to get me to this place of maturity. But that was God’s plan for MY walk with Him, which isn’t His plan for everyone. There are many mature people at Lakewood who love God with all their hearts and truly “get” how to suffer well. They understand sin and the true gospel. How is this possible?

I think that’s the mystery. I think we try so hard to do God’s business, and we aren’t the Holy Spirit. We are mere messengers, and it seems to only take a very small step towards God (even an incomplete and misguided one) to find Him flying towards us with His mighty, outstretched hands.

Who are we to say how people must surely feel or think based on the flavor of church they go to? I’ve learned that church flavor and personal maturity do not really seem to coincide all that much. If the proof is in the pudding (concerning how loving and obedient a congregation is), then many theologically “deep” churches could learn a thing or two from Lakewood. I was so loved there, and it is where God found me, beneath the TV lights and all. He found me and brought me back to His table via the ministry of that church.

The truth (even small portions of it) works. So my conclusion is that there may be many right words for Osteen, but I don’t think Heretic is one of them.

~Just my thoughts,
Chris