Intellectual Defenestration

Douglas Wilson

I recognize that I already have two comments on Josiah's post on Douglas Wilson and to continue to write about this smells suspiciously like narcissism.

However, I am responsible for pointing out this post to Josiah and since I finished a major section of my systematics reading, I will hereby pontificate on said statement by Mr. Wilson.

First, it must be pointed out that the Wilson quote has no context and no source. I am not calling the author of that blog a liar, only that I do not know him personally. Just because something is on the web, does not mean it is true (or else I would be really rich right now).

Second, of course, Mr. Wilson is fully capable of defending himself.

But, my point is more to do with the reaction to Mr. Wilson, both at Chattablogs and in my own general experience. From what I have seen, a typical reaction to Mr. Wilson is one of the following:

1. Who the heck is Douglas Wilson?


2. Douglas Wilson is the 13th or 14th apostle, surpassed in wisdom and insight only by John Calvin (and then just a little)


3. Douglas Wilson is a pompous, arrogant, self-serving, stuck-up "sonuvabitch" (as the usually elegant and erudite Mesh stated)

If you are in the #1 camp, then check out Credenda Agenda and Canon Press.

I personally hope to maintain a decent balance between #2 and #3. For example, my wife and I found Reforming Marriage to be a helpful and thought-provoking book as we prepared to become married. There were some things I disagreed with, but I appreciated that I was forced to figure out if my own position was truly consistent with biblical thought.

Furthermore, I appreciate Mr. Wilson because he is willing to say things that many have forgotten how to say. While many preachers seem to either preach in general abstract platitudes or vague sentimental thoughts, Wilson is willing to say "the Bible says this, therefore you should do this."

That being said, it does seem that Mr. Wilson sometimes turns people away from his content by his presentation. The truthfulness of what he says becomes questioned when it is presented (or perceived to be presented) in a harsh and arrogant manner, discongruous with, say, the Beatitudes.

In the final analysis, however, even if you strongly disagree with Mr. Wilson, you are still commanded to show him love as a brother in Christ. To resort to base name calling, even in jest, is not appropriate. Just because one thinks someone is intolerant does not mean they can in turn be intolerant, except for in the obvious: major sin and apostasy. Mr. Wilson, for all I know, has committed no grievous sin and (despite what some say) is in no clear violation of biblical doctrine. As such, he is entitled to be treated as a brother in Christ and, if disagreed with, to be disagreed with respectfully, humbly, and lovingly.

I do recognize that my own comments can be construed in another manner than I have laid out. I regret that. There have been many times in my own life that I have been unnecessarily harsh and judgmental with my own brothers and sisters in Christ (see here for necessarily harsh and judgmental) and there will be times in the future as well.

Sola Gratia

September 15, 2003 11:52 PM