AUTHORITARIAN.
That should strike fear in just about everyone. No one, and I mean NO ONE, likes someone with an authoritarian attitude. Unless a person is a glutton for punishment or a glutton for slavery, an authoritarian attitude ought to make one shiver.
Sadly, many pastors fit this bill. They think they are basically an authority on just about everything, including everyone’s life. Therein lies the rub. Since when can someone claim authority over someone’s life? Since when is it my right (as a pastor) to tell someone who/who not to marry? Since when is it my right to tell someone when they can vacation? How much money to give?
I know a pastor who once made it very clear it was wrong to drink-socially or otherwise. He even stated a person needs to question his/her salvation if they did.
Yeah…that didn’t win me any friends nor did it influence people (except negatively). The Bible does say drunkenness is wrong. It is not the best example. It could cause someone to stumble. But wrong? Eternal destination wrong? NO. But I thought so…believed so…said so. Worse was my authoritarian attitude when I said it.
I think a lot of pastors use this attitude so they can “keep control” of people. They remind me of petty little dictators (like Napolean) who tried to force people into their mold. It allowed them to control the whats and wherefores and whereabouts of people. I about barf each time I think of how I was.
Authoritarianism has no place in the church. Zilch. Nada. If you are involved in a situation, get out now (as if he will let you)!
Have you ever been or do you know someone who needs to hear this? Your thoughts?
I totally planned on having this posted earlier but life happened. 🙂 This is part of my ongoing discussion of 46 Stones by Randall Arthur.
I visited a church once where the pastor made his way to the sanctuary doors at the close of service so he could greet each and every person in the service. There was no way to escape without interacting with him. When I got up to him, he introduced himself as Pastor Stephen. I said, “Hello Stephen.”. He said that I may refer to him only as either Pastor or Pastor Stephen. I told him not to worry as I wouldn’t be back. His reply was a loud “harrumpfffff.”
I believe he would have “harrumpffff-ed” me also Daniel. I tell people to call me Bill. If the choose otherwise, well I can’t stop that.
I think the tactics you describe are effective for certain people. Very weak people. The same people Billy Graham preyed on. No matter how big of a fraud you thought he was, his children are even bigger frauds.
I believe I would disagree with you on this Jeff. I never thought Billy was a fraud. Never lived a lavish lifestyle. Never had a scandal. And I don’t think his children (daughter and son) are either.
Yes. I know many legalists that claim to know God and scripture that look and act more like the Pharisees.
It’s about humility first. Pride is the mountain that God uses to separate Him from the stubborn…
You know I always appreciate your heart, brother.
You are right Floyd. It is about humility. Pride causes us to be or become pompous you-know-whats. Thanks for the final words.
I do have one friend who always thinks their way is the right way and what ever they try is the best. And years ago we went to a church like that, praise God, we go somewhere else now. I know for myself it took a few hard knocks to knock me off my throne and with God’s help I don’t try to climb back on it. I even like myself better now. Now I back away from those who still like to rule me. Good post Bill.
Like you, Betty, I don’t take kindly to those who want to rule me either. So glad you found your way out and away from the legalistic garbage. Oh…I like you too. 🙂
Hi Bill,
I’m catching up on old posts here too. Do you know the gentleman who wrote the 46 stones book? This issue (controlling pastors) and the other stones you mentioned briefly in the book review are challenging for sure. Where does the Warrior Hero (WH) part fit in to the book? Is that another series of his?
Have a great week,
Jennifer Dougan
http://www.jenniferdougan.com
yes I do know the author Jennifer. We began corresponding after I was so blown away by Wisdom Hunter. I sent Christmas gifts to his family while they were in Berlin and had several occasions to have Randy and Sherri visit the churches I pastored. We still correspond upon occasion, just not as often. As you can see it is Wisdom Hunter, and these stones are addressed in several of his books. I’d suggest getting a hold of them, reading them and being blown away by their message. He has written 4 books- 2 of the danger of legalism (Wisdom Hunter and Betrayal); 1 of liberalism (Jordan’s Crossing); and 1 of the danger of the name-it-claim it garbage (Forgotten Road). All have one central character-Jason Faircloth- who used to be a legalistic pastor until an event which takes place in Wisdom Hunter. No spoiler alert because I’m not going to say what it is. 🙂 You can find the books on Amazon or click the link on Books I Recommend. Hope that helps. Oh…WH and Betrayal are close to his story in many ways.
I see threads of legalism in my history. Legalism is so much easier than grace. If I’m told what to do or not to do, then I don’t have to think.
You’re right Larry. It is easier because someone is doing the thinking for you. Also running your life.
Yes, I’ve met some pastors … and other folks as well, who tow this line. Grace is absent. Totally. They think they hold a special version of the truth.
They are spiritual abusers. And will someday be held for their words. And the sinful attitude that prompted them.
I think I’ll get off my soapbox now.
Point: grace is absent. And THAT is the problem. They know nothing of grace or they couldn’t hold that line of thinking. You are right Linda, they are spiritual abusers. you could have stayed up a bit longer on that box.
I think every Christian is in danger of legalism, and yes I’ve experienced it. As I read through the post and comments I couldn’t help but think about those ready to stone the woman caught in adultery. The older ones were the first to drop their stones and walk away.
The best part . . . there is freedom and joy in stone dropping humility. Great post Bill!
You’re right Deb, we are all in danger of it, especially when we get to thinking we have the corner on the truth. I love your last line.
Hi Bill! I think it’s a wonder how the Holy Spirit keeps working in us, making us better and better people, and in your case, pastors. Imagine if you were not open to that Spirit? But you were, and you are a better leader and inspirer for it.
I think everyone can relate to the evolution of faith. I was quite open to telling people what I thought, I mentioned that before in a comment. I cringe thinking about that now…but I am not the same, and God made sure I evolved. Phew! We can all celebrate the grace we received. For free!
Blessings,
Ceil
Like you Ceil, I am so glad God didn’t give up on me and stop working. I would hate to even think where I would be if I had stayed the same. Down a hole somewhere I suspect. Faith does evolve. If it doesn’t we aren’t growing.
Sadly, I think it’s precisely that authoritarian attitude in many pastors that keeps many would-be Christians from going to church. We certainly can all have our opinions and our beliefs, but deciding what is best for another person is hitting the danger zone.
Blessings, Bill!
Given Daniel’s comment and using yours as commentary, your first line is absolutely 100% correct. We turn a lot of people off.
I have been hurt by people who seem to use the Bible as a weapon to clobber other people. By the letter of the law, they may be “correct” – but their hearts are stiff and dogmatic.
As always, I strive to look at Jesus, and how He acted. There were many times that he angered the Pharisees because of His actions. And mostly because He acted with love. Never condoning sin, but always embracing the sinner with the gift of grace. And He said the law could be summed up in two ways – love God fully and completely, and love your neighbor as yourself.
I think some of these *authoritarian* types would do well to stop pointing out the specks in other peoples’ eyes, and take a good long look at the log in their own!
GOD BLESS!
Meet one of the chief Bible-clobberers Sharon. I was good at hitting people over the head with it (all in the name of biblical accuracy, of course). You focus on Jesus will definitely bring us to the woman caught in adultery in John 8.
As you know having grown up under legalism it is not just a Christian issue. My father was not a Christian but still a legalist/dictator. Although I still struggle with feeling that I let God down sometimes, I am so grateful that I have been able to learn about grace and that there is a God who loves me even though I make mistakes and don’t follow all the old laws. I am also grateful he has changed your views on legalism vs. grace. Actually being allowed to have an opinion is nice.
I know you have struggled but I’m so thrilled with what God has done, is doing, and will do in your life. He will show you the freedom which comes from a loving Father. And, as you know, I do allow opinions…and you do have one. 🙂
Good article…
1 Timothy 5:23 “Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach’s sake, and thine often infirmities ”
We keep wine in the refrigerator ( it gets pretty old, by the time it is gone)…
Being older, sometimes we suffer from stomach aches, and, ‘if I remember to’, I take a sip of wine, and VOILA…stomach ache gone. It really works…
( then, I take a sip for my arthritis, my headache, my ingrown toenail, my gray hair, etc…JOKING ! ;o).
Have a great rest of the week…
Enjoy your SPIN letters.
Pam
Thanks pam. You actually had me chuckling there for a moment. What a great way to look at life! But you are right my inference…I did ignore some portions of Scripture because it didn’t fit my “Ideas.”
Funny how we can get so confused on building up, loving, and serving others. I’ve never had an authoritarian type personality, but I’ve certainly known others who did. I want to help people make the best decisions based on biblical counsel, but what they do with that is up to them. I’ll pray and support as much as I can, but strong-arming anyone into anything is not real change or real leadership. Good thoughts, Bill. Thank you.