Have We Lost Our (Open) Minds?

Are we becoming a Christianized self-confirming echo chamber?

I deleted my Twitter profile several years ago, but had used it actively for some time. Anyone who has used Twitter recognizes that with it you can create a custom-tailored stream of information to your computer or hand-held device. Whether it is news, politics, sports, or Christian topics, you can hand-select who you hear from and who you don’t. If you are not careful it can become a self-confirming echo chamber that only tells you what you already know and what you want to hear.

Can this happen to Christians in Christian circles?

When my wife and I, along with our six-month-old son, moved to Alaska in 2005, my wife desired for us to pursue a church. Having had a bad experience at a charismatic church a few years before, my wife looked in the phone book (remember those?) for a church that was traditional, used the KJV, and sang the old hymns. That was all our “criteria” consisted of. By the grace of God, we found that church and I was born again there. Since then, we have moved multiple times because of my job. Each time, our criteria for what we were looking for in a church was refined. Independent, fundamental, Baptist, KJV, traditional, old hymns, etc. all became part of the list.

Having now spent time in this “circle”, I wonder if we sometimes surround ourselves only with teaching/preaching/reading that sounds just like us, becoming a Christianized self-confirming echo chamber. Without ever hearing other viewpoints, our own positions (though held to strongly) may remain poorly understood. From what I have seen, this can lead to preaching that makes straw-men out of opposing positions, knocking them down without doing the legwork necessary to teach the hearers why such a position is wrong. Are we willing to dig into these areas of disagreement and put ourselves in a vulnerable position where “our side” may have a weak argument? Are we willing to be wrong?

What did the Bereans do?

Acts 17:11 - These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

The Jews in Berea encountered new teaching when Paul came to town. They listened to what Paul told them with minds that were willing to learn. They then searched the Scriptures to verify Paul’s claims and, importantly, were willing to be wrong. In this case, that vulnerability led to a miraculous change in their lives.

Acts 17:12 - Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few.

Clearly, I am not talking about being willing to hear a new Gospel. Scripture is clear that there is only one Gospel and that it is perilous to depart from it.

Galatians 1:8 - But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.

However, I think we can sharpen our minds and build our faith if we are willing to engage on some of the tough theological questions that can arise.

I have heard in recent years some tremendous preaching by those that would call themselves “reformed.” Would I agree with them about covenant theology? No. However, I fear that in many Baptist churches, it would be difficult to find Christians that could define a dispensationalist versus a follower of covenant theology, and why we believe in one verses the other. Could I be blessed by teaching from a Pastor that used the ESV? Of course, if the Scripture was faithfully taught. Would I give up my KJV because of it. Nope!

My prayer is that our studying, teaching, and preaching goes beyond the basics.

I recently heard a few sermons that described the beliefs of a group that is not of my “stripe”. There was no compromise on positions, but it was refreshing to hear, in a balanced way, the beliefs of another group of people who I would believe are born again, Bible-believing Christians. Did the teaching give me doubts about what I believe? No! In fact, it strengthened my convictions and gave me a better understanding for the world of Christianity. I can now make cogent arguments about why I feel my beliefs are the most Scriptural.

I believe this “digging deeper” approach would not only benefit Christ’s church, but also the lost and dying world around us.