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Featured Top 100 Christian Leaders in America

Discussion in 'Other Christian Denominations' started by Zenas, Apr 20, 2015.

  1. Zenas

    Zenas Active Member

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    This is an interesting list with some real surprises. It seems to be broader than just ministers and evangelists, although all the well known ones are on it. One big surprise to me was how far down the list they put John MacArthur although I wish he weren't on it at all. What do you think? About the list, that is, not necessarily John MacArthur.
    http://www.newsmax.com/TheWire/newsmax-top-100-christian/2015/04/20/id/639492/
     
  2. Darrell C

    Darrell C Well-Known Member
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    Why do you wish MacArthur were not on it?

    It is just my opinion that the MacArthur Study Bible is a must-own for every Christian. One can utilize this great resource without adhering to his doctrinal views, and recognize the value of cross referencing for support.

    God bless.
     
  3. Zenas

    Zenas Active Member

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    He has an ego roughly the size of Donald Trump's and he leaves little room for differences of opinion. Maybe I shouldn't care but I am just plain skeptical of the motives of someone who puts his name on a bible. That being said, I believe his influence is a lot greater than his rank on this list would indicate.
     
  4. Darrell C

    Darrell C Well-Known Member
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    You have met MacArthur and know this to be true?

    I have heard a great many of his messages in conferences and on radio and I have never seen this in the man. Nor is this the testimony of those who do know him. So I am curious as to what you base this accusation on?

    As far as His name on the study Bible, he is the one that produced it, so I see no reason why his name should not identify it as such. Not any different than attaching the names of teachers to their teaching. Again, this is a great resource. I recommend it to everyone. Better to be in a study Bible than focusing on men's teachings.

    MacArthur drew my attention first in regards to the ECT Document (Evangelicals and Catholics together). It was through that discussion that I was made aware of differences in doctrine between the two groups. When I was first saved I never imagined that anyone would have so little reverence for God that they would not make sure their doctrine was sound, lol, and as I grew I learned that there are indeed a number of false teachers among us, some intentional, some not, simply deceived because they feed themselves with doctrinal views of men and theology systems. I have actually had people I know join certain groups before they even knew what they taught. Just decided "That's the group I want to join."

    The only questions I would ask is what doctrine that MacArthur holds to do you dislike, and how would you show him, rather than yourself...to be in error? I don't subscribe to everything MacArthur teaches, but as a whole, I would rather direct new believers to him and his teaching than anyone else. A close second might be RC Sproul.

    Charismatics and Pentecostals have reason to dislike MacArthur, lol, but they too have a chance to address his doctrinal positions.

    As far as "leaving little room for disagreement," I agree. His views are supported through the many cross references which is, in my opinion, the best way to come to an understanding of Scripture. The MacArthur Study Bible is how I learned to compare Scripture with Scripture, which is the only way we should do it. It helps train us into that form of study, at least, I know it did for me. Now I only use the Bible (mostly on BibleGateway) and Strong's Concordance in my studies. I still reference the MacArthur Study Bible when I am looking for cross references sometimes, but this is rare any more.

    As far as where I disagree with MacArthur one point would be he believes men have always gone to Heaven, whereas I believe they were consigned to Sheol/Hades until the Cross. That's a big one. He believes men were regenerated under Old Testament Economies, I don't. I think Scripture is clear that this was a promise of the New Covenant and it did not begin until the eternal indwelling of God began when the Comforter came to work that unique ministry He works in the world, and the Church today.

    MacArthur's biggest problem, just from my perspective, is his allegiance to reformed theology. This ties his hands on a few doctrines which can otherwise easily be reconciled without the burden of a theology system. In a recent conference, among many notable Reformed Theologians, not one of them could adequately answer the question "Do babies go to Hell?" He gave the best answer and responded that grace is where we look, but I felt it left much unsaid that has to be considered.

    But that's just me. I like MacArthur, and wish I lived near his fellowship. I would go. The man has done his homework and that, my friend, is what leaves little room for disagreement. Because of his notoriety and, lol, his penchant for controversial subjects (which engenders animosity among some groups), he is a target for many. But the fact remains he stands as a notable person who is doing quite a bit for the cause of Christ. Few men have reached as many ears as this man has. His ministry is quite extensive. I would think a little bit of the benefit of the doubt might be in order. I don't se him as some, seeking only to profit from his ministry, but a sincere desire to see men saved.

    And a desire to confront what he sees as false and damaging doctrine.

    Sorry for the length, lol, just wanted to give a few reasons why I, personally, think he should be near the top of the list, if not number one. I didn't read the list, so not sure who might be viewed as more influential. If they include only the living, that is.

    I'll tell you another one I think is underrated: Charles Stanley. I use to view him as kind of soft with feel good messages, but the more I listen to him (listen when I am travelling, my job has me driving a lot some days) the more respect I have for his theology. He is the only one I know of that points out the differences of the ministries of the Holy Spirit in the New Covenant as opposed to those in the other Ages...with more than "It was external/temporal and now it's internal/eternal." He actually gets specific about it.

    RC Sproul is a great teacher, and while I disagree with some of his views as well, would have no problem directing people to his ministry.

    Did I say sorry for the length? lol

    Okay, that's it. Didn't mean to ramble on.


    God bless.
     
  5. FriendofSpurgeon

    FriendofSpurgeon Well-Known Member
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    Interesting list. A few names missing I thought --

    RC Sproul
    Tony Evans
    John Piper
    Timothy Keller
     
  6. InTheLight

    InTheLight Well-Known Member
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    Some of the people on the list are Christian celebrities, not Christian leaders. I suppose they had a hard time finding 100 people.
     
  7. blessedwife318

    blessedwife318 Well-Known Member
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    Some of the names on the list are outdated yet ranked high. Tim Lahay his claim to fame is Left Behind which came out 20 years ago and really is the stuff if ridicule now. So I'm not really sure how they came up with those names or if the numbers are a ranking or just a numbering system.
     
  8. robustheologian

    robustheologian Well-Known Member
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    I have (4 years ago) and I must agree with Zenas—MacArthur's ego is a bit much. However, it doesn't change the fact that he is gifted and brilliant...I think the issue is that he knows it.
     
  9. RLBosley

    RLBosley Active Member

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    That list is really bad. What criteria did they use to determine who ought to be on the list?

    They have Carrie Underwood for heaven's sake! Even above Dr. MacArthur at that.

    No David Platt?
    No R.C Sproul? or Jr?
    No John Piper!?
    No Al Mohler?
     
  10. padredurand

    padredurand Well-Known Member
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    And not a single member of BB. :tear:
     
  11. Earth Wind and Fire

    Earth Wind and Fire Well-Known Member
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    Ahhhhhh ha ha ha:thumbs:
     
  12. Salty

    Salty 20,000 Posts Club
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    Are you suggesting you should have been on the list?
     
  13. padredurand

    padredurand Well-Known Member
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    I paid good money...... I mean why shouldn't I be.

    Bishop Swenson who wrote in her dissent to the Council of Bishops (UMC), "harm is being done by our United Methodist Church when we lessen the humanity of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people, the love shared between same-gender couples, and the love expressed in their families.
    For too long, the Church has refused to see the face of God in LGBTQ people like Joe and Bobby, speaking instead of the importance of “clergy covenant” and upholding antiquated and unjust laws that do not conform to our Wesleyan understandings of Scripture through tradition, reason, and experience.
    We reduce gay, lesbian, bisexual, and queer people to sexual activities, robbing them of their full humanity, the love, fidelity, and grace found in faithful companionship, as well as deny our understanding of human sexuality as a good gift from God."

    Excuse me. I have to go puke.
     
  14. Walter

    Walter Well-Known Member
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    Bishop Swenson who wrote in her dissent to the Council of Bishops (UMC),
    For too long, the Church has refused to see the face of God in LGBTQ people like Joe and Bobby, speaking instead of the importance of “clergy covenant” and upholding antiquated and unjust laws that do not conform to our Wesleyan understandings of Scripture through tradition, reason, and experience.
    We reduce gay, lesbian, bisexual, and queer people to sexual activities, robbing them of their full humanity, the love, fidelity, and grace found in faithful companionship, as well as deny our understanding of human sexuality as a good gift from God."

    Excuse me. I have to go puke.[/QUOTE]

    The governing document of the United Methodist Church is something called The Book of Discipline. It seems they are preparing to change the name to something like The Book of Ancient Lore No One Pays Attention To Anymore.
     
  15. padredurand

    padredurand Well-Known Member
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    She's been a bishop since the early 1990s. She's been spewing this garbage as long as I can remember. Her take on the fourth member of the Trinity - Sophia the wisdom goddess - probably helped get her into the top 100.
     
    #15 padredurand, Apr 22, 2015
    Last edited by a moderator: Apr 22, 2015
  16. Earth Wind and Fire

    Earth Wind and Fire Well-Known Member
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    Ahhhh, and this is the type of trash running churches today....then you wonder why people don't go to church. Thank you bishop Spong!
     
    #16 Earth Wind and Fire, Apr 22, 2015
    Last edited by a moderator: Apr 22, 2015
  17. Earth Wind and Fire

    Earth Wind and Fire Well-Known Member
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    Just read Padre that she retired from the UMC. Now what type of pension does gruesome Mary collect?
     
  18. McCree79

    McCree79 Well-Known Member
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    I was thinking the same thing. Also, not that I would want him on there, but surprised Phil Robertson didn't make it. Other celebrities are on there, surprised he wasn't with them. The snubs of Tony Evans and Sproul are the true tragedies. Olsteen #2 and Sproul and Evans don't crack the list????? Sad state for America if the list is true.
     
  19. Darrell C

    Darrell C Well-Known Member
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    Have you thought that it is because some old-school believers have dropped out that liberal theology has infiltrated what used to be more orthodox institutions?

    What is the old saying? "All that has to be done for evil to prosper is...nothing."

    God bless.
     
  20. Darrell C

    Darrell C Well-Known Member
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    It's interesting that LaHaye is in fact ridiculed, but it's by people who are woefully lacking in eschatological understanding.

    I would have to say his name on the list is without question justified, because it is not just the Left Behind series he is known for.

    Can you name other efforts Lahaye has been involved in?


    God bless.
     
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