If we only went "out of our way" to listen to those who totally mirror our theology, then we'd only listen to ourselves. I believe this to be shallow thinking and meant to discredit another while aggrandizing self.
I'll use Tozer for instance. I love his writings, very good, and he seemed to really walk with God. I read his works, but I don't agree with some of what he says theologically, but I still consult his works.
Have read and enjoyed several of MacArthur's books. He is easy to read, no theological semantics.
I appreciate his position on the Lordship of Jesus Christ, his general conservative stance on issues affecting the Church, and his views on the Doctrine of Grace.
That being said I disagree with his dispensational doctrine!
One of the best available today to listen to, read from as regarding the proper interpreting of the Bible...
very sound, except think goes too much into Lordship salvation, concept fine, just tends to go 'too much" into defining what one HAS to do in order to be really saved!
Also, as I do hold to some of the Gifts operating today in some regards...
To start, I think he's a very able scholar and has good intentions.
I actually agree with him in a few areas.
But he comes across as a pompous and arrogant sort of guy who feels it's his job to denigrate those, even highly-respected scholars, who he deems as being wrong.
For that reason, along with many of his theological and exegetical problems, I don't care for him as a teacher or scholar.
Think that both do well, just different types, as John more from a theologian type teaching aspect, Charles more of a practical pastor/teacher mind set!
I think Dr MacArthur is a strong preacher and puts out quality material that keeps people rooted in the Bible instead of introspective navel gazing. We might disagree over some specific theological issues (nature of creation, Lordship salvation, neuthetic counseling, etc.) Overall he has a very good ministry.
That said, it does trouble me that he seems to make a lot of points by criticizing people, particularly other ministers.
Sound in doctrine, godly in living, and steadfast in commitment. I would say that he is one of the few today that teaches the bible as it was intended to be taught as well as live his life by those teachings.
I have his ESV study Bible and 3 of his commentaries(Matthew 1-7, Ephesians and James). He's a great teacher. For the most part I'm going to be in agreement with him. Even if one doesn't agree totally with him, there is much to learn from
him.