Book Review: Benefit of the Doubt

JimB

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BENEFIT OF THE DOUBT
BREAKING THE IDOL OF CERTAINTY

Gregory Boyd
(Baker Books, 272pp, $17p)

The great American theologian, Paul Tillich, taught that doubt is not the enemy of, but rather an element of faith. In recent months heavyweight Christian authors like Alister McGrath, Philip Yancey, and John Ortberg, have built on that idea. Now, Greg Boyd adds his views in “Benefit of the Doubt: Breaking the Idol of Certainty.” Granted, Boyd is somewhat of an evangelical enigma—a pastor with whom I often agree and at other times disagree. While he is a firm believer in the Bible as God’s Word, he sometimes interprets it differently. He is former atheist, a vocal advocate of open theism, a committed pacifist, and leans a bit to the left politically and in his book, he redefines faith, although I think he would say he is returning us to biblical faith—we have already redefined it, creating a “false faith,” that is more of “psychological certainty” than the genuine article.

Boyd contends that most of what we call “faith” is just a blind “certainty” that what we want to happen will happen if we just believe hard enough. In the process he confronts the Health-Wealth-Prosperity teaching, saying that model of faith is unbiblical, more akin to pagan magic than biblical faith. Rather than trusting God's character, it promotes a belief in one’s ability to manipulate God, hence idolatry, faith in faith rather than in trusting the character of God. It would have been nice if those believers who drank Jim Jones’ Kool Aid or those suicidal people who flew airplanes into the Twin Towers would have questioned what they believed? They were “certain” of the rightness of their beliefs. They had faith in faith. Truth for them was a system of beliefs, not a Person.

According to Boyd, “any faith that is alive must evolve” and any change in theological reflection should be “celebrated, not feared.” Clinging to and protecting a personal theology based only on what we have been taught destroys, not enhances, faith. “Truth” becomes an itemized list handed down from our preferred group. Should we accept what we are told simply because we are taught it? Or should we question it? What about our cherished beliefs about baptism, the Lord’s Supper, women in ministry, even the infallibility of scripture? Boyd is not saying that everything we were taught is wrong; just that, well, it could be. We will never know until we are free to question. My God, Why?

For me, chapter 4 was most enlightening. Here Boyd argues that there are at least nine things “wrong with certainty-seeking faith.” It is dangerous because it focuses on our ability to believe “without doubt” than in trusting the character of God. Further, “certainty-seeking faith” makes us rigidly inflexible, is based more on assumption than reality, and is idolatrous because it is built on a skewed belief about God and not grounded in a relationship with him.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author bio

Gregory Boyd
(PhD, Princeton Theological Seminary), formerly professor of theology at Bethel University, is senior pastor of Woodland Hills Church in St. Paul, Minnesota, where average attendance has grown to 5,000 since he helped plant the church in 1992. He is the author of many books, including the critically acclaimed Seeing Is Believing and the best-selling Gold Medallion Award-winner Letters from a Skeptic. He is also Greg is a national and international speaker at churches, colleges, conferences, and retreats, and has appeared on numerous radio and television shows. He has also authored and coauthored 14 books, including Escaping the Matrix (with Al Larson), Seeing Is Believing, Repenting of Religion, and his international bestseller Letters From a Skeptic.

http://bakerpublishinggroup.com/books/benefit-of-the-doubt/340380
 

franky67

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Sounds like a good book. Thanks for the review!

Doesn't look like it will go over well with the "name it and claim it" crowd.

I am of the "crowd" that "reads it and claims it"

Seems that if the word says a thing, and our "crowd" doesn't see it happening, then our "crowd" revises the theology to say, "well those gifts and callings ceased after the apostles died."

Is this still the "Spirit Filled \ Charismatic" section of "Christian Forums " ?
 
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JimB

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I am of the "crowd" that "reads it and claims it"

Seems that if the word says a thing, and our "crowd" doesn't see it happening, then our "crowd" revises the theology to say, "well those gifts and callings ceased after the apostles died."

Is this still the "Spirit Filled \ Charismatic" section of "Christian Forums " ?
Yes, of course this is a Pentecostal/Spirit-Filled forum. It's just not a Word of Faith forum. Sorry.

Anyhow, are you saying that the WOF crowd has the “Word” down pat and there is no room for anyone who has a different view? What if “they” are right and WOF is wrong or both of you are wrong or both a little right and a little wrong!! I contend that if WOF (i.e., the name-it-and-claim-it crowd) worked like its proponents say it should then there would be no argument because it would work every time, like it did for Jesus and the Apostles. The gifts did not cease with the Apostles, but according to Scripture, the Spirit hands out one by one by the one; he decides who gets what, and when (1 Cor. 12.11). We do not get that privilege. Jesus said, “the Son can do nothing by himself; he does only what he sees the Father doing” (John 5.19). If God doesn’t will it, it won’t work. Period. No matter what I “confess.” :)
 
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Mr. Boyd does not understand faith as well as he thinks he does.

Faith is based on what God said.

Sounds like he is like many who poo-poo believing we receive when we pray instead of when we see (have) it.

Perhaps he makes excuses and "re-defines" to avoid "looking bad" if what is prayed for is not received.
 
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Boyd contends that most of what we call “faith” is just a blind “certainty” that what we want to happen will happen if we just believe hard enough. . .

According to Boyd, “any faith that is alive must evolve” and any change in theological reflection should be “celebrated, not feared.” Clinging to and protecting a personal theology based only on what we have been taught destroys, not enhances, faith. “Truth” becomes an itemized list handed down from our preferred group. Should we accept what we are told simply because we are taught it? Or should we question it? What about our cherished beliefs about baptism, the Lord’s Supper, women in ministry, even the infallibility of scripture? Boyd is not saying that everything we were taught is wrong; just that, well, it could be. We will never know until we are free to question. My God, Why?
Even though his Ph.D is from Princeton, it seems that his book could be a pretty good read.
 
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franky67

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Yes, of course this is a Pentecostal/Spirit-Filled forum. It's just not a Word of Faith forum. Sorry.

Anyhow, are you saying that the WOF crowd has the “Word” down pat and there is no room for anyone who has a different view? What if “they” are right and WOF is wrong or both of you are wrong or both a little right and a little wrong!! I contend that if WOF (i.e., the name-it-and-claim-it crowd) worked like its proponents say it should then there would be no argument because it would work every time, like it did for Jesus and the Apostles. The gifts did not cease with the Apostles, but according to Scripture, the Spirit hands out one by one by the one; he decides who gets what, and when (1 Cor. 12.11). We do not get that privilege. Jesus said, “the Son can do nothing by himself; he does only what he sees the Father doing” (John 5.19). If God doesn’t will it, it won’t work. Period. No matter what I “confess.” :)

And Jesus also said in Mark, "and these signs will accompany those who have believed, in My name they will cast out demons and speak with new tongues, they will pick up serpents, and if they drink any deadly poison, it shall not hurt them, they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover."

Jesus didn't say they might, he said they will, this doesn't indicate a random distribution of gifts. Watch the Lamb !
 
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JimB

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And Jesus also said in Mark, "and these signs will accompany those who have believed, in My name they will cast out demons and speak with new tongues, they will pick up serpents, and if they drink any deadly poison, it shall not hurt them, they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover."

Jesus didn't say they might, he said they will, this doesn't indicate a random distribution of gifts. Watch the Lamb !
My question to WOF’ers has always been, if these proof-texts are as foolproof (as you claim) then why don’t they work (as you claim they should)? I have been prayed for by WOF’ers many times and it wasn’t a lack of faith on either of our parts, yet the prayer was not answered, at least not as we ask or expected.

BTW, that part of Mark 16 you quoted is a spurious addition to the original text. Older MSS of the NT do not contain vv. 9-20. While I do believe it should be part of the original, I do so by a sort of “faith”, not scholarship. You might check the footnotes of any post-KJV translation. :)
 
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JimB

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Mr. Boyd does not understand faith as well as he thinks he does.

Faith is based on what God said.

Sounds like he is like many who poo-poo believing we receive when we pray instead of when we see (have) it.

Perhaps he makes excuses and "re-defines" to avoid "looking bad" if what is prayed for is not received.
I think he understands it better than most WOF'ers I have encountered.

And why aren't some of your prayers answered as you ask them to be answered. :)
 
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franky67

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Hi Jim

Yes my bible says that too about "some older manuscripts not having verses 9-20, but I try not to let it plant a little seed of doubt in the word.

We must not to let life's circumstances influence our belief in the word, regardless of what any of us experience in this life, the words of Jesus still are true, because He IS truth.

And God has managed to confirm in other verses, those few verses here and there in the bible, which man has questioned .

For instance in Mark 16:20 it says they went out and preached, while God confirmed the word by signs following. And to confirm this in Luke 7, when John the Baptist sent word asking if Jesus was the one , Jesus said He was indeed, because these signs accompany the preaching of the Gospel. ie, confirmation of verse 20 of Mark 16.

So if God said it, yes I will name and claim it. If I don't, then I don't believe what He said.
 
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JimB

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Hi Jim

Yes my bible says that too about "some older manuscripts not having verses 9-20, but I try not to let it plant a little seed of doubt in the word.

We must not to let life's circumstances influence our belief in the word, regardless of what any of us experience in this life, the words of Jesus still are true, because He IS truth.

And God has managed to confirm in other verses, those few verses here and there in the bible, which man has questioned .

For instance in Mark 16:20 it says they went out and preached, while God confirmed the word by signs following. And to confirm this in Luke 7, when John the Baptist sent word asking if Jesus was the one , Jesus said He was indeed, because these signs accompany the preaching of the Gospel. ie, confirmation of verse 20 of Mark 16.

So if God said it, yes I will name and claim it. If I don't, then I don't believe what He said.
And what IF what you believe he said is wrong?

Franky, I am not here to defend Greg Boyd’s theology, just to let people know what is in his book. I do not know (or care) where he stands on miracles or whether or not he is P/C/W or secessationist or not. But I do know that he makes a good point in his book about the place of doubt in finding faith (as has other authors of late, like Tillich, Yancey, Ortberg, and McGrath). They teach the simple truth that if it’s faith it works; if it ain’t, it doesn’t. Rather, it’s what Boyd calls psychological certainty, or “false faith.” And “certainty-seeking faith,” which is not biblical faith at all, but is what I hear taught in this forum and in most P/C/W churches I have attended. Certainty-seeking faith doesn’t work because it’s not the faith the Word teaches. Faith is not assurance that what I believe is right--because I could be wrong--it is not faith in my faith; rather, it is trusting God to do what is right despite the circumstances. It is faith in God, not what I say he will do for me, but faith in HIM, period. He is wiser than our prayers. :)
 
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Optimax

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I think he understands it better than most WOF'ers I have encountered.

And why aren't some of your prayers answered as you ask them to be answered. :)

Interesting that you would draw that conclusion without knowing.

Many times conclusions about others are formed from ones own lack.
 
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My question to WOF’ers has always been, if these proof-texts are as foolproof (as you claim) then why don’t they work (as you claim they should)? I have been prayed for by WOF’ers many times and it wasn’t a lack of faith on either of our parts, yet the prayer was not answered, at least not as we ask or expected.

Did this post actually contain this statement?


"I have been prayed for by WOF’ers many times and it wasn’t a lack of faith on either of our parts,"


Perhaps I read it wrong.
 
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According to Boyd, “any faith that is alive must evolve” and any change in theological reflection should be “celebrated, not feared.” Clinging to and protecting a personal theology based only on what we have been taught destroys, not enhances, faith. “Truth” becomes an itemized list handed down from our preferred group. Should we accept what we are told simply because we are taught it? Or should we question it? What about our cherished beliefs about baptism, the Lord’s Supper, women in ministry, even the infallibility of scripture? Boyd is not saying that everything we were taught is wrong; just that, well, it could be. We will never know until we are free to question. My God, Why?
That book seems interesting.

"Poor theology can hurt us, for we will miss certain stirrings of the Spirit where we are not expecting them and are not open to them owing to an inadequate doctrinal map". - Pinnock
 
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JimB

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Did this post actually contain this statement?


"I have been prayed for by WOF’ers many times and it wasn’t a lack of faith on either of our parts,"


Perhaps I read it wrong.
Of course I said that, Optimax. IMO, WOF’ers have made such a mess of the doctrine of faith it will take decades to return the church to the truth. That’s why "faith" (at least their brand of faith) doesn’t work like they say it should and why they have to write volumes on a subject that should take a simple paragraph to define. Little faith is faith in our faith in God; Great faith is faith in God himself (i.e., trust). That's simple. :)
 
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Optimax

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Of course I said that, Optimax. IMO, WOF’ers have made such a mess of the doctrine of faith it will take decades to return the church to the truth. That’s why "faith" (at least their brand of faith) doesn’t work like they say it should and why they have to write volumes on a subject that should take a simple paragraph to define. Little faith is faith in our faith in God; Great faith is faith in God himself (i.e., trust). That's simple. :)

Truth is truth.

If one does not receive then one needs to work on their believing.

Some want to blame others for not receiving.

Little faith is little understanding of faith.

Great faith is great understanding of faith.

Each is evidenced by those whom The Lord declared as little or great.

Consider that the one that had "great faith" showed his "great" understanding of faith is his explanation of authority.
 
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JimB

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Truth is truth.

If one does not receive then one needs to work on their believing.

Some want to blame others for not receiving.

Little faith is little understanding of faith.

Great faith is great understanding of faith.

Each is evidenced by those whom The Lord declared as little or great.

Consider that the one that had "great faith" showed his "great" understanding of faith is his explanation of authority.
So, you have to be educated to have faith or at least a TV so you can hear the latest faith super-star teach you what faith is? How does an illiterate aborigine in any third- or fourth-world country ever get faith? IMO, faith does not come from learning (understanding)—only literate, educated people understand theology, but even a baby trusts. That’s why I believe trust is a better synonym for faith than any other word–you can only trust a Person; anyone can believe a doctrine. That’s why trust is Great Faith. I would rather my children/grandchildren trust me for who I am that simply follow (understand) a list of rules I have given them. That’s why without faith (trust) it is impossible to please God. :)
 
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JimB

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Truth is truth.

If one does not receive then one needs to work on their believing.

Some want to blame others for not receiving.

Little faith is little understanding of faith.

Great faith is great understanding of faith.

Each is evidenced by those whom The Lord declared as little or great.

Consider that the one that had "great faith" showed his "great" understanding of faith is his explanation of authority.
So, you have to be educated to have faith or at least a TV so you can hear the latest faith super-star teach you what faith is? How does an illiterate aborigine in any third- or fourth-world country ever get faith? IMO, faith does not come from learning (understanding)—only literate, educated people understand theology, but even a baby trusts. That’s why I believe trust is a better synonym for faith than any other word–you can only trust a Person; anyone can believe a doctrine. That’s why trust is Great Faith. I would rather my children/grandchildren trust me for who I am that simply follow (understand) a list of rules I have given them. That’s why without faith (trust) it is impossible to please God. :)
 
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So, you have to be educated to have faith or at least a TV so you can hear the latest faith super-star teach you what faith is? How does an illiterate aborigine in any third- or fourth-world country ever get faith? IMO, faith does not come from learning (understanding)—only literate, educated people understand theology, but even a baby trusts. That’s why I believe trust is a better synonym for faith than any other word–you can only trust a Person; anyone can believe a doctrine. That’s why trust is Great Faith. I would rather my children/grandchildren trust me for who I am that simply follow (understand) a list of rules I have given them. That’s why without faith (trust) it is impossible to please God. :)

Trust would mean that one would believe what God said is true and act accordingly.
 
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