Don’t Believe
Everything You Read--Winston-Salem Journal
The articles written by Dr. Earl Crow in the Saturday
editions of the Winston-Salem Journal are a train wreck. He does not represent
evangelical Christianity and demonstrates that he has no clue what he is doing
when discussing scriptural passages.
Some may think that this is a strong or even harsh statement, but allow
me to elaborate. I will provide some
general comments about his articles as well as some specific points.
Dr. Crow often implies or pushes the answer in a certain
direction without ever stating his actual position. For example, our adult class during The Blend
recently read his article about Hell, and without ever explicitly stating the
point, he implied that Hell is not real and that all will be welcomed into
Heaven. Crow often quotes Scriptures
that have nothing to do with the subject at hand. For example, when asked if we will know each
other in heaven, he quoted Matt 8:11 which says, “And I say to you that many
will come from east and west, and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in
the kingdom of heaven.” Now, tell me,
what does that verse have to do with the question? The last point that I will make is that Crow
often questions evangelical, traditional teaching without actually explaining how
it is wrong or offering a truly biblical alternative to the traditional
position.
What is our lesson?
Do not believe everything you read (or hear or watch) without studying
the subject for yourself, fact-checking, and getting (at least) a second opinion. Just because something such as a television
show, movie, or newspaper article is “religious” does not mean that it is
accurate. There are many wolves
masquerading as sheep (Matt 7:15). The
New Testament is full of warnings to beware of false teachers (e.g. Rom
16:17-18; Col 2:8; 2 Tim 4:3-4; 2 Pet 2:1-22; 1 John 4:1; 2 John 1:10-11). We do well to heed those warnings in our own
day.
Now, let me express some humility. I do not have it all figured out. I cannot answer every question. However, there is nothing worse or more
devastating to a Christian’s walk than for someone who is “religious” and
“educated” to appear to be an “angel of light” and yet only deceive
believers. Crow is a PhD who uses common
misconceptions to gain sympathy for his positions. The way he goes about his writing and
teaching is sad and, honestly, disgusting.
So, again, do not believe everything you read.
If you have any questions or comments about Dr. Crow’s
articles, please email me at wesley@progressandjoy.org, call me, stop by the
office, or bring it to my attention on a Sunday.