The Bookshelf

                                                                                                                                                                           Vol. II, No. 1, March 1989

Predators in the Pulpit by W. Philip Keller

Keller states early in this book that "The greatest threat to the church of Jesus Christ in the world today is not from without, as so many suppose, but rather from its own leadership within. Our greatest danger of destruction is not from outside forces arrayed against Christians, but from the counterfeits who mislead their followers within the flock." He then proceeds to explain why this is so.

Sometimes, he says, the leader, instead of serving others in humility, is in truth serving his or her own interests. Some Christian churches and mission organizations place undue importance upon personal charm, eloquent speech, academic credentials, or organizational ability. The end result may well be a slick and smooth success by worldly standards, but it often results in creating another "social club" where people come for food, fun, and fellowship, but God's Word is not fed to the flock. Some pastors, Keller declares, are interested primarily in numerical growth. The current concept in some churches is that Christians should be so warm, so loving, so sweet, and so tolerant that almost anything goes. The author states that "many Christians are extremely gullible. They will accept almost any teaching as long as it is offered to them in a small and plausible package. Altogether too few study God's Word enough to know the difference between truth and deception."

In his excellent chapter entitled "Peace, Peace At Any Price" Keller points out that many speak of military peace, of political accord, of religious ecumenism, and of spiritual unity amid all its diversity, but ignore the fact that a stand must be made on God's Word daily." If we do, he will bless, confirm, and use our priorities, possessions, social relationships, repentance, obedience in love and loyalty, and faithful service.

Keller's analysis of the problem and its solution are very helpful for anyone who wants to avoid belonging to a "moderate" or "liberal" church. In the long run, however, it is likely that someone is going to have to write a book giving specific examples and quotations from these "predators in the pulpit" to illustrate Keller's wise observations.