The Next Billy Graham Might Be Drunk Right Now
— Monday, January 2nd, 2012 —
Whenever I start to get discouraged about the future of the church, I remember a conversation I had a few years ago with evangelical theologian Carl F. H. Henry on what would turn out to be his last visit to Southern Seminary before his death.
Several of us were lamenting the miserable shape of the church, about so much doctrinal vacuity, vapid preaching, non-existent discipleship. We asked Dr. Henry if he saw any hope in the coming generation of evangelicals.
And I will never forget his reply.
“Why, you speak as though Christianity were genetic,” he said. “Of course, there is hope for the next generation of evangelicals. But the leaders of the next generation might not be coming from the current evangelical establishment. They are probably still pagans.”
“Who knew that Saul of Tarsus was to be the great apostle to the Gentiles?” he asked us. “Who knew that God would raise up a C.S. Lewis, a Charles Colson? They were unbelievers who, once saved by the grace of God, were mighty warriors for the faith.”
Of course, the same principle applied to Henry himself. Who knew that God would raise up a newspaperman from a nominally Lutheran family to defend the Scriptures for generations of conservative evangelicals?
The next Jonathan Edwards might be the man driving in front of you with the Darwin Fish bumper decal. The next Charles Wesley might be a misogynist, profanity-spewing hip-hop artist right now. The next Billy Graham might be passed out drunk in a fraternity house right now. The next Charles Spurgeon might be making posters for a Gay Pride March right now. The next Mother Teresa might be managing an abortion clinic right now.
But the Spirit of God can turn all that around. And seems to delight to do so. The new birth doesn’t just transform lives, creating repentance and faith; it also provides new leadership to the church, and fulfills Jesus’ promise to gift his church with everything needed for her onward march through space and time (Eph. 4:8-16).
After all, while Phillip was leading the Ethiopian eunuch to Christ, Saul of Tarsus was still a murderer.
Most of the church in any generation comes along through the slow, patient discipleship of the next generation. But just to keep us from thinking Christianity is evolutionary and “natural” (or, to use Dr. Henry’s term “genetic”), Jesus shocks his church with leadership that seems to come like a Big Bang out of nowhere.
Whenever I’m tempted to despair about the shape of American Christianity, I’m reminded that Jesus never promised the triumph of the American church; he promised the triumph of the church. Most of the church, in heaven and on earth, isn’t American. Maybe the hope of the American church is right now in Nigeria or Laos or Indonesia.
Jesus will be King, and his church will flourish. And he’ll do it in the way he chooses, by exalting the humble and humbling the exalted, and by transforming cowards and thieves and murderers into the cornerstones of his New City.
So relax.
And, be kind to that atheist in front of you on the highway, the one who just shot you an obscene gesture. He might be the one who evangelizes your grandchildren.
128 Responses to “The Next Billy Graham Might Be Drunk Right Now”
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Oh boy. You know. I don’t know whether you’ve ever interacted with me on any level, and if not I’m loathe to start it on this note. But since someone has to say it, I guess why not me?
I thought you were making an absolutely terrific, hopeful, encouraging point, even though putting Billy Graham on a list with Spurgeon and Edwards is iffy.
But “Mother” Teresa? Openly Mariolatrous, thoroughly Romanist “Mother” Teresa? That isn’t Chick tract or Dave Hunt stuff, she wasn’t bashful about it.
Honestly, shouldn’t she have been on the side of the list with the Gay Pride marchers and the Darwin Fish flashers, people not yet transformed by the Gospel, forming a counterpoint to some godly woman who embraced and lived and communicated the gracious Gospel of Christ?
It just sounds such a false note in what was such an otherwise terrific, hopeful point.
@Dan Phillips, Salvation is by faith in Jesus Christ, not what someone thinks about Mary.
@Dan Phillips, I thought the same thing about Mother Teresa. Things I’ve read about her would contradict that she was truly born again, even though she was probably more helpful and loving than many true believers are. Only she and the Lord know.
@Dan Phillips,
~Woody,
necessary distinction: Salvation is in Christ… ALONE! He is the only mediator. Mary cannot intercede for anything before the Father or what was her earthly son. Saints cannot accomplish anything for you other than to condemn the one who prays to anyone or anything but Christ. Sacrements cannot make you more acceptable to God, and are an offense to his sacrifice (Once and for all). The Pope is a man. He cannot speak on behalf of Christ. And by all earthly evidence, Mother Teresa was simply a benevolent human being who now knows just how much salvation her good deeds got her. It is such a tragedy…
This post had a sweet point. But just because the next great evangelist might be drunk right now, it doesn’t mean his sin is any less serious. Keep sharing the true gospel in love!
ps. Did you know that if you go to the Vatican and ask for a bible you will be laughed out of the shop?
@Dan Phillips,
Mary is not the point as Molly Marshall recently pointed out in a sterling essay at ethicsdaily.com. Billy Graham’s story has recently been updated in Steven Miller’s book and I am interested to know soon if Russ Moore has read it, or the Marshall Frady strong take in 79.
But greater things are up for discussion this year, and that is Giberson and Stephens dissection of Al Mohler on page 246 of the highly acclaimed book The Anointed.
The SBC socalled resurgence is suffering a strong test in the Letters responses in the Rome, Ga, News Tribune and in a discussion in SBC Trends of baptistlife.com/forums
Hope Russ Moore and David Miller, even Mohler himself will be engaging that conversation soon, lest gibberish, as Alan Wolfe calls it in his look at the Evangelical Mind in The Atlantic prevails in 2012 and the lessons of Billy Graham’s pilgrimage are lost on the coming generation
@Dan Phillips,
Could you please expand on what you mean by embracing the “gracious Gospel of Christ?”
@Dan Phillips, You need to spend some time reading the early church Fathers! Maybe pick up and read J.N.D. Kelly’s “Early Christian Doctrines”! Who are you to judge the faith and salvation of Mother Teresa and Billy Graham? It is salvation by Faith In Jesus Christ, not by believing in “justification by faith” as a theological proposition. Both have lived lives that clearly testified to millions about the Love, Grace, and Saving power of God through His Son Jesus! That kind of Phariseeism is what keeps divisions going in the Body of Christ, which is a clear violation of our Lord’s prayer in John 17.
@Dan Phillips,
Fully agree, Dan.
@Dan Phillips, I agree with Dan’s comment about mother Teresa. I was enjoying the analysis until she was mentioned. This may be part of the problem in the American church. Church growth has spawned into any system of belief becoming transforming faith. I use the word transforming intentionally because this a favorite word of church growth pastors as their numbers naturally increase from man-centered anthro-theo-pology.
Thank you for this…grace is a rare commodity now days…we need to be “grace-scatterers”!
As usual, another thoughtfully written article. Yes, I agree that there is much to be discouraged about when looking at American Evangelical Christianity. Which supports your point about the importance and future influence of global Christianity. The American Empire will fade, but Christ will continue His work until He returns. Again, thank you for your article, it is a good read for the New Year.
Thanks. Great message.
David R. Brumbelow
You have a way with words. That was one of the most encouraging posts I’ve read in a long time.
Amen, Amen & Amen!
Thank you for that. I sometimes get cranky over the state of the American church. So I need to be reminded that Jesus never needs us. His church will prevail because he said so. Regardless of our wish-washiness, he will be faithful…because he is.
Awesome post! So true and yet I seem to always lost sight of this. Glad the spirit is with me to send me wake up calls!
Excellent article Russell. A good reminder to us all.
As an atheist who is a former evangelist I find this article offensive. I am happier and less filled with contempt and hate for my fellow man now than I was as a Christian. What reason would I have for flipping off a christian on the highway?
And of course all pagans are drunks and murderers and adulterers because we can’t control ourselves without God. This is an offensive and bigoted article, similar to many I myself wrote in the past. Instead of looking at your fellow man with the contemptuous eyes of the self righteous why don’t you recognize that as a species we are all in the same boat with a common destiny.
We must all work together and learn to cooperate, instead of being divided by beliefs that would cease to exist the minute the conversion processes stopped. Allow the old to die off so that we can all be made new in the spirit of brotherhood and cooperation.
@Seth Robins
Can one be an atheist? You would at some point had to acknowledge there is a God, even though you personally do not believe in Him, so you do have a belief just the wrong one. The only thing offensive and bigoted about this article are your comments,and I can assure you we are not all in the same boat with a common destiny
@Seth Robins,
Your anger and bitterness entirely colored how you received and responded to the article. Moore’s last words in the article were were an admonishment to be kind to others, including the hypothetical atheist that flips off a reader who claims to follow Jesus Christ. He presents the issue of a messed up church, the same one that caused you deep pain, and those God will use to lead later are not yet known to us. He merely used examples of behavior that evangelical church people wouldn’t agree with and would elicit judgement rather than compassion.
You should be happy that he is spurring church people to behave in love just as I’m sure you wish they would. Unless you’d prefer them continue to be judgmental, bitter and angry towards people who do things they don’t agree with. But, I genuinely doubt you would prefer that.
All men were created in the image of God. You know this… and his point is that we don’t know now who will follow Christ’s Spirit and begin to reflect God’s character and impact the world for Christ’s Kingdom. So C.S. Lewis’s insight that we never meet a mere mortal is one of Moore’s main points.
There is still hope for the deceived and blinded body of Christ in america and there is still hope for you Seth.
Grace,
Guy
@Seth Robins,
I would question whether you were ever actually a Christian. I’m not sure it’s possible to go from being a true follower of Christ to being convinced that no God exists. It sounds like you were religious and attempting to follow the teachings of Christianity. That would, indeed, lead to bitterness because, no, we cannot control ourselves without God. That’s exactly what Christianity teaches us–none of us is good, not one.
Excellent message, and yes, when driving along and seeing those Darwin fish logos on the car’s in front of us, we should be praying for the driver’s salvation.
Loved this…so encouraging.
Possibilities beyond what makes any sort of logical sense…because with Him all things are possible.
It’s exciting when I remember this truth.
Seth,
I will pray that the Lord will get your attention as He did with the apostle Paul on the road to Damascus. The enemy has decieved you into thinking there is no God. I do not believe for one minue that you are content as an atheist. May you find the everlasting hope that you once preached to lost sinners and be found in the end turning to the One who died for you on the old rugged cross!
Dan (1st responder),
I think the real point is that you are on the list with those groups; you are just too blind to see it.
I don’t want my first comment on here to be sour either so I’ll merely ask a question on what basis is Mother Teresa listed among the Brethren?
What a powerful, encouraging, hope-filled article for all who are lamenting the state of our culture and world today, for those with children gone astray (or who were never “in”), and for those in leadership who are feeling discouraged and weary.
Thanks for the much-needed reminder that God doesn’t see people the way we see them. Where we see lowly shepherds, foul-mouthed fishermen, immoral women and hatred-spewing murderers, God sees future kings, bold evangelists, and excited missionaries!
We should know better!
Thank you for the great writing Dr. Moore!
As an Indonesian, I do see a great amount of new churches in remote regions holding Reformed theology and the last time I heard from local government in Padang, there were about 6000 converts from Islam to Christianity in 2010 in Padang alone. Our church, Reformed Evangelical Church of Indonesia last year alone had evangelized 1 million and 8000 people through series of Gospel Rallies.
Please pray for the persecution that we are having. If you need more information about Christianity in Indonesia, please let me know.
-waney
Great article Russell. God can use anyone to proclaim his gospel and love. I’m sorry the ignorance of some readers blind them from the passion and beauty found in the life of Mother Theresa.
@Ben Crawford,
I have to wonder at the Mother Theresa mention too. No one is denying that Mother Theresa had passion and did some great things. The puzzlement has to do with her being counted as a Christian. It is not out of ignorance it is because her own statements make one have to question who she had faith in- was it Christ alone or was it in the church and in Mary? If the latter then why put her within a list of names who at least profess the former?
Patrick
@Patrick Brink,
I hate to break it to you, but Catholics are Christians too. We can’t condemn other Christian denominations and their members, or else we’re passing the same judgement mentioned in the article towards atheists and non-believers.
@Ben Crawford, It isn’t about the beauty of her life and service.”for when the gentile who do not have the law, by nature do the law written on their hearts. Are a law to themselves, even though they don’t have the law.” Its about whether or not she had faith in Christ. Mother Teresa’s inclusion in Mr Moore’s list of Faith heroes seems to be based more on her reputation as a worker of good deeds and not as an adherent to the faith once handed down. The gospel is what it is Ben and it isn’t bigoted to call an unbeliever what they are. Nothing that I have ever heard of her or from her would indicate she adheres to anything other than a Catholic understanding of salvation and nor the faith of Edwards, Wesley etc.. It was an unnecessary inclusion by Mr. Moore
@Ben Crawford,
Some of you criticizing Mother Teresa might want to stop and think about how had there never been the Roman Catholic church, there would be no church as we know it today.
I think this is a refreshing article if a bit of a broadstroke was used for the ministers cited and for the likes of the lost who may be saved. But those were just devices to emphasize that A) The church is not genetic and B) Jesus is still the Sovereign King of the church. So everybody just chill OK.
Thanks Dr. Moore.
@Clark Dunlap, I totally agree.
I agree with Dan Phillips’ concerns above about Teresa being included in this article as a sort of hero of the faith. The following quote explains further.
“What [Mother Teresa] accomplished should continue to be admired on its own merits. But as a spiritual example, she is to be sincerely and compassionately pitied. In saying this, I do not mean to declare her as damned; such a pronouncement is beyond my authority or competence. But reading the pieces of her correspondence, I found myself lamenting that someone so noble as Mother Teresa should be led down such a false and tortuous path. It simply is not Christianity. Therefore, as a spiritual guide, her example should be shunned.” - Rick Phillips
So Mother Theresa was a born-again believer now? Wow.
*is
Why is Chuck Colson named as a “mighty warrior for the faith”, right alongside the Apostle Paul? Dr. Moore, have you read any of his recent books? “The Good Life” is pathetically weak and unbiblical, filled with life lessons gleaned from watching Hollywood movies and current events. I don’t believe there is a single mention in the book on the role of the Holy Spirit in the believer’s life. “The Faith”is really an ecumenical effort designed in my judgment not to “earnestly contend for the faith” as the title suggests, but to promote ECT, the Manhattan Declaration and many of his other initiatives.
Dr. Moore, I know you have mentioned on the air that Colson is one of your “heroes” but you need to show better discernment.
@Greg Fieger,
Fully agree, Greg.
Dan- a good point.
Dr. Moore- a good reminder.
Seth,
There is no past tense in the relationship of a believer with Christ. Either one is or isn’t, to say I was a Christian is by definition a non Christian. I don’t mean to seem nitpicky, but a life changed by Jesus is NEVER the same. However one can attempt to live in a Christian manner or live better at any time. The result of this is never a new birth. This would be true of Teresa as well Mary has nothing to do with it! Either she called out to Jesus for salvation alone or she didn’t.
Thanks for the great article. There were two points I really thought were insightful. First, was “be kind to that atheist in front of you on the highway”. We all have the tendency to see people as they are and not as they could be. We need to remember the great stories of change in Scripture and also of those around us and what God has done in our own lives. Second, was the reminder of the Global Church. Christianity is not a Western phenomena, which we often forget.
Um… yeah, I’d say Mother Theresa was a Christian. I know not all Protestants would agree with me, but Catholics are Christians. I have Catholic friends, and I’m not in any fear for their souls.Good grief. :)
I think Dr. Moore’s point about Mother Theresa was simply to say that God can work in dramatic ways, i.e. taking someone who is an abortionist and turning them into a pro-life advocate. I didn’t take her inclusion to be necessarily an affirmation that she was an evangelical believer or was even saved at all, but only that she demonstrated the opposite lifestyle of an abortionist.
@Todd M. Wells, that was how I had read it as well. I don’t think Dr. Moore attempted to make a case for or against M.T.’s salvation at all.
@Todd M. Wells, There are plenty of people he could have picked, but not someone who is suspect.
Why include Mother Teresa n a list witb Spurgeon, Wesley, Lewis, Henry, etc. when she w a s not saved - and died in an unregenerated state?
Romanism teaches a different gospel which is no gospel at all (Gal. 1:6-9).
Respectfully,
Steve Camp
2 Cor. 4:5
@Pastor SJ Camp, Nice post brother Camp. Short and to the point.
@Pastor SJ Camp,
As a dear friend once said to me, there’s only room for one person on the Judgment Seat of God, and that Person isn’t you.
Respectfully,
Bill
(Who found himself humming one of your songs earlier this week, oddly enough.)
@Pastor SJ Camp,
Fully agree, Steve.
Russell Moore! I am proud to call you my brother! GREAT ARTICLE!
“Jesus will be King, and his church will flourish. And he’ll do it in the way he chooses, by exalting the humble and humbling the exalted, and by transforming cowards and thieves and murderers into the cornerstones of his New City.”
Brothers and sisters, isn’t this the essence of this post? God has the power, and the grace, to transform people and to use them for his glory! Praise the Lord!
Dr Moore,
Great article.
The comments on Catholicism are lacking in understanding of the distinctions and nuances of Catholic Church doctrine but who has time for all of that when you’re so right all the time?
In Christ,
Scott
Mr. Moore - you are quire correct that ALL Christians start out as pagans and none of us know who God has elected. You are quite deluded in thinking Billy Graham is a great man of God or that God raised up C.S. Lewis or Chuck Colson or the nun. You, sir, should repent and re-think the doctrine of justification and sanctification. Fruit from saved people will align with the Scriptures, not man-made theology such as Arminianism or Roman Catholicism.
Look, I didn’t know Mother Teresa, and I am not at all familiar with her writings or anything about her but her work. But for all those of you who are arrogant enough to question her Christianity, please read the book of James. Regardless of what her fallible human mind may have believed as the truth, her works are evidence of her salvation: “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.” James 1:27. How could anyone live that kind of life without the sustaining of the Holy Spirit? So what if maybe she wasn’t perfect in her doctrinal beliefs? Do you not believe that the grace of God is enough to cover that? “But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. ” James 2:20-24. Obviously the woman had faith in God, and if you believe what James has to say on the subject, then it is obvious that her faith led her to great and mighty works of the Spirit, and I think she is called a Friend of God. It is ridiculous to presume that just because a Catholic or anyone else is doctrinally confused that God will not save that person. The Bible says that you show your love for God by obeying His commandments. Though there are many commandments that talk of loving one’s brother or neighbor or not killing or making disciples, I have yet to see the commandment that states “Perfectly understand the doctrine or else.” How about you? How sure are you that you have it all right? How right is right enough? I’m not saying that doctrine is of no importance - I’m saying that the doctrine of God’s grace is the underlayment of all doctrine. Without it, all else is pointless.
@Laura Reavis,
AMEN sister. Mother Teresa’s works are evidence of her faith, and I believe her humility is evidence of her “regeneration.”
@Laura Reavis,
Most Mormons I know have great works!
@Michael B, Soooooooooo?
@Laura Reavis
Meaning Mormons do good works based on their faith in Joseph Smith and his teachings and are not saved becuase of that….and ‘mother’ Teresa did good works based on her faith in the catholic church (and the extra-biblical teachings of salvation), the pope , mary, etc….and that will not save her. Reading about things she has said and done one can legitimately question whether or not she was saved.
I so appreciate this word - thanks for sharing! We really need to be reminded that there IS hope and it often comes from the most unlikely places. Really, we’re all in that boat - right?
Good article. I have been following off another blog its complaints about the lamentable condition of the American church (its pandering to feminism and the gays, the sloppy discipleship, the shambles in the Charismatic scene), and then I get this most helpful reminder from Dr Moore, that the church is far more than its current American incarnation.
An exercise for people: go through the list of famous Christians whose past prior to Christ was a bad one. It’s much longer than you think. John Newton, the slave trader, comes to mind.
As for Mother Theresa’s spiritual condition. Some fundamentalists have questioned whether CS Lewis was a Christian at all, for that matter, but the working of Grace has a way of being wider than we realise.
Far be it from me Dr Moore to be disagreeing with you, I am a simple middle aged white african man, who is simply looking to Jesus. What you suggest in this post is certainly possible. But having had to wade through a deluge of false teachings to come to the true gospel. I feel my soul safer with a man who has kept his life pure. But then again is there such a man ? I have to concur, there might be more hope for a drunkard who knows his sin, than a hypocrite who thinks himself good.
God Bless.
Simon
South Africa
hey - any chance we could reprint this article (with appropriate credit of course) in a newsletter?
- geoff
Really enjoyed the overall point of the article, but have to agree with Dan about including a Roman Catholic - much like two of the folks listed:
“We must warn with judicious boldness those who are inclined towards the errors of Rome; we must instruct the young in gospel truth, and tell them of the black doings of Popery in the olden times. We must aid in spreading the light more thoroughly through the land, for priests, like owls, hate daylight. Are we doing all we can for Jesus and the gospel? If not, our negligence plays into the hands of priestcraft. What are we doing to spread the Bible, which is the Pope’s bane and poison? Are we casting abroad good, sound gospel writings? Luther once said, ‘The devil hates goose quills,’ and doubtless, he has good reason, for ready writers, by the Holy Spirit’s blessing, have done his kingdom much damage. If the thousands who will read this short word this night will do all they can to hinder the rebuilding of his accursed Jericho [Catholic church], the Lord’s glory shall speed among the sons of men.”
CH Spurgeon
“Many nations are under popish darkness, and are in such gross delusions that they worship the Virgin Mary, and a great multitude of dead men, whom their church has canonized for saints; some real saints, and others abominably wicked men… they worship the relics of dead saints….. And innumerable other such foolish delusions are they under.”
Jonathan Edwards
That is just a sampling of writings you can find by them. It is interesting (and sad) to see Protestants defending the Roman Catholic church. Remember that whole Reformation thing? That wasn’t over what color carpet to put in the sanctuary, it was over something far more serious than a lot of people seem to understand.
Dr. Moore - Just a few quotes from Mother Teresa (which are quite easy to document), that I hope will assist you in reaching a biblical understanding about the state of Mother Teresa’s soul:
“We never try to convert those who receive [aid from her organization] to Christianity but in our work we bear witness to the love of God’s presence and if Catholics, Protestants, Buddhists, or agnostics become for this better men — simply better — we will be satisfied. Growing up in love they will be nearer to God and find him in his goodness. Every human being comes from the hand of God and we all know what is the love of God for us. My religion is everything to me but for every individual, according to the grace God had given that soul. God has his own ways and means to work in the hearts of men and we do not know how close they are to him but by their actions we will always know whether they are at his disposal or not.
Whether you are a Hindu, a Moslem or a Christian, how you live your life is the proof that you are fully his or not. We must not condemn or judge or pass words that will hurt people. Maybe a person has never heard of Christianity. We do not know what way God is appearing to that soul and what way God is drawing that soul, and therefore who are we to condemn anybody? It matters to the individual what church he belongs to. If that individual thinks and believes that this is the only way to God for her or him, this is the way God comes into their life — his life. If he does not know any other way and if he has no doubt so that he does not need to search then this is his way to salvation. This is the way God comes into his life.” (Life in the Spirit: Reflections, Meditations and Prayers, pp 81, 82, my emphasis)
“Are you not afraid of God? You call him Ishwar, some call him Allah, some simply God, but we all have to acknowledge that it is He who made us for greater things: to love and to be loved. Who are we to prevent our people from finding this God who has made them — who loves them — to whom they have to return?” (Letter from Mother Teresa to Indian Prime Minister Morarji Desai)
In an interview with her biographer, the following exchange was recorded:
Biographer Naveen Chawla: “Do you convert?”
Mother Teresa: “Of course I convert. I convert you to be a better Hindu or a better Muslim or a better Protestant. Once you’ve found God, it’s up to you to decide how to worship him.”
Wow, just wow. I just can’t get past the reference to Mother Teresa- and then when I read some of the comments I am even more disheartened.
A few years ago when I was a relatively new Christian and in an “emergent” type church, there was a professing Catholic in my community group. I wasn’t super discerning at the time, but I could see that his theology was a train wreck. One time after he talked about how great Mother Teresa was, I decided to do a little research about her. Afterall, most people I knew in the evangelical community (not just the Catholic community) held her up as a great example of someone who is a true, mature disciple of Christ. I looked for direct quotes from her- not someone else’s assessment of her. And let me say, it was very easy to figure out that she believes in a different gospel from her own words. Unlike some teachers like Rob Bell, who are often cagey and hard to pin down doctrinally- Mother Teresa was very open about her theology of universalism, works righteousness, and “redemptive suffering.” When I brought this information to my Catholic friend- guess what response I got? A typical Catholic response: she obviously was a Christian and is in heaven because look at all the good she did. Some of the commenters on here say the same thing- and then to top it off, they actually call this “grace.” The belief that you work your way to heaven by your good deeds is not grace- it is anti-grace. It is works righteousness. It means you think you can earn salvation from God for all your hard work. It is utterly in direct opposition to the true Gospel of grace.
@Cathy Mathews, Wow! Awesome post
@Cathy Mathews, Please don’t confuse the idea that one’s works are evidence of salvation with the idea that one can work himself into Heaven. Of course you can’t get into Heaven by doing good works. Christ is the only way to Heaven - being redeemed by His blood shed on the cross. However, the Bible is clear that you can identify the redeemed by their works. It says this in James and Matthew. Christ said that we know we love Him when we follow His commandments. Our argument is that God’s grace is sufficient to cover Mother Teresa’s, my, and your incorrect doctrinal beliefs.
Who do you think is more likely to be saved?
Someone who lives a humble life, serving and loving others, sharing the Gospel with them, but who never said the words, “God please save me”? Or someone who prayed what is called the Sinner’s Prayer, but lived a life of selfish debauchery, constantly fighting with others and going to church every so often?
@Dan Phillips
Mother Teresa never said that she was saved by Mary. Her writings clearly reveal her trust in Jesus as her Savior–although she certainly had a profound respect and even love for Mary. And the Vatican would never laugh at anyone for asking for a Bible. Sorry, but that’s just ridiculous. Some of the brightest and best biblical scholars in the world today are Roman Catholics.
Perhaps you saved me from myself by not posting my comment- I really did not think it was snarky. My point was that Mother Teresa was very open about her theology- a mix of universalism, works righteousness, and “redemptive suffering.” I know Dr. Moore was quoting someone else who clearly put her in truly saved category, but surely Dr. Moore knows at least some of what she professed. Like I said, it’s not hard to find out what her theology was.. And then to have people on here commenting that you are a fundamentalist and basically that you limit God’s grace for pointing out that Mother Teresa preached a different gospel- that is what causes me to despair sometimes. Yes God will build His church, but He isn’t going to build it with a false gospel. And so you need to be more than “nice” to a lost person (whether they be an atheist or a religious nun who is working herself to death because she thinks she has to earn her salvation) - you should proclaim the true Gospel to them.
You’re off the mark a bit, I think. The fact is that God didn’t raise up another Saul of Tarsus, Augustine, Luther, Calvin, etc., etc., etc. God could raise up another Billy Graham–whatever that means. But if the pattern of His work in history means anything, it isn’t likely. God will raise up those whom He chooses to carry out His purposes until Christ returns.
Here is a quote from Theresa:
We NEVER try to convert those who receive [aid from her organization] to Christianity but in our work we bear witness to the love of God’s presence and if Catholics, Protestants, Buddhists, or agnostics become for this better men — simply better — we will be satisfied. Growing up in love they will be nearer to God and find him in his goodness. Every human being comes from the hand of God and we all know what is the love of God for us.
My religion is everything to me but for every individual, according to the grace God had given that soul. God has his own ways and means to work in the hearts of men and we do not know how close they are to him but by their actions we will always know whether they are at his disposal or not.
Whether you are a Hindu, a Moslem or a Christian, how you live your life is the proof that you are fully his or not. We must not condemn or judge or pass words that will hurt people. Maybe a person has never heard of Christianity. We do not know what way God is appearing to that soul and what way God is drawing that soul, and therefore who are we to condemn anybody?
It matters to the individual what church he belongs to. If that individual thinks and believes that this is the only way to God for her or him, this is the way God comes into their life — his life. If he does not know any other way and if he has no doubt so that he does not need to search then this is his way to salvation. This is the way God comes into his life.[2]
Kathryn Spink, Mother Teresa, Life in the Spirit: Reflections, Meditations and Prayers [New York: HarperCollins, 1983]
I’m not pastor, nor theologian, but this is so WRONG biblically speaking in so many ways. Mr. Moore, I’m not an SBC member, so you don’t have to listen to me, but you may want to use someone else.
@lew,
I guess one’s perception of Mother Teresa’s words (above) depends on the lense you choose to read them through, but this is what I saw when I read that:
“…but in our work we bear witness … they will be nearer to God and find him in his goodness.” —- Her humility and recognition that she has no control over anyone’s response to her witness
“My religion is everything to me but for every individual, according to the grace God had given that soul.” —- Her belief in God’s sovereignty
“God has his own ways and means to work in the hearts of men and we do not know how close they are to him but by their actions we will always know whether they are at his disposal or not.” —- Her understanding of Matthew 7:16 (you will know them by their fruit)
“We must not condemn or judge or pass words that will hurt people.” —- Her belief in Jesus’ teaching that we are not to condemn or judge or pass words that will hurt people
@Elizabeth, Well said!
I admit, lots of time when I see Darwin stickers or hear of lifestyles of people around them my sinful nature automatically judges them as “hopeless”
Reading this was a good reminder for me personally that God can use anyone he wants and anyone’s lives can be changed for the glory of Him.
He did in fact change me.
So, I don’t recall Dr. Moore actually coming out and saying he believed Mother Theresa was actually saved. Could it be that he was listing off a group of people who did great things and just threw her name in there without thinking how everyone on the internet would react? I guess I’m just wondering what Dr. Moore’s thoughts on this are. I think I’d like to hear from him before jumping to conclusions.
I’m also wondering if he didn’t include this name on purpose knowing the reaction in order to prove some kind of point in a future posting.
For the record, I do not believe Mother Theresa was a saved person. I’m just saying I want more info before jumping on the critics bandwagon.
Dr. Moore,
FANTASTIC article on Mother Teresa!
First good article Dr. Moore.
It is interesting to note how many people think they have the “truth” in the comments so they can assume to know who is and is not go to God’s Kingdom.
@historyb,
Im surprised that people assume that the truth is contrary to the Bible? The Bible is clear that those who put their faith in Christ alone are saved. Its not Christ plus mary or anything else for that matter, its Christ alone.
@historyb,
The Bible is pretty clear about who gets in. So then the question is who does such and such a person’s beliefs/faith match up to what the Bible says is needed for salvation.
I Never Knew You
21 o“Not everyone who psays to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will qenter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who rdoes the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 sOn that day tmany will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not uprophesy in your name, and cast out demons vin your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ 23 tAnd then will I declare to them, ‘I wnever knew you; xdepart from me, yyou workers of lawlessness.’
ESV (Mt 7:21–23).
On judgment day, those that defend themselfves (by their works) will be supprised. May God’s Spirit work in all of our lives to bring us to the point where we hear and respond in faith, like Abraham, to what Gods plans are for His glory.
@Michael Wert, How about this from the same chapter:
“1Judge not, that ye be not judged.
2For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.
3And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?
4Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?
5Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.
or
“16Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
17Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
18A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
19Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
20Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. ”
What was Mother Teresa’s fruit?
As for the scripture you quoted, what lawlessness did mother Teresa work? She was in every way humble, penitent, loving, and in every way lived a life that followed Christ’s example. I’ve always gotten the sense that Jesus was talking to those who proudly and loudly proclaim that their “great works” should be enough. I’ve never seen one example of Mother Teresa doing that.
BTW - I have no idea if she was saved and is now worshipping at the feet of the Father or burning in Hell. I think it’s presumptuous for folks to assume she wasn’t because she lived her life believing what she was taught as a child in the Catholic church.
@Michael Wert,
Laura, you asked, “What was Mother Teresa’s fruit?”
You overlooked verse 15 of Matthew 7 (right before everything else you quoted) which talks about false prophets, those who teach false doctrine. They are the “them” which we will know by their fruits (verse 16).
Mother Teresa’s fruit includes false doctrine. I’m glad she did many good things, but she taught false doctrine, and that is fruit that shows she was a false teacher.
This isn’t difficult….
Verse 15 — beware of false prophets
Verse 16-20 — you’ll know false prophets by their fruit
Verse 21-23 — false prophets may have done a lot of good things, even claiming to have done them in the name of Christ, but it won’t do them any good on judgment day.
Obviously, then, the “fruit” in view in 16-20 is not limited to doing good things, or we wouldn’t be able to recognise false prophets.
This article is a very good reminder that God is sovereign and He will lead his church. And whomever emerges as a “leader” whether it be for a local church, a movement of churches, a ministry, or a denomination, all church leaders were once “objects of wrath.” This article isn’t about promoting someone over someone else by merely mentioning them in the article nor is it about excluding someone who others think should be mentioned and neither is the article about authenticating someone’s salvation. The article is about trusting God to lead His Body.
For the people who are playing armchair editor and mincing particular words or references rather than considering the whole point to the article, I’m interested in seeing whether you can accomplish the task: can you write an article on the same topic and write it in such a manner that no one finds fault with any segment of of it? And if you did, would it really say anything?
Thanks Dr. Moore, you helped to make my day with this reminder. There is alway hope in Him. He is in control. I spent yesterday’s S.S. Class time talking with older adults about the challenges families face in this sensual cluture and the concern they have for their grandchildern.
Great article, but after reading through the comments I think I’ll head down to the bar and have a cold one with the next Billy Graham.
I’m late to the party but managed to read through the article and all the comments. A few things that I noticed.
First, Colson and Lewis are not Dr. Moore’s examples. They are in quotation marks…these are examples from Carl F.H. Henry.
Secondly, I do not read Dr. Moore saying that Mother Theresa is a believer (necessarily) but instead she would be a noted figure that would contrast well with someone working in an abortion clinic.
Having said that, I think it may not have been the best choice. Because the point Dr. Moore is making is that Christ radically changes people from what they once were. Therefore, if Mother Theresa was not a believer–then she should not be in that list.
Lastly, I think it would do all of us some good to heed Dr. Moore’s advice and “relax”. Perhaps Mother Theresa was not the best example. Perhaps this could lead someone astray. Yep, that’s not good. But God is sovereign and He has a way of flawed people and flawed articles to display His glory. I’m not saying that truth doesn’t matter. But I’m also saying that perhaps we should take in the spirit of the article and realize that Christ’s church will prevail even if somebody puts Mother Theresa in a list that maybe she shouldn’t be in.
The article was encouraging that Jesus Christ still changes lives. Where were you before He found you? Lost and without hope…sometimes we forget all of that in our ivory towers.
Much appreciation for this blog post. Truly absorbing and professionally written blog post. Thank you once again - I will drop by again.
This is a great post. We often times dismiss certain individuals in our personal lives or in our culture as individuals who are just past the reach of God’s saving grace. But as the author mentioned, if the Apostle Paul can get saved and be one of the most prominent Christians of all time, there is hope for anyone. We are clay and God is the potter - under His power anyone can be transformed to serve His purpose and reflect His nature. I share the author’s enthusiasm concerning our generation and God’s ability to grab a hold of it and use it mightily in the future. Jesus said that he who has been forgiven much will love much so it excites me to think about the passion and devotion that can and will emerge from this generation.
If he had had the benefit of reading all of these comments before he wrote the article, Dr. Moore could well have entitled it, “The Next Billy Graham Might Be Judging Somebody Right Now.” Or, “The Next Billy Graham Might Be a Self-Righteous Pharisee Right Now.” I have no intention of putting words in Dr. Moore’s mouth or questioning his reasoning. Nor do I wish to weigh in on the debate concerning the Roman view of justification or salvation or of Mary’s role, or lack thereof, in mediating God’s grace. I was not there when MT breathed her last, so I am not in a position to know where she is right now. But, I believe that God is sovereign enough and His grace is wide enough to have called her at the point of death, if He had not chosen to do so earlier. Luke gives us this account of the two thieves crucified with the Savior: Luke 23, “39 One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, ‘Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!’ 40 But the other rebuked him, saying, ‘Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.’ 42 And he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’ 43 And he said to him, ‘Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.’”
Grace and peace,
I do hope there will be a follow-up response by Dr. Moore regarding Mother Teresa. Your leadership in this will be much appreciated.
interesting information! where did you get it? i am curious to read more!
Engrossing blog post - thank you. Pretty entertaining and accurately penned post. Thanks!