Couldn’t Resist Displaying Another “Perfect” Head

My loving wife surprised (make that almost surprised) me with an intriguing book for our anniversary. I don’t know if she was browsing through a bookstore, caught a glimpse of the photo on the jacket cover and fell in love with it, or if she was merely searching for a book to teach me how to “speak my mind.” Maybe she thinks I should tell her and others what I really think? Nahhhh.

Confession: I do know why she bought me the book. A month or so ago, we were at some friends’ house and I was (with lust in my eyes) goggling over a few of the husband’s books. I noticed that he had a copy of a Campolo book which I had not seen before. Upon inspection I noticed that its copyright was 2004, definitely one I had not seen before. Suzi must have been watching and responded by buying it soon afterwards. However, she did not hide it very well and I found it before our anniversary. But being the “good” husband that I am, I did not start reading it until after our special date, and actually quite a while after May 7th. Being in good Campolo form it was easy to read, and I finished it yesterday. I don’t remember anything about the book, but I did finish it.

Another Confession: I do remember what he wrote, and I actually concur with most of what he says. I’ve heard him speak numerous times over the past few decades and he always inspires. While inspiring though, I guess he also ruffles lots of feathers. He writes often about getting uninvited from many events and podiums. So I guess he’s controversial. And I suppose that’s why the publisher tacked on the sub-title of the book, “The Radical Evangelical Prophet Tackles the Tough Issues Christians Are Afraid to Face.” Campolo makes clear that he wanted no credit for that clarifier (or disclaimer.)

But knowing of Campolo’s stands and having read many of his books, I was not too surprised by what I found. If I was ambitious, I would summarize each chapter and offer comments, but that might put even my wife to sleep. (And I need to keep her awake so she can clean and cook for me and vacuum and make the bed.) (I guess that covers the chapter on “Is Evangelicalism Sexist?”)

Each chapter was well presented, but I was struck primarily by his chapter on science where he delved into Einstein’s theories and how they might correspond to some of the long-time debates within Christian theology. I was interested especially because I’ve been listening to a lecture series the past few months by a Physics professor Richard Wolfson from Middlebury College. The Teaching Company presents this course on “Modern Physics for Non-Scientists.” It’s fun stuff to think about and helps me realize how little I know.

The other chapter that sticks out in my mind asks the question: Is evangelicalism headed for a split? In it he tackles the issue of dispensationalism and how he believes it is dangerous for the church and the world. Since my college days I’ve ceased believing in this ever popular paradigm within evangelical circles. During high school I could draw diagrams and charts of all things “past and future” using those faulty glasses. Even though most of the professors in the Bible department of my college fell into the dispensationalist camp, I was fortunate enough to hear from one O.T. prof who amazed me by letting us know there are actually opposing views to this popular paradigm. Could it really be true that Hal Lindsey did not have it all figured out?

So from college on I merely viewed dispensationalism as wrong, but didn’t see it as dangerous. Campolo argues that it is. I think he builds a strong case. I know that those who attack dispensationalism often get labeled as anti-Semites among evangelicals and messianic Jews, but I think that the “big D” view does denigrate a view of the church and makes it a mere parenthesis of God’s big plan. I think it devalues books of the O.T. like Jonah and Job and Esther too, for God was at work not only through Israel in the years prior to Christ.

Campolo argues also that D. discounts the Sermon on the Mount. He claims that dispensationalists see this passage as one meant for another dispensation, not the one we currently live in. If this is true (that they view it such), I too see this as its greatest danger. For Jesus’ great sermon seems to be at the heart of his entire message. And to simply pass it off for “another time” is not only wrong, but close to heretical.

Well, enough said. He pushes lots of other hot buttons. But I guess at his stage in life he doesn’t need to worry too much about not being invited to speak at lots of events. He can sit at home, write, and look gorgeous.