A Google search of blogs and other websites regarding the Rick Ousley affair brings a multitude of posts that defend Rick Ousley and claim that no one else should judge what he did. As usual, most of those same people express no concern for Rick Ousley's victims while they continue to make excuses for him.
Their mindset shows the sad lack of sound Biblical judgement that surrounds the easy believism of the Southern Baptist Convention and the "megachurch" model.
Author, pastor and missionary David Cloud made these remarks in regard to the lack of judgment in the church today. I believe we would all do well to heed his warning.
THE POSITIVE ONLY APPROACH VS. HUMAN NATURE
(Friday Church News Notes, March 23, 2007, http://www.wayoflife.org/ fbns@wayoflife.org, 866-295-4143) - The following is excerpted from The Doctrine and Administration of the Church by Paul R. Jackson: "Modern psychology objects to a negative approach and opposes commandments and warnings.
God's Word does not support such a theory, for the theory ignores the awful fact of a depraved human nature. It would be ideal if men could be encouraged to live godly lives without any warning of judgment upon ungodliness. But to suppose they will do so is idealistic and contrary to all observation, as well as to Scripture.
God warns of impending judgment and says, "It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God" (Heb. 10:31). "Because there is wrath, beware..." (Job 36:18). If sin goes unjudged in a church, we are thereby inviting others to become self-indulgent.
It will not do to plead "love" as a basis for neglect. ... God does not put love and punishment in opposition to each other. He says, "For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth..." (Heb. 12:5-11). The church has a solemn responsibility to restrain sin by proper discipline. If we do not exercise the judgment, the Lord will (1 Cor. 11:31-32).
Other Articles of Interest
MOST SOUTHERN BAPTIST CHURCHES DO NOT EXERCISE DISCIPLINE
What Is Wrong With The Divorced Pastor?
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