John Piper and Mark Dever, two heavy hitters on the Reformed Baptist conference circuit, will be in Dubai in mid-November. Dubai seems to be a popular destination for the RBDs (Reformed Big Dogs) these days. I think it holds an edgy appeal to the average American Christian. David Platt was recently here for his super secret simulcast, broadcast “live,” 10 days later, to his faithful American book consumers; undoubtedly at the behest of his book publisher. These modern day money changers are always quick to exploit any perceived infatuation the American Christian has for the purpose of increasing book sales; these days RBDs in the “dangerous” Muslim Middle East has cachet.
In the past I would have been in favor of having Piper and Dever speak in Dubai. The past, as in prior to their unwavering public support for C.J. Manahey. Mahaney is an unrepentant blackmailer and plaintiff in a class action sexual abuse lawsuit. In my opinion he should be disqualified from being a minister of the Gospel. Piper and Dever don’t see it that way; instead they have preached at the new church plant Mahaney started when he angrily left his former church, the flagship of his denomination, Covenant Life Church in the Washington D.C. area. This church, along with about 20 others, have withdrawn from the Sovereign Grace denomination.
For a powerful indictment against leaders such as Piper and Dever who have unwaveringly supported C.J. Mahaney and have expressed no concern for the victims of sexual abuse, listen to the interview below from the Janet Mefferd radio show.
Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed. Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice.” Proverbs 31:8-9 NLT
“But just as in Wonderland, where nonsense rules, the shepherds favored wolves over sheep and tended to themselves while ignoring the flock.”
“Indeed, much of what Adamson said on that stormy day in St. Paul described a bureaucracy that was more concerned with preventing scandal than protecting children, and wholly inadequate when it came to dealing with a priest who was a sexual predator.”
-Mortal Sins: Sex, Crime and the Era of Catholic Scandal by Michael D’Antonio
I feel that Piper and Dever, as Christian ministers of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, need to do the right thing and ask Mahaney to step down from his current position of Senior Pastor of Sovereign Grace Church of Louisville. They need to cease their public support of C. J Mahaney and they need to express their care, concern and compassion for the victims of sexual abuse. Until they do these things I urge all Christians to boycott their conferences.
Unfortunately I don’t think most Christians in Dubai are aware of the Mahaney scandal, much less Piper and Dever’s support of Mahaney. If they were I believe these good people would be questioning the wisdom of inviting Piper and Dever to speak at their church. I resigned my membership on March 6th from the United Christian Church of Dubai because my church leadership refused to quit promoting Mahaney’s books. To date they have refused to act on my letter, so I am technically still a member. John Folmar, the Senior Pastor of UCCD, is a gifted speaker and good friend of Mark Dever’s, having formerly served on staff with him at Capitol Hill Baptist Church. It appears he has no concerns over Piper and Dever’s public support of C.J. Mahaney as he has arranged for them to speak at his church in Dubai. Piper and Dever will be returning the favor by having John Folmar speak at their conferences.
John Folmar to speak at Mark Dever’s 9Marks Conference.
John Piper and Mark Dever to speak at John Folmar’s Conference.
Mark Dever and John Folmar to speak at John Piper’s Conference.
“Though I cry, ‘Violence!’ I get no response; though I call for help, there is no justice.” Job 19:7
“And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.” (Mark 10:13-16, ESV)
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