Janet Mefferd interviews Boz Tchividjian on the Sovereign Grace Sexual Abuse Law Suit:
Boz Tchividjian
You can find a great article on Boz Tchividjian’s opposition to C.J. Mahaney and his enablers at this link.
You can find Boz Tchividjian’s excellent article “Where Are The Voices? The Continued Culture of Silence and Protection in American Evangelicalism” at this link.
You can find the original statement of support for C.J. Mahaney from his T4G partners (Al Mohler, Ligon Duncan, and Mark Dever) at this link. This statement was published on the T4G Facebook page. I would also suggest you read the many responses of outrage in the comments by everyday Christians such as myself.
After the overwhelmingly negative response to T4G’s initial statement they quickly removed it from their Facebook page, changed the false statements it contained, and republished it on the T4G web page where no comments were allowed. There was no public mention of the changes. The altered statement can be read at this link. I believe the altered statement has also now been removed from the T4G website.
The Gospel Coalition also weighed in on this matter with a statement that can be found at this link. Don Carson, Kevin DeYoung, and Justin Taylor, three of the more visible members of this group, signed this statement of support for C.J. Mahaney. One notable exception willing to deviate from the company line was Wendy Alsup. She had the courage to speak up on behalf of the victims of sexual abuse. Her article can be read at this link. Brent Detwiler responded to the Gospel Coalition’s statement of support for C.J. Mahaney here.
Brent Detwiler, formerly among the inner core of Sovereign Grace leadership resigned his position in 2007 over issues of conscience. Detwiler has been instrumental in shining the spotlight on the abuse cover up in Sovereign Grace leadership. You can read some of his interesting links here and here. Additionally, here is what Detwiler had to say in response to John Piper speaking at Mahaney’s church.
There are some other great blogs out there, ironically written by compassionate women, that hold these Evangelical male “leaders” feet to the fire. Links to a few of their articles can be found here and here. Matt Redmond also wrote a beautiful piece in support of the victims of abuse. You can read the article here.
The videos below are all from Sovereign Grace Church of Louisville. With the exception of Jerry Bridges, these well known leaders all sing the praises of Senior Pastor C.J. Mahaney. Jerry Bridges had the good sense not to say one word in support of Mahaney, although I think it is unfortunate he even spoke at Mahaney’s church because to do so implies validation of Mahaney’s ministry. Just watch the first 3 or 4 minute introduction of each video to witness the lavish praise heaped on Mahaney. To my knowledge none of these men have ever expressed any concern for the wounded, abused sheep who were under the care of Mahaney.
If you have made it this far you may wish to view the 2 videos below. Bordering on idolatry in their praise and worship of Mahaney, surely this is a sign of a sick culture. That Mahaney not only accepted such behavior but encouraged it should have been a warning sign to discerning Christians.
“And when the crowds saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in Lycaonian, “The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!” Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker. And the priest of Zeus, whose temple was at the entrance to the city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates and wanted to offer sacrifice with the crowds. But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of it, they tore their garments and rushed out into the crowd, crying out, “Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men, of like nature with you, and we bring you good news, that you should turn from these vain things to a living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them. In past generations he allowed all the nations to walk in their own ways. Yet he did not leave himself without witness, for he did good by giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness.” Even with these words they scarcely restrained the people from offering sacrifice to them.” (Acts 14:11-18, ESV)
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ayGCk2V_mY&w=640&h=480]
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Im_cwlWqOd4&w=640&h=480]
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