“There are uncomfortable links between the Corinthians and much that passes as sound theology and ministry in evangelical circles. Paul confronted the arrogant disposition that accompanied the intellectualism of the strong. They had adopted a common therapeutic model of reason to improve the weak by correcting each faulty belief. The cure came through sermons to drive out false beliefs. Paul had no such agenda. He promoted love rather than precision and conformity. He urged the strong to be sensitive to the pain of the weak rather that to correct every inadequate belief.
Much evangelical theology and preaching sides with the Corinthians over against Paul. In some circles a simplistic logic links preaching and objectivity with the authority of the Bible, portraying the preacher as the last line of defense against the evils of relativism. The outcome is an obsession among some clergy and congregations with driving out every vestige of thought deemed less than truly evangelical. This mindset has spawned generations of zealous preachers who have harassed their captive audiences into needless guilt and dubious “work for the Lord.” Unable or unwilling to step down from their presumptions of theological and ministerial superiority, they preach to cast out error, while never facing the pain of those who hear.
…God in his mercy had justified the ungodly. Where a man might dare to pay the ultimate cost for a patron of great significance, the Son of God sacrificed himself for the powerless, the impious and the guilty. God had not set aside his justice in order to grant mercy but had revealed his justice in the judgment of his Son on behalf of those who would believe in him. (Rom. 1:17; 3:21-22, 25-26).”
-Reframing Paul: Conversations in Grace & Community, by Mark Strom
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