Biblical Preaching In An Anti-Authority Age -- By: Scott M. Gibson

Journal: Reformation and Revival
Volume: RAR 09:1 (Winter 2000)
Article: Biblical Preaching In An Anti-Authority Age
Author: Scott M. Gibson


Biblical Preaching In An Anti-Authority Age

Scott M. Gibson

“We believe that the Scripture is the guide, and the infallible guide, of the Christian; but we know that if a Christian has some private prejudice or personal prepossession, he may so deflect the compass of Holy Scripture as to make it lead him entirely out of the way.”1 These are the words of A.J. Gordon, written in 1886. His concern that men and women would be led “entirely out of the way” by a deficient obedience to the authority of the Bible is the same concern that we face today. Never has there been a time that was particularly friendly to biblical preaching.

During the apostolic days the reception to the preached word clearly demonstrates resistance from a hostile culture. Paul’s own apostolic authority was constantly challenged. Throughout the centuries biblical preaching has been rejected. Maybe in the day in which we live we see particular dangers; for it does seem that when people reject authority of any type that these are wilderness days crying for a voice—but not necessarily biblical preaching.

Culture’s Disintegration And The Collapse Of Authority

We have all been made familiar with the state of our culture. Among those who have written on the disintegration of culture and the collapse of authority, Robert Bork observes that “The defining characteristics of modern liberalism are radical egalitarianism (the equality of outcomes

rather than of opportunities) and radical individualism (the drastic reduction of limits to personal gratification).”2

David Wells perceives that Western society has historically been held together by three elements: tradition, authority, and power. Of these three, tradition was the first to go, although its demise was in many ways associated with that of authority. The family, schools, and other institutions which had preserved tradition have become so influenced by pluralism that they have little ability to influence succeeding generations. The result is that children are left to embrace the radical egalitarianism and individualism promoted by the wider culture.3

Almost thirty years ago Carl F.H. Henry presented a convocation address at Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary titled “The Barbarians Are Coming.” He insightfully observed, “We live in the twilight of a great civilization, amid the deepening decline of modern culture.” He continued:

We sit glued to television sets, unmindful that ancient pagan rulers staged C...

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