Wow, there's some really good stuff in the comments, as well as the review of Sweet & McLaren's book.

Indeed. There's even a bit of scandal in there if you follow the right links ...

The "devastating critique" starts with "WHO ARE THESE MORONS?" and "Have the editors at Zondervan lost their minds? Did they have minds to begin with?" is mean-spirited. I'm not defending the book (I haven't read it), but this kind of rhetoric does not encourage dialogue or an exchange of ideas. It is bashing other people and it is one of the reasons I find your blog unpleasant and uncharitable at times.

Hi John,

One of the reasons I like this post is because, toward the end, the aforementioned Keith DeRose takes Tim McGrew (the reviewer) to task for just the reasons you mention. McGrew's response, if I remember correctly, is that there are certain situations in which that kind of language is warranted. I don't wish to take a stand on that particular issue, but I am curious as to where on this blog you've found similar examples of unpleasantness and lack of charity?

Thank you for your response. Regrettably the last sentence in my comment was itself a "bash"--my apologies.

I did read the comments on the post (very lengthy). Keith DeRose states it well when he says that rhetoric like "moron" is counter-productive and crosses over a line. But by linking to the review, you seem to endorse this kind of rhetoric. Perhaps you don't endorse it since I have not witnessed it on your blog.

In terms of your question… Perhaps the "unpleasantness" is my own internal reaction I experience when I read the ideas on your blog I disagree with. I'll try to keep this reaction internal and not use that word again unless truly warranted.

In terms of “uncharitable”... Not many but several come to mind (e.g., when Brian McLaren was compared to Benjamin Crème in an unnecessary sub-point of “Maitreya and the Coming World Order” and point #1 in response to Marko of “Wisdom in words”--both posted by Murdock). That's enough of that.

Take care.

Timbo continues this discussion in more depth here.

Garrett,

I'm a little surprised, but not displeased, that my book review is still making waves in the ether. I've contributed a couple of posts on the timbosplace thread; interested readers may want to follow them up. John Sloas contributed higher up on that thread, but he hasn't responded to my remarks -- and perhaps doesn't want to. Fine by me.

The link to the critique of Plantinga is no longer operative, but you can find one that works here.

Best,

Tim

Thanks for the updated link, Tim. For my part, I'm pleased that our modest contribution is substantial enough to be considered one of the waves! I look forward to following up with the other threads.

Garrett,

what? i didn't know you were a blogger, much less at this blog...awesome...later.

rhett
www.rhettsmith.com