Pastor & Sex Advice Book Author Mark Driscoll’s Upcoming Liberty University Speech Sparks Protest
- Posted on April 10, 2012 at 6:00pm by
Billy Hallowell
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Pastor Mark Driscoll (Photo Credit: Mars Hill Church web site)
Earlier this year, The Blaze told you about the intense controversy surrounding Mark Driscoll, a pastor at Mars Hill Church in the Seattle, Washington, area.
His new book about love and marriage, co-authored with his wife, Grace, has sparked a great deal of debate among Christians. The project, entitled, “Real Marriage: The Truth about Sex, Friendship and Life Together,” has some critics questioning its Biblical merits.
Now, there’s an alleged debate going on at Liberty University, a conservative, Christian college in Lynchburg, Virginia, surrounding Driscoll’s upcoming visit to the school. According to the Associated Baptist Press, some believe that Driscoll‘s take on bedroom activities between married individuals won’t go over well with the university’s donors, alumni and leaders:
Baptist blogger Peter Lumpkins reported April 4 that sources told him Liberty University trustees voted unanimously objecting to Driscoll’s invitation to speak in chapel April 20 and lead a seminar on campus April 21. Liberty posted a website message labeling the blog false and defamatory and demanded a retraction. As of April 9 the demand no longer appeared on Liberty’s website and Lumpkins added that he spoke to a longtime university trustee who told him nothing in his post was inaccurate.
Meanwhile, an online petition titled “Hey Liberty University, Drop Driscoll” closed in on its goal of 300 signatures to be delivered to Jonathan Falwell, Liberty’s vice chancellor for spiritual affairs. Started by a blogger who moderates a forum for former members of Driscoll’s church recovering from what many call spiritual abuse, the petition demands that the university cancel the upcoming event, and warns failure to do so “may result in a public protest on the Liberty University campus.”
Bottom line: There‘s quite a bit of drama purportedly surrounding Driscoll’s scheduled appearance at Liberty. According to the petition, the new goal is 400 signatures; currently, 311 people have signed on to the initiative. Despite this minor uproar, Liberty is still advertising Driscoll’s appearance on the school’s web site.
And while ABP reported that the demand was down as of yesterday from the university’s web site, it is still viewable here. A portion of the text reads:
The Board of Trustees of Liberty University did not vote unanimously that Mark Driscoll is not welcome on campus, as the blog states, and, in fact, Mark Driscoll is still scheduled to speak in Convocation at Liberty University on April 20, 2012.
Liberty University’s legal counsel has demanded the immediate removal of the post. Liberty University is also posting this notification so that our community is informed as to the inaccuracy of the post, and advised that Lumpkins’ blog is clearly being used to disseminate misinformation about Liberty University and to cause strife and harm to the university.
Screen shot from the anti-Driscoll petition
Below, watch a recent segment of “The View,” during which the Driscolls discussed their book and permissible sex acts based on Biblical teaching:
While some believe the Driscoll and his wife have taken the subject of sex too far, others, like Daniel Akin, president of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, North Carolina, have endorsed the book. Here’s what he wrote about the project earlier this year:
“Real Marriage is brutally and sometimes painfully honest. Further, it is frank and direct in addressing a number of important marital issues. Sometimes you probably will feel uncomfortable. And, you may not agree with everything Grace and Mark Driscoll say. We didn’t. However, this is a book we will gladly use and recommend to others who care about healthy, biblical marriages. We believe both husbands and wives will be blessed by and benefit from its content. Grace and Mark are to be commended for writing a book that bares their souls and, more importantly, points to the redeeming power of the gospel in the sacred covenant called marriage.”
It’s interesting that Akin was able to disagree with some elements, while still embracing the book as a whole. In the end, he contends that readers will “be blessed by” “Real Marriage.”
(H/T: Associated Baptist Press)
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Comments (57)
JustPeachy
Posted on April 11, 2012 at 1:21pmI cannot judge the hearts of the Driscolls, but my gut feeling is that there are those who look for “new, exciting revelations“ from the ”Word of God” for a few reasons:
1. Initially, some may be well-intended. They are looking for new perspectives.
2. Some have various desires of their OWN of which they are not certain, so they look for ways to justify them in their own minds, appeasing their own consciences.
3. Some are simply looking for a new “marketing ploy.“ What may be ”new?“ What may be ”exciting” that many people might want to read, hear, and believe? In other words, what might sell in “today’s market?”
This kind of teaching may be prime stuff among many, especially younger people (but likely some older ones too).
While some have been pushing the church to be “more open” about talking about sexuality, I agree with those who think that at least some privacy may be preferable. Private conversations can be had between couples and themselves–or spiritual advisers, professionals in the field, etc. at their own discretion. “Putting stuff out there” may be thought “cool,” but it can border on tasteless and classless.
Report Post »4truth2all
Posted on April 11, 2012 at 1:16pmSex is a no-brainer scripturially as far as being married.
However, I believe that what a married couple do sexually is completely up to and between them and God. I am not aware of God speaking against any sexual act between a married couple.
Also … anybody else notice the uncomfortableness and squirming of the lovely Joy Beyhar ?
Report Post »TEARS FOR AMERICA
Posted on April 11, 2012 at 9:16amWINDWALKER said-Here’s reality plain and simple. Sodomy is sodomy. Anal sex is anal sex, whether it is exercised between two men or between a man and a woman. Rectums were not created for sexual intercourse. Homosexuality frustrates the natural order of intended use of reproductive organs. These people want to sell books under the guise of a fundamental religious umbrella. They are IDIOTS of the first order.
THE TRUTH IS THE TRUTH-THANKS WINDWALKER!
Report Post »whkell
Posted on April 11, 2012 at 9:14amwhat a joke..as a LU grad..I stopped ALL financial support and tore up my diploma..the day these idiots allowed the member of a satanic cult..GLENN BECK…to speak there…don’t agree with Driscoll on much..but at least he is a legit Christian..and not a cult member like Beck!
Report Post »TEARS FOR AMERICA
Posted on April 11, 2012 at 9:14amInsanity, this man is pure evil and one clue is he sanctions selfish sex acts that are unbiblical and harmful, not pure and holy before God. Do these acts in front of the Lord and then tell me they are for the marriage bed. Liberty University, where are you going?
Report Post »Windwalker
Posted on April 11, 2012 at 10:21amIf the truth were to be known, I am convinced that any married man, pastor or not, who expects to engage in this type of unatural sexual behavior with his wife is a latent homosexual. Some pastors, i.e. Bob Moorehead, Overlake Church, Kirkland, Washington preached against homosexuality and was caught in Florida and charged with indecent sexual behavior with another man. I wonder through that marriage what Mrs. Moorehead had to put up with. These men are creeps.
Report Post »voiceless
Posted on April 11, 2012 at 12:10pmWhat is so sad Windwalker, is that your holier than thou demeanor is exactly what a large percentage of “Christians” are anxiously fleeing. Mark Driscoll has created an environment through his trust in the direction of the Holy Spirit that has lead 1000′s of people to know Jesus. The first obvious biblical verse that comes to mind for me is to let you who have not sinned cast the first stone.
Report Post »I’ve heard from a number of people that the most difficult sin most battle is the sin of pride and boasting of ones self………..Just thinking out loud.
jstan442
Posted on April 11, 2012 at 1:31pmbrilliant–the Bible says that if you are preaching God’s truth then the world would hate you–this man is close to being an anti-Christ or just does not see God as holy and pure so he could do what he wants to do even if it is sinful–that is the problem with mankind–there will never be any peace etc. becoz we all have a sin problem– we like the sin we are doing and want to keep doing it
Report Post »Windwalker
Posted on April 11, 2012 at 2:53pm@ voiceless
With all due respect, I offer the following:
Romans 1:26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections; for even their women did exchange the natural use for that which is against nature;
Mtthew 7:21-23 Not every one that saith unto me Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven, but he that doeth the will of my Father, who is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord have we not prophesied in they name? And in thy name have cast out demons? Any in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you; depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
I Timothy 4:1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly that, in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of demons, Speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their conscience seared with a hot iron.
I am not self-righteous nor am I holier than thou. I didn’t write the book. Don’t shoot the messenger. We have all sinned and come short of the glory of God. That is why we are/were all in need of a savior. There are serious consequences for any of us who twist scripture to satisfy personal satisfactions/vices/habits
Report Post »girlnurse
Posted on April 11, 2012 at 3:29am“The marriage bed is undefiled” but we don’t need these people to tell us that. How does this further the Kingdom for Christ? Some things are common sense and better left unsaid.
Report Post »drenfroe
Posted on April 11, 2012 at 1:48amThe bible does speak of enjoying the fruits of the body with your spouse but I’ve never run across anything that said anal sex was a way of birth control. I have seen where it is discouraged to have anal sex. I guess I’ll have to reread to see if I missed this somewhere.
Report Post »ILUVJESUS
Posted on April 11, 2012 at 1:42amLIBERTY! DON’T HAVE THIS GUY THERE! You will live to regret it!
Report Post »maccow
Posted on April 11, 2012 at 3:32amJust a few thoughts;
If your “Christian” book is getting positive coverage on THE VIEW, you may not be preaching the real truth of God.
Report Post »The real truth of God would go over on The View like a Holy water shower at a vampire convention.
Whats the difference between Whoopi and Joyless liking your book and Satan putting it on his best sellers list?
But if it offends believers and not the world it must be ok, right?
What other world approving doctrines get taught in their Mega Church?
Talk about putting off sound doctrines and teaching for itching ears.
Darren
Posted on April 11, 2012 at 12:39amGuys, watch out. I was just about to sign the petition and then saw it was sponsored by moveon.org. If I had signed the petition I would have been on their email list. There are lots of other petition websites out there beside moveon.org. I wonder why they were chosen for this petition. Watch out and be careful.
Report Post »TMink
Posted on April 11, 2012 at 9:55amGood catch Darren, I saw the same thing. And while I do not agree with everything Driscoll says, my Bible has the Song of Solomon in it and it is openly and happily sexual. So I do not see what the big deal is about this, and to sign the petition you have to give Moveon.org your email and agree to let them send you stuff. NO THANKS!!!!!!
Looks like the petitioner is being a useful idiot for MoveOn.
Trey
Report Post »Snorkelbacon
Posted on April 11, 2012 at 12:23amHahaha all you people with your panties in a bundle, does the bible say all scripture is God breathed and proper for intrstuction? I beleive it does. I guess your Bible doesn’t include Song of Songs. Ya you know the book were the husband talks about his arousel over over his wifes awesome boobs, how he wants to feast on her body, were she says she can’t wait to be overcome by his “strength”, and how she has a hard time waiting for him before their wedding day b/c she is so turned on by him, ya that book. The book that use to be banned for young men b/c it was considered too riske’. It’s in scripture it should be talked about period. Too many marriages are suffering, and sex is a HUGE factor in a lot of it.
Report Post »hatchetjob
Posted on April 11, 2012 at 12:19pmThis shouldn’t be your whole reason for living, SNORK, life is more than this.
Report Post »mikolic3
Posted on April 11, 2012 at 9:04pmI so agree with you! Marriages suffer because sex is viewed as evil or gross. God created sex and Song of Solomon proves it was meant to be pleasurable!
Report Post »Goldenyears22
Posted on April 11, 2012 at 12:21amWell, I don’t want to know what they do in the bedroom. If they want to act like homosexuals I don’t want to know that. So, therefore, I would not read their book no matter who recommends it. There are hundreds of good books on marriage out there and why would one want to read theirs. I don’t think that Liberty should have them come, there are other good marriage writers out there, so why choose a couple who act like homosexuals to come and lecture. Sorry, that is just how I feel.
Report Post »WeekendAtBernankes
Posted on April 11, 2012 at 12:46amI definitely agree with you.
However, the opportunity to troll this thread is too good to pass up. A big thank you to these two fame-crazed exhibitionists for giving me the chance to rag on the likes of SquirrelJob.
Report Post »Windwalker
Posted on April 10, 2012 at 11:29pmHere’s reality plain and simple. Sodomy is sodomy. Anal sex is anal sex, whether it is exercised between two men or between a man and a woman. Rectums were not created for sexual intercourse. Homosexuality frustrates the natural order of intended use of reproductive organs. These people want to sell books under the guise of a fundamental religious umbrella. They are IDIOTS of the first order.
Report Post »snooop1e
Posted on April 10, 2012 at 11:50pmThis is the new emerging “church”. Relativism masquerading as “Christianity” It’s all about Jesus and ME. Nothing is sacred and reverence for God is so old covenant. As Martin Luther taught “sin and sin boldly” Once you say the sinners prayer NOTHING you do or don’t do can separate you from God. You are headed to Heaven. Jesus is your “homeboy” Nothing is really “sinful” once you’ve accepted Jesus as your “personal Lord and savior” 2000 years later and 33000 denominations this is what “Protesting” has produced. If you don’t like your Pastor or reject his/her preaching or theology simply find a new “church” or better yet start your own. We have recreated God in our own image. “Bishop” Eddie Long actually preached from the pulpit that Gods word is “sperm” for the church and people laughed and clapped. Ephesians 5:3-7 “But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a man is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them. God Bless
Report Post »sonsofsceva
Posted on April 11, 2012 at 10:52amJust a correction to Snooop1e’s comment: Martin Luther did not teach “sin and sin boldly.” What he said was actually, in context:
“If you are a preacher of mercy, do not preach an imaginary but the true mercy. If the mercy is true, you must therefore bear the true, not an imaginary sin. God does not save those who are only imaginary sinners. Be a sinner, and let your sins be strong [here is the "sin boldly", a poor translation], but let your trust in Christ be stronger, and rejoice in Christ who is the victor over sin, death, and the world. We will commit sins while we are here, for this life is not a place where justice resides. We, however, says Peter (2. Peter 3:13) are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth where justice will reign.
Martin Luther is an unsung hero of Christianity, and even for Jewish people, despite the complete set-up job the Nazi Shirer did to try to connect Luther to the Holocaust and anti-Semitism. As Luther also said, “By God’s grace, I know Satan very well. If Satan can turn God’s Word upside down and pervert the Scriptures, what will he do with my words — or the words of others?”
Report Post »Dalady
Posted on April 10, 2012 at 9:23pmDid BJ Clinton collaborate on this book? The Driscolls are creepy and remind me of all the charlatans who are out to make a buck in the name of the Lord. Gimme strength.
Report Post »ashestoashes
Posted on April 10, 2012 at 9:49pmWe used to have an awesome poster here out of the Navy who discovered that Romney and Paul were the only serious contenders as the others had not filed the proper paperwork. Here is a video you will not see on “tel a vision” or in the Rothchild owned media.. Take a moment to see what the rest of the country is doing.
Report Post ». http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hgsg7a-Ok8Q&feature=player_embedded
ashestoashes
Posted on April 10, 2012 at 10:00pmSorry to post that here guys..I clicked on another story and the stories were still rolling.
Report Post »ThankBabyJesus
Posted on April 10, 2012 at 9:20pmI followed this guy on twitter. Nothing good came from him. Just like Relevant magazine. It takes many months, you can tell difference in who knows Jesus and who wants to. And who is drifting into the sea of neutrality (road to PCness)
Report Post »Attila_the_Hunney
Posted on April 10, 2012 at 8:31pmEeewwwwwwww. Why do we want to hear about their sex life? What is the DEAL with everyone thinking that hanging out their (dirty) laundry is O.K., and that anybody cares. “And now, we’re going to relate our sex life to the Bible.” Barf.
Report Post »Ohio4Tea
Posted on April 10, 2012 at 8:41pmand that’s the problem.
They look at the Bible through the eyes of their own sex life rather than looking at life through the eyes of the Bible.
This is extremely dangerous… start with the Bible folks, and stop sticking your own personal views INTO the Bible.
Report Post »tired_of_it2011
Posted on April 10, 2012 at 8:24pmHe’s practicing Mark Driscoll-ism. lol
Report Post »edmundburk
Posted on April 10, 2012 at 8:06pmthis is what happens when everybody is their own pope.
Report Post »dixiedown
Posted on April 10, 2012 at 7:20pmMARINE25, unfortunately you are correct. Ddritter is made a spot on comment. And Hatchet should file a complaint with the Blaze for reprinting the pamphlet if He/she is so upset. Not WEEKENDS so called repugnant lifestyle. Good grief people. Lighten up!
Report Post »Al J Zira
Posted on April 10, 2012 at 7:16pmThe best reason to ignore these people is because they were on The View! That show is the worst show on TV. Anyone on it should just be completely ignored.
Report Post »MammalOne
Posted on April 10, 2012 at 6:43pmgeez, nothing would ruin the mood like asking “what would jesus do?”
Report Post »black9897
Posted on April 10, 2012 at 6:58pmMy first year at LU My GNED teacher (a class about contemporary issues) told us how he did not believe in birth control and used a “natural method”. sigh. Other than that crazy belief he was a really good guy and a really good teacher.
Report Post »Travist81
Posted on April 10, 2012 at 9:10pmBlack9897,
Remember modern day birth control, which is far from being natural, didn’t exist several centuries ago, so couples had to use that crazy idea known as the natural method.
Report Post »black9897
Posted on April 10, 2012 at 10:42pmYep. Which they had to since nothing else existed. Plus, it doesn’t really work. So why wouldn’t people use birth control now that we have it.
Report Post »Alessandre
Posted on April 11, 2012 at 7:08pmNatural Family Planning is actually more effective than he pill.
Report Post »Got2bRoni
Posted on April 10, 2012 at 6:29pmThe truth shall set u free.
Report Post »blackyb
Posted on April 10, 2012 at 6:20pmKeep the filth out of our schools and away from our students. If they want answers go to the Bible or their parents. Enough of these self-proclaimed “experts” who are opening doors that will never be closed and getting into peoples privacy.
Report Post »WeekendAtBernankes
Posted on April 10, 2012 at 6:35pmYa cause 21 year old college students really can’t hack it unless mommy and daddy break it down for them.
Okaaaaaayyyyyy grandpa, take your pills and go to bed.
Report Post »hatchetjob
Posted on April 10, 2012 at 6:50pmWEEKEND AT LOSERVILLE, You are still wet behind the ears, and sadly have a lot to learn.
Report Post »ddritter
Posted on April 10, 2012 at 6:12pmIt is silly to me that being a “Christian” means that sexual activities between and man and wife are to be never discussed; and it is better to go through life with one’s head in the sand. God made man and woman to enjoy each other within a healthy, monogamous, and joyful insitution called marriage. Enhancing that relationship through education, discussion, and debate is not un-
Report Post »Godly! A university is supposed to be a place where ideas are exchanged, and truth wins out. TRUTH: MARRIED PEOPLE ENJOY SEX!
hatchetjob
Posted on April 10, 2012 at 6:27pm“Bedroom activities” don’t need a megaphone. Some things are better left unsaid.
Report Post »Marine25
Posted on April 10, 2012 at 6:38pmIt seems most Christians believe god created the heart, brain, arms, legs and face and that satan slapped on the genitals.
Report Post »WeekendAtBernankes
Posted on April 11, 2012 at 12:38amI may have a lot to learn but I know enough to see that you need a lesson in name calling there buddy, ’cause what you’ve done here is pathetic.
Must be pretty lonely, eh bub? If you think sex with your wife is disgusting and repugnant, well, I guess you’ve got bigger problems than poor name-calling skills.
Report Post »WeekendAtBernankes
Posted on April 11, 2012 at 12:41am“Bedroom activities” don’t need a megaphone, but H-Job’s need a microscope.
And who knows what else, considering the guy finds the normal human marriage disgusting and repugnant.
Report Post »AnAppealToGod
Posted on April 10, 2012 at 6:10pmIt’s amazing what taking something out of context will do. Better yet…it’s amazing what cold hard truth will do and how it will make people squirm because their liberal teachers tried so hard not to offend them.
Report Post »Itsjusttim
Posted on April 10, 2012 at 6:05pmPeople begin behaving in the strangest of ways when their soul knows damnation is right around the corner.
Report Post »WeekendAtBernankes
Posted on April 10, 2012 at 6:38pmYeahhhh ’cause a having an exciting sexual relationship with your spouse is the road to damnation.
Just because you do it through a hole in the sheet doesn‘t mean that’s what God desires of the rest of us.
Report Post »hatchetjob
Posted on April 10, 2012 at 6:58pmHey WEEKEND, I find your lifestyle disgusting and repugnant.
Report Post »WeekendAtBernankes
Posted on April 11, 2012 at 12:34amOl’ H-Job here thinks a married man and woman having great sex is disgusting and repugnant.
Yikes, I don’t even want to know what kind of perversions he finds acceptable.
Report Post »