Posted by Yong TM (202.156.2.219) on December 30, 2002 at 12:59:22:
In Reply to: Re: a thorn in the flesh posted by David on December 30, 2002 at 12:29:05:
MacArthur's explanation is also another possibility, but I believe most scholars accept physical ailment as the reference. I see no reason to doubt that, and no 'advantage' to assume Paul was not physically ill. Lots of great saints throughout the ages were not healed of their physical problems. Dr Tong would be a good example, together with Dr John Sung. Even John Wimber, the great advocate of signs and wonders died of physical ailments common to mankind (as did the famous 'healer' Katherine Khulmann died of heart disease; and a whole list of charismatic healers, begging the question of their own doctrine).
John MacArthur Jr is a conservative pastor/teacher with great influence in the conservative circle. He is very prolific in writing, and attacks charismatic excesses aggressively (like in his book, 'Ashamed of the Gospel'), much more than Dr Tong does. His views are similar to Dr Tong's views, and leans towards conservatism (e.g. no woman should be ordained as minister, or become an Elder).
His church (www.gracechurch.org) does prove one thing though. With an average attendance bordering around 10,000, Dr MacArthur has proven that we need not resort to the 'song and dance' or 'signs and wonders' routine in order to attract people to church.
I am very inspired by this, and now realise that many a times, we simply do not 'execute' our ministries as efficiently as the charismatics do. We tolerate lousy speakers, badly led worship services, boring and lifeless prayer and mediocre work performances in church. MacArhur shows that with proper leadership and organisation with dedicated church leaders, a conservative church can also be a mega-church as well (whether that is a good thing in itself is another story).
A good Christian reader or 'scholar' would actually read widely. I read MacArthur, and also Charismatic writers, including the extreme ones like Kenneth Higgins (although it is tough because the writing is quite silly). That way, one can have a more complete view of the 'landscape' so to speak, and formulate a more informed opinion. I am for example, not in agreement with Dr Tong about woman ordination.