It is easy to swing from one extreme to the other. You get burned in a relationship, and all the sudden you promise to never get close to someone else. You take a risk and get shot down, and all the sudden you vow to never risk again. This rarely plays out – but the instinct to over-react is still there. The same thing happens in Christianity.
In his regular Q&A, John Piper was asked if he had any words of caution for the “New Reformed” movement that has become more and more popular of late, especially in the younger circles. In his answer (available here) he makes the following observations:
On the dangers of the contemporary worship awakening:
The danger of the contemporary worship awakening is that we love loving God more than we love God.
On the dangers of the new reformed movement:
The danger of the New Reformed movement is making theology God instead of God God. Loving doing theology rather than loving God.
A great reminder of the dangers of each extreme. Thanks to @lukesammons for the link!
Thanks for the two quotes regarding extremes in worship and in theology.
I’ve personally found myself struggling with making sure my interest/passion/love for theology is not on top of my interest/passion/love for God.
Thanks for the reminders. Much needed.