With the rise of social media in our modern age, it is easy to share information with others. The information we share often includes what books and articles we have read. I have observed that, in general, brethren read a lot that is written by denominational authors on spiritual topics – possibly more than they read the writings of other brethren.
It is not necessarily wrong for brethren to read the writings of denominational authors. In some cases it can even be helpful. However, we need to be careful. Let me offer the following considerations.
Error
Denominations exist because men have departed “from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons” (1 Timothy 4:1). Jesus established just one church (Matthew 16:18; Ephesians 4:4), but there are countless churches of men, each one with its own name, creed, organization, and tradition. Denominational authors hold to these errors that often come through in their writing. Sometimes the errors are subtle, but they are still present.
If we read material that has been written by denominational authors, we must read with the same carefulness as the Bereans who listened to Paul – “examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so” (Acts 17:11). It could be that material containing sound advice on topics like parenting, grief, and financial debt can also subtly contain the errors of Calvinism, modern-day revelations, and the “health and wealth” gospel. Paul warned about being “tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming” (Ephesians 4:14). John warned: “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1). If we read denominational authors, we must test what is taught by the word of God. “But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:21-22).
Influence
Referring others to material written by a denominational author is not necessarily wrong. When in Athens, Paul quoted their poets in his sermon about the “unknown God” (Acts 17:23, 28). In writing to Titus, Paul mentioned the valid testimony of a prophet from Crete (Titus 1:12-13). It is certainly possible for us to point out when a denominational author accurately articulates the truth on a certain topic.
However, we need to be careful that in pointing out the accurate points made by a denominational author, we do not also lend credibility to their other errors. When Paul cited the Greek poets and the Cretan prophet, he did not do it in a way that would suggest any kind of endorsement to anything else these men might have said. In fact, these instances included a call for “all people [to] repent” (Acts 17:29-30) and a charge to reprove those who were not “sound in the faith” (Titus 1:13). Paul did not cite the poets and prophet in such a way as to strengthen their influence. Rather, he cited one certain point they had right and then, by implication, reminded his audience that they were not to be followed because they were outside of the faith and in need of repentance. We must be careful that, in pointing out a helpful article written by a denominational author, we do not unwittingly strengthen their influence and lend credibility to them on other topics.
Interest
The reason why brethren read the writings of denominational authors is simple – they have an interest in the particular topic about which they are reading. Some may immediately search out the writings of denominational authors. Others may turn to the denominational authors only after they fail to find adequate material written by like-minded brethren.
When brethren read material from denominational authors on topics like marriage, financial responsibilities, grief, evidences, and so on, it indicates an interest in these topics. If denominational authors can write on these topics, could brethren not do the same? I want to encourage my brethren to consider whether there is more they could be doing in this regard. When it comes to teaching and preaching, we often emphasize the spoken word. This is certainly understandable given how it is emphasized in Scripture (1 Peter 4:11; Acts 2:14; 10:34; Romans 10:14). However, the written word is also an effective way of spreading the truth. [For more on this point, read: Preaching and Writing.]
Conclusion
Again, there is nothing necessarily wrong with reading the writings of denominational authors. Sometimes the material they produce can be helpful. However, we must be careful that we do not accept their errors or provide an implicit endorsement to others who might be influenced by them. Furthermore, we should not be content to rely on the books and blogs of denominational authors when like-minded brethren could be capably addressing the particular topics instead.
This article is one of the fifty articles included in the book Plain Bible Teaching: The First Ten Years. Click on the link to read more about the book.
The points you make in this article are very much needed. Reading from the writings of denominational authors have some very serious drawbacks. Caution must certainly be taken because of the background thinking of these writers. Denominational writers are where they are (in religious error) BECAUSE of the way they think and the way they think will come through in the way they write. Christians must be very cautious when reading from such men because they will sow their denominational thinking in what they write and many unsuspecting readers can be influenced into error themselves.
Absolutely right, Wayne. Thanks for the comment!