Should We Use Books by Disgraced Authors?

Heath Lambert addresses a challenging question facing many Christians today: What should we do with books and resources from Christian leaders who have fallen into sin or been disqualified from ministry? Learn a biblical framework for approaching this increasingly common dilemma.

TIMESTAMPS:

0:00 Introduction and today's difficult question

0:45 The context: Many prominent Christian leaders falling from ministry

1:42 Paul's words about finishing well in 2 Timothy 4:6-7

2:52 Important distinctions in types of disgrace and disqualification

3:28 Addressing resources from those disqualified by false teaching

4:52 Addressing resources from those disqualified by moral failure

6:32 How moral failures can "taint" otherwise sound teaching

7:58 Bottom line: Balancing gratitude for past benefit with future discernment

KEY POINTS:

- Many once-prominent Christian leaders have failed to "finish the race" well (2 Timothy 4:6-7)

- We must distinguish between disqualification through false teaching versus moral failure

- Resources from those who taught false doctrine should generally be avoided completely

- Even if their other materials contain truth, recommending them risks leading others to their false teachings

- Moral failures don't necessarily make a teacher's true statements untrue, but they do "taint" their work

-Just as many can't separate Bill Cosby's shows from his actions, Christians may struggle to benefit from resources by morally fallen leaders

- Consider finding similar resources from leaders who haven't been disqualified when possible

- Truth that impacted you positively remains true, regardless of the messenger's later failings

- When using such resources, heavy qualification about what you now know is advisable

Submit your questions for future episodes to markedbyGrace@fbcjax.com

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES:

2 Timothy 4:6-7 - "I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."