[This is an expansion on some thoughts I shared on X earlier today]
Recently Kirk Cameron unwisely raised the question of the nature of Hell. He cast doubt on whether or not Hell, and the Lake of Fire, mean eternal conscious torment or whether sinners suffer but then are annihilated. These are long standing theological questions that many wrestle with.
I wholeheartedly disagree with the conclusions he appeared to give, which he later backtracked on. However, I can understand his motivation and I can follow his train of thought. Even though I disagree with his conclusion.
How do we reconcile the love and compassion of God with the reality of eternal, conscious torment? That’s a subject for another day. Given the choice, I’d rather believe that people do not suffer for eternity. But the testimony of Scripture is clear, Hell is forever for those who have rejected Christ as their Savior.
This post is about Kirk Cameron raising the subject the way he did.
Kirk’s Catastrophe
Kirk Cameron’s biggest mistake was not to have questions or doubts about difficult subjects. His error was to air them on his platform. He introduced to many people’s faith an unnecessary uncertainty about a foundational doctrine in Christianity. I don’t believe he was wise to do that for a variety of reasons.
When someone has a wide and influential platform they don’t have the luxury of airing doubts about fundamentals in public. That was Kirk’s primary error. That is a trade off of fame. You must be honest, but you don’t get to be a completely open book.
Is that deceitful? No. If he was asked and lied then it would have been. But he willingly opened up the subject.
Questions are Healthy
Routinely in my preaching ministry I encourage people to ask questions.
Having doubts and questions, and then with integrity seeking answers, is one of the best ways to establish convictions.
Questions are good. They lead to answers.
Questions are the first steps towards learning.
People who are not or cease to be inquisitive stop learning.
On certain subjects, verses, or issues, I will share my questions with my church family. I never want those around me to think I know it all and have it all figured out. I want to be honest about my learning process and encourage them to be honest about theirs.
Making a Virtue of Uncertainty
But not everything needs to be a reality show explored with anonymous, unknown followers.
This is especially true for those with a wide influence.
We live in a time when uncertainty is celebrated as a virtue and dogmatism is viewed with suspicion or disdain.
Some people’s platform is built almost entirely on them being buffoons. That is neither manly, Biblical, or right for anyone regardless of gender or faith. I am not saying Kirk falls into this category.
Face questions boldly, find answers, establish convictions, and then move on.
We Must Encourage and Welcome Questions
The flipside of Kirk’s doubts were the responses of many. People were outraged. He was roundly condemned. He had dared ask a question and have doubts. To be fair, I understand that reaction. However, what message does that send to others in our lives? If they have doubts or questions about certain subjects must they hide them from us? Do they need to go to someone else? Are we a safe haven for those wrestling with certain subjects?
If those around us cannot come to us with any and all questions that does not make the questions go away. It just drives the individual to someone else.
In a rush to establish our convictions and lack of doubt about certain things we should be cautious not to shut down the growing pains others are facing.
It is vital to let people ask questions. We need to let people ask questions & then guide them using Scripture.
What Should We Do with Our Questions and Doubts?
It is okay to have doubts at times. But some doubts and questions are best kept to a more intimate circle. Perhaps most are best dealt with out of the public eye.
- First of all, take your questions honestly before the Lord. Open you Bible. Search the Scriptures for answers.
- Second, speak with your pastor and other trusted believers in your life. Use the fellowship of the saints in the way God intended.
- Third, consider whether a wide audience might be beneficial. Sometimes it will be, sometimes it won’t. There are questions I take to maybe a dozen close, trusted friends. There are questions I’ll share with a forum of pastors that I know and trust. Then there are some I’ll post on social media to whoever wants to see them.
Establish Fundamental Positions as Early as Possible
If you’re entering into leadership, then as early as possible, meet difficult and fundamental issues head on and establish what you believe.
Far too often I see men in established positions of leadership with no established positions on faith and doctrine. I respect them for honestly trying to put right what is lacking. It is better done late than never.
However, I also see some who never fully investigated their “camp’s” doctrines but then they grew disquieted and discontent for other reasons, they dig more deeply into other beliefs than they ever did they own, and then jump ship. They then run a campaign against what they say they used to believe, but in truth sometimes never really understood.
Know what you believe early. Establish your doctrine. Only then take on positions of leadership and influence.
If you honestly must change, then do so when confronted with God’s Word. But for the most part, the fundamentals must be established early.
Use Questions Wisely
Never stop learning.
But ask questions wisely.
And keep some questions to a more intimate circle.
Be honest about the need to learn, but don’t make a virtue of ignorance.
Leave a Reply