Should material by a denominational woman preacher be used in a Bible study?
Question:
This morning I learned that a lady in the church suggested they purchase a book written by a "lady" who is a "preacher" and study from it because she makes so many good points! She also stated that "Although there is some error taught in the book we are spiritually mature enough to work around them and consider the good points".
My wife and one of the other ladies in the class stated that if they purchased the books they are supporting false teaching and would prefer studying directly from the Bible. In rebuttal, one of the two promoting the book said: "We've already done that".
I couldn't believe my ears and without hesitation voiced my objection by stating that if we go along with that we might as well agree to open fellowship and begin practicing the doctrine of W. Carl Ketcherside, Leroy Garrett, Rubel Shelly, Max Lucado, Al Maxey, etc.
Both of these ladies have been members of the church for many years and know a lot of truth. I was shocked to learn that both of them would make such suggestions!
What are your thoughts as to how I should respond?
Answer:
Paul stated, "And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret. But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light. Therefore He says: "Awake, you who sleep, Arise from the dead, And Christ will give you light." See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is" (Ephesians 5:11-17).
If the purpose of referencing the book was to expose the errors presented, then I might see a purpose in purchasing a copy, but it appears they are interesting in trying to ignore the error and somehow find some common ground with the author. Personally, given this approach, I doubt they would be able to accurately spot the problems in the book.
Then there is the problem that though small, their purchases are supporting an author who is not abiding by the teachings of God (I Corinthians 14:34).
I do have books by denominational authors in my library. Most are there because the books are not dealing with the author's false beliefs but because that author happened to be an expert in some topic of interest. Even then, I rarely recommend using a denominational author's book as a study guide. I usually pull the useful material out as I prepare my own material.
What is being lost is that right and wrong are not determined by who wrote something. Truth is determined solely by the Bible (John 17:17). Yet, it appears that those involved are not interested in what the Bible says -- it is that which is most disturbing.
