Don't Believe Everything You Read--Winston-Salem Journal

Don’t Believe Everything You Read--Winston-Salem Journal

The articles written by Dr. Earl Crow in the Saturday editions of the Winston-Salem Journal are a train wreck. He does not represent evangelical Christianity and demonstrates that he has no clue what he is doing when discussing scriptural passages.  Some may think that this is a strong or even harsh statement, but allow me to elaborate.  I will provide some general comments about his articles as well as some specific points.

Dr. Crow often implies or pushes the answer in a certain direction without ever stating his actual position.  For example, our adult class during The Blend recently read his article about Hell, and without ever explicitly stating the point, he implied that Hell is not real and that all will be welcomed into Heaven.  Crow often quotes Scriptures that have nothing to do with the subject at hand.  For example, when asked if we will know each other in heaven, he quoted Matt 8:11 which says, “And I say to you that many will come from east and west, and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven.”  Now, tell me, what does that verse have to do with the question?  The last point that I will make is that Crow often questions evangelical, traditional teaching without actually explaining how it is wrong or offering a truly biblical alternative to the traditional position.

What is our lesson?  Do not believe everything you read (or hear or watch) without studying the subject for yourself, fact-checking, and getting (at least) a second opinion.  Just because something such as a television show, movie, or newspaper article is “religious” does not mean that it is accurate.  There are many wolves masquerading as sheep (Matt 7:15).  The New Testament is full of warnings to beware of false teachers (e.g. Rom 16:17-18; Col 2:8; 2 Tim 4:3-4; 2 Pet 2:1-22; 1 John 4:1; 2 John 1:10-11).  We do well to heed those warnings in our own day.

Now, let me express some humility.  I do not have it all figured out.  I cannot answer every question.  However, there is nothing worse or more devastating to a Christian’s walk than for someone who is “religious” and “educated” to appear to be an “angel of light” and yet only deceive believers.  Crow is a PhD who uses common misconceptions to gain sympathy for his positions.  The way he goes about his writing and teaching is sad and, honestly, disgusting.  So, again, do not believe everything you read.

If you have any questions or comments about Dr. Crow’s articles, please email me at wesley@progressandjoy.org, call me, stop by the office, or bring it to my attention on a Sunday.