With the exception of the other "H" word (hell), there is no more serious word in Christianity than: heretic.
While our beloved church fathers did not fear to label a heretic, we do. And rightly so. To label someone a heretic is to label them anathema; damned.
Disagreeing over non-essentials (spiritual gifts, communion, modes of baptism, etc.) is a healthy in-house debate that allows us to "agree to disagree" while maintaining fellowship. Disagreeing over essentials (such as the five solas) is another issue.
To be clear, if a teacher distorts the character and nature of God the Father, Son, Holy Spirit, salvation by grace alone through faith alone, or does not esteem the Bible to be the inerrant, infallible, inspired Word of God, we cannot be in fellowship with that person. They are indeed, anathema.
It has never been more difficult to determine when someone distorts these glorious doctrines. Today's emergent movement speaks a different English language. Black is purple and orange is wet.
Asking an emergent leader like Doug Pagitt to define justification is like nailing honey to a tree. Still, I gave it a try. Pastor Pagitt makes it as clear as he is able that there is no real hell and God will deal with good Buddhists and Muslims the same way He will deal with Christians.
Attached you will find an edited four minute version of our fifteen minute Way of the Master Radio "conversation." Would you please listen to it and answer the question, "Is this heresy?"
Like Jude, we are called to defend the faith given once for all time. Are Doug Pagitt's comments orthodox, aberrant (bad, but not damning) or flat out heresy?
Please click the Feedback button below and share your position. Please be pithy. Simply answer: "Orthodox," "Aberrant" or "Heresy," and then explain why in one clear sentence.
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No. The word Heretic is irrelevant. Literalism and fundamentalism are irrelevant. Stay tuned as you watch the downfall of that oppressive worldview. And the rise of true love and unity.
wow! just....wow
Posted On: 12/30/10 07:40:38 PM
Age 0, LA
Doug Pagitt calls himself a Christian? Honestly, I am in no place to judge but, I believe this Doug Pagitt is a lunatic. I pray that he is not what I fear, demon-possessed. I can't even think of words to express how dumbstruck his beliefs have left me. He and his church shall be in my prayers. I will pray he realizes there truly is a heaven and hell before it is too late.
Is Doug Pagitt a Heretic
Posted On: 11/23/10 04:42:50 AM
Age 0, WA
This is a messy topic, where it would be easy to get to general and not be specific enough. What I will address is not Todd V Doug, but Doug V Scripture.
The only way to determine a false prophet/teacher is in what they teach. Seems simple, but lots of people defend false teachers but things other than teaching (but they have a nice family, they tithe, they pray, their church is helping etc). So remember false teachers are identified by false teaching, not bad ministry.
So there is only one authority and that is God. God the Father, Jesus his son who lived on earth, died rose again and the Holy Spirit who dwells in Christians, and is responsible for the inspiration of the Scriptures.
So by my definition a false teacher is a person who teaches something that is not in and/or contrary to scripture. And by this I mean theology, not what socks to wear each morning.
Where Doug is a false teacher based on the radio interview is clearly that he teaches that Heaven is not a place, and that hell is not real. I am not a scholar so I will not attempt to prove this via scripture as I might incorrectly wield it, becoming a false teacher myself. What I will do is ask a question.
My question is this. Is the Bible dark and mysterious where its real truth is not instantly obvious, or is it designed by God to be hard to interpret with its real truth hidden behind the obvious statements.
If you believe that scripture is clear, then Hell is a place, specifically because Jesus himself reffers to it many times.
If not (and this is where Doug struggled to provide an answer) then what are these verses reffering to if Hell and Heaven are not a place, given that an obvious literal reading of them seem to indicate a specific place.
Heretic
Posted On: 11/16/10 02:07:42 AM
Age 0, PW
Doug Pagitt is obviously a heretic. He despises God's word and esteems his own feelings above God's clearly revealed judgments. He will be held accountable for the thousands of souls he has misled.
Your chuche will be judged by God and His word.
Posted On: 05/26/09 01:05:55 AM
Age 53, CA
Whether your church is the bride of Christ will be determined by the Bible, the word of God. If you don't hold the truth as revealed in the Bible, you are no longer His church. Where I live, Stanton CA, there is a buddihist church; they say they are church, but they are not.
How is Todd a heretic?
Posted On: 02/24/09 10:25:38 AM
Age 31, GA
How is Todd a heretic and how is he preaching a false gospel and lifting up man? I really like to know? There's no self-esteem in his preaching, he talks more about Jesus Christ and His work point all towards Him. How is that man centered? That sounds like Jesus centered, God centered. Didn't Jesus do that? And why is it in your reply your words sounds like hatred? Don't you know you have to give an account for every word, thought, and deed you do. And hatred is the same as murder in God's eyes. Matthew 5:27, and 1 John 3:15.
Doug paggit
Posted On: 01/08/09 03:35:29 PM
Age 45, MO
I have to disagree with you. I think Todd is asking some pointed questions and the Mr. Pagitt is doing a dirt poor job of giving a precise answer. He can't even defend his own position. As far as Todd's attitude, check out how Elijah treated the prophets of Baal. Sometimes ignorance deserves ridicule, and Doug showed his ignorance clearly...better if he declined the interview and kept his mouth closed. I personally would consider Mr. Paggit a heretic.
Clearly Orthodox
Posted On: 12/23/08 08:17:32 PM
Age 31, VA
No question that the theology that Doug espoused is well within the orthodox christian tradition, and in my view far more so than the self-righteous vitriol espoused by Todd. Jesus was right, The Way is narrow indeed...
I can't believe he's a Christian
Posted On: 08/09/08 09:18:00 AM
Age 53, DENMARK
Pagitt talks like a New Age Hindu when he denies that heaven and hell are "places", plus the fact that he denies Jesus' own words. He also talks like a "Kingdom Now" as he describes those who will be eliminated from "the work of God in the world". In another video he is shown admitting that he practices Yoga, which changes your thought processes and worldview, which explains why he has trouble answering Todd's questions. So, while I can't see Doug Pagitt's heart, he is talking like an unsaved man. Todd, it would have looked better for WOTM if you would have let him finish his rambling before you came with your next question. It was your video - did you have to adhere to a time limit?
Doug Pagitt: Heretic or not?
Posted On: 07/06/08 10:09:33 AM
Age 55, SC
Todd Friel is the real heretic here. He is the one who preaches a false gospel that is man centered. He has taken Christ off of the thrown and made man the author of salvation. Hebrews 12 says that Jesus Christ is both the Author and the Finsher of our faith - NOT MAN!! Todd Freiel needs to repent of his false gospel message and teach the truth of God's Holy Word.
