Will the Theologian Please Sit Down

In my previous review of one of David Bercot’s books, Will The Real Heretic Please Stand Up, I had to step forward and praise him for the masterpiece that he crafted. In contrast, I cannot do the same for Will The Theologians Please Sit Down.

In comparison, the writing and rhetoric techniques used by Bercot in this book were atrocious at best standing next to the hope he brought in his other book. A large portion of the book was spent repeating what had already been said and dragging on the statements to no end. In short, he took the argument nowhere, succeeding only in opening the reader’s thirst but ceasing to quench the fire.

The idea behind the book is prolific. Bercot had the opportunity to take the argument in numerous directions, bringing the book to a complacent finish. Instead, he chose to argue against two specific subjects and even became guilty of his own accusations.

The first major point he makes in the book is that theologians spend to much time focusing on language and using it to twist and turn the text of the bible to fit their own needs. This I agree with, however, what I can’t agree with is using these same methods as a means of discrediting theologians.

For example, Bercot states that we do not understand what doctrine actually is. Today when we think of doctrine we think of a theological idea. He then proceeds to say that we do not understand that the word doctrine actually means teaching just like the word doctor actually means teacher. These, of course, are the words original intended meaning. Therefore, our new conception of a theological doctrine is completely different than the conception of early christians some two thousand years ago.

All I have to ask is this, isn’t an idea conceptually the same thing as a teaching? Bercot finds his way around this loophole by replacing the statement “theological idea” with “theological fact” and instead of “teaching ideas”, we actually “say facts”. My problem is that last time I checked most theology, beyond core principles, is considered ideas not fact but rather one denominations doctrine (by this I mean there beliefs). Also, as far as anyone is concerned when you teach, it is the same as saying or stating. What happened to not using linguistics to twist the text into fitting your own needs?

Finally, the second argument he focused on throughout the book was the how commentaries have ruined doctrine. Now I understand his point. Over a thousand years later, Calvin finally wrote the first commentary and didn’t quite have his head on straight. I’m not a big fan of theologians and I don’t care for the idea of christianity’s development having been based on writings that came so far after the time of Christ and the early church leaders. However, that point was easily summed up in one chapter. It was irritating that it became the hanging point for the book and the carrying argument against systematic theology. Surely, the author could have done better.

After reading this book, I wouldn’t recommend it as quality read. It certainly helped to open up my view points and introduce me to some different thought. However, there is certainly other books that could and have done this much better.

Will the Real Heretics Please Stand Up

About five months ago, I began researching what it took to start a church. This research, of course, opened up many questions, concerns, and insights into the Christian faith (particularly in regards to 21st century americans).

Part way into my studies I stumbled upon this book, by David Bercot, which was written as a way to correct and educate the Christians of this era. I must say, after reading the book’s descriptions, I had a number of reservations while getting into the text. My first thoughts were that David Bercot was just some other guy out there writing about his angry feelings with the church, and he wasn’t capable of saying much of anything that had biblical truth.

After much study and a thorough read through, however, almost all of these reservations were completely lifted. If I had to sum up how I felt in one sentence I would say: This book is exactly what I have been waiting for since the start of my theological studies. It took no more than the few pages of this book, before I was hooked on what was being said. The stories and statements made were so intense and so drastically different than the ‘church way’ I, and many others, grew up in.

Despite my total interest, I will admit that I took nothing in this book to heart until I thoroughly researched and read the early christian texts cited in this book. After my studies, I went through and read the book a second time. By the time I was finished, it was as if God himself had dared me to change and to become a person worthy of being called a Christian.

From a strictly literary standpoint, the book was extremely well crafted and versed in many areas. The author insistently refused to hold back on early church citations as proof and tellings of the stories and truths he brought forth. The author was also capable of writing in a manner that was both intellectual and easily comprehensible. All in all I was very pleased with this book and after two read throughs, I have not walked away without learning and changing myself for the better. As far as Christian literature is concerned, this book is by far one of the best reads.