The Idolatry of Concepts - Rikki Watts

I am using Rikki Watts' book Isaiah's New Exodus in Mark along with a few other commentaries (see them all in the sidebar) as I study and preach through the Gospel of Mark.  I've found a tremendous amount of help from Watts and highly recommend this work to you next time you dig into the Gospel of Mark.

Yesterday, I saw the following article highlighted by Jon Rising on his blog, Word & Spirit, which recounts the highlights of a recent lecture Watts gave at St. Andrew’s Cathedral in Singapore (flyer here).  This article was timely for me and I don't want to miss noting it here. (I checked for audio of this lecture, but found none.)

Emond Chua, "Theologian:  Bible About God's Character, Not Concepts".

I agree with Jon. This article "is well worth reading."  Three thoughts stood out to me as I read this article.

First,

Aggression by supposed Christians is really due to an "idolatry" of concepts...

“If you think it’s all about concepts, don’t be surprised if we treat people bad over concepts,” said Watts... “People in the name of truth will treat people badly.”

This is a hard saying, indeed.  Thinking of my own experiences and context, I must admit that maintaining a balance between standing for truth and upholding mercy towards real people is an enormous challenge.  Over the past couple of years, the Lord has placed me in positions where I've been helped to grow in this area more than ever before.  I'm very thankful for the reminder and challenge given by Watts at this point.

Second,

Watts gave the example of a chess game. Scientific observation of a chess game may lead to some understanding of the way the game is played. But it cannot differentiate between the friendly game played by a couple and the competitive one played by opponents. Just like that, theology has become an “elite exercise that doesn’t change lives,” he pointed out. (emphasis mine)

This statement coincides with the theme of Part II: Theological Existence in Karl Barth's Evangelical Theology: An Introduction (Eerdmans, 1986 [1963]) which I have been reading this week.  Please don't start firing darts at me because I'm reading Barth (re-read my First point above).  I'm reading Barth for academic reasons, but this second section aims at the heart of the theologian.  In his chapter on "Concern," Barth writes, "When a man becomes involved in theological science, its object does not allow him to set himself apart from it or to claim independence and autarchic self-sufficiency" (p. 75).  In other words, theology has ceased to be theology when it becomes an "elite exercise," to use Watts' phrase.  Barth goes on to say "There may be great lawyers, doctors, natural scientists, historians, and philosophers.  But there are none other than little theologians, a fact that, incidentally, is fundamental to the 'existentials' of theology" (p. 77).  I appreciated this humility coming from one who is lauded, certainly to his own chagrin, as a "Great" theologian.

Later on in this same chapter Barth tells a story of Professor Tholuck of Halle who sought to challenge the hearts of his students.

The story is told that the once famous Professor Tholuck of Halle used to visit the rooms of his students and press them with the question, "Brother, how are things in your heart?" How do things stand with you yourself?—not with your ears, not with your head, not with your forensic ability, not with your industriousness (although all that is also appropriate to being a theologian). In biblical terms the question is precisely, "How are things with your heart?" It is a question very properly addressed to every young and old theologian! (p. 83, emphasis mine)

Third, and finally, Mr. Chua notes that Watts landed his discussion of the "idolatry" of concepts with a contrast between concepts and character.  One concept that is paramount to Christians is that of holiness.  Can it be that the pursuit of holiness can lead to a form of idolatry?  This is what Watts proposes.

Holiness is not about being good, the professor pointed out. An excessive emphasis on goodness can actually bring death to people. It can make demons of its proponents. “I think holiness has to do with whether my life brings the life of God to other people,” he said. That was how the early church won over the ancient Roman world, the scholar added.

All of these statements, I believe, come from Watts' first lecture  in his two-part series, God's Faithful Character: Understanding the NT Use of the OT with Special Focus on Mark.

Lecture 1 is, God's Faithful Promise—Isaiah's Saving Light to the Nations and Malachi's Warning to Israel.

Lecture 2 is God's Faithful Presence—Jesus as Messiah, Servant, Son of Man...and the Lord Himself.

Watts also lectured on the Gospel of Mark.  Here is the series:

Making a Difference — Being Disciples of a DIFFERENT Kind of God: Studies from the Gospel of Mark

1.  A Call to Discipleship: Making Sense of the First Gospel
2. Who is This? Mark's Astonishing Picture of the Jesus We Follow
3. The Heart of Discipleship: A New Humanity for a New Creation

If anyone finds a link to these lectures in audio format, please let me know.  I'd love to listen to them!  I should also add, that Rikk Watts is slated to write a new commentary on the Gospel of Mark for the NICNT series which will replace that of William Lane.

The Idolatry of Concepts - Rikki Watts

Michael P. V. Barrett, "She became what she thought about."

I'm reading through a book that is an excellent and complementary study to G. K. Beale's We Become What we Worship. This book is Michael P. V. Barrett's Love Divine and Unfailing: The Gospel According to Hosea (P&R, 2008). Let me share with you Barrett's analysis of Gomer, who portrays adulterous/idolatrous Israel. His conclusion mirrors that of Beale's.

In many ways, Gomer was a child of her times. Baal worship had become widespread, along with its sexual promiscuity. Baal was a fertility god: immorality played a prominent part in the cultic rituals. Such immorality, sponsored by the false priests and prophets and practiced in the name of religion, contributed to loose living throughout society. Everywhere Gomer would look there were evidences of sexual license, and tragically, there was something in her that answered to what she saw. She had the world in her heart and ultimately gave way to the propensity to immorality.... She became what she thought about, for thinking always determines behavior. That the word translated "committing adultery" (mena'afeth) in Hosea 3:1 is a Piel participle suggests that she became completely enslaved to the licentious behavior.* (pp. 80-81, emphasis mine)

*Footnote: This notion is suggested by the Hebrew grammar. One of the functions of the Piel is to express iterative or repetitive action, and the active participle often designates habitual action. Thus, I say that she was enslaved in the adulterous behavior. (p. 185)

Michael P. V. Barrett, "She became what she thought about."

Book Review: We Become What We Worship by G. K. Beale

G. K. Beale, We Become What We Worship: A Biblical Theology of Idolatry (October 2008). Paperback, 341 pages. List: $26.00



ISBNs: 083082877X / 9780830828777

Reviewed by David Wenkel, who was one of our first book giveaway winners here at TheoSource.

We Become What We Worship by G. K. Beale presents the simple thesis that “what people revere, they resemble, either for ruin or restoration.” This is not to say that we eventually become either a god or a physical object. As Beale points out, the title of the book really is designed to lead the reader to the conclusion: we become like what we worship. That is to say, in some manner we take on the nature of the things to which we commit ourselves.

The thesis is then developed into a biblical theology which Beale defines as discerning “the interpretive links between passages that are clearly literarily linked (such as quotations in the New Testament).” Thus, this book is as much as study of intertextuality as it is idolatry. He defines his overall approach as a combination of traditional grammatical-historical exegesis and canonical-contextual exegesis (intertextuality). The texts he focuses on include Genesis, Exodus, Isaiah, Acts, Romans and Revelation. The origin of his thesis is derived from his exegesis of Isaiah 6.

Beale states that the intended audience ranges from lay-people to graduate students in theology. I think the scale tips in favor of students because of the footnotes, sporadic use of technical terms and occasional use of Greek. The book is large and somewhat intimidating but the simple thesis drives each chapter. The thesis as stated above is repeated often and the reader is able to see that all of Beale's logic and exegesis is intended to point to this conclusion. If the reader feels lost or confused about any particular point, he should be able to continue on because he knows where the flow of argumentation is going.

One of the most interesting dimensions of this study is how important Israel's “primal act” of idolatry with the golden calf is for understanding salvation history. The act of worshiping the golden calf and consequently becoming like stubborn heifers gets recapitulated through 2 Kings, Hosea, 1 Corinthians, etc. There is a certain spiritual union that takes place when one devotes himself to worship: this can be for ruin or restoration. Beale's data is admittedly speculative in a couple areas but the Scriptural data used to support his thesis is very strong: those who worship idols of beasts take on the attributes of beasts.

I felt confident recommending this book to one of the pastors at my own church chiefly because each chapter quotes a large portion of Scripture. This will enable the reader to engage the book both devotionally and academically. Those who want to reflect on Beale's thesis can read the biblical text being considered. Those who want to pause and reflect on their own walk of faith in light of the biblical text can do so as well. Those who are looking for a complementary volume will also enjoy Raymond Ortlund's God's Unfaithful Wife: A Biblical Theology of Spiritual Adultery (2002).

David Wenkel (ThM, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) is currently serving as a part-time minister at Winnetka Bible Church (Winnetka, IL) and has recently begun work on a PhD in New Testament through a partnership between the University of Aberdeen and the Highland Theological College (Scotland).

Book Review: We Become What We Worship by G. K. Beale

Book Giveaway Winners!

Our first book giveaway has been a great success. Between those who submitted their names in the comments and those who sent an email to me, we had eighteen participants. This morning I wrote down each name on a separate slip of paper, put them all into a bowl and asked my son to reach in and select two slips of paper. Here are the names of the winners as they were drawn:

1. David Wenkel
2. Greg Long

Congratulations to both of you! I will get these books in the mail to you. Also, I would like to say, "THANK YOU," to everyone of you who submitted your name! I enjoyed communicating with each of you. Please stay tuned. I have another book to give away and am making plans to offer more from time to time.

For those of you who did not win this giveaway, I hope that you will seriously consider adding this to your reading list (or Christmas Wish List)! You won't be disappointed. I have already reaped benefits from the things I have learned from reading this book.

Here, again, are links to some excellent online places to purchase this book. The prices ranges from $17-$19 (plus freight in most cases).

G. K. Beale, We Become What We Worship: A Biblical Theology of Idolatry (October 2008). Paperback, 341 pages. List: $26.00



ISBNs: 083082877X / 9780830828777

Book Excerpts

Preface »
Introduction »

Table of Contents

Abbreviations
Prefaces
1. Introduction
2. A Foundational Example of Becoming Like What We Worship: Isaiah 6
3. Becoming Like What We Worship: Evidence Elsewhere in the Old Testament
4. The Origin of Idolatry in the Old Testament
5. Becoming Like What We Worship: Judaism
6. Becoming Like What We Worship: The Gospels
7. Idolatry in Acts
8. Becoming Like What We Worship: Paul's Epistles
9. Becoming Like What We Worship: The Book of Revelation
10. The Reversal from Reflecting the Image of Idols to Reflecting God's Image
11. Conclusion: So What Difference Does It Make?
Bibliography
Author Index
Index of Ancient Sources
Scripture Index

Reviews & Endorsements

"This thoughtful examination of a surprisingly significant biblical theme will richly reward all who read it. . . . It offers that rare combination of careful, insightful exegesis and perceptive application from which not only biblical scholars but all Christians can benefit."

—Frank Thielman, Presbyterian Professor of Divinity, Beeson Divinity School

"We Become What We Worship is biblical theology at its best, weaving together Old and New Testament texts into a unified message. Beale's work is original yet traditional, profound yet simple, exegetical yet 'hyperexegetical,' sometimes provocative yet always profitable, for the scholar yet for every serious Christian. His message that we resemble what we revere, either for ruin or for restoration, is convincing and convicting."

—Bruce Waltke, professor of Old Testament, Reformed Theological Seminary

"This is an original, brilliant and most satisfying treatment of a theme central to biblical understanding, but often misunderstood or ignored in the modern church. This book requires careful study but it repays far more than it requires."

—David F. Wells, Andrew Mutch Distinguished Professor of Historical and Systematic Theology, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary

"This stimulating and in-depth study on idolatry is vintage Greg Beale. Beale argues that we become like the idols we worship, and he makes his case through a careful intertextual study of the Scriptures. Insights abound as Beale unfolds the biblical text. We are reminded afresh that idolatry is the root sin, and that it is so heinous because it robs God of the glory and praise and honor that he alone deserves."

—Thomas R. Schreiner, James Buchanan Harrison Professor of New Testament Interpretation, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

"Nothing else comes even close to this authoritative analysis of the destroying power of idolatry and its comparison to the renewing power of true worship of the one real God. Beale's relentlessly thorough coverage of the biblical material, using a purposely maximalist approach, gives the reader a close look at every possible reference to relevant passages, no matter how obscure or tangential, so that no stone is left unturned in demonstrating how idolatry--ancient or modern--ruins people's lives. Any biblical preacher or teacher would benefit from this book."

—Douglas Stuart, professor of Old Testament, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary

"This profoundly insightful study of idolatry brings into the spotlight a topic of exceptional significance. Illuminating a wide range of biblical passages, Professor Beale skillfully elucidates the life-defining and transforming nature of worship, both true and false. Everyone who reads this book will be deeply challenged to reflect afresh upon the way in which what we revere shapes not only our present lives but also our future destinies."

—T. Desmond Alexander, Union Theological College, Belfast

Book Giveaway Winners!

Beale's Prayer Against Idolatry

I posted an excerpt from Beale's concluding prayer against idolatry here, and, today, Trevin Wax (Kingdom People) posted the entire prayer. I recommend this to you.


G. K. Beale, We Become What We Worship: A Biblical Theology of Idolatry (October 2008). Paperback, 341 pages. List: $26.00



NOTE: I have collected a lot of names for the book giveaway. Tonight is the final night to submit your name. The two winners will be announced in the morning.

Beale's Prayer Against Idolatry

Book Giveaway: We Become What We Worship by G. K. Beale

A couple of weeks ago I announced the arrival of G. K. Beale's We Become What We Worship in my mailbox. This book has been on the top of my reading list, I am well into the book (although a bit slowly due to a move and a lot of highway miles). My initial impression of the value of this book has been surpassed. Granted, this is an academic book, but if you will follow Beale's own advice and resist the urge to read the footnotes on your first read-through, you'll be able to move a lot more quickly and gain a clearer view of the books argument. This is an academic book that will richly repay your time spent reading and studying through it with an open Bible.

G. K. Beale, We Become What We Worship: A Biblical Theology of Idolatry (October 2008). Paperback, 341 pages. List: $26.00


I would like to announce that IVP has very graciously provided me with three free copies to be given away. Thank you! Tim and I have discussed this book, and he is interested in reading and posting his comments on it, too. So, I will be mailing one copy to Tim and I have two more copies that I would like to offer to our readers. If you haven't yet, please subscribe to this blog via RSS feed or e-mail.

Giveaway Instructions..
If you would like to receive a copy of G. K. Beale's We Become What We Worship, please leave a comment here or send me a short email and be willing to respond with your impression of the book after you receive it. Two winners will be randomly drawn and the names will be announced on Monday morning, November 17.

Please pass the word around. More than gaining readers of this blog, I would like to spark a hearty discussion of this book and the subject of idolatry.

"We resemble what we revere, either for ruin or restoration." (G. K. Beale)

Book Giveaway: We Become What We Worship by G. K. Beale

We Become What We Worship by G. K. Beale

It is always a great joy to find books in the mailbox, but today I was especially pleased. I received from InterVarsity Press the following title:

G. K. Beale, We Become What We Worship: A Biblical Theology of Idolatry (October 2008). Paperback, 341 pages. List: $26.00


I was heading out to a conference meeting when I found this book in the mailbox, so I took it along with me. I couldn't resist reading it along the way, as I could find opportunity to steal glances. I have now finished the Preface and Conclusion.

The Preface explains the title which is intentional, but could be misunderstood. Beale states that "The title We Become What We Worship is a metaphor, which is an implied simile, omitting the word like.... The point of the figuratively omitting the word like is to emphasize that the worshiper reflects some of the important qualities or attributes of the object of worship" (p. 12).

Beale also states that his hope is "that the biblical-theological perspective of this book will provide greater fuel to fire the church's motivation not to become conformed to the idols that surround it in order better to fulfill its mission to the world, which is to proclaim that people need to be conformed to Christ's image for the greater glory of God" (p. 12).

This caused me to want to know how he would conclude this study, so I did what my teachers told me never to do: I read the Conclusion first. As a reviewer, I have learned that clearly identifying the purpose of a book helps you move through the lines of argumentation with greater ease and speed. Sometimes you learn all you need to know about the book for the time being (or for good). Remember, books are servants, not masters. Readers ought not allow themselves to be enslaved to a book (particularly non-fiction).

Beale's Conclusion (pp. 284-311) is subtitled "So What Difference Does It Make?" Throughout this heart-probing chapter, Beale repeats the primary theme of this book: "people resemble what they revere, either for ruin or restoration." Beale moves from material to immaterial idols; from the entire cosmos and each of its individual parts (sun, moon, stars, trees, animals, etc.), to traditions, false teachings, fascination with "things upon the earth", self (ego), media, etc. He spends a lot of time on self-idolatry because of its pervasiveness and our difficulty with identifying it. He quotes Eugene Peterson who wrote in an article for Christianity Today, "One way to define spiritual life is getting so tired and fed up with yourself you go on to something better, which is following Jesus" and "we want to get people bored with themselves so they can start looking at Jesus" (p. 295). I love those quotes.

With regard to media Beale draws the following applications:

Many Christians watch television, and many watch it when they want to sit back and relax and not have to use their minds much. This can certainly be a form of relaxation, but it can also become an uncritical openness to the media's worldview. Subtly, unconsciously, we absorb this worldview by a kind of mental osmosis. And what is the typical TV worldview? It is a worldview with little to no awareness of, or sensitivity to, God's working in everyday life, in the details of our life.
...
This absence of God in mainstream media should alert us to the fact that when we uncritically leave ourselves open to the perspective of the media's worldview, then, slowly but surely, it leads us to cease thinking of the things of the Lord in the details of our everyday life.... I would dare say that many Christians have been more influenced by the media than they would admit. The media's worldview has subtly become an idol we easily reflect. And that mindset...can destroy us. What we revere we resemble, either for ruin or restoration. (p. 299)

Beale closes this book with a word of prayer. Here is the first petition:

... And so Lord, cause us to revere you so we resemble you and are blessed and restored to you, and not ruined ...

This book is going to the top of my reading list. I hope that this intro will help you as you consider adding it to your library.

We Become What We Worship by G. K. Beale