I think it is important to remember that Hunt’s theological education came prior to academic reformation from liberalism to conservatism. Hunt, along with an untold number of Southern Baptists, were “educated” at a time when not only was the Bible unimportant, but serious theological exercise (as seen the absence of systematic theology).

The fact that Hunt sought out the counsel of Akin regarding the need to grow in this area is encouraging, and to know that he read them in their entirety over that summertime is even more impressive. Unfortunately, I think that a solid majority of Southern Baptists who do not agree with Calvinists theologically are just as uninformed as Hunt was prior to reading theology, and therein lies a great problem Calvinists have faced for years in the SBC.

Regarding being shocked, I would say that we as believers should always be growing and seeking reformation not only in our lives but also our churches (semper reformanda). While I certainly wish that Hunt’s appreciation for theology came earlier, I am not shocked that it happened. God is working to grow us and change us in ways we could never have imagined. I know there was a time when I was a Left Behind dispensationalist and Arminian with a Keswick view of sanctification, hoping that one day God would grant that second blessing. I would imagine that my theological pilgrimage is quite shocking to some, too.

Regarding how we respond graciously, I would first of all be reminded that it is by the grace of God that we are what we are (1 Cor. 15:10). Whatever growth, knowledge, or experience we gain in the Christian life is a result of God’s grace, not our special insight or being in the insider club. So I think the first thing is to realize that whatever you have learned or received or gained in the Christian life should humble you know that God granted that to you.

Secondly, I would say that we should pray for those who disagree with us, and should the opportunity be afforded to talk with them, encourage them in their pursuit of the knowledge of God. Every true, sincere believer wants to know God better, to understand the glories of the gospel, and to live faithfully according to God’s Word. In other words, whether it is stated or not, every believer wants to be a good theologian, even if those terms are not sued.

Thirdly, I would remind myself that without love, the best theology is a clashing symbol and a gong. It isn’t enough to know the truth, but we need to learn how to present the truth with words seasoned with salt. We also need to know when to be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves. In wisdom, I believe we should be careful to have a conversation with the ignorant and a confrontation with the deceitful.

Anyway, I hope some of this may be helpful in your thinking. I hope that we all share a common commitment to love the God of all grace and to be gracious to all who are beloved in Christ.

Thanks for posting this. I heard from numerous friends who were able to attend the SBC this year that Dr. Akin’s address at the Founder’s Breakfast was amazing–wish I could have been there.

I want to ask a quick question, which I hesitate to ask, precisely because it could be interpreted as the very spirit that Dr. Akin was cautioning against and/or rebuking. Nonetheless, I have to ask it, but let me preface my question.

Two years ago in San Antonio, I heard Johnny Hunt preach for the first time. My previous pastor told me on numerous occasions that Bro. Johnny is the best preacher he has ever heard. Even with those tremendously high expectations, Dr. Hunt did not disappoint. I have a tremendous amount of respect for his ability to preach the Bible. The Spirit is clearly at work as he preaches with authority, and God used him to bring conviction to me, and encourage me to plead for personal revival. I say all this only to say that, even though I am reformed, I do not have a bone to pick with Dr. Hunt, or those in “his camp.” Nonetheless…

I was surprised to hear Dr. Akin report concerning Bro. Johnny’s theological shift over the last few years. However, his comments, if taken at face value, are shocking, to say the least. I am deeply disturbed that in the SBC, someone can become a hero of the convention, a pastor of a very large church, and even have the title “Dr.” in front of his name having never read a single theology text, even if the “Dr.” does not denote a Ph.D. I am even more deeply concerned about the “education” he received at SEBTS. Thank God that the seminaries of the SBC have changed, but this is simply unacceptable. My fear, though, is that Dr. Hunt is not merely an exception to the rule–his story IS the rule in our convention. So…

How can we GRACIOUSLY and without any malice raise these concerns in such a way that those who would seek to malign us don’t say, “Well, there goes such-and-such…,” etc., etc.

I truly look forward to your response. I am thankful that God has raised up men like Dr. Akin, and Dr. Hunt for such a time as this. I know that the SBC will be a better, healthier, more fruitful cooperation of churches if we can have the same irenic disposition that is so characteristic of these men.