Blue Like Jazz (Don Miller) is Theology for Penguins

[LunaBear2007]

Donald's book is about a STRUGGLE, and during that struggle he is refreshingly honest about a slew of different things....heart stuff, mind stuff. I have heard the most conservative evangelical preacher teach that even the most DEPRAVED individual still has a thing inside of him that. although he may be ignoring it, is seeking a maker. This is NOT bad theology.

[Teachthecross]

Actually, what Miller says in the book about following one's gut feelings and the subsequent penguin analogy is just a less sophisticated version of a very sound argument that one can know Christianity to be true via religious experience. If that religious experience is in fact the Holy Spirit, then this argument is perfectly in line with Scripture (see for example 1 John 4:13).

[striflerjn]

Where in scripture do you see people outside of the faith portrayed as "stupid, ignorant, fools?" That is a personal interpretation on your part and not the message of scripture

[lltmac]

This commentary is from such a sad & lonely place I couldn't even get angry that quotes from the book were taken out of context and misunderstood entirely. This just made me sad.

[lusoamericana]

this person (the Brit, not Don) needs to mind his own business and preach the Gospel and the chips will fall where they may. I don't feel threatened by error. The tears and the wheat will eventually reveal themselves.

[Zmountenman]

Gahh!!!!!!!!! Agnostics!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[TheGordonK]

pure ignorance (you not don)

besides, just chill we are all christians and that should be good enough

[jpovilonis]

And that gift can only be given by God, but the Bible clearly teaches human response (or as it appears to humans).

[jpovilonis]

I am absolutely heartbroken at AndrewcBain's actions and desire. The Pharisees were the ones in the Gospels who knew all about God, but their hearts were far from him. He has truly missed the heart of the Gospel.

There is a difference between faith by works and human responsibility. Calvin himself said this in his Institutes that the gospel can be summed up two words: "repentance and forgiveness." He goes on to explain the human responsibility of turning to God (2 Cor. 5:20). Faith is a gift.

[willph18]

@jpovilonis It is the wonderful paradox of Christianity. The human response is a result of God's forgiveness. God is in control of all things. yet, from our perspective, it does not seem that way. we are forgiven "not because of righteous thing we have done but because of his mercy" this book is dangerous to the new Christian. One needs a firm foundation the the Holy word of God to be a true Christain.

[uno68715]

Your taking quotes from his book out of context to make it meet your agenda.

Have you read his whole book?

Do you ever have any uncertainty in your life at all?

because of our fallen nature we are going to have times of uncertainty.

why are you looking to start an argument and create division amongst Christians?

God calls us to be united as well!

[ragmeat]

kind of a strange summary of what the book said. i mean i don't think the book is theologically significant. but you are dishonest in your summarization of what he says. if you had a real point you wouldn't need to do that.

[srtullos]

Don Miller is an amazing man doing amazing things for God. It is truly a shame and, I believe, one of the biggest tactics of the devil when believers spend more time trying to discredit and undermine other believers than they do trying to show Christ to non-believers.

[willph18]

@srtullos NO one of the biggest tactice of the devil ois to get man to doubt the Holy and incorruptible word of God. The devil is using parts of this book to loosen the firm foundation we have in Jesus Christ. Who not only is our friend, but out SAVIOUR, and we need to repent of our sin!. it is not supposed to make us feel good!. You are supposed to feel bad about your sin nature! we are the problem! because of the fall of man.

[tinkandray]

lol i just finished blue like jazz like 10 min ago, loved it!!

[k213389]

i love donald miller's book. i don't think it's really productive to take his words out of context. i resonated with his 'inner radar' metaphor because the same thing happened with me.

[Zeppelin191181]

It makes me so sad how misleading this could be to someone seeking God. First of all, Miller uses terms like "maybe" and "seems" because he is being honest and is not arrogant enough that he would claim like you sir to know exactly what God wants. Someone who has no doubts is either a liar or is not human. Having a relationship with God IS relational. Weird, huh? We ARE all born with a radar that seeks God. Please do not just pick and choose which passages you like and ignore the others.

[willph18]

@Zeppelin191181 Guess what? the Bible says the fall of man changed our so called radar consider this passage froom psalm 53 2God has looked down from heaven upon the sons of men  To see if there is anyone who understands, Whoseeks after God. Every one of them has turned aside; together they have become corrupt; There is no one who does good, not even one.

[maxallman92]

Miller means that we have a desire to believe in some higher being, because God placed that feeling, that desire, in us at birth.

[astrelharmony]

He is coming up with an analogy about his personal walk. This is a book of philosophy, not theology. You really, really, can't take anything in this book out of context. He is telling his story.

[LukeBogue]

By "excelling", I of course meant "excellent". Please forgive the typo.

I must commend you on devoting so much time to this subject, though. Although I think some of your opinions are shortsighted, I do believe they come from a genuine concern for the sanctity of Scripture and the well-being of the Body. I think it is often beneficial, and almost always admirable, for one to read works by those of opposing viewpoints to their own. You certainly have my respect for that.

[LukeBogue]

The reason I find Miller refreshing is the same reason I find Lewis refreshing. Both have written in ways that admit when they are unsure, or that their opinion is just that. Many in the last generation have lacked the humility to admit the aspects of Christianity - of scriptural interpretation, doctrinal foundations, their own experience, and the like - that are really more isogesis than exegesis, and it has amounted to a thousand contradicting ideas that all claim "scriptural objectivity"

[LukeBogue]

I do understand that you see a danger in Miller's writings, thinking perhaps that they would serve to blur the lines between emotional drive and spiritual conviction. What you do seem to fail to understand is that Miller's faith has not developed in a vacuum. His writings have served as an excelling sidenote to a generation that has watched the generation before us parade shortsighted subjectivity under the guise of objectivity.

[uberflastman]

oh, and this is Andrew Bain. Man, I just can't seem to get things right today.

[uberflastman]

I accidentally posted that twice.  Sorry. First post on Youtube.

[uberflastman]

"they key to life is relational" does not mean that we should "base our theology on our gut feelings. Being intelligent and understanding things in their context would help. Maybe then Driscoll wouldn't sound like a self-righteous jerk.

[uberflastman]

"The key to life is relational" does not mean that we need to "base our theology on our gut feelings." It means that through our relationship with Christ we begin to understand truth. It's easy to critique someone when you put words in their mouth and rip things out of context. But, of course, it makes you sound like a self-righteous jerk. Especially when the book to which you're referring has led many people to encounter their creator in a fresh way.

[JediCaptian]

Excellent observations! The faith isn't subjective, but objective. Without an objective, propositional faith, we have no means to determine what is true from what is not true; to separate the voice of God from the voice of man.

Miller's message is the same old re-heated Satanic lie that's been told for centuries. J. Gresham Machen's "Christianity and Liberalism" obliterated all of Miller's arguments 80 years ago! Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.

[fertishead]

This video is ridiculous. You are doing more harm than good. please do us all a favour and remove this.

[thedoxologist]

This is bullshit. What's with the sinister electronic reading voice?

[danmcb71821]

The issue that Don Miller is getting at in his book is there is a difference in believing in something by faith, as God calls us to do, and BLINDLY believing in something by faith. For example, if the only reason one believes something is that he/she was told to do so or because that is what his or her family believes, the belief is of little value as it relates to Christianity. Coming to know Christ requires questioning so that one can come to an intimate understanding of who He (Christ) is.

[hailiferthegreat]

That "gut feeling' Is most likey theHoly spirit speaking to him. I don't know why some people have to be so judgemental. Hmm... Doesn't the Bible say something about that? And to call them ignorant is not a wise thing for someone who says they are a Christian. We nee to be a little more hnest with our own feelings and not just take everyting as "gospel" because that what your mom and dad told you to believe.

[joyfu2000]

This idiot is taking the book out of context.

Why again is it bad to be a skeptic? even agnostic? I'm pretty sure Jesus isn't going to get shocked off the cross. I think he is big enough to, I don't know, let us touch his scars so to speak.

But hey, good job trying to bring a great man down. Good way to spend your free time. (eyeroooolllllllll)

[TheGlassPriest]

Who would you use as an example of someone that actually uses Jesus Christ for Jesus Christ's sake? Think of the alternative; The "Christian Right"... no thank you. I was an atheist then agnostic (I didn't feel humans were capable of understanding the truth) but I was also using self-serving a-holes as an example of Christianity like G. Bush, Hagge, Wright, so on so forth. I read Blue Like Jazz and God Knows What; now I'm a Christian; just have to have an open mind my friend.

[soonfire4Him]

I completely agree with keith8404 as I have just spent 7 weeks with Don Miller riding a bicycle across the US. I have seen how people respond to what he has said on this trip and it and he's the real deal.

[padawan3000]

I think you're just looking for problems. and you'll find what you're looking for, even if you have to stoop to sounding like an idiot to get there.

[padawan3000]

This is stupid.

[byfaithalone777]

"You serpents, you brood of vipers, how will you escape the sentence of hell?"

(Matthew 23:33)

Oh, there's that Jesus preaching about hell again. Shouldn't someone tell Him that speaking like this hateful?

Lets just ignore that mean old Jesus and read Blue like Jazz again.

for those of you who don't know, this is a Bible reference...

[theionchange6]

sure anything can sound bad when taken out of context.

[keith8404]

You have completely missed the point of Miller's writings and selectively misused and misquoted from his writings. He is doing much to bring people to a real, saving relationship with God through Christ. I imagine that your negative, self-righteousness is doing much to drive people away from God. Its really very sad.

[sounddiv]

"There is a God-shaped vacuum in every heart." -Blaise Pascal -

I assume you're a calvinist,because they God draws people. Arminianism is also a valid view: that people come to God.

*** hardly a controversial or new ideas

knowing God through created things:

"The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims His handiwork. Day to day they pour forth speech . . . (Psalm 19:1,2).

how about reading your Bible a little more carefully before you get so dogmatic?

[sounddiv]

do you or do you not believe that we are called to God/God calls us?

that's all he's saying. you are making a much bigger deal out of his statement, and trying to make him a heretic when he isn't.

"maybe" is simply saying he's not 100% percent sure. i don't know a single christian who's intellectually honest that says they are 100% sure of their belief.

[bill666gates]

I'm writing a paaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa­aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa­aaaaaragraph on how pissed i am!!!!!!!!!!!!

[hooktonhoops14]

Everyone watch this video and post how long you were able to stifle your laughter. Come on man, how overly critical can you be?

[redrider4show]

hooktonhoopes14:

eh, I made it about 4 minutes. lol. man, some people.

[littleman536]

are you judging someone else's experiences in the relationship with God and how he came to know God? and if you can't relate to anything in his book, then good for you cause you must be a perfect Christian. also, i think you must have skipped that whole chapter on love.I think this is why our country and world is so screwed up, instead of turning against each other we as christians should come together and unify in God's name to bring good to the this world.

[cmtgrl230]

I think you are being slightly too critical of a great biblically accurate book. You took that quote out of context. Miller clearly states that Jesus is the only way and was not at all suggesting that we should all simply "follow our gut" and that all paths lead to the same God. In fact, he makes an effort to make it clear that he does not believe that. I wish people could just appreciate a good Christian book for what it is and not pick it apart like this.

[ricgar88]

Please tell me where in these quotes Donald Miller says, WORD FOR WORD, that are theology should be based on our gut feelings!! Get a life!! Instead of trying to find something wrong with Donald Miller and his work, why don't you go read the Bible, then you can come back and read this books and see that you were wrong!!

[mralx1234]

i am sorry. im sorry that you have to go through your day making these videos of putting down a book. im sorry that you feel its necessary to put others down for expressing their feelings and experiences in a book. im sorry that you have to receive all these comments that put you down.

[truthhurtsalot101]

if you are truely a believer in Christ you would repent of the lack of love, as Paul states in 1 Cor. 13, then repent of the pride in your heart. you would then ask God for forgiveness and also everyone on this youtube portal. why you ask, because as in Acts where those in Antioch were considered christians by those around them, you are not one due to the lack of christian (christ-like) evidence.

[truthhurtsalot101]

knowledge in the world (which i don't beleive you do) and have not love, and it would all be useless. i am going to pray that whatever event/events God has put you through to bring you to this moment He will open your eyes to see why He has done it and remind you it was not for the purpose of tearing others down to esteem yourself, no matter who they are. i have seen several of your videos and seen your face. you are very proud and scared.

[truthhurtsalot101]

it is obvious that you don't know Him very well cause if you did the evidence of your relationship with Him would not yield these pious and immature ramblings of others you don't even know. Jesus through Paul said to esteem others higher than yourself. He also said you could have all the knowledge in the world (which i don't beleive you do) and have not love, and it would all be useless.

[truthhurtsalot101]

you are much more ignorant than most. your understanding of the bible is very superficial. i am sorry for whoever hurt you. please don't continue to bring others down in your pain. i know who God is and He is more amazing than anything you or i could imagine. to pretend to be an authority based on what you think you know of scriptures would be bringing God down to us...to fit Him in OUR own little box.

[rkskipper]

How dare you criticize a book you obviously have not even read. Miller refers to the relational dynamic of christianity being a gut feeling, not to theology. The two are completely seperate entities. If you had read the book in its entirety instead of tearing apart seperate excerpts you would realize that Miller is not anything near agnostic. Millers books go no where near discussing theology, instead they analyze the relationship between man and his creator.

[mishmashed3]

I would argue that it is almost unchristian to assume that anyone could understand everything about God. I would argue that your first point about Don Miller, and him being agnostic, is a strength of his faith. I think God would respect anyone who chooses to wrestle with their faith just as much as anyone who blindly follows in fear of eternal damnation.

[judithpoop]

This guy is taking miller out of context to make him look bad why would anyone do this? Has this zealot even read millers book? He is just fighting with the air? Why is he wasting his time trying to make another christian brother look bad? This is foolishness, Donald Millers book is wonderful it changed my life. I would tell anyone to read it oh well, I guess this guy wanted to make himself look good I wish people would get over themselves and just serve God and quit being suchreligious zealots

[d1cky]

I read this book, and it freed me to Love God even more. And a few years later, this book brought my cousin to a relationship with Jesus (after YEARS of praying). God can use anything, don't make God small dude!

[XkingbisonX]

i love flight of the conchords

[loaferforlife]

WOW brother...self righteousness reeks from most of your points, as does faulty logic with your "biblical" back-up points. You make the rest of us humans feel like losers...Grace, anyone? I think that Jesus choose some pretty foolish lads to be his closest deciples. By his perfect grace they walked and learned with Him. No offence, but please find some constructive things to say that build people up instead of tearing us down.

[billybobhirner]

WOW, Dude you took the whole book out of context. Ever been pricked by your conscience? That's the Holy Spirit punching you in the Gut. Unless you do not know the Holy Spirit.

[tleh1]

How much energy does it take to read a book then twist the meaning?

[TheMoores07]

do you like anything?

[keepitreal522]

come on dude...seriously. don't waste your time trying to prove someone's heart wrong. that is probably the worst thing you can do.

[chancejackson]

If anyone is actually moved by this twisting of donald millers words, read the book. He is taking what miller is sayding way out of context, and the book is 100% scriptural.Main point, religion doesnt lead to God, an intimate relationship does. He writes with some of the same principles as Rob Bell, and i think a lot of their ideas are ones the church needs to pick up on.

[thekidjfh]

CS Lewis and many other trusted theologians have, in other words, posited the idea that we all have something in us (a radar) that points to God.

I can not believe fools like you are pretending to be theologians. What were your critical reading scores in school? You're infuriatingly obtuse, you goon.

[hafetroner]

Once again, wow. You found a judgemental way of interpreting someone. Read the entire book, until you do, dont judge.

[Trirobin]

the jews didn't follow their gut feeling. they followed hundreds of years worth of rituals and traditions.

[jamieinbalto]

"I believe....help Thou my unbelief...I fall into the unknown, trusting all the while".

I agree with "delpuckett". I like Don Miller, I don't like you.

[prayerofthemartyr]

all i can say is, i love you. unconditionally, even if you're confused.

[cmc1of3]

So much flawed logic in one video. If you want to debate somebody's position, fine, but don't distort their words to help make a point.

[johnshipe]

I don't understand any of this; and not because I'm ignorant on this subject--I'm thoroughly Biblified and Existentially educated. I simply do not understand your semantics, Donald Miller's semantics, or the differences therein. All of it nonsense. At least Donald Miller is taking responsibility for his understandings by honestly attributing them to his own feelings.

[delpuckett]

i like Don Miller - i DONT LIKE YOU

[Nemchuck]

If all fools can desire is foolishness, then how do any of them come to accept Christ? Your logic is as flawed as you say Miller's is!

[matthewallencampbell]

i think before anyone ever posts, or even talks about their views on a subject they disagree about they should read the parable when jesus said "take the plank out of your own eye".

[matthewallencampbell]

honestly i believe miller is an exceptional writer, and i believe god is working thru him. he sure has in my life. and now i have a closer relation with god more than i ever have. it is true that i don't know everything there is to know about god, because no human ever will because if we knew all there is to know about god. well.. he wouldn't be god would he? i don't know... all of this is my personal opinion.

[matthewallencampbell]

after watching this video i can develope a comment. i disagree with the narrator's views at 4:48. because when you were refering to "fools" and "ignorant people" you were referring to sinners, "lost" people, people that do not no jesus, as their savior. and i feel as if the narrator is implying that these "fools" don't deserve the bible. or something like that.

[mrmcdaniel2]

As a reply to the Gospel being "relational" I simply answer with Scripture....

24 But let him who glories glory in this: that he understands and knows Me (personally and practically, directly discerning and recognizing My character), that I am the Lord, Who practices loving-kindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth, for in these things I delight, says the Lord Jeremiah 9:24

[mrmcdaniel2]

20 For ever since the creation of the world his invisible nature and attributes, that is, His eternal power and divinity, have been made intelligible and clearly discernible in and through the things that have been made (His handiworks). So (men) are without excuse (altogether without any defense or justification). Romans 1:19,20 AMPLIFIED

[mrmcdaniel2]

19 For that which is known about God is evident to them and made plain in their inner consciousness, because God (Himself) has shown it to them.

[supertagjd4]

wow. ya'll need to get lives.

[OldSchoolDetective]

Why are you calling Miller agnostic, when he identifies as a Christian? He never endorses agnosticism.

[ChristineWimber]

One last thing. How dare you degrade women by implying that they are the reason Adam lost his paradise. There's been enough injustices done to women around the world already without having a guy who calls himself a Christian lay the entire brunt of evil on women's shoulders. You're the type who promotes abuse of women. Maybe if Adam could've had some balls and defended Eve, we wouldn't be in this mess. I have zero respect for you. Bastard.

[ChristineWimber]

Congratulations on alienating everyone who doesn't believe exactly the same thing that you do. The only thing your theology is good for is to use it as a superiority tool to judge others by. You are not who you think you are. How many people are drawn to you? How many people feel judged by you? How many people feel like you accept them for who they are, regardless of what they do? You leave a foul taste in people's mouths. Someone needs to come inject some humanity into your blood.

[boomac62]

I could not have said it better. Thank you. ChristineWimber.

[CAndiron]

You need to separate the theology from the presenter. If you believe in liberal, postmodern theology... you should seriously consider that perhaps religion is *serious* and *real*. It is more than feel good therapy, fantasy meant to keep you sedated until death. Salvation is at stake, and post-modernism is harmful.

[ChristineWimber]

I disagree - you can't separate a person's theology from who they are. Whether they like it or not it delineates what they believe about God, themselves, and the world.

[ChristineWimber]

Cutting people out of the "salvation worthy" club b/c their theology isn't perfect speaks something about God - is God not powerful or capable enough to use a person's heart or feelings to bring them to salvation? Does God have to check to make sure that everyone understands total depravity and justification and sanctification and has memorized Romans before He knows He can let them into heaven?

[CAndiron]

Yes, all this theo-jargon crap is unfortunate (which most Calvinists should take to heart). But people like Don Miller (and Gnostics and Arians, etc.) made it necessary. I think if we could get a first century believer with his simple faith, he would answer "correctly". But people like Don Miller (and McLaren/Spong/Barth/Borg/Ostee­n) are the ones who made "theology" necessary for one to be orthodox. Go rail at them.

[ChristineWimber]

The God represented by this man threatens people with how fragile salvation is and doesn't count the heart as a worthy means to communicate spiritual truths. That's wrong.

[Piliper]

You can pull anything out of context if you try and you've done a good job at that. Donald Miller does not claim to be a theologically trained author, but rather a Christ-follower who pours his honest thoughts and feelings into these books. Is he right about everything? No. But neither are you, obviously. Erwin McManus had it right when he said that the biggest hindrance to the movement of Christ was Christianity.

[joshjames76]

This is why I don't get this guy. And I have never seen him respond to any of his comments. Does he do it just for the sake of argument? I also noticed that all of his favorites are his own stuff. You are way into yourself. And your videos are useless

[aochampion]

I think you are being a creep to say that it was following their guts that made many Jews reject Christ. Where do you get that from? You're just being a jerk.

[NickMcRae]

I would say that this interpretation of Miller's words is a bit of an oversimplification. Just my opinion.

[awshelley]

Man, you REALLY don't get it.

[darkominem]

i believe in objectivism, =)

BUT that doesn't take away from miller's argument of GUT. reading his book, he takes an approach similar to cs lewis' argument of DESIRE, gk chesterton's argument of POETS, & socrates' SOCRATIC method (though he spoke with uncertainty, he was pretty damn certain on a lot of things).

complain all u want, but miller's reaching an agnostic audience that would most likely LAUGH at your beliefs.

[AQuinault]

You've proved Andrew's point beautifully. Now, actually READ the Bible (not Miller's drivel) and see what happens.

[goodstuff7]

It's blind believers like this guy that has no clue. Andrewcbain does his deception through misrepresentation. Bro you better check your heart or you will continue to wonder in your self righteous hypocrisy. Perhaps you are the ignorant one!

[wightboi12]

LOL, I think you missed the point...

[3South]

You are completely missing Don Miller's point here bud.

[swissarmyteddy]

well, I think its good that you are getting the message out that god is not to be loved, for who would want to love a god that is not to be loved. Great video, but the voices are mixed up, you are the robot while don is a human.

[Rainbowafterflood]

Nice touch giving Don Miller a robotic computer voice. You completely interpret the text as YOU see fit. Not necessarily how it was intended. Why don't you focus on your own faith rather than on criticisms and judgments that mean absolutely nothing in God's eyes.

[CAndiron]

Andrew's on target here - Christians have a duty to warn people about judgment and hell. The New Agers/postmoderns/emergents are doing the spiritual equivalent as if Beatrice Foods started packaging poison in all their products.

You OUGHT to agree. Your name shows you're familiar with the Genesis flood story. Don't you think those people should have been warned?

[greenoregon]

Your delightful accent sways my "gut" to believe your words(I could listen to you read the phonebook, and still have wonderful "gut" feelings about what you're saying!).

But alas, my reason tells me your words are not truth.

[LikeAThief]

Read the whole book dont just listen to this habitual christians ideas about his faith. We were created to love God. So he gave us a longing or "gut feeling" to serve Him. that is the only feeling we can trust its our only pourpose in life. at least he is following a gut feeling and not an example set by his parents and their parents like most other christians. my point is read the book think for your self. and seek God.

[jimdawg185]

you have some creepy inate longings

[LikeAThief]

best book ever.

[AQuinault]

Come on - where does it say "Be ye wise as serpents, harmless as dove, and mindlessly zombified as a penguin following its 'radar'."

[junghegelian]

Awsome job, love this video, Your friend Vincent

Soli Deo Gloria

[AQuinault]

1:15 - 1:44, about basing a religion on one's subjective fluctuating emotions will lead to doubt and confusion. Excellent point, and one that's rarely made about emergents. People need to be informed what they really believe- Good job.

[tattoobird]

sorry, the above response is from scottnjaime - still logged into my wife's account. ;)

[tattoobird]

andrew, could u stop sending me these silly videos? perhaps you should spend more time lifting up the name of Jesus - instead of nit-picking other christians....Don Miller believes that Jesus was God, that He died on the cross for our sins...what more do you want?

I will NOT be replying to this, nor do i wish to argue with you...my only hope is that people who are already confused by bickering between Christians will never see this video.