We often imagine Jesus as the ultimate peacemaker, as one who saw all sides and kindly overlooked differences of belief or practice.
It is no less controversial today..
This text of Stott\'s classic, Christ the Controversialist , now edited by David Stone for the twenty-first century, was controversial when it was first published.
These and other Controversies clarify the core distinctives of the Christian faith which, John Stott boldly asserts, are nothing less than the distinctives of the evangelical faith.
He sharply articulated that God accept us by virtue of what we receive from him, not by what we do for him.
He clashed on whether the Bible was not an end in itself, contending that its purpose pointed beyond itself.
He disagreed that human tradition should not supersede Scripture, our foundational authority.
What conflicts did he have? He argued that we would experience a supernatural afterlife, that our natural existence is not all God has planned.
He engaged in vigorous debate, especially with several different groups of religious leaders.
He rejected being broadminded on a variety of topics.
He disagreed with many.
Jesus drew sharp lines.
The Gospels say this was not so.
We often imagine Jesus as the ultimate peacemaker, as one who saw all sides and kindly overlooked differences of belief or practice
