Darryl Hart writes,
I have nothing personal against John Piper. I believe him to be basically sound theologically, though I wish he were a confessional Reformed Protestant. And his earnestness is truly impressive. I do not sense that he is faking what he says or preaches.
Maybe that is why, a Nathaniel Kahn’s aunt says in My Architect, “I don’t get his numbah.” Piper is well known for admiring Jonathan Edwards, and for nurturing a Calvinist constituency among young evangelicals who sing praise songs. That could be a welcome development, except when you read the fine print. Read more»
I agree with Darryl. Every confessional Protestant should be thankful for Piper’s critique of the New Perspective(s) on Paul and his strong affirmation of justification by grace alone, through faith alone, on the basis of Christ’s imputed righteousness alone but there remain tensions in his theology, piety, and practice between his adherence to Daniel Fuller’s theology (“Gospel until law” as distinct from law and gospel), his devotion to Edwards (whose doctrine of justification has been the cause of a great deal of study with little clarity resulting. See the RRC on this) and his affirmation of the Reformation doctrines.
Perhaps these factors help explain the mixed reception that Piper receives in the confessional Reformed community? We’re happy for his enthusiasm (in the best sense) for aspects of what we confess Scripture to teach but we’re worried about the long-term consequences of the influence of his theology, piety, and practice on the confessional Reformed churches.