Glennon Doyle and the Idol of Self—The Alisa Childers Podcast #76
Hi Alisa, thank you so much for this very insightful analysis of Glennon Doyle's book. First, let me confess I've never read her books and have only had a glancing awareness of her in the last year. Second, I'm a late in life believer and follower of Christ, having been saved ten years ago at age 50 after a lifetime of following my heart and doing what makes me happy. The misery of such a path is unspeakable. My greatest regrets are how following my heart and doing what made me happy broke my parents hearts, even though my mother's fervent desire was (and remains) that I be happy. This was and remains her sole desire for all her children. As a professing believer now and knowing my mom's professed christian faith, I have great difficulty wrapping my mind around this, except that our cultural ethos is so powerful and pervasive even in the visible church.
Consequently as I listened to this podcast I did so with sadness for Glennon and deep concern for women who follow this path. Although the Christian life has clear boundaries and precepts that are hard and often distasteful to my flesh, I am at peace finally, mostly . . . I'm still unlearning old habits of thought as I grow in love for Christ. I think of Peter's response to Jesus when he asks his disciples if they too will leave him. "Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life," (John 6:68). This verse kept coming to mind as I listened to you in this podcast.
I am currently leading a women's Bible study at my church. We are studying the book of Hebrews using Michael Kruger's study outlines that he used and published from his study for women in Charlotte, NC. This study is kicking my derriere. Nevertheless, I'm profoundly grateful for the Word that doesn't leave me where I was or where I am. Christ loves us AND wants to change us. How odd Glennon Doyle's definition of love is.
What troubled me at the outset as you spoke about her views was her embracing of Jung's statement about the greatest harm parents do their children is in not "living" their lives. What scubalon! First of all, no one is asking what living a life means, nor by what standard (of truth) life ought to be lived. Glennon's standard is not only dangerous but will leave a soul in utter ruins. Second, as I have already alluded to, it is my firm conviction that the greatest harm parents can do to their children is not living their lives according to the truth of the gospel. My parents lived very moral lives, but they did not live out the gospel. Where there is only law (unto self, even if it adheres to a "biblical standard"), there is no grace and where there is no grace, there is no gospel. Glennon's gospel is anti-nomian. Her response to the woman's letter to her was so graceless even as she mimicked gentleness in her response. It broke my heart.
One last confession is my deep admiration for you and a desire to sit and talk with you for hours. You ask such wonderful questions and you bear the ripe fruit of genuine grace. My prayers go out to you as I know the work you do must bring many trials and temptations. God bless you and keep you safe, always. Love in Christ, Robin
