Confronting Religious Leaders a la John the Baptist

One of my readers commented on my blog Burning the Koran: Part 2:

It's telling that Jesus reserved his most biting criticism for the religious leaders, the Pharisees, of his own people, the Jews. Even his "anger management slip-up" at the temple
was directed at his own people.

Is there ever a time that emulating the "Jesus of the temple driving out the money changers" is right Jesus to emulate? Is it ever right for a Christian to be a "John the Baptist" addressing religious leaders as "You brood of vipers?"

Just curious.

Nate

I responded:

Good question, Nate. I'd have to say, sure. There are appropriate times to lay down the law. However, don't be surprised if someone calls for your head on a platter if you do so. :-)

Upon further reflection, I decided the topic needed a bit more addressing.  I stand by what I said to Nate, but I'd like to expound on some things and delve in a little deeper.

Nate begins by the assertion Jesus' harshest criticisms were given to the religious authorities of His day, and Nate is absolutely correct.  Jesus, and John the Baptist earlier, were not afraid to confront the hypocrisy and selective religious practices of the contemporary religious leaders, and, in John's case, the contemporary political leaders as well: see Herodias.

Nate wonders if there are appropriate times for lay folks to confront today's religious leaders with the same attitude and verbiage, a proverbial "laying down the law." 

I personally believe such times are appropriate, but with a caveat.  For as followers of Jesus, we follow first and foremost the instructions He gave us in handling such matters.

In order to confront a religious leader (or fellow church member for that matter), that person must have sinned against you or against the church as a whole.  In a religious leader's case, this might mean adultery, heresy, embezzlement of funds, intentional dismissal of or refusal to follow church doctrine, etc.  When such a thing occurs, it behooves lay folks to act in the appropriate manner, and Jesus gave us instructions on how to do so in Matthew Chapter 18:

¹⁵“If another member of the church sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone. If the member listens to you, you have regained that one. ¹⁶But if you are not listened to, take one or two others along with you, so that every word may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses. ¹⁷If the member refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if the offender refuses to listen even to the church, let such a one be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector."  --Matthew 18: 15-17

What is important to see in this instance is Jesus called His followers to confront sin not only individually, but also in community.  This prevents "Lone Ranger", vigilante type, "sin police" from dominating and abusing the "system."

Now, what does that mean?

Just this: it is easy for a person to believe he or she has the absolute truth about something.  It is easy for an individual to come to the conclusion he or she knows what is right and what is wrong and take it upon himself or herself to stand against the world and for what is right.

Well, I hate to break it to such folks, sometimes, you may be right.  But oftentimes, you are flat out wrong.

There is no person who totally gets it.  No one.  Our sight is far too limited, and so when we confront sin, we must do so with absolute humility--not with any form of arrogance or self-righteousness.  And to be sure we are not chasing a rabbit down a hole, we need the help of others to discern whether or not we are correct in our confrontation.

Example: In my previous parish, during a heated congregational meeting, the Senior Pastor arose and said, "I'll be damned if I allow this congregation to destroy me or my family."  (This congregation had a history of doing such things.)

One congregation member took offense at the statement feeling the Senior Pastor was calling God's damnation upon himself if the congregation happened to destroy him.  The congregation member believed the Senior Pastor was swearing an oath, contrary to Jesus' teachings in the Sermon on the Mount.  The congregation member confronted the Senior Pastor in the spirit of Matthew 18.  When the Senior Pastor didn't listen, I and another congregation member was asked to sit in and listen to the charge.  Both I and the other congregation member did not agree with the original charge, and it was subsequently dropped.  Fortunately, for all parties concerned, the matter was considered complete.  Oftentimes, they are not, and all hell breaks loose in a congregation or a community.

Again an example, returning to my previous parish:

I found out by eyewitness account that the Senior Pastor was involved in another "altercation" during a meeting.  The church dayschool was seeking a new director and had decided upon one applicant.  It just so happened the Senior Pastor sat in on the meeting when the final decision was being made.  He objected to the decision vehemently, and in his argument against the individual, he said, "You can't hire her.  She's evil."

Now, my friends, that's a major, major oops. 

Unfortunately, no one followed the Matthew 18 process this go around, and things filtered into the congregation causing a major, major problem.  In the previous situation, had I been informed of such action and sat in on a meeting, I would have sided with those bringing the charge.  It would have been hard because I considered the Senior Pastor a good friend and colleague.  Yet, if someone who is a friend of the accused declares that a sin has been committed, it's a pretty good bet a sin has been committed.

The process is far from perfect.

Usually, what happens in congregations and churches, sides get drawn.  Some become convinced someone has sinned.  Others become convinced of innocence, and battle ensues.  I would argue this is a good time for a John the Baptist type to stand up and say, "This ain't what the church is called to be folks!"

But, I must say, if you choose to do so, get prepared.  You will become a target because folks get invested in their points of view.  They get invested in the battle, and if someone calls them to account...they will want your head to roll.

Even religious leaders.

Trust me on that one.

I am one.

I don't like having someone challenge me, but I attempt to live with humility and an openness to criticism.  More than one congregation member has sat down with me when they feel I have erred.  I have apologized numerous times when I have seen the error of my ways, and we have been able to move forward as pastor and congregation member.  But it is hard to swallow one's pride and conviction, and I can say with some certainty: if you come to me in the spirit of Matthew 18, I'll be willing to listen. If you come at me a la John the Baptist, I will probably tune you out.

So, which avenue do you think more appropriate?