“The underlying story in this case depicts a carefully planned effort by a convicted criminal, and those acting in concert with him… to publicly smear a renowned and eminently respected religious leader [for lots of money]” - CPost
Jakes “emphasized that he was anointing her not through DNA, birth order, favoritism, or nepotism. ‘If I did not know that the hand of the Lord was upon you, I would never do this,’ he said.” - C.Leaders
“Megachurch pastor and televangelist T.D. Jakes announced the launch of Jakes Divinity School, a new venture that will begin enrolling students in January 2020…. [an] online program.” - Christian Post
In the earlier post, MacDonald acknowledged his own inconsistency: he knew he should not have “used strong language” to scold others for being harsh in their criticism of the Elephant Room strategy. But in yesterday’s post and video, MacDonald casts off restraint and reverts to angry-sounding rhetoric. Despite their starkly contrasting styles, both statements have one thing in common: MacDonald wishes those with concerns about what he is doing would just shut up.
Therefore, I fear that by the end of the discussion, when all the rounds have been fired, and the dust has settled, the elephant in the room will be Mr. Jakes himself. He will be standing tall shaking everyone’s hand and thanking them for giving him another platform on which to promote himself.
MacDonald and Driscoll can moderate discussions with anyone they wish. But we kid ourselves if we think inviting someone so recalcitrant about fundamental biblical teaching as Jakes can result in anything positive. MacDonald, Driscoll and others will not be the first to privately and publicly exhort, admonish, instruct and challenge Jakes on this vital issue–to no avail thus far. And we kid ourselves if we think the Elephant Room invitation itself isn’t an endorsement of sorts.
