Grace to You Executive Director Phil Johnson this week appeared in a video with Justin Peters ostensibly to set the record straight, following my February 3rd article revealing John MacArthur’s expensive lifestyle, multiple large salaries, lack of transparency, and nepotism.
The video was what I’ve come to learn is classic Phil Johnson—replete with character assassination, half-truths, and red herrings, but woefully lacking in facts.
The first words from Johnson were telling, referring to me as someone “pretending to be an investigative reporter who already had a long track record of trying to torpedo John MacArthur’s reputation.”
Johnson doesn’t establish this alleged “track record” with evidence. Nor does he mention that of the two dozen articles I’ve published about MacArthur, a dozen were straight news articles, reporting on legal battles MacArthur has faced with government authorities.
One article was extremely positive, showing how MacArthur was one of very few Christian leaders who years ago warned the Moody Bible Institute about its unwise association with now-disgraced celebrity preacher, James MacDonald.
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Johnson also doesn’t mention that of my many investigations, none has been proven false, but instead have exposed wolves like James MacDonald, Ravi Zacharias, and Bryan Loritts.
Throughout the video, Johnson accuses me of cherry-picking facts to fit my narrative, but ironically, that’s precisely what Johnson does throughout. Yet he doesn’t just omit important details; Johnson also makes assertions that are false.
In part one of my response, I’ll address Johnson’s personal allegations against me. In part two, I’ll explain why his responses to the financial issues raised in my Feb. 3 article fail to resolve them.
“Blackmail” Allegation
Johnson admits in his video that I repeatedly sought answers from him and his ministry to the financial issues I examined in my recent article. However, Johnson says he didn’t respond to me because I demanded answers the next day and he “doesn’t respond well to blackmail.”
The truth is that the first time I reached out to Johnson was in February 2020. I noticed Johnson was active on Facebook, so I sent him a private message, asking if he’d speak with me about some financial questions I had.
At the same time, I also reached out to David Fisk, CFO of Grace to You (GTY), and Grace Community Church (GCC).
Weeks later, neither GCC nor Johnson had responded. However, Fisk had sent me GTY’s financial statements, and on March 20, I replied with a list of questions.
In the video, Johnson says Fisk forwarded the questions to him and Johnson intended to respond. Then he states:
And then she sent another sort of accusatory—one of her hallmarks is she’ll send a list of questions and say, “I need your answers by, you know, noon tomorrow because I’m going to go to print with this, with this story,” which I don’t respond well to blackmail. And that’s when I wrote back to her and said, “Look, I had prepared an answer to all your questions. But now I’ve looked you up online I see that all you’ve ever written about John MacArthur has been an attempt to discredit him. And so, I’m not going to answer your questions, and furthermore, nobody else from our ministry is ever going to answer any questions you have.”
Johnson’s narrative is puzzling because I never sent a second email, demanding an answer the next day. However, in the original email, which was sent on a Friday, I asked for an answer by the end of the following Tuesday—so within four days.
However, during those four days, I published an article on a different topic: I reported that a pastor who had attended the 2020 Shepherds’ Conference, Alexey A. Kolomiytsev, had died of COVID-19.
That article unleashed a torrent of negative tweets by Johnson and his followers. Johnson accused me of “purposefully” going out of my way to “stir Twitter mobs.” Others called me a “hack” reporter.
I was assailed for not giving Johnson enough time to respond to the inquiry I had sent through Facebook messenger. Then, I was pummeled for sending an inquiry through Facebook, instead of email. (I had called the church and sent an email to MacArthur, as well.)
As soon as I got Johnson’s comment on the story, which admittedly was after a few hours because I was in a meeting, I updated the article and posted the update on Twitter. But that didn’t stem the vitriol.
On Monday, March 23, Johnson sent me an email, full of nasty characterizations and informing me that neither he, nor anyone from his ministry, will ever answer my questions.
I responded with a conciliatory email, apologizing for not giving Johnson more time to respond to the initial story, but Johnson didn’t reply.
I’ve now learned that personal attack is Johnson’s modus operandi.
Rusty Leonard, the founder of MinistryWatch, told me that in the early 2000s, he received a “vicious” email from Johnson simply because MinistryWatch gave GTY a three-star rating.
Brannon Howse, founder of Worldview Weekend Radio, claims in a 2017 blog post that Johnson bullied him mercilessly merely because Howse criticized Johnson’s friend, apologist James White.
In 2019, Paige Rogers became Johnson’s target after she wrote a piece for the NOQ Report, exposing major contradictions between MacArthur’s account of the night Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., was assassinated and the account of Charles Evers. In predictable fashion, Johnson pummeled Rogers, calling her article a “hit piece” and comparing Rogers to “gossip rag scandal reporters” and “rancor monsters.”
Now I realize Johnson is a bully and I need to ignore his insults. But at the time, the experience was extremely unnerving. It caused me to pull back temporarily from investigating GTY and MacArthur, which I’m sure was Johnson’s intent.
For the record, a second person who attended the 2020 Shepherds’ Conference also contracted COVID-19 and died shortly after Kolomiytsev died.
I informed Johnson and GCC of the second person’s death on April 4. Yet on April 23, MacArthur and Johnson published a video in which MacArthur states that Kolomiytsev is “the only person that we know of that came out of the Shepherds’ Conference and had that virus and ultimately died.”
Johnson’s Doxing
That scathing email Johnson sent me on March 23, 2020, appeared online in letter form two weeks ago. The only difference between the email and the letter posted online was that the letter redacted David Fisk’s name, but added my home address, GTY letterhead, and Johnson’s signature. (My home address is now blurred in the online letter.)
In his interview with Peters, Johnson admits he doxed me when he published the letter. He then furthers the injury by encouraging people to look up my address online and alleging that I’m milking the situation for “victimhood.”
Johnson also accuses me of doxing MacArthur, which is untrue. Every document I’ve posted online has redacted MacArthur’s address, and posting aerial pictures does not identify someone’s location the way an address does.
Johnson’s behavior is a stunning example of how not to treat someone after you’ve wronged them. But his bad behavior is much more serious than that.
Johnson never deals with the overwhelming evidence that he fabricated the letter with my address. This would make Johnson’s doxing of me not mere oversight, but a calculated cyberattack.
As I noted in an earlier article, Johnson never mailed me the letter he posted online, which Johnson admits.
In the video, and on Twitter, Johnson claims he printed a copy of the letter last March. Then two weeks ago, he scanned the months-old letter to PDF so he could publish it online.
Yet the original PDF Johnson published is not simply a scanned image of a hard copy, as Johnson claimed. Metadata reveals the letter was digitally created the same day I published my article about MacArthur’s finances.
Johnson now has modified his story, saying on Twitter that he scanned the email to PDF and then made a “clean copy” in Microsoft Word. Johnson claims he deleted the Word copy, so there’s no way to prove or disprove his story.
Yet what’s especially telling about the online letter is that the GTY logo is an embedded image that was inserted into the PDF. Similarly, Johnson’s signature is not a scanned image either, but a “wet” digital signature, as David West noted recently on Twitter.
That's a reasonable technical explanation for page 1; which is also consistent with the metadata.
But not for page 2.
If you max zoom into your signature it remains perfect.
That's not from a scanned printed letter. That's a vectored image of high quality I might add. pic.twitter.com/ss2TkNgCnC— David West (@InfinitelyManic) February 18, 2021
So even if you accept Johnson’s story, it’s clear Johnson went to a lot of trouble to “recreate” a letter with my address on it so he could post the letter online. In addition to allegedly scanning the letter to PDF and converting it to Word, he also added GTY letterhead and his electronic signature, then redacted Fisk’s name, but not my address.
However, if Johnson created a letter from my email, which seems likely, he not only made all these modifications, but also added my personal address, which he apparently scoured the internet to find.
At this point, it defies logic to think Johnson doxed me by accident.
Cherry-picked Information?
Johnson also assails me in his interview with Peters because I allegedly ignored a document in which Johnson allegedly “answered many of the questions” I had sent to GTY.
Johnson also tweeted a similar claim, accusing me of not linking to “full versions of the documents I cherry-picked quotes from.”
These claims lack credibility for several reasons. First, there’s no evidence that the “full” document Johnson posted on February 5, 2021, was available online before I published my article. I tweeted Johnson two weeks ago, asking him to provide evidence that it was, but he has not responded.
Once again… The metadata for the statement you published defending John MacArthur shows it was created on Feb. 3, 2021–the date I published my article. Can you provide evidence that the statement you posted yesterday was available publicly when I wrote my story? pic.twitter.com/vUngsvUyAK
— Julie Roys (@reachjulieroys) February 6, 2021
Second, the document I linked to in my article, which was a statement Johnson posted in 2014, is very similar to the “full” version Johnson posted online
Below is a side-by-side comparison of the two documents. (The documents are long, so including the documents in full is not practical. Follow the links above to read the full versions.)
Lastly, the comments Johnson says I ignored are practically verbatim what I quoted in my article.
In the video, Johnson states:
And what are the facts that absolutely doesn’t help (Roys) narrative that I’ve made over and over again: You don’t evaluate a person’s stewardship, based on how much money they make, what size their salary is. You evaluate whether they’re a lover of money or not by looking at their lifestyle. And I dare anybody look at john MacArthur’s lifestyle and accuse him of extravagant living.
Here’s what I printed in my article:
Johnson also argued that “(MacArthur’s) lifestyle, not his income, is what biblically-minded people should look at if they want to evaluate his character.” . . .
“(N)o one who actually sees how John lives has ever accused him of self-indulgence or even thought in their wildest dreams to describe him as a lover of money,” Johnson stated.
Rather than proving that I cherry-picked only quotes that furthered my narrative, Johnson actually proves the opposite—that I fairly represented his position in my original article.
Also included in my original article is Johnson’s explanation of MacArthur’s $400K+ salary from GTY in 2012 because the ministry gave MacArthur a rare King James Bible. However, I’ve uncovered new details about that gift, which I’ll reveal in part two of my response to Johnson.
I’ll also respond to Johnson’s defense of the millions of dollars GTY has paid to companies owned by Kory Welch. And I’ll present new information to help evaluate Johnson’s argument that MacArthur deserves royalties for his sermons, which MacArthur allegedly has waived.
I hope Johnson’s audience proves “noble” like the Bereans and fact-checks everything both Johnson and I have presented. I am confident if they do, they will see exactly what I’ve seen—that Johnson deflects, attacks, and bends the truth. Given his position at Grace to You and Grace Community Church, this is extremely concerning.
*One mistake that was noted by Johnson in the video was the aerial picture of MacArthur’s Colorado home in my original article. The correct photo is now posted. However, Johnson’s claim that MacArthur’s Colorado home is on two acres as opposed to five does not match the information provided by El Paso County nor TMUS Trustee David Wismer, Sr.
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141 Responses
Sorry to hear about this Julie. Also, the rampant comments on Tim Hurd’s BTWN videos calling you “wicked”, “Jezebel”, “satan’s helper”, “evil witch”, “lying and deceptive slanderer”, etc. from followers of MacArthur and followers of Phil on there is telling. Just remember though, these are the folks that are on Parler and Rumble that still think Covid is largely a hoax, the vaccine is a ploy for population control by the Elites, social justice is inherently satanic but deny QAnon and right-wing nationalism as current threats, still think Trump won in a landslide despite all evidence and view MacArthur seemingly as the Protestant Pope and GCC as the “TRUE Vatican”. If you read the comments you’ll understand. I can understand those that can appreciate some of the past messages but that’s not what this is.
It’s safe to say their level of discernment is unfortunately lacking (this is coming from someone who fell for some of these political narratives before but realized with time, research and critical thinking the illegitimacy of them).
Tim even talked about Saiko Woods and some are attacking him now too.
The last year at GCC has been sadly predictable but still disappointing. The amount of disproven QAnon conspiracy theories, the COVID denial and refusal to follow safety protocols even as several members verifiably died from COVID (posts, GoFundMe accounts, obituaries, etc. confirm this) and the rampant far-right nationalism/Trumpism from leadership and members that shout “absolute TRUTHS” about everything is so hypocritical.
The constant controlling of the narrative by those in power with little to no transparency is also concerning from the people who have literally been the most vocal at judging and condemning everyone else as the self appointed “TRUE authority” on how to handle seemingly everything.
Unfortunately, they answer to nobody. Not even the authorities of the land, or the health experts on actual health matters. As a very public and well-known church, it’s as if they don’t think anyone has the right to question them (only on their terms) or even be made aware of some of their scandals as they are THE authority on how to operate; end of story. Unfortunately, they will continue to double-down on these conspiracies and their operations and continue to mislead others who are vulnerable to low-quality information (James Coates, etc.) and make their situation worse and worse while shouting “persecution” when in reality it’s self-sabotage.
Who’s Tim Turd ?
Youtuber (Biblethumpingwingnut) who has gained a fairly large following (although the numbers are in decline now) by reporting on GCC/MacArthur and has claimed to be “unbiased” but is far from it. His sources are Phil Johnson and Fred Butler.
Because Ian Hurd (Bible thumping wingnut), Justin Peters, Phil Johnson, John MacA, John Piper, Todd Friel and JD Hall (and James White/Jeff Durbin) are a Calvinist cabal who seem to care more about their doctrine of man than about Truth. If they cared about Truth and Jesus’s Name, they’d be as bold rebuking each other as they are rebuking most everyone else.
But they don’t hesitate to call out everyone (unless it’s someone they’re often appearing in conferences with).
The only cracks in their Calvinist Old Boys’ Club have appeared when Phil Johnson broke off his friendship with JD Hall and has apparently “ghosted” him since. If I remember right (it’s somewhere in the archives of PulpitnPen or Protestia) it was due to JD Hall daring to mildly challenge him.
Another recent fissure came when Tim Hurd (BTWN) criticized Jeff Durbin (of “Apologia”) and then apologized for it. But his private call to him was secretly and covertly recorded by then published on YouTube by Durbin!
What a bunch they are…
It’s a lesson that this is what happens when carnal religion takes the place of a relationship with Christ and walking in the Spirit.
We are called to LOVE our enemies (which is only possible with the Holy Spirit indwelling) and secretly recording an apparent friend and “brother” is the polar opposite of that
Again, I would call them Calvinistas, and you notice that all of them are Baptist posers which are only Calvinist in their soteriology. None of them are members or pastors in either the Continental (i.e. Dutch) Reformed or the Scottish/UK Reformed (i.e., Presbyterian or Calvinist Angelican) groups of Protestant Christianity. They completely ignore church polity, view of the Lord’s Supper, liturgy, eschatology, covenant theology, etc. that historic Calvinism believed.
They are trying to have a Chinese menu for the Calvinism and it explains why most historic and old-school Calvinists in either the Presbyterian or Continental Reforms despise all those folks.
MHEUSTON — I could have written every word you did about the whole Tim Hurd/Calvinist Good Ol’ Boys mess. I watched Hurd’s channel for a while, before it turned into “JMac Central”. I have unsubscribed from them all, though I check in to see what’s new from time to time. That’s how I found the Peters/Johnson video. It’s all the same ol’ just as you said. Praise GOD for His Holy Spirit as we’d surely be doing a lot of sputtering rather than praying for these confused souls all in such a big mess with none of it giving any glory to God whatsoever. What a bunch indeed! Be blessed!
A boot licking BigMac sycophants…
https://biblethumpingwingnut.com/tim/
Johnson needs to look up what the Bible has to say about slander and false accusations.
His behavior is despicable and below the level of even the lost world’s worst kind of hatchet men. What a misnomer GTY is appearing to be!
Don’t worry Julie because the sycophants and idolaters are by nature undiscerning.
The discerning will see that the more Johnson speaks (which is usually with his huge library as a backdrop) the more he incriminates himself!
He says we’re not supposed to evaluate a person’s stewardship based on how much money they make (pay themselves) but on their lifestyle??
How do we know how MacArthur lives inside his three properties??
If I sincerely desired a simple lifestyle (based on “food and clothing” – 1 Timothy 6:8 – and not much more) then WHY would I pay myself a 6-figure sum?? It makes no logical sense.
And that’s without even enquiring into the lifestyles of his relatives on the payroll…
A man said on the comments here recently that he has lots of possessions but he “considers them rubbish”. If he truly considered them “rubbish” (alluding to Philippians 3:8) then he wouldn’t have bought them in the first place or be holding onto them!
(And Paul wasn’t referring to personal possessions in Philippians 3:8 in any case).
“By their fruits ye shall know them” (Matthew 7:20)
One 30 second scroll of Phil Johnson’s Twitter account told me everything I need to know. He does NOT know how to disagree without being disrespectful. His behavior towards anyone who finds fault in JMac or GCC is unBiblical and does not demonstrate ANY knowledge of Christ.
If anything, his tirades proved you right, Julie.
How sad and pathetic that someone as intelligent as JM would stoop so low as to permit this kind of bullying under his watch. I guess he is no different than those he has castigated all these years, yet another wolf in sheep’s clothing.
Julie, I just have to say that I watched a little of this “interview” (actually a collaboration) and find it hard to watch any more. It is even darker than I had anticipated. They are so blinded by prideful rage that they fail to see they are incriminating themselves by the minute. We see that in the Bible and in real life that you often just have to “let them talk” (as the police do when they have a suspect in a missing person’scase but have no useable evidence: they encourage the suspect – who’s often a relative – to make appeals on TV, speak to reporters etc).
See Job 5:12-13 (KJV) about God “taking the “wise” in their own craftiness”
So I wouldn’t file a complaint about the doxing because time will justify you (and also cos litigation is of the world). His conscience will bother him and he’ll try and talk his way out of it in an attempt to quieten his conscience. But he will just reveal more and more of his character and that of his carnal Calvinist buddies (who relish calling out absolutely everyone except each other).
(PS the Instagram account “prophetsnwatches” has a post from August 24th 2020 of John MacArthur wearing a nearly $5000 Omega Speedmaster watch. No doubt they will say it was “a gift” but if one hasn’t a heart for such things, one doesn’t wear them! The material things of this world become “strangely dim” not more appealing (!) when (if!) we are born of the Spirit!
It puts him in the category of Lentz, Furtick and the rest featured on there and preachersnsneakers: and underlines the whole POINT of your original article on JMacA!)
Litigation might be of this world, but we have to live in this world for now. I would file a complaint about the doxxing, it wasn’t just that he revealed her address, he concocted an elaborate lie about it. It was clearly illegal and wasn’t an accident. He needs to be told “no” or what will he do to the next person?
Seija, I do see your point. It’s not an easy one. But we’recommanded as Christians in 1st Corinthians 6:1-2 not to go to court with other Christians.
I’d question whether Johnson is a brother in Christ but nonetheless he’s perceived as one (by his fans and by the lost world) and sadly works in the Christian sphere.
To clarify, when I said “of the world”, I was referring to the “(secular) world’s” way of doing things which is the polar opposite to how Christ (and ergo a Christian) does things. For example, it’s worldly (carnal) to seek revenge, be hypocritical, hate, dox, be abusive, have rivals, seek our own gain at all times etc etc. Jesus is counter-cultural in almost everything He says, not least the Sermon on the Mount, which is the cornerstone of Christianity.
The warnings about not “loving” the world (1 John 2:15-17) and not being a “friend” of the world (James 4:4) refer to worldly values and customs: which are in opposition to Christian ones.
Ephesians 2:2 and Matthew 4:8-9 explain what I mean but there are other passages.
But then there is sin of omission. It is obvious that Phil doxxed Julie and that is a criminal (not civil) offense. Also, what is the role of the Christian towards the governing authorities in Chapter 13 of Romans? I would argue that by NOT filing a criminal complaint, Julie is aiding Phil is his rebellion to what God has instituted. People misuse that verse about suing as way to prevent people from going to the authorities in criminal matters. To make it obvious, it would not be Julie (Plantiff) vs. Phil (Defendant) but the State of CA vs. Phil in the criminal justice system.
This is just a guess and please tell me if I am wrong but I take it you have never had a violent crime committed against a family member or someone you love?
MHeuston, I do see your points and understand what you are trying to say. If the doxxing was truly a slip, and he removed it and apologized, it would be wrong to sue. If he had even apologized after the doxxing and been sincere, it would be wrong. But he’s doing criminal behavior, on purpose, and doubling down and lying about it. I don’t think it’s unchristian to protect yourself in this case. He’s not going to stop on his own, it will only get worse. Julie has tried to remedy the situation as best she can. She didn’t jump to filing a complaint first, or I think we would have known about it by now. Maybe this is what he needs to wake up and act in a more Christian manner, I don’t know. But my experience has shown me the only way to stop a bully is to sta nd up to him, which can be used done in a calm Christian loving manner.
Used should not be in the last sentence, typing on my phone.
MHEUSTON, I tend to agree with you here. As Christians, we should expect to suffer wrong and persecution. In fact, Jesus says we are blessed when we do (Matt 5:11-12). That doesn’t mean we don’t speak up about it, and Julie has definitely done that. It does mean that we don’t typically run to the courts for justice though (although sometimes it’s necessary). There’s no doubt that what Phil did was despicable, and the evidence is all there. And as you said in an earlier comment, Julie has no need to worry “because the sycophants and idolaters are by nature undiscerning”. Jesus is watching and so are we.
Seija — First I’ve said but I just got here – I was on Twitter at that time and I saw the Tweets as I saw when Julie got doxxed. I never thought to speak up till after she already did. I’m not very Social Media savvy. I had a house fire in 1988, firemen said 100% landlord’s fault. I almost lost my daughter, and I praise God a friend who was visiting was so BRAVE and ran in and got her out! Anyway, my point is, that as a new Christian, I went to my then church and my Pastor told me then, again, 1988, that we as Christians don’t sue anyone. Neither of us even knew whether or not “Mr. Landlord” (as I called him) was a believer. I actually doubt it. So just a note on that, that perhaps we just let the Lord deal with it, as He will. We’re told so in Scripture. We pray that IF there is a next person, they’ll not have as much grace? After all, with Phil being a believer (we believe so), it’s pretty foolish of him to have done it to Julie. To do it again would be really…moronic? (Too harsh?) God bless you!
Also, what was with the Star Wars snippet?? That just shows how disingenuous they are. They think this is a circus. They are so spiteful. If JM had done nothing wrong they should just brush this off. But if he has, they need to address from the board of GTY, not two lap dogs who have skin in the game. Pathetic.
Though I appreciate your efforts to report from an investigative standpoint, Julie, my question is, what is your real goal in digging up *gems* on more or less anyone in the Christian sphere. I know your About statement indicates (and I’m paraphrasing) that you are uncovering the “unvarnished truth” in an effort to “restore” and “reform” the church. But what does that even mean? I think it’s one thing to report on the content on what these men and women are preaching and teaching and whether it follows the Bible from a scriptural standpoint. But more and more, your content just seems aimed at discrediting as many Christ followers, many of whom are still preaching the Gospel, than anything else. I guess I’d just appreciate more insight there.
Thanks for your question. I’m an investigative reporter, so reporting on corruption, abuse, and hypocrisy is my job. But as for your question about restoring the church… Your comment seems to betray a belief that only orthodoxy (right belief) is important and orthopraxy (right behavior) is unimportant. Jesus reserved some of His harshest criticism for the Pharisees, who believed the right things, but were whitewashed tombs. And 1 John 4:20 says, “Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.” It is equally important to expose those who live a false gospel as it is to expose those who preach a false gospel.
Thank you so much Julie, for the extensive research and information, you are truly a righteous woman of the Lord, protecting the sheep from the wolves.
When I heard John Maccarthurs teaching on the blood of Christ,and that he said that you could take the mark of the beast and still be able to repent, afterward, I knew he was a false teacher. And then Justin, asked Phil on his video, about John Macarthur, and the recording back in the late 70’s, of MacArthur stating that you would be able to repent after taking the mark, and Phil,said the same thing,that MacArthur did, that it was a forgivable sin. I was amazed that Justin,just sat there, and did not correct Phil, that he was wrong. This alone will send millions to hell, because they believe that they can take the mark and still repent afterwards.
Thank you again, Julie
“Depart from me, you who WORK INIQUITY” (Matthew 7:23)
It’s a complete myth that God judges people by their words or “correct” doctrine. True conversion bears FRUIT. Scripture could not be more clear, from the above verse to the parable of the sower (Matthew 13) to the verses below and countless more…How many times does Jesus mention “your DEEDS (works) in Revelation chapters 1 thru 3??
She hardly writes about “everyone”. That is an absurd allegation.
Hypocrisy and abuse are not fruit of a transformed heart (MacArthur berating others for prosperity preaching while enjoying a millionaire lifestyle and Johnson and Peters slandering and mocking Julie; and let’s not even mention Ravi Z).
Julie is one of the few properly shepherding the global church, protecting “little ones” from WOLVES! She loves truth. A hireling wouldn’t bother.
“Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous” (1st John 3:7)
“He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me” (Mark 7:6)
“Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them” (Matthew 7:16-20)
“A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things” (Matthew 12:35)
“Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” (2 Corinthians 13:5)
Concerns about the Narrative of a Journalist/Christian Pt 1:
Using perspective and being tested.
Dear loved ones,
I know I will be attacked for my perspective. To say I’m biased and you are not because I see the narrative differently than Julie Roys is duplicitous. I have nothing against Julie.
I want to break down her interview with Saiko Woods.
Her concern is orthopraxy not orthodoxy. She is a trained journalist. Claimed several times that she is doing this out of “Public Interests”. In her articles/interviews, she uses issues or patterns of behavior of satanic attacks, nepotism, lifestyle and financial principles.
In her interviews she is very clear that she is objective. ( I have put very close to the time during her interview with Saiko Woods in parentheses if you want to look up the information) She states she is not stating her opinion (18:01). She also states that if she were a secular journalist that she would not have her motives questioned. (18:39). As a Follower of Christ, I have concert with her statement. Christians are to and should examine everything. As Saiko Woods states throughout the interview. To use the world’s perception of how journalists are interpreted is concerning. It’s like there is an elitist attitude. I may be wrong. (19:07) Julie states it is inappropriate to question those things. It is however very inappropriate to judge Julie or her motives. But it is fair game to question what she is writing or stating. She gets annoyed in the interview that others say things “ad hominem”. I think personal attacks on both sides are not helpful. Yet, the scriptures command us to test what is written, said and heard. “Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.” 1 Thessalonians 5:19-22 (ESV)
That includes John MacArthur, Julie Roys, Saiko Woods, Phil Johnson, myself and the rest of us. As a Christian, a journalist and a Christian journalist it is Biblical to test and highly appropriate. Julie has concerns of nepotism with his son in law. Making $800 thousand per year. What is the average cost to do the amount of production they do? Is he way overpaid? Then (25:53), you laughingly state former administrators stated it was poor quality. One would objectively question the motives of a former employee/administrators statements of the quality of Mr. Welch’s quality.
You (29:07-34) claim there was some ad hominem directed at you. I agree. However I see the same from you. You equate John MacArthur and James Macdonald. (32:30) you state it’s not your place to judge. Just present the information. James was making around a million and you correlate it to John MacArthur’s salary. Whereas James has not even written 25 books. John MacArthur has written hundreds of books. In fact, John MacArthur has written several best sellers and Gold Medallion books and a Study Bible. Which GTY will give his books away for free. To equate the two as you did just is not a fair comparison.
You use worldly examples to prove your point as to salary. However, there are several Christian Pastors and authors are in his Ballpark. David Jeremiah is worth 50 Million, Jack Graham 11 million, Joseph Stowell 6 million, Philip Graham Ryken around 5 million (at 54 years), David Platt $750 (43 yrs), ohn Piper’s net worth is 20 million ( 6 million more than Macarthur), Erwin Lutzer ( whom you have shared a stage with) is a millionaire. Yet it’s not specific. Rick Warren has a net worth of $25 million dollars and Tim Keller is worth 80 Million. Tim Keller has written a lot of top sellers. Secular authors who have sold as many books such as John Grisham worth 350 million and Nicholas Sparks 30 million. Putting things contextually. I really do not believe that he is overpaid compared to other well known Pastors.
Then, you use independent systems/ organizations to determine salary. My point is that using outside organizations to prove your facts are concerning. The ECFA has issues. It seems like this is cherry picked. It’s not ok when they let Macdonald get away with things, and at the same time it is a source for your narrative with MacArthur.
Just because other pastors take much larger salaries is of no consequence. JM has three homes. Who needs three homes? I thought we were to store up our treasures in Heaven where they will not rust or decay?
Secondly, we can talk all day about what we Christians think of JM, but what does the non-Believer think when they see “another” pastor living in the world with three houses? What kind of witness does that display? Is he winning anyone to Christ by his worldly living? Do others in his flock have three homes? A pool? A tennis court?
What about the Believers in Third World? They are being jailed, beaten and killed for their faith in Jesus! I would be ashamed having three houses and a huge salary when Believers in other countries are suffering for Christ. In fact, we all have it too good here in the US.
If JM had made his millions by a secular position, no one would care. But he isn’t. He’s making money off God and His Word. Shameful.
Concerns of the Narrative of a Christian/Journalist Part 2:
Christian/Journalist using syllogistic thought
As a Follower of Jesus Christ it is important to use logic and reasoned thought. “but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,” 1 Peter 3:15. (ESV).The verse is clear to make a DEFENSE (ἀπολογία we get the word apologetics from this word) Also refer back to 1 Thessalonians 5:19-22. It is Biblical to test what you say by the Bible, the Spirit, the type of evidence and any other source of information. You get frustrated to be tested?
(34:50). You challenge us to show where you are inserting your own opinion. Then right away you use a subjective and personal perspective of what is ethical. You talk about your father being a wealthy physician, but he was generous to a fault. Your family had an Oldsmobile and lived very modestly. Praise the Lord!!! Unfortunately that’s not using objective facts to prove your story. You are inserting your experience and history to state what is ethical. You actually are creating a false dilemma syllogistically speaking:
Premise A-You insert that you are just reporting the facts about his financial ethics as well as his lifestyle.
Premise B- Your dad made a very nice salary but his ethics was to give as much away as he could and had a modest lifestyle.
Conclusion- Show me where I am putting my opinions to my article?
Your argument or premise is not logically conclusive. It is a false dichotomy. They just do not add up. Can you help us understand?
Then you ask John to publish what he gives. Scriptures override public interest on this matter. The right hand is not supposed to know what the left hand is doing (Matthew 6:3). That is between John MacArthur and Jesus Christ. I would not want to get between the hammer and the nail on that issue. I agree with you that your story is newsworthy. However, a lot of your statements and premises have false dichotomies. However, it is wonderful thatwyour father was such a cheerful giver!
Concerns of the Narrative of a Christian/Journalist Part 3:
Fighting the good fight in the pastorate for years. I can relate with you, as to what it is like to be attacked and having people ascribing motives that just are not there. You were very clear (37:40) That you are concerned about the purity and integrity of the church. How do you do that? I do hope you are biased for the gospel of Jesus Christ and as an objective journalist? I would imagine that is hard to conflate. You do make newsworthy statements and you also judge. More in your interviews but it is in your articles.
(45:10) You state that James Macdonald and John MacArthur have a lifestyle that did not coincide with their talk. With James, you nailed it! There is more than enough evidence to agree upon your insertions. Audio, video, written and sources who were not anonymous. If you do have the same amount of sources on John MacArthur. Please post that. Which would be Biblical (Paul called out Alexander the coppersmith by name) and would be protecting the purity/integrity of the church.
You state that (45:30) Phil Johnson doxed you. He did make an apology (46:01 in his interview with Peters’ ministry). It did seem disingenuous to be fair. Yet, had mothers and myself measure both of your deportments during your interviews. We could logically and emotionally draw the same conclusions for you both It seemed that you were disingenuous at times as well. But to be consistent I have to take both of you at your word. Phil did apologize as Saiko said he needed. Are you going to accept that?
Concerns of the Narrative of a Christian/Journalist Part 4:
Division in the Christian Community
There is a Biblical concern with the means of you receiving your information. More concern of those feeding the information. Using sources as a Christian and a Journalist.
(54:00)You state you have an insider at GTY who corroborated a story with this Zorro guy. You object to The Bible Wing-nut gentleman on your sources.
However, it is concerning that there are “insiders” in the ministry of GTY, GCC And TMS. Explain that part, please? At face value, Biblically thinking.
“There are six things that the LORD hates,
seven that are an abomination to him:
haughty eyes, a lying tongue,
and hands that shed innocent blood,
a heart that devises wicked plans,
feet that make haste to run to evil,
a false witness who breathes out lies,
and one who sows discord among brothers. Proverbs 6:16-19 (ESV). The seventh is an “abomination”. People who work for any of John MacArthur’s ministries. From an ecclesiastical sense this is dangerous to any ministry. Divided Christians working for a common good will destroy a church or a ministry. A long with that type of thinking. There are all these insiders within the Seminary, GTY and the Church who bring charges but remain anonymous.
1 Timothy 5:19-20 states
“Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses. As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear” (ESV).
That is Biblical, especially considering the purity/integrity of the church. God is bigger than John MacArthur or any leader. If there is a culture of fear in the church. It has to be resolved Biblically. If there is a culture of fear within the other J-MAC organizations then somewhere along the way…. STEP UP! You did with Moody knowing you would loose your job.
“So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.”James 4:17 (ESV).
The purity and integrity of the church demands that.The Fear of The LORD is the beginning of wisdom. You can not fear man. Greater is He than he who is in the world.
(55) it is hard to “Check the Facts” when so many of these sources are anonymous, former administrators, students, eye-witnesses about several different cars. You state that Phil Johnson says MacArthur has 1 car. Then, students claim he has several different cars every few months. That’s not a fact. You did not put it into your article but you state it. Maybe they do have a deal where they can change out a car every few months. That may or may not prove he has more than 1 car at a time
It’s also concerning during your interview you didn’t say it but you were shaking your head in agreement while Saiko was equating Dukakis’ actions of having a mistress to John MacArthur.
Even Phil Johnson does not know. But how much does Pastor John get from his book royalties? Is it near David Jeremiah at $50 million or John Grisham’s worth of $350 million dollars? I’m wondering if his compensation is a fair comparison to other Christian (with his longevity) or non Christian author’s salary? I do not know.
Concerns of the Narrative of a Christian/Journalist Part 5:
Identifying Orthopraxy vs Orthodoxy.
I do have concerns with John’s orthodoxy and how he at times approaches others with different doctrinal conclusions. For example, his Strange Fire Book and conference. I totally understand his view. I used to have it. But over years of Biblical Study. I disagree with him on the “Sign Gifts.” I guess I’m labeled as a “Charismatic”.
I disagree with his Eschatological View and his hermeneutical view of dispensationalism. He is very dogmatic about his beliefs. His attitude at times seems like he is right and others are wrong. I do not know his heart and I know students who attended there that said it was hard to discuss other interpretations.
The older I get, I have learned that a lot of Seminaries are more about indoctrination and less about education. I always wanted to go to the Masters Seminary. However, I couldn’t go there because I would of had to sign their doctrinal statement. I can not do that. My biblical convictions are important. That being said He has been used by God to really encourage many to study and show how one needs to be an approved workman.
I started listening to him when I was six. I knew that is what I wanted to do. Exegete the text and Preach the Word! His ministry has influenced me. I am thankful for his commitment to sound doctrine. My concerns are not Gospel related, orthopraxy but some of his Biblical conclusions from his hermeneutical grid.
Concerns of the Narrative of a Christian/Journalist Part 6
A Study Bible
Lastly, the MacArthur Study Bible charge that John wrote every note himself is unfounded. He has been very clear over the years since his Study Bible was published that he had a team of the Masters Faculty help produce the introduction material, theological notes, biblical notes, maps, charts and graphs. Especially the Old Testament.
He was clear that he read over the material as an editor reviewing the notes. He said it took years. I’ve never heard him state that he wrote every note. I have a GTY tape series where at the end of his sermon he gave an advertisement of his study Bible and made statements over 20 years ago. I would be glad to give the audio of that information.
In conclusion, my concern is that a lot of readers do not know enough theology to be heretical. Francis Schaeffer states, “The spirit of the age is the spirit of the church.” That is my concern and my question in closing is based on the premise of your objectivity is this.
Is it possible to conflate being a journalist and a Christian? How do you blend being a Christian Journalist? It’s a tough place. Praying for you all. God help us all.
Another concern I had was the timing of this post. It was within 2 days of Phil Johnson’s interview. Prudence is important. If you disagree with anything of my posts. I challenge all of us to not do name calling or bashing. Can we reason together?
I’m sorry as I reread these I noticed my phone did a few spell corrects like:
I have concert with her statement. Should be issues with her statement (pt1)
“ohn Piper’s net worth is 20 million” leave ohn out (or.1)
had mothers not motives in 3rd article for example. (Pt 3).
Need to proofread when my phone makes spell corrections. A few more my apologies. Need a computer
KC, I want to reply to a few of your points. Please note that I also add a few points here that are general and not specific to your comments.
It’s irrelevant what other famous preachers earn. That might be for another article but the original purpose of Julie’s article was to question/expose MacA’s hypocrisy.
None of the others you mentioned is as vocal about “prosperity” preaching or as quick to condemn it. People in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones. MacArthur has been doing that, assuming (in his “power”) that nobody would question him.
I don’t know why nobody seems to cite the Biblical standards for “elders” and “bishops” encapsulated in 1st Timothy 3.
The CEO-type role that pastors have taken on is not Biblical so we have to look at the standards for overseers (bishops), elders and deacons.
In 1 Timothy 3, verse 3 commands that they be “NOT GREEDY OF FILTHY LUCRE” and “NOT COVETOUS”. Verse 8 says that deacons must not be DOUBLE-TONGUED.
Double-tongued is surely what MacArthur has been by calling out “prosperity” preachers and denouncing other men for being “in it for the money” while accumulating $14 million in “net worth”, three houses and $5000 watch(es).
Some missionaries and ministers make only a few thousand more than the value of his watch PER YEAR.
Personally I lost any interest in the material and especially in “stuff” after I was born again.
Anyone with the Holy Spirit indwelling has interest only in spiritual things. We are blessed spiritually beyond all measure.
So those saying “y’all are just jealous” are betraying their ignorance. To know God personally is to be fully satisfied. “The Lord is my Shepherd (so) I lack nothing” (Psalm 23)
They also betray their ignorance by citing the riches of Solomon, Job etc. Firstly, Solomon was a king. Secondly, they were GIVEN their wealth by God for specific purposes. Nowhere even in the OT does God say: “eat, drink, accumulate as much as you can”.
God doesn’t change. His heart has never been about Self-indulgence.
And further, even a basic understanding of the difference between the Old and New Covenants shows that the New Covenant is entirely based on spiritual realities.
Verses like Ephesians 6:12 and Galatians 5:19-23 would never be found in the OT. It was always the case in the OT but it was “concealed”. They had the temple, we have the Holy Spirit indwelling our “temple” i.e our body. Nobody in the OT had the Holy Spirit permanently indwelling. It was only possible post-Resurrection (John 14:16-17).
The entire Bible is a spiritual book but only in the NT is it totally and unambiguously revealed as such.
Those who cite David (who wasn’t a serial adulterer: he committed one sin and repented) to excuse adultery or Solomon to excuse excess wealth are NOT “rightly dividing the Word”.
The Bible is not one long stream of consciousness from God. It has order. The OT and God preparing a people LEADS to the NT and the Messiah revealed. Jesus is the cumulation of all the OT promises. God is finally, perfectly revealed in Him (Hebrews 1).
The OT edifies Christians but it doesn’t overshadow the New. For those of us with the Holy Spirit, we see NO contradictions but those who have no Holy Spirit and no real knowledge of the Bible use it as a smorgasbord to pick and choose what suits them. If they knew about Luke 6:24, they wouldn’t use it if they were covetous with excess wealth themselves. So they go to the OT for an example. This is so childish.
I’d tell people who call themselves “Christian” to AT LEAST be honest and if you haven’t read the whole Bible for yourself then, as a CHRISTian, take what CHRIST and His apostles say FIRST and look at the OT in light of that: NOT the other way round.
Other points: 1 Timothy 5:19 and Matthew 18 don’t apply because Julie is not part of his church.
Silver and gold I have not (Acts 3:6)
Paul made tents and any other ministry income was donated. He clearly used it for food and clothing and to give on to others.
Nowhere in the NT do we see examples of men being ministers of the Gospel as their “profession”.
Honestly it would be better to email. [email protected]
I actually enjoy your hermeneutic. Yet email would be better. I see a lot of Old Testament Scriptures to disagree with some of your ideas. I see the Bible as one meta-narrative with Christ as the lens for my hermeneutics. Luke 24 has informed my hermeneutic. Where you see discontinuity I see continuity via the Person and Work of Jesus Christ. Maybe your not saying that. But it would be hard for me to summarize your post in a short message. I disagree with these texts referring to Julie. Based on her statements in her interview.
“Nowhere in the NT do we see examples of men being ministers of the Gospel as their “profession”. That is a tough Biblical sell. Based on 1 Timothy 5:17-20 and the definition of the word profession is as follows. : “a paid occupation, especially one that involves prolonged training and a formal qualification. I do believe that the idea of looking at the ministry as a professional (not a profession) like a bank ceo. I agree with looking at the OT through the lenses of Christ and His disciples/Apostles. The Gospel is same in Old Testament and the New Testament .
2 Timothy 3:15-17. Notice the prepositions. I will make it bold. It is possessive in the Greek.
“and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith IN Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”
The sacred writings are just the Old Testament or Old Covenant writings. But notice what Paul says, “ the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith IN Christ Jesus.” He is stating that on the Old Testament Scriptures alone. Timothy could have received the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Jesus say the same thing in Luke 24, “ Then he said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures,”. He says the Old Covenant Scriptures were all about Him or the gospel. Look at the text. “Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures.” Amazing!!!! It all one single connected message. There a several more passages. Back to Aposle Paul from
Then he transitions the next verse by saying, “ All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”
Paul transitions from the Old Testament to All Scriptures. Which is why I disagree with your statement, “ The entire Bible is a spiritual book but only in the NT is it totally and unambiguously revealed as such.
Those who cite David (who wasn’t a serial adulterer: he committed one sin and repented) to excuse adultery or Solomon to excuse excess wealth are NOT “rightly dividing the Word”. Maybe that isn’t what you fully mean. However David or myself need the King of Kings, Jesus Christ. I appreciate some of your other examples of your defense of Mrs. Roys. But that’s not my point.
Part 2 of reply to KC and also some GENERAL points:
Nepotism (the definition stems from the practice of early popes: how apt since MacA is sometimes called the “Protestant pope”!)
Look into how much the two sons and the son in law earned. Who earns nearly 10 million for a few years’ work??
“Woe to you who are rich” (Jesus, Luke 6:24)
PS Johnson’s defense that MacA leads a “simple lifestyle” is laughable. The whole crux of what Jesus says is summed up in Matthew 12:33.
If your heart is for a simple life (as those born again prove) then your fruit demonstrates it.
Did people “force” these properties on him? Did he protest and say: “no, I want to earn just $30,000 a year cos I am content with food and raiment!” (1 Timothy 6:8) but they insisted on filling his bank account with 7 figure sums?
Did they physically force the $5,000 watch on him? Even if it was a gift, if you hate it then you don’t wear it. I was gifted a Chanel purse a year after my conversion. I gave it away.
It’s a mockery. They think we’re dumb. Well they can mock us (and, arguably, their donors) but God is not mocked: Galatians 6:7
I am not sure anymore if they think we are dumb. “We” are not their target audience. The alternate facts so rampant today are for their followers, whoever the leaders happen to be.
Part 1a of reply to KC
KC, I want to reply to a few of your points. Please note that I also add a few points here that are general and not specific to your comments.
It’s irrelevant what other famous preachers earn. That might be for another article but the original purpose of Julie’s article was to question/expose MacA’s hypocrisy.
None of the others you mentioned is as vocal about “prosperity” preaching or as quick to condemn it. People in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones. MacArthur has been doing that, assuming (in his “power”) that nobody would question him.
I don’t know why nobody seems to cite the Biblical standards for “elders” and “bishops” encapsulated in 1st Timothy 3.
The CEO-type role that pastors have taken on is not Biblical so we have to look at the standards for overseers (bishops), elders and deacons.
In 1 Timothy 3, verse 3 commands that they be “NOT GREEDY OF FILTHY LUCRE” and “NOT COVETOUS”. Verse 8 says that deacons must not be DOUBLE-TONGUED.
Double-tongued is surely what MacArthur has been by calling out “prosperity” preachers and denouncing other men for being “in it for the money” while accumulating $14 million in “net worth”, three houses and $5000 watch(es).
Some missionaries and ministers make only a few thousand more than the value of his watch PER YEAR.
Personally I lost any interest in the material and especially in “stuff” after I was born again.
Anyone with the Holy Spirit indwelling has interest only in spiritual things. We are blessed spiritually beyond all measure.
So those saying “y’all are just jealous” are betraying their ignorance. To know God personally is to be fully satisfied. “The Lord is my Shepherd (so) I lack nothing” (Psalm 23)
They also betray their ignorance by citing the riches of Solomon, Job etc. Firstly, Solomon was a king. Secondly, they were GIVEN their wealth by God for specific purposes. Nowhere even in the OT does God say: “eat, drink, accumulate as much as you can”.
God doesn’t change. His heart has never been about Self-indulgence.
And further, even a basic understanding of the difference between the Old and New Covenants shows that the New Covenant is entirely based on spiritual realities.
Verses like Ephesians 6:12 and Galatians 5:19-23 would never be found in the OT. It was always the case in the OT but it was “concealed”. They had the temple, we have the Holy Spirit indwelling our “temple” i.e our body. Nobody in the OT had the Holy Spirit permanently indwelling. It was only possible post-Resurrection (John 14:16-17).
The entire Bible is a spiritual book but only in the NT is it totally and unambiguously revealed as such.
Those who cite David (who wasn’t a serial adulterer: he committed one sin and repented) to excuse adultery or Solomon to excuse excess wealth are NOT “rightly dividing the Word”.
A more recent example is that of John Wesley.
John Wesley earned more over the years of his life. If you google John Wesley’s Net Worth, the calculation over his lifetime is $50M in dollars. In an age when a single man could live comfortably on 30 pounds a year, his annual income reached 1,400.
In 1731 Wesley began to limit his expenses so that he would have more money to give to the poor. He records that one year his income was 30 pounds and his living expenses 28 pounds, so he had 2 pounds to give away. The next year his income doubled, but he still managed to live on 28 pounds, so he had 32 pounds to give to the poor. In the third year, his income jumped to 90 pounds.
Instead of letting his expenses rise with his income, he kept them to 28 pounds and gave away 62 pounds. In the fourth year, he received 120 pounds. As before, his expenses were 28 pounds, so his giving rose to 92 pounds. One year his income was a little over 1400 pounds. He lived on 30 pounds and gave away nearly 1400 pounds (that is over 97% of his income that year).
And John Wesley had a far more significant impact for the Gospel than John MacArthur and ALL of the celebrity preachers in the EIC every will COMBINED.
If every Christian followed Wesley’s example (especially here in the US), there would be far less need for government programs for the poor.
I will not attack your perspective as your writing was very hard to follow, proof reading would have helped.
JMN
Watch the video. Much easier to follow
What video?
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=lISFCsC-Wns
I thought you meant a video you made that explained your writings.
Now I am even more confused as I thought this thread was about the video made by Justin and Phil.
Even your accusation of name calling is confusing. Once again I urge you to slow down and proof your writing.
Part 1a of reply to KC
KC, I want to reply to a few of your points. Please note that I also add a few points here that are general and not specific to your comments.
It’s irrelevant what other famous preachers earn. That might be for another article but the original purpose of Julie’s article was to question/expose MacA’s hypocrisy.
None of the others you mentioned is as vocal about “prosperity” preaching or as quick to condemn it. People in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones. MacArthur has been doing that, assuming (in his “power”) that nobody would question him.
I don’t know why nobody seems to cite the Biblical standards for “elders” and “bishops” encapsulated in 1st Timothy 3.
The CEO-type role that pastors have taken on is not Biblical so we have to look at the standards for overseers (bishops), elders and deacons.
In 1 Timothy 3, verse 3 commands that they be “NOT GREEDY OF FILTHY LUCRE” and “NOT COVETOUS”. Verse 8 says that deacons must not be DOUBLE-TONGUED.
Double-tongued is surely what MacArthur has been by calling out “prosperity” preachers and denouncing other men for being “in it for the money” while accumulating $14 million in “net worth”, three houses and $5000 watch(es).
Some missionaries and ministers make only a few thousand more than the value of his watch PER YEAR.
Personally I lost any interest in the material and especially in “stuff” after I was born again.
Anyone with the Holy Spirit indwelling has interest only in spiritual things. We are blessed spiritually beyond all measure.
So those saying “y’all are just jealous” are betraying their ignorance. To know God personally is to be fully satisfied. “The Lord is my Shepherd (so) I lack nothing” (Psalm 23)
They also betray their ignorance by citing the riches of Solomon, Job etc. Firstly, Solomon was a king. Secondly, they were GIVEN their wealth by God for specific purposes. Nowhere even in the OT does God say: “eat, drink, accumulate as much as you can”.
MHEUSTON.
I am really addressing her video interview which coincides with her articles. I do not disagree with your scriptures. I didn’t use Solomon. I used other Christian and secular authors to be fair. She uses comparative information in her interview. Especially in her context of the Salary of James Macdonald bs John MacArthur. I didn’t bring it up. But I tested her information/journalistic level and used other comparisons. I at times address the articles, and more her interviews on the level she does. At Journalistic levels I address them. At Biblical level I address them as well.
With Watches, homes, cars and other material things. Need evidence that John bought those items because of the love of money. To judge motives of what he does or doesn’t have is not my place biblically speaking.
“Personally I lost any interest in the material and especially in “stuff” after I was born again”. That’s great and it seems that is how you evaluate John’s lifestyle. If riches have increased has John set his heart upon it? By your evaluation yes. I’m just not comfortable with that evaluation.
It would be helpful to watch the interviews for perspective. To charge someone as double-tongues. I’m not willing to do that to either John or Julie.
My aim is how is her journalistic and approach as a Christian coincide. I edited my original articles to help the confusion above. I see a lot of issues with her interviews and her statements. Thanks for your feedback.
My apologies for my other posts. This is a revised version to hopefully help connect the dots. My email is [email protected] if you want to actually interact.
Concerns about the Narrative of a Journalist/Christian Pt 1:
Using perspective and being tested.
Dear loved ones,
I know I will be attacked for my perspective. To say I’m biased and you are not because I see the narrative differently than Julie Roys is duplicitous. I have nothing against Julie.
I want to break down her interview with Saiko Woods. She did an audio interview with Saiko Woods on YouTube if you are unaware which will help with this post.
In the interview she states her concern is orthopraxy not orthodoxy. She is a trained journalist. Claimed several times that she is doing this out of “Public Interests”. In her articles/interviews, she uses issues or patterns of behavior of satanic attacks, nepotism, lifestyle and financial principles in ministries and draws conclusions.
I left out over 1/2 of my thoughts of her interview however I thought it would be helpful with these following parts. In her interviews she is very clear that she is objective. ( I have tried hard to put the time in the interview with Mr. Woods in this article as I could during the interview. I put the time stamp in parentheses) During the interview, Julie Roys states a few times she is not stating her opinion (18:01). She states that if she were a secular journalist that she would not have her motives questioned. (18:39). As a Follower of Christ, I have concern with her statement. Christians are to and should examine everything, even Saiko Woods states that point in the interview. To use the world’s perception of how journalists are interpreted is also a concern. It is like there is an elitist attitude in the secular journalist world. I may be wrong. (19:07) Julie states it is inappropriate to question those things. It is however VERY inappropriate to judge Julie or her motives. But it is fair game to TEST what she is writing or stating. She gets annoyed in the interview that others say things “ad hominem”. I think personal attacks on both sides are not helpful. Yet, the scriptures command us to test everything. “Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.” 1 Thessalonians 5:19-22 (ESV). That includes John MacArthur, Julie Roys, Saiko Woods, Phil Johnson, myself and every human in this world. As a Christian, a journalist and a Christian journalist it is Biblical to test what Julie states and highly appropriate. Julie has concerns of nepotism with his son in law. Making $800 thousand per year. What is the average cost to do the amount of production they do? Is he way overpaid? Then (25:53), Julie laughingly states that former administrators stated it was poor quality. One would objectively question the motives of former employees/administrators statements of the quality of Mr. Welch’s quality.
Julie (29:07-34) claim there was some ad hominem directed at her. I agree. However I see the same from Julie Roys. Julie equated John MacArthur and James Macdonald in a few areas throughout the interview. Mrs. Roys (32:30) stated that it is not her place to judge. Just present the information. James was making around a million and she correlated it to John MacArthur’s salary. Whereas James has not even written 25 books. John MacArthur has written hundreds of books. In fact, John MacArthur has written several best sellers and Gold Medallion books and a Study Bible. Which GTY will give his books away for free. To equate the two as did Mrs. Roys lacks the amount of responsibility these men have as a comparison.
Julie Roys uses a worldly examples to prove her point as to salary. However, there are several Christian Pastors and authors are in his Ballpark. David Jeremiah is worth 50 Million, Jack Graham 11 million, Joseph Stowell 6 million, Philip Graham Ryken around 5 million (at 54 years), David Platt $750 (43 yrs), John Piper’s net worth is 20 million ( 6 million more than Macarthur), Erwin Lutzer ( whom Mrss Roys shared a stage with) is a millionaire. Yet it’s not specific. Rick Warren has a net worth of $25 million dollars and Tim Keller is worth $80 Million. Tim Keller has written a lot of top sellers. Secular authors who have sold as many books such as John Grisham worth 350 million and Nicholas Sparks 30 million. Putting things contextually. I really do not believe that he is overpaid compared to other well known Pastors.
Then, the use of independent systems/ organizations to determine salary. The thought is that using outside organizations to prove Julie’s journalistic premise are concerning. The ECFA has issues. It seems to be cherry picked. It’s not ok when they let Macdonald get away with things, and at the same time it is a source for the narrative with MacArthur.
Concerns of the Narrative of a Christian/Journalist Part 2:
Christian/Journalist using syllogistic thought
As a Follower of Jesus Christ it is important to use logic and reasoned thought. “but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,” 1 Peter 3:15. (ESV).The verse is clear to make a DEFENSE (ἀπολογία we get the word apologetics from this word) Also referring back to 1 Thessalonians 5:19-22 as stated before. It is Biblical to test what one says by the Biblical truth, the Spirit, the type of evidence and any other source of information. Julie, do you get frustrated to be tested?
(34:50). Julie challenges the audience to show where she is inserting her own opinion. Then right away she uses a subjective and personal perspective of what is ethical. She talks about her father being a wealthy physician, but he was generous to a fault. Her family had an Oldsmobile and lived very modestly. Praise the Lord!!! Unfortunately that’s not using objective facts to prove Biblical ethics. She is inserting her experience and history to state what is ethical. It is actually are creating a false dilemma from what apologetics use as a grid for reasoning. In apologetics one uses syllogisms to draw conclusions. It helps one to see if it is logical or has a false dilemma. Putting her statements from the video below to test her logic through the lense of a syllogis.
Premise A-Julie inserts that she is just reporting the facts about his financial ethics as well as his lifestyle.
Premise B- Julie’s dad made a very nice salary but his ethics was to give as much away as he could and had a modest lifestyle.
Conclusion- Show me where Julie is putting her opinions in her story.
Her argument or premise is not logically conclusive. It is a false dichotomy. They just do not add up. Julie, help us understand?
Then she said John could publish what he gives. Scriptures override public interest on this matter. The right hand is not supposed to know what the left hand is doing (Matthew 6:3). That is between John MacArthur and Jesus Christ. I would not want to get between the hammer and the nail on that issue. I agree with Mrs. Roys that her story is newsworthy. However, a lot of her statements and premises have false dichotomies.
Concerns of the Narrative of a Christian/Journalist Part 3:
As one that fights the good fight ias a pastor for many years. I can relate with Julie, as to what it is like to be attacked and having people ascribing motives that just are not there. She was very clear (37:40) That she is concerned about the purity and integrity of the church. How do you do that? I do hope Julie is biased for the gospel of Jesus Christ and as an objective journalist? I would imagine that is hard to conflate. Julie makes newsworthy statements and you also judge. More in her interviews but it is in her articles.
(45:10) Julie states that James Macdonald and John MacArthur have a lifestyle that did not coincide with their talk. With James, Julie nailed it! There is more than enough evidence to agree with her insertions. Audio, video, written and sources who were not anonymous. If Julie has the same amount of sources on John MacArthur. Please post that. Which would be Biblical (Paul called out Alexander the coppersmith by name) and would be protecting the purity/integrity of the church.
Mrs. Roys states that (45:30) Phil Johnson doxed her. He did make an apology (46:01 in his interview with Peters’ ministry). It did seem disingenuous to be fair. It seemed that you (Mrs. Roys) were disingenuous at times as well. But to be consistent I have to take both of you at your word. Phil did apologize as Saiko said he needed. Are you going to accept that?
Concerns of the Narrative of a Christian/Journalist Part 4:
Division in the Christian Community
There is a Biblical concern with the means of why Mrs. Roys received her information. More concern of those feeding the information to the Roys Report. It is a quandary using sources as a Christian and a Journalist, especially in the church context.
(54:00) Julie states she had an insider at GTY who corroborated a story with this Zorro guy.Julie objects to The Bible Wing-nut gentleman on his conclusions of her main source. However, it is concerning that there are “insiders” in the ministry of GTY, GCC And TMS. Explain that part, please? At face value, Biblically thinking. “There are six things that the LORD hates,seven that are an abomination to him:haughty eyes, a lying tongue,
and hands that shed innocent blood,
a heart that devises wicked plans,
feet that make haste to run to evil,
a false witness who breathes out lies,
and one who sows discord among brothers. Proverbs 6:16-19 (ESV). The seventh is an “abomination”. People who work for any of John MacArthur’s ministries. From an ecclesiastical sense this is dangerous to any ministry. Divided Christians working for a common good will destroy a church or a ministry. There are these insiders within the Seminary, GTY and the Church who bring charges but remain anonymous.
1 Timothy 5:19-20 states, “Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses. As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear” (ESV). That is Biblical, especially considering the purity/integrity of the church. God is bigger than John MacArthur or any church leader. If there is a culture of fear in the church. It has to be resolved Biblically. If there is a culture of fear within the J-MAC organizations then somewhere along the way…. STEP UP! Mrs. Roys did that wonderfully at Moody knowing her job was in jeopardy.
“So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.”James 4:17 (ESV).
The purity and integrity of the church demands that.The Fear of The LORD is the beginning of wisdom. You can not fear man. Greater is He than he who is in the world.
(55) it is difficult to “Check the Facts” when so many of these sources are anonymous, former administrators, students, eye-witnesses about several different cars. Julie Roys states that Phil Johnson says MacArthur has 1 car. Then, students claim he has several different cars every few months. That’s not a fact. Maybe they do have a deal where they can change out a car every few months. That may or may not prove he has more than 1 car at a time.
It’s also concerning during the interview with Mr. Woods (59:14) Julie did not say this, but she was shaking her head in agreement while Saiko was equating Dukakis’ actions of having a mistress to John MacArthur. It conveys agreement which hurts an appearance of objectivity.
Concerns of the Narrative of a Christian/Journalist Part 5:
Identifying Orthopraxy vs Orthodoxy. A personal reflection. I am not being objective!!!
I do have concerns with John’s orthodoxy and how he at times approaches others with different doctrinal conclusions. For example, MacArthur’s book, Strange Fire and his conference. I totally understand his view. I used to agree with his hermeneutic. But over years of Biblical Study. I disagree with him on the “Sign Gifts.” I guess I’m labeled as a “Charismatic”. Yet I agree with many other Biblical truths.
I disagree with his Eschatological View and his hermeneutical view of dispensationalism. He is very dogmatic about his beliefs. At times, John MacArthur’s attitude seems like he is right and others are wrong. I do not know his heart and I know students who attended there that said it was hard to discuss other interpretations.
The older I get, I continue learning that a lot of Seminaries are more about indoctrination and less about education. I always wanted to go to the Masters Seminary. However, I couldn’t go there because I would of had to sign their doctrinal statement. I can not do that. My biblical convictions are important. That being said Pastor John has been used by God to really encourage many to study and show how one needs to be an approved workman.
I started listening to GTY when I was six. I knew that is what I wanted to do. Exegete the text and Preach the Word! GTY has influenced me. I am thankful for the commitment to sound doctrine. My concerns are not Gospel related, but some of his Biblical conclusions from his hermeneutical grid.
Concerns of the Narrative of a Christian/Journalist Part 6
A Study Bible
Lastly, the MacArthur Study Bible charge that John wrote every note himself is unfounded. He has been very clear over the years since his Study Bible was published that he had a team of the Masters Faculty help produce the introduction material, theological notes, biblical notes, maps, charts and graphs. Especially the Old Testament.
He was clear that he read over the material as an editor reviewing the notes. He said it took years. I’ve never heard him state that he wrote every note. I have a GTY tape series where at the end of his sermon he gave an advertisement of his study Bible and made statements over 20 years ago. I would be glad to give the audio of that information.
In conclusion, my concern is that a lot of readers do not know enough theology to be heretical. Francis Schaeffer states, “The spirit of the age is the spirit of the church.” That is my concern and my question in closing is based on the premise of your objectivity is this.
Is it possible to conflate being a journalist and a Christian? How do you blend being a Christian Journalist? It’s a tough place. Praying for you all.
John Wesley was a far more prolific author, pastor, and theologian than John MacArthur and he was rewarded handsomely for his work. At one point he earned 1400 pounds a year when someone could like comfortably on 30 pounds a year.
But what did Wesley do that NONE of the celebrity pastors have done? Wesley lived on 30 pounds a year, so when he made that 1400 pounds, he gave away 1370 pounds.
To put it in perspective, if MacArthur made a million one year, he would be giving away $978,000 of it.
CM,
That is Unbiblical. Actually if your information is true. Idk. But that is pride. 2 Corinthians 9:6-9, teaches how to give or the heart behind giving. Matthew 6:1-4 is clear about the way we should give. We should do it in private. Not letting the right hand know what the left hand is doing. Finally Matthew 6 is in context of the Sermon of the Mount. Matthew 6:19-24. Is a passage that would support your premise. However it is not possible to judge where John has laid his treasures. I’m glad that John Wesley has blessed you.
Actually yes it is. Also what does the Bible say about using your wealth to build up storehouses on earth? What does 1 Timothy 6:8-9 (a pastoral epistle) say about one’s needs?
It is true. All this information only came out after Wesley died and the information was recorded accounting ledgers. He was following the principles in Matthew 6.
Shall I point out that all these celebrity preachers (and many other Christians) seem to feed the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eye, or the pride of life through their acquisition of “stuff”?
Wesley urged his hearers not to spend money merely to gratify the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eye, or the pride of life. He cried out against expensive food, fancy clothes, and elegant furniture: “Despise delicacy and variety and be content with what plain nature requires.”
Wesley had two reasons for telling Christians to buy only necessities. The obvious one was so they would not waste money. The second was so they would not increase their desires. He wisely pointed out that when people spend money on things they do not really need, they begin to want more things they do not need. Instead of satisfying their desires, they only increase them.
In any case, your guy will likely be criminally charged for violating and continually defying the various COVID restrictions. I notice that you never talked about his defiance to the governing authorities in violation of Romans 13. Those actions in and of itself, disqualifies him from leadership as 1Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9.
I dispute your point that giving away the excise money after you have taken care of your household and expenses unbiblical. Where does it say in Scriptures to hoard wealth or buy it on unnecessary things? Answer, there is is no where. The only treasures Christians are to store up are treasures in Heaven. Brand clothes, extra houses, etc. do NOT do that.
I would be glad to address a few things. It seems you have a celebrity in Wesley ( praised him 7 times in both responses and named him for your reasoning 11 times. I have concerns about Wesleyan theology, especially in his hermeneutic of Sanctification. My views are not dependent on Julie Roys, John MacArthur and Wesley. I have committed 30 years to the Biblical Text. I have a long ways to go. The more I learn the more I question Christian authors. With the Covid-19 stuff. I believe that as Daniel did the he resolved in his heart that he would not go against God (Daniel 1:8). Hebrews 10:25 is clear to on the assembly of believers. The constitution is clear on the church. The Government is wicket and ungodly and he would gladly go to jail for his conviction. This stuff is all over the Bible. So, with your logic, Cm. Would you take the Mark of the beast from the Government? Just wondering? If you didn’t would you be unqualified. There I addressed your concern about government and Covid 19. There are so many issue with the government officials and not practicing what they say. It’s a joke. Bring on the bars! Have you read any eschatology? Persecution is going to get worse. Our citizenship in In Christ or In Heaven! Amen???
CM
“ dispute your point that giving away the excise money after you have taken care of your household and expenses unbiblical”. I never stated that. Where did you get that implication?
CM
I really appreciate your succinct comments. You’re so Biblical and spot-on.
I’m not replying to KC because I find the length and amount of comments quite overwhelming (actually off-putting).
Wesley obviously “walked the walk” and what he said about the more one acquires, the more one seems to desire is so accurate.
Riches and possessions complicate life. There are testimonies of secular millionaires who have given it all up because of the accumulated worries and stresses which their possessions caused.
They ended up being owned by what they thought THEY “owned”.
And yep, “lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh and the pride of life” do indeed relate to possessions and all that is of the “world” (1 John 2:16)
I am sure that these are the “temptations and snares” in which owners of great wealth and possessions are liable to “drown” (1 Timothy 6:8).
Only a stubborn person would ignore the warning in 1 Timothy 6 (and Matthew 19:24).
Houses and possessions are also time-consuming. It’s quite evidently not good stewardship to have more than we need.
*PS I want to state clearly here that I am NOT among those who emailed KC! I am only in fact reading the reply (which mentions the email address) now
When someone begins a discussion with a universal “dear loved ones” and ends with “praying for you all” it doesn’t quite ring true to me. Not sure though if the intention is to appear holier than thou, if it is manipulation or simply being tone deaf to their own voice.
It sounds very familiar and I wonder where you learned it.
JMN, then pray for me, or judge my motives!
Here is the link to the video
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=lISFCsC-Wns
I thought you meant a video you made that explained your writings.
Now I am even more confused as I thought this thread was about the video made by Justin and Phil.
Even your accusation of name calling is confusing. Once again I urge you to slow down and proof your writing.
I left the link of the video and was responding to Julie Roys’s interview. My concerns are about what she states. I honestly saw false dilemmas in her interview with Saiko Woods. I have a few biblical issues as her journalistic and Biblical integrity collide.I listed my email for communication. I was sent things that was name calling, judging my motives, calling me heretical and called a few other names. It is almost like cancel culture mentality by some. I’ve read responses to post of mine and others. Responders take a few words and just make judgments. Instead of listening and being able to reason together. I spent 2 weeks putting time, emails, phone calls, interviews and watching these YouTube videos and have a few questions and concerns. If she has the same kind of evidence as she did with James Macdonald. I will stand corrected. My concerns are the type of sources and I question a few of her statements or her deportment in the interview.
It is me examining, not judging. There is a huge difference. Paul states, “ Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God.” I agree with this text. At the same time I agree with this text by Paul as well. “ Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good.”. Both texts are true. However discernment is needed to balance these texts.
Stay strong Julie! You are doing the right thing. JM and his cohorts have been peddling untruths for a couple years now and this expose is just another nail in their coffin. They need to repent.
This victimhood narrative is sad. Shane on those who have threatened Julie or judged her motives. PERIOD. I have to think Mrs. Roys is strong enough in her own skin to be questioned based on her job, newsworthy articles, she challenges her readers to and she hopefully knows who Jesus calls her. But those who examine her in some ways are called names, their character is questioned in totality based on statements here or there. Why can’t 2 believers reason together. Examine statements by scripture and use the logic God has given us. Julie’s role is unique as a trained Journalist and as a Follower of Jesus Christ. I will not judge her motives. But I have the right as a Christian within the church and within the world to TEST EVERYTHING. I have concerns as listed. Only Jesus knows everything. But I didn’t give my email to be called names that are outside of a double-tongued person. I’m accused of attacking Julie. Then, ignorantly I’m attacked. Interesting.
CM AND OTHERS WHO MESSAGED ME:
I’m surprised by messages or posts that Christian people are judging John MacArthur for not following the rules of the government restrictions of the ability to worship due to Covid 19. They use Romans 13:1-2 as a proof text. However, there are several issues with following the Government in this area.:
Some are Biblical rights and others are US Constitutional rights. First the one with less authority. The constitution states, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” California government is over-stepping its authority.
Second, Daniel is a a good example of how we are to respond to things enforced upon our biblical convictions. (Daniel 1:8) Daniel resolved in his heart that he wouldn’t move from his convictions. That is a model for us when we are told to compromise our beliefs because of a pandemic. We think about our Biblical convictions. We put a stake in the ground as to say. I will not let the government dictate to me what I can or can not do. Third, John MacArthur was slammed (by posts and messages to me) for not obeying the government. Using that logic, is it ok to get the Mark Of The Beast? Just wondering? What if the government says we have to. John has put his stake that he will not obey the government restrictions due to his convictions and what he biblically resolved. I need to do the same! Fourth, study eschatology, persecution is only going to get worse. It’s time to be resolved in our hearts now where our convictions are. If that means imprisonments. Then Christ gets the glory! Amen? Fifth, the body of Christ is a microcosm of society today. It is evident on this page. We are severely divided. If someone disagrees with us we slam other Christians instead of using grace and using iron to sharpen iron.We all need to get back to our First Love! Or like the church in Ephesus. God is going to remove our lamp-stand . Laodicea was Lukewarm. God spit it out. I love the purpose stated by Julie is the purity and integrity of the church. I hope that is all of our desires. Sixth, we need to really dive into Biblical literacy. Our speech, (especially my speech) needs to be seasoned with the Bible. The Bible needs to be the lens by which we view everything in this life… AS IN EVERYTHING!!! Jesus must be the Lord/LORD and Savior of our hermeneutics and our lives.
A footnote: John MacArthur said on Tucker Carlson that he would be willing to go to jail for his beliefs. To be like his hero the Apostle Paul.
I did an edit of my 6 part message this morning and posted it. Now it is missing. I don’t know why I will repost it. Unless I am blind.
Concerns about the Narrative of a Journalist/Christian Pt 1:
Using perspective and being tested.
Dear loved ones,
I know I will be attacked for my perspective. To say I’m biased and you are not because I see the narrative differently than Julie Roys is duplicitous. I have nothing against Julie.
I want to break down her interview with Saiko Woods. She did an audio interview with Saiko Woods on YouTube if you are unaware which will help with this post.
In the interview she states her concern is orthopraxy not orthodoxy. She is a trained journalist. Claimed several times that she is doing this out of “Public Interests”. In her articles/interviews, she uses issues or patterns of behavior of satanic attacks, nepotism, lifestyle and financial principles in ministries and draws conclusions.
I left out over 1/2 of my thoughts of her interview however I thought it would be helpful with these following parts. In her interviews she is very clear that she is objective. ( I have tried hard to put the time in the interview with Mr. Woods in this article as I could during the interview. I put the time stamp in parentheses) During the interview, Julie Roys states a few times she is not stating her opinion (18:01). She states that if she were a secular journalist that she would not have her motives questioned. (18:39). As a Follower of Christ, I have concern with her statement. Christians are to and should examine everything, even Saiko Woods states that point in the interview. To use the world’s perception of how journalists are interpreted is also a concern. It is like there is an elitist attitude in the secular journalist world. I may be wrong. (19:07) Julie states it is inappropriate to question those things. It is however VERY inappropriate to judge Julie or her motives. But it is fair game to TEST what she is writing or stating. She gets annoyed in the interview that others say things “ad hominem”. I think personal attacks on both sides are not helpful. Yet, the scriptures command us to test everything. “Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.” 1 Thessalonians 5:19-22 (ESV). That includes John MacArthur, Julie Roys, Saiko Woods, Phil Johnson, myself and every human in this world. As a Christian, a journalist and a Christian journalist it is Biblical to test what Julie states and highly appropriate. Julie has concerns of nepotism with his son in law. Making $800 thousand per year. What is the average cost to do the amount of production they do? Is he way overpaid? Then (25:53), Julie laughingly states that former administrators stated it was poor quality. One would objectively question the motives of former employees/administrators statements of the quality of Mr. Welch’s quality.
Julie (29:07-34) claim there was some ad hominem directed at her. I agree. However I see the same from Julie Roys. Julie equated John MacArthur and James Macdonald in a few areas throughout the interview. Mrs. Roys (32:30) stated that it is not her place to judge. Just present the information. James was making around a million and she correlated it to John MacArthur’s salary. Whereas James has not even written 25 books. John MacArthur has written hundreds of books. In fact, John MacArthur has written several best sellers and Gold Medallion books and a Study Bible. Which GTY will give his books away for free. To equate the two as did Mrs. Roys lacks the amount of responsibility these men have as a comparison.
Julie Roys uses a worldly examples to prove her point as to salary. However, there are several Christian Pastors and authors are in his Ballpark. David Jeremiah is worth 50 Million, Jack Graham 11 million, Joseph Stowell 6 million, Philip Graham Ryken around 5 million (at 54 years), David Platt $750 (43 yrs), John Piper’s net worth is 20 million ( 6 million more than Macarthur), Erwin Lutzer ( whom Mrss Roys shared a stage with) is a millionaire. Yet it’s not specific. Rick Warren has a net worth of $25 million dollars and Tim Keller is worth $80 Million. Tim Keller has written a lot of top sellers. Secular authors who have sold as many books such as John Grisham worth 350 million and Nicholas Sparks 30 million. Putting things contextually. I really do not believe that he is overpaid compared to other well known Pastors.
Then, the use of independent systems/ organizations to determine salary. The thought is that using outside organizations to prove Julie’s journalistic premise are concerning. The ECFA has issues. It seems to be cherry picked. It’s not ok when they let Macdonald get away with things, and at the same time it is a source for the narrative with MacArthur.
Concerns of the Narrative of a Christian/Journalist Part 2:
Christian/Journalist using syllogistic thought
As a Follower of Jesus Christ it is important to use logic and reasoned thought. “but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,” 1 Peter 3:15. (ESV).The verse is clear to make a DEFENSE (ἀπολογία we get the word apologetics from this word) Also referring back to 1 Thessalonians 5:19-22 as stated before. It is Biblical to test what one says by the Biblical truth, the Spirit, the type of evidence and any other source of information. Julie, do you get frustrated to be tested?
(34:50). Julie challenges the audience to show where she is inserting her own opinion. Then right away she uses a subjective and personal perspective of what is ethical. She talks about her father being a wealthy physician, but he was generous to a fault. Her family had an Oldsmobile and lived very modestly. Praise the Lord!!! Unfortunately that’s not using objective facts to prove Biblical ethics. She is inserting her experience and history to state what is ethical. It is actually are creating a false dilemma from what apologetics use as a grid for reasoning. In apologetics one uses syllogisms to draw conclusions. It helps one to see if it is logical or has a false dilemma. Putting her statements from the video below to test her logic through the lense of a syllogis.
Premise A-Julie inserts that she is just reporting the facts about his financial ethics as well as his lifestyle.
Premise B- Julie’s dad made a very nice salary but his ethics was to give as much away as he could and had a modest lifestyle.
Conclusion- Show me where Julie is putting her opinions in her story.
Her argument or premise is not logically conclusive. It is a false dichotomy. They just do not add up. Julie, help us understand?
Then she said John could publish what he gives. Scriptures override public interest on this matter. The right hand is not supposed to know what the left hand is doing (Matthew 6:3). That is between John MacArthur and Jesus Christ. I would not want to get between the hammer and the nail on that issue. I agree with Mrs. Roys that her story is newsworthy. However, a lot of her statements and premises have false dichotomies.
Concerns of the Narrative of a Christian/Journalist Part 3:
As one that fights the good fight ias a pastor for many years. I can relate with Julie, as to what it is like to be attacked and having people ascribing motives that just are not there. She was very clear (37:40) That she is concerned about the purity and integrity of the church. How do you do that? I do hope Julie is biased for the gospel of Jesus Christ and as an objective journalist? I would imagine that is hard to conflate. Julie makes newsworthy statements and you also judge. More in her interviews but it is in her articles.
(45:10) Julie states that James Macdonald and John MacArthur have a lifestyle that did not coincide with their talk. With James, Julie nailed it! There is more than enough evidence to agree with her insertions. Audio, video, written and sources who were not anonymous. If Julie has the same amount of sources on John MacArthur. Please post that. Which would be Biblical (Paul called out Alexander the coppersmith by name) and would be protecting the purity/integrity of the church.
Mrs. Roys states that (45:30) Phil Johnson doxed her. He did make an apology (46:01 in his interview with Peters’ ministry). It did seem disingenuous to be fair. It seemed that you (Mrs. Roys) were disingenuous at times as well. But to be consistent I have to take both of you at your word. Phil did apologize as Saiko said he needed. Are you going to accept that?
Concerns of the Narrative of a Christian/Journalist Part 4:
Division in the Christian Community
There is a Biblical concern with the means of why Mrs. Roys received her information. More concern of those feeding the information to the Roys Report. It is a quandary using sources as a Christian and a Journalist, especially in the church context.
(54:00) Julie states she had an insider at GTY who corroborated a story with this Zorro guy.Julie objects to The Bible Wing-nut gentleman on his conclusions of her main source. However, it is concerning that there are “insiders” in the ministry of GTY, GCC And TMS. Explain that part, please? At face value, Biblically thinking. “There are six things that the LORD hates,seven that are an abomination to him:haughty eyes, a lying tongue,
and hands that shed innocent blood,
a heart that devises wicked plans,
feet that make haste to run to evil,
a false witness who breathes out lies,
and one who sows discord among brothers. Proverbs 6:16-19 (ESV). The seventh is an “abomination”. People who work for any of John MacArthur’s ministries. From an ecclesiastical sense this is dangerous to any ministry. Divided Christians working for a common good will destroy a church or a ministry. There are these insiders within the Seminary, GTY and the Church who bring charges but remain anonymous.
1 Timothy 5:19-20 states, “Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses. As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear” (ESV). That is Biblical, especially considering the purity/integrity of the church. God is bigger than John MacArthur or any church leader. If there is a culture of fear in the church. It has to be resolved Biblically. If there is a culture of fear within the J-MAC organizations then somewhere along the way…. STEP UP! Mrs. Roys did that wonderfully at Moody knowing her job was in jeopardy.
“So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.”James 4:17 (ESV).
The purity and integrity of the church demands that.The Fear of The LORD is the beginning of wisdom. You can not fear man. Greater is He than he who is in the world.
(55) it is difficult to “Check the Facts” when so many of these sources are anonymous, former administrators, students, eye-witnesses about several different cars. Julie Roys states that Phil Johnson says MacArthur has 1 car. Then, students claim he has several different cars every few months. That’s not a fact. Maybe they do have a deal where they can change out a car every few months. That may or may not prove he has more than 1 car at a time.
It’s also concerning during the interview with Mr. Woods (59:14) Julie did not say this, but she was shaking her head in agreement while Saiko was equating Dukakis’ actions of having a mistress to John MacArthur. It conveys agreement which hurts an appearance of objectivity.
Concerns of the Narrative of a Christian/Journalist Part 5:
Identifying Orthopraxy vs Orthodoxy. A personal reflection. I am not being objective!!!
I do have concerns with John’s orthodoxy and how he at times approaches others with different doctrinal conclusions. For example, MacArthur’s book, Strange Fire and his conference. I totally understand his view. I used to agree with his hermeneutic. But over years of Biblical Study. I disagree with him on the “Sign Gifts.” I guess I’m labeled as a “Charismatic”. Yet I agree with many other Biblical truths.
I disagree with his Eschatological View and his hermeneutical view of dispensationalism. He is very dogmatic about his beliefs. At times, John MacArthur’s attitude seems like he is right and others are wrong. I do not know his heart and I know students who attended there that said it was hard to discuss other interpretations.
The older I get, I continue learning that a lot of Seminaries are more about indoctrination and less about education. I always wanted to go to the Masters Seminary. However, I couldn’t go there because I would of had to sign their doctrinal statement. I can not do that. My biblical convictions are important. That being said Pastor John has been used by God to really encourage many to study and show how one needs to be an approved workman.
I started listening to GTY when I was six. I knew that is what I wanted to do. Exegete the text and Preach the Word! GTY has influenced me. I am thankful for the commitment to sound doctrine. My concerns are not Gospel related, but some of his Biblical conclusions from his hermeneutical grid.
Concerns of the Narrative of a Christian/Journalist Part 6
A Study Bible
Lastly, the MacArthur Study Bible charge that John wrote every note himself is unfounded. He has been very clear over the years since his Study Bible was published that he had a team of the Masters Faculty help produce the introduction material, theological notes, biblical notes, maps, charts and graphs. Especially the Old Testament.
He was clear that he read over the material as an editor reviewing the notes. He said it took years. I’ve never heard him state that he wrote every note. I have a GTY tape series where at the end of his sermon he gave an advertisement of his study Bible and made statements over 20 years ago. I would be glad to give the audio of that information.
In conclusion, my concern is that a lot of readers do not know enough theology to be heretical. Francis Schaeffer states, “The spirit of the age is the spirit of the church.” That is my concern and my question in closing is based on the premise of your objectivity is this.
Is it possible to conflate being a journalist and a Christian? How do you blend being a Christian Journalist? It’s a tough place. Praying for you all
Mac Arthur uses the same techniques as cults. Thank you, Julie for standing when many pastors and believers don’t think for themselves.
It is sad that Christians want everything succinct.
When the comments are longer than the post, the comments are too long.
ok succinctly stated. Julie claims to be objective. And uses journalistic integrity. Yet she uses weak sources and uses subjective points to undergird her premise. She is not being objective and I’m not attacking her. There are flaws. Period! Yet people do not do there own investigation of her story like she asked us to. I did, and there are holes. If there is the same amount/kinds of sources and data as from other stories. I will withdraw my concerns.
Hello John and Phil, remember Titus 1:7 and 1Tim 3:3. You are now upset with Julie because she exposed your inconsistencies and hypocrisy. So, if you truly believe in what you’re teaching, then please step down because you can’t convince anyone that you are not “lovers of money”. Furthermore, your response to established government and authority and Julie is downright quarrelsome, certainly not gentle. Please spare us your double talk. If it smells like a cult, it quacks like a cult, it is a cult.