Books Quote by D.A. Carson
““The New Testament writers, even while writing the texts on love and forbearance that we are trying to understand and obey, condemn false prophets, expel the man who is sleeping with his step-mother, declare that it would be better for Judas Iscariot if he had not been born, assure readers that the evil of Alexander the metal-worker will be required of him, and solemnly warn of eternal judgement to come. Sometimes, of course, churches with right-wing passions use these same texts to bully their members unto unflagging submission to the local dictator. The threat of church discipline can degenerate into a form of manipulation, of spiritual abuse. Where, then, is the line to be drawn? To a postmodern relativist, any form of confessional discipline will seem nothing more than intolerant, manipulative abuse. From a Christian perspective, what lines must be drawn and why? How does Christian love work itself out in such cases? (p. 149).””
About This Quote
Source Book: Christian Ethics in the Modern World, D.A. Carson, 2015
The passage highlights tension between biblical calls for love and the danger of using discipline as manipulation, urging clear boundaries for healthy spiritual guidance.
In simple terms: Balancing love with firm, non‑abusive discipline.
Key Takeaway
Set compassionate, transparent limits.
Themes
love
authority
discipline
abuse
ethics
Mood
thoughtful
concerned
Type
theoretical
practical
When to use this quote
- church leadership
- counseling
- conflict resolution
- member accountability
Key Concepts
Christian ethics
boundary setting
spiritual care
Questions to Reflect On
- How can churches enforce standards without coercion?
- What safeguards prevent spiritual abuse?
A Different Perspective
Discipline can be misused, eroding trust and authentic faith.
![“[A]lthough the deeds opposed to love which mark Christian religious history, are in accordance with Christianity, and its antagonists are therefore right in imputing to it the horrible actions resulting from dogmatic creeds; those deeds nevertheless at the same time contradict Christianity…” quote by Ludwig Feuerbach](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/6ab/ludwig-feuerbach-3406_accepting-love_a-lthough-the-deeds-opposed-to-love-whic_414411.jpg)
![“It is only in the mode in which faith embodies itself that Christians differ from the followers of other religions. … [T]he nature of faith … is everywhere the same. … All blessings … it accumulates on itself … ; all curses, all hardship and evil it casts on unbelief. … [F]or what God rejects man…” quote by Ludwig Feuerbach](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/74e/ludwig-feuerbach-3406_christianity_it-is-only-in-the-mode-in-which-faith-em_1471605.jpg)
