“I disagree with your assessment of Stott’s influence in the evangelical community in the United States. Not only is Stott a theological heavyweight, but his books are required reading for any serious evangelical. And, he is easily a more important and influential figure to the evangelical community in the United States than are Pat Robertson or Jerry Falwell. The influence James Dobson has had on evangelicals cannot be argued away–it has been tremendous. However, Stott and Dobson have influenced the evangelical community in two completely different ways. The best way to describe the differing type of influence that Stott and Dobson have had is to describe our relationships as “vertical” and “horizontal.” Stott has had tremendous influence in giving advice regarding our vertical relationship–the relationship with God. Dobson on the other hand has been successful in giving advice regarding our horizontal relationships–those we have with other human beings. The two cross over at times, but in simple terms, that describes it best. In reality, both have been very significant and influential. However, if we had to discern which of the two men has had more influence on evangelicals with regard to their FAITH, it is Stott without a doubt.
With that said, even having attended a religious/evangelical university I never once read a single writing of Falwell or Robertson’s nor did we ever study the men–except in a modern American studies course where we learned that they wrote the “how-to” book on political failure by squandering their influence. The same with Dobson. With the exception of excerpts from maybe one or two of his most popular books about raising children, I don’t remember his work being nearly as heralded as Stott’s. In contrast, Stott was on nearly every student’s bookshelf sitting next to Schaeffer, Tozer, Sproul, Lewis, Piper, and other modern evangelical must-reads. While it is obvious that you disagree with Dobson’s agenda, as do many, this is no reason to minimize the influence of John Stott. Doing so would be much like minimizing the influence of James Carville in the Democratic party because Michael Moore is louder and equally influential to a large number–but not all–of Democrats.”
More feedback on the Letters Page.
The Dish 