There are few things that make me grumpier than a false dichotomy. They put a queasy feeling in my stomach; they make me groan with vexation. Examples of cringe-worthy false dichotomies are all too often tolerated in evangelical circles: Should we revel in the grace of Christ or pursue personal holiness? Should we tell the truth or practice compassion? Are pastors called to feed the sheep or fend off wolves? Should pastors teach on biblical headship in marriage or protect the abused in their flocks?
We could, of course, go on, but I shall spare you the assault of a longer list, lest I trigger you with the same spiritual indigestion these examples give me. There is, however, one particular false dichotomy I wish to address, and it is by far one of the worst. Of all the examples to make my countenance fall, none have the potential to ruin my day like this old chestnut: should we care about doctrine or should we simply follow Christ? Another way to put this silly false choice—and, sadly, one that has the veneer of scholarly respectability—is: should we base our Christianity around Christ and the Gospels or Paul and the epistles?
The assumption behind this choice
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