For the past couple of days I’ve been involved in a discussion on Justin Taylor’s blog, Between Two Worlds.  The discussion was prompted when Justin posted a Tweeted quote from J.D. Greear:

“Preach the Gospel; if necessary, use words” is like saying: “Tell me your phone number, if necessary use digits.”

Greear’s clever and pithy defense of the importance of preaching and substantive evangelism is set up as opposite of the quote famously attributed to Francis of Assisi:

“Preach the Gospel, and if necessary use words.”

The original quote, whether by Francis or not, is intended to express the importance of Gospel-driven actions.  However, it is also a quote that has often been associated with those who promote a Social Gospel – an attempt to meet tangible needs, often with little or no concern for regeneration, conversion, or spiritual transformation.

The conversation includes people who both agree and disagree with Greear.  As one who wants to see both Word & Deed – who believes both Word & Deed are necessary to properly reflect the ministry of Christ and the Kingdom of God – I have really appreciated comments from all sides.

I will not restate my comments in this discussion in this post.  If you are interested, you can check them out for yourself.  But I will say, for those who choose to check it out, my comments are slanted toward one side of this discussion in a way that does not completely reflect my more holistic view.  But, when I first commented, one side far out-numbered the other.

To check out or join the discussion, click: A Wordless Gospel.