by Sandy » Tue Mar 10, 2015 2:39 pm
First, note the slant in this particular article. Mohler's statements are not current, they are from a 2009 Moody Press journal article. Only Allen's comments are current.
Second, let's be honest here. There's more evaluation, discussion and criticism of preaching styles, and more professional jealousy, among preachers than among any other category of professional. Everyone has their preference, their favorite, their preferred style--usually their own--and those who develop celebrity status like Craddock are both criticized by those who don't prefer their style, and imitated by those who do. I'm not one who is impressed by the "style" or the oratorical skill of a preacher, I'm impressed when a preacher connects with me because he's connected with the Holy Spirit, and what he tells me leads to a similar encounter, whether that brings conviction, or inspiration. Personally, I've found those to be rare experiences. And I really don't evaluate preachers based on their preaching style, oratorical style, or other external factors. I look for sincerity and clarity, someone who's not just preaching a set of ideas, but who took the time to find out something about the people being preached to.
I never really heard Craddock preach, and never read any of his books. But I suspect, like any other prominent, well known preacher identified by his style, he has both his critics and his adoring fans. His name came up in the news as a result of his recent death, which made it news, and I'll bet there are some other critics who've made similar remarks as a result. Of course, the Baptist News Global is an adulating admirer of the man, and would probably express holy horror at any criticism of him, regardless of who made it or when it was made, as evidenced by the six year old statement from Mohler. But neither Allen nor Mohler is anything but respectful in their criticism. I don't think it would have taken much effort to find any of a dozen recent comments from people who were not enthralled with Craddock, but they specifically chose Mohler's comments in Moody, because their intention is to bash Southern Baptists.
Oh, and of course, there are plenty of critics here who are willing to jump on Al Mohler for just about anything, even though the quote is six years old, from a professional preaching journal, where it would be perfectly acceptable, and in the context of which any similar comment about Craddock not coming from a Southern Baptist would be seen as just a professional evaluation, not a criticism.
Last edited by Sandy on Tue Mar 10, 2015 2:56 pm, edited 1 time in total.