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The goal of these opening sections is to describe the Second Peter Theory and inspire you not to reject it out of hand. Critical reading is very important and I hope that you will approach this text critically, seeking the Truth that is (hopefully) contained herein, while clarifying and criticizing it's inevitable failings. Hopefully, working together as author and reader, we can arrive at an understanding of Christian Spiritual Development that is superior to any produced by either one of us alone.
I've had the chance to present this material on multiple occasions over the past few years. One thing I have noticed is that some of my listeners frequently get defensive. While their reactions are personal and individualistic, I have noticed a couple of patterns in those reactions.
I've noticed that some people respond to the Second Peter Theory with what I call Doubt-based Defensiveness. Some listen to the presentation of the Second Peter Theory and have doubts because they are unsure of the correctness of the theory. That doesn't mean that they, necessarily, think the theory is wrong, they are just uncertain about it's correctness. They may have been exposed to a variety of other attempts to describe Christian Spirituality and come away disappointed. I can understand such a reaction. I have felt similarly many times. Also, in listening to the presentation, they sometimes become aware that, while there is much in the theory that is true to Scripture, there is also material presented that sounds more like the thinking of a Psychologist. This perception is correct. While I have striven to be as exegetically-sound as possible, before I retired I was a licensed, doctoral level Psychologist. So, at times, I tend to sound like one. Doubt-based Defensiveness is completely understandable. All I ask is an open hearing and a willingness to consider whether or not the theory seems to make sense.
A second response I have noted to my presentations of the Second Peter Theory takes the form of what I have called License-based Defensiveness. Some listeners tend to react defensively because they do not want someone telling them what they should or should not do. I can't tell you how many times I have heard someone ask: “Who are you to tell me how to live my life?” These people seem to seek unfettered freedom of personal expression. It seems that they are concerned that, if they accept the theory, they will feel it necessary to limit their potential range of action. This reaction is understandable as well. If someone honestly approaches the text of Scripture it is clear that they will find many things that will call upon them to constrain their range of potential action. It's not just me. The Scriptures themselves place marked constraints upon the behavior of Christians. To the degree that the Second Peter Theory is acting within the will of God and is exegetically-sound, then one should expect that limits on behavior would appear here too. So, if License-based Defensiveness is one of your reactions, ask yourself: “Who wants me to do this?” If you believe that this author is the one trying to coerce you into changing, then you are free to walk away and forget everything I'm saying. On the other hand, if you believe that the Spirit of God is speaking to your heart and asking you to change, you'd be wise to pay attention to Him! God is Someone you really want to listen to. If what I'm saying presents God's will to you, don't get mad at me. I'm just the messenger. Maybe together we can figure out how we can all walk more closely with Him in His way.
Some may doubt the theory because they recognize that this theory is the work of a man, as opposed to the simple word of God. Frankly, looking at my life, I am frequently embarrassed to be speaking on such a topic, given the failures I have endured across my years. If it was just me, I wouldn't be doing this. Yet, I have a good teacher. "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things . . ." (John, 14:26, NASB, 1973). Clearly, any failings are mine and not the Spirit's.
As one considers these reasons for doubting, it would seem that some are reasonable and some are so opposed to the Scripture that they simply 'don't get it'. "But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised." (1 Cor 2:14, NASB, 1973). Simply put, it is not unreasonable to be careful and tentative about theory. Theory, especially about spiritual topics, would seem to hold both dangers and potential benefits.
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