Mark Driscoll (founder of Mars Hill Church in Seattle, Washington) recently posted some excerpts from a conversation he had with Wayne Grudem, arguably one of the most influential theologians of our day. Grudem's Bible Doctrines book has been the text for the in-depth Theology Study Group I've been having such a great time leading all summer.

Mark Driscoll asked him which doctrines he would encourage young Christian leaders to devote themselves to studying as they prepare for what potentially lies ahead theologically. Below is Wayne Grudem's answers in short:

1. Scripture —He said that every issue ultimately hinges on one’s view of the inerrancy, authority, and truthfulness of Scripture in every way. He encourages all young Christian leaders to make sure that deep within them is a love for and trust in every word of Scripture as God’s perfect revelation to us.

2. Authority — He said that he sees authority as a pervasive problem in our culture. As we talked, it became clear that what he meant is that people profess to be Christians yet refuse to submit to God’s authority, including Scripture, and people God has ordained to be in loving authority, such as godly parents and pastors.

He summarized his points by saying that he aspires for Christians to believe whatever God says and obey whatever God commands.

How awesome is it to hear the wisdom from mature Christian leaders as they pass it on to the next generation (see also GWM post dated August 1). It seems to me that the biggest issue for young Christian leaders today may simply come to down having the humility to listen to those who have gone before us.