inquisition or truth-seeking?

An email from my son:
I just came across this article and thought it might give you some insight about Bethel: http://www.rogereolson.com/2010/08/14/is-there-one-evangelicalism/ Roger Olson was a professor here (and the liberal arts school to which he refers is Bethel). He captures many of my reasons for ambivalence toward the term evangelical. I'd enjoy hearing your thoughts.
My reply:
There's no telling what our friends will do or say. They're free to behave as heros or goats. I don't know the specifics of the "inquisition" that Dr. Olson refers to, but I suspect it's Piper's ax-grinding (some might say "witch hunting") regarding Boyd's doctrine. Despite this report that makes me sad about how people on all sides perceived and experienced the episode: even if Piper's approach was completely wrong, it puts me in the same position I find myself when someone I love, like a child or my wife, does something I cannot abide: do I break fellowship or agree to disagree? I've been on both sides: broken fellowship very rarely; or agreed to disagree and endure the accompanying tension pretty often. In the latter case, sometimes we antagonists back off so we don't annoy each other too much in the meantime; that's an ok tactic, in my opinion. It doesn't mean that we hate each other. It might be the best way to pursue love--to avoid stirring up an intractable situation. You and I have been in that boat. All that is to say, my affection for Piper and his teaching is unchanged. I am continually impressed by the rigor of his thinking and the tenderness of his heart. I agree with his position on God's sovereignty, and although I struggle with his view on the place of women in ministry, I can't find anything to dispute it scripturally (at least, nothing that has a compelling argument). And I am passionate about one who he historically has had some categorical opposition to, and that is the group of charismatics at the International House of Prayer in KC, specifically Mike Bickle. All I need to do to feel persecuted is to do a search on either Piper or Bickle, and the results will be salted and peppered with large doses of accusations of heresy for both of them and their ilk. Welcome to effectiveness in ministry: whether its Billy Graham or Bishop Sheen or Desmond Tutu, there are those who will call them demons. Too bad, for it's their Lord who will judge them. It's for me to counsel my children when a teachable moment arises about the strengths or weaknesses I see in one or another's position/doctrine. I've heard Greg Boyd speak, and he's gifted. But he's not my pastor/teacher. John Piper is. And so is Mike Bickle. I'll just have to live with that tension! love, Dad

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