Thread by @JoshDaws

Read this today. Beware any evangelical leader that a) denies that there’s any such thing as an inner circle of evangelical leaders (evangelical elite) or b) denies having any temptation to temper what they say in order to stay in or gain entrance. 1/ lewissociety.org/innerring/

As Lewis says, there’s nothing inherently wrong with an inner circle. It’s the desire to be within it that can become disordered and lead to compromise. That’s a major theme of Hamilton most vividly expressed through Aaron Burr’s desire to be in the 🎶Room Where It Happens🎶. 2/

Those of us who have been critical of evangelical elites err when we assume anyone in these inner circles (and there are many levels) is there because they compromised. Many faithful Christians do excellent work and(or?) through the providence of God find themselves inside. 3/

Once inside, however, there are powerful incentives not to do anything that will put them on the outside. Those probably differ for each person. Some like the camaraderie they find inside. Some need the work. Others like the prestige of being invited to speak at conferences. 4/

When critique comes from the outside, granting it any legitimacy automatically aligns you somewhat with those outside, so the tendency is to ignore it or dismiss it lest you jeopardize your position within the inner circle. 5/

This is why many solid, theologically conservative leaders have been slow to acknowledge problems with CRT, Anti-racism, covid restrictions, and elite evangelicals themselves. 6/

It’s not until a prominent figure within the circle has the courage to legitimize these concerns (Trueman, Mohler, Keller) that others on the inside feel comfortable acknowledging problems without risking their status as insiders. 7/

Just look at the flood of evangelical elite introspection sparked by Galli’s admission that, yeah, the critiques of “Big Eva” have validity. Suddenly it’s okay to acknowledge elite desire for respectability that had been repeatedly denied or dismissed for years. 8/

Now at this point certain evangelical elite would object that they are not driven by any desire to be on the inner circle. They would point to their brave departure from evangelicals in their strenuous denunciation of Trump. 9/

There’s a problem with that, however. Their inner circle has never been enthusiastically supportive of Trump. It’s true that their circle might be within a larger circle that contained some enthusiastic supporters, the people they most closely aligned with were not. 10/

Remember that the reasons someone wants to be in the inner circle vary from person to person. Just because someone has risked angering donors does not mean they are immune from these desires. It might mean their inner circle has different incentives. 11/

I should mention that this is not just an elite evangelical phenomenon. All of us have inner circles we’re a part of or would like to be a part of. 12/

It’s also possible to become disillusioned with your inner circle and break ties to gain admittance to another circle. 13/

I suppose the point of all this is to encourage us to examine ourselves. Identify your inner circle. What are the sacred cows or forbidden topics that would place you on the outside? Is there any validity to critiques originating outside your circle? 14/

What little compromises (if any) have you made to maintain your position within or gain admittance to the inner circle? Whose behavior or errant teaching are you overlooking to avoid identifying with those outside the circle? 15/

I am not calling anyone to publicly break ties with their inner circle. God gives you influence for a reason. This is just a reminder to be faithful where you’re at. Honestly wrestle with your motivations. Be willing to resist compromise and risk your position as an insider. /16

“Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!”
Psalm 139:23-24 ESV 17/17