There are a lot of Christian voices out there dropping books and conferences like toddlers drop food at the dinner table. Some of it seems so good, but sometimes the people that we’ve grown to love or follow go south. Or at least seem to be on a whole new trajectory. How do we become wise women who can identify bad theology? Today Andy Hlushak joins the SPF Podcast to give 8 great filtering questions we can ask to be discerning women.

Question and Answer: Which Women Teachers Can We Trust?

I recently received a question about how to discern what is good and biblical when looking to purchase Bible studies and books by Christian women. “I know critical thinking is what is truly needed, but what red flags can we look for?”

What a great question! So I brought my husband on this episode who gives us 8 things to look for to make us discerning women. 

Before the questions – you can always go to your pastors/elders at your church. They should have good recommendations and discernment to help guide you to a study or book.

AND – this applies to all bible studies and book authors, not just women – the question received was specifically asking about women teachers. 

Which women can we trust? Ask these questions:
1. How do they view Scripture?
2. How do they view the sovereignty of God?
3. What is their reputation?
4. Who are her friends who are her enemies?
5. Is she anthropocentric or theocentric?
6. Is her worldview to change or discover?
7. How do they apply the gospel to all of life? Or are they dualistic, separating faith and life?
8. Where do they fall in history?

If you feel overwhelmed:

• Start with Scripture! You don’t need a Bible study to study the Bible!
• Go old school – check out old Christian authors who have proved faithful and finished well. Puritans like Jonathan Edwards and William Bradford; Charles Spurgeon.
• Feel freedom to stop a study if you think it’s not a biblically sound choice after starting it.

Resources

Inductive Bible Study Guide – from Andy Hlushak / www.newcitydenver.org