Days ago, the Gospel Coalition’s Keller Center for Cultural Apologetics published an article about the similarities between sexual intercourse and the church’s union with Christ. The article was an adapted excerpt from Arizona Pastor Josh Butler’s new book, who also is We offer full commentary here, but two brief descriptions we took exception to include:
…what deeper form of self-giving is there than sexual union where the husband pours out his very presence not only upon but within his wife?
and
Christ arrives in salvation to be not only with his church but within his church. Christ gives himself to his beloved with extravagant generosity, showering his love upon us and imparting his very presence within us. Christ penetrates his church with the generative seed of his Word and the life-giving presence of his Spirit, which takes root within her and grows to bring new life into the world.
Following some online pushback, TGC removed the article altogether, writing:
Soon, two of the book’s endorsers, Dennae Pierre and Rich Villodas issued public retractions of their endorsements. Pierre explained that she didn’t read the book before endorsing it, which she later says is an error she repented.
Rich Villodas also stated he only partially read the book before giving it his stamp of approval.
Furthermore, the IFGathering has removed his breakout session from their upcoming conference.
There has been no further comment from TGC or Joshua Butler at the time of publishing.
