We live in a world where offense is inevitable. Sometimes it seems as if we are looking to be offended by everything. Therein lies our problem, according to John Bevere. In his book, The Bait of Satan, Bevere highlights the problem with taking every little thing to heart and offers a pathway out of the trap of offense.
Summary
The main argument presented in The Bait of Satan by John Bevere is that humans are too soft. In particular, Christians are too sensitive. Christians will leave a church if they feel overlooked in the slightest sense. Such an urge to quit is actually bait that Satan uses to keep believers in a cycle that ultimately prevents spiritual growth, according to the author.
We Are Overly Sensitive
I agree that humans are too sensitive at times. We sometimes search for the negative instead of looking at the positive things in life. John Bevere is right to point this out in his argument and to also present the spiritual implications of Christians living to be offended. Forgiveness is not possible while having a mindset that holds on to every wrong people have done to us.
But What Is The True Definition Of Offense?
One main issue I have with Bevere’s argument is his failure to truly define the word “offense.” When I think of someone being offended, I’m thinking along the lines of, “Okay, someone did something you didn’t like, and that bothered you.” The thing you didn’t like, in my mind, is minimal such as cutting someone in line, or reaching over them in the grocery store without saying,
“Excuse me.” Abuse is not on the list of things I view as simply offensive.
It seems John Bevere disagrees with this definition. While the author acknowledges that abuse is wrong, he subtly advocates for staying in abusive ministries, which causes me to believe his definition of the word “offense” is more broad.
Are We Covering For Abusers In The Name Of “Unoffendable”?
The problem with having a broader definition of “offense” that includes staying in abusive ministries in hopes of leadership having a change of heart is that the lines get blurred. This leaves the door open for individuals to defend abusers in the name of being “unoffendable.”
In his book, John Bevere uses the story of Tamar, David’s daughter, who is raped by her brother, Amnon, in the Bible. David does nothing to give his daughter justice, which is his job as both Tamar’s father and the king of Israel. Tamar’s other brother, Absalom, learns of Amnon’s trespasses and ultimately kills him. Absalom essentially does what his father should have done.
It is not too far-fetched to argue that Absalom’s actions were the direct result of David’s inaction. Had David led well, then Absalom would not have murdered his brother and later organized a coup to attempt to take the kingdom from his father. John Bevere says something a bit different in The Bait of Satan.
According to Bevere, Absalom was acting out of offense when he killed his brother and became bitter towards his father. Had he waited to see what David would do, then all of the murder and division could have been avoided.
My question to this perspective is, when does Tamar get justice? She was a virgin who was preyed upon, raped, and defiled for life by her brother, Amnon. How long was she expected to walk around in ruins while her abuser went on with his life?
The Bait of Satan by John Bevere could be an interesting read for seasoned Christians. I would not recommend this book to new believers and individuals on the fence about Christianity.