Anthony T. (Tony) Evans: Carnal Christianity

by: DanielLaLondJr.
Total views: 7
Word Count: 491

False teaching has always been in the Christian church. In the first century church the doctrine of Jezebel (Rev. 2) crept into the minds of unwary believers. And in contemporary Christian circles spurious doctrine assumes the form of a cadaverous crossbreed dubbed the "carnal Christian."

One outspoken proponent of this carnal Christian doctrine is Dr. Tony Evans. All of Dr. Evans' statements quoted in this article are from his booklet The Carnal Christian which is posted on his website. Contrary to Christian history, but in accordance with his alma mater, Dallas Theological Seminary, Dr. Evans harvests this theory from 3 verses in 1 Corinthians chapter 3:

"I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual men, but as to men of flesh, as to babes in Christ. 2 I gave you milk to drink, not solid food; for you were not yet able to receive it. Indeed, even now you are not yet able, 3 for you are still fleshly. For since there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not fleshly, and are you not walking like mere men?" 1 Cor 3:1-3

"It is possible," insists Tony Evans, "to be on your way to heaven but be of no earthly good because you compromise your faith...notice that Paul calls them brethren." At the time of this rebuke Paul did include these Corinthians in the family of believers. From this passage, however, Dr. Evans continues his slide down a slippery slope of unsupported claims. Consider Dr. Tony Evans' carnal Christian:

- "Simply defined, carnality is a spiritual state in which a born-again Christian knowingly, willingly, intentionally and persistently lives to please and serve self rather than Jesus Christ."

- "Committed Christians may fall into sin, but a carnal Christian bathes in it. He has the mindset, motivation and methodology of sin."

Because Paul used the term "brothers" and "carnal" (or worldly) to refer to the Corinthians is it necessary to postulate that they could remain as much and still be saved as Tony Evans maintains? Not if the scriptures are our rule. If the Corinthians remained in a "carnal" or "worldly" state they would be in serious trouble. Consider Paul's admonishment to these "brothers" later in 1 Corinthians (Dr. Evans overlooks this passage though it clearly bears on the subject):

"Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God." 1 Cor 6:9-10

The "carnal Christian" isn't taught in the bible and not even a hint of this doctrine may be seen in any confession or teacher that I have studied. It's not found in the Ante-Nicene writings, the Westminster Confession or the Baptist Confession of 1689. Neither is it found in the works of Luther, Arminius, Calvin, Edwards, Whitefield, Wesley or Finney. Dr. Anthony T. Evans' "carnal Christian" is fantasy not theology.

About the Author

Daniel LaLond Jr. is a writer and a minister. His book, The Lying Promise, examines the gospel teaching of Tony Evans. The Lying Promise also analyzes teachings such as the carnal Christian, eternal security and false grace.  

More Articles from: Christianity