We’ve been discussing (or trying to discuss) whether it is appropriate to “name names” in regards to false teachers, and if so how would this be done biblically. I wonder if this also applies on the other end of the spectrum.
We see naming names in Scripture, including both Old and New Testament, so I would think this would be a given. Of curse, there is no question for most of us that those naming names (the Prophets, Christ, Paul, Peter, et cetera) had an authority that was unquestionably from God. So I think if we examine when they did this, we will find that one primary factor is going to be seen: false doctrine. It wasn't just a matter of personal dislike, those named were violating the revealed will of God.
If by the other end of the spectrum you mean false teachers naming names, sure. But generally it is not a direct and specific naming, but more general (can't attest to what takes place in every fellowship). An example might be Dr. Michael Brown's address of MacArthur's Strange Fire. A direct address naming names. I wouldn't exactly call Brown a "false teacher," because I am confident he is a sincere believer. But he is definitely on the "other side" (not the Dark Side, lol), doctrinally speaking.
Many of the fellowships that take a name like "Bible Believing Baptist" are naming names in their very name. Go into one of these fellowships and the mentality is "We actually believe what the Bible teaches (as opposed to regular Baptist folk)."
We all have certain people that we turn to for teaching. There are commentators that resonate with us, that we trust, and that we know God has put there for our benefit and our teaching. The issue, of course, is that we do not always agree on who these people are. Is there a sense where Christians take to “naming names” in regards to validating doctrine rather than dealing with the doctrine itself?
Sure. It works both ways. For me, my advice to new believers is "Get yourself a MacArthur Study Bible." Not because MacArthur is to be thought of as flawless in doctrine, but because the cross-referencing in this study Bible is phenomenal. If MacArthur presents his view of a passage, he backs it up with a cross reference to a similar teaching or event in Scripture, and this is one of the best ways to conclude on a doctrine, to look at what the entire Bible has to say on that subject. Most people are self willed to the point where despite who it is they sit under, they are going to formulate a personal Theology. While many will adopt the views of their teachers, there is still going to be issues where disagreement arises.
Secondly, I think an important issue to consider, one I think we can all relate to, is that certain teachers will minister to believers according to the stage of development. A newer believer might here Sproul, for example, and not understand what he is talking about. They might better understand someone like MacArthur.
Third, consider that there are two types of believers in regards to Eternal Security (which I think is a primary Doctrine most will have an opinion on, and early on will not have a resolved position), we have those who without any doubt embrace Eternal Security, then those who, for a number of reasons, question this. For the former, MacArthur may "resonate," for the latter, Alistair Begg might resonate. Both are similar in views, but, if we listen to their teachings we will see that in regards to Eternal Security, the doctrine is approached differently. For those new in faith that are confused about how works impact our salvation, a teacher who teaches stronger in regards to our daily conduct might suit better. This doesn't mean I think MacArthur teaches a hyper grace message, he doesn't, but, I think he is far more clearer on this topic than most. In other words, he does not confuse the student like some do.
So now I have just submitted a few comments and I have named names. I have commented on a few and presented my understanding of them.
I see nothing wrong with that.
God bless.