I think for some folks that is true, but I know really solid guys who stick their noses high in the air when you mention MacArthur. When you ask why, they will always prevaricate and say something to the effect of "I don't want to speak ill of a brother in Christ, but I dislike his work" and refuse to elaborate.
I know he puts the smackdown on charismatics, but these guys aren't charismatic.
First, his Calvinism turns some people who are not Calvinist off.
Second, some are mad at him for not signing the Evangelicals and Catholics Together document.
Third, he has been very bold in addressing the seeker-sensitive church problem.
Fourth, he blasts Christians who get into politics. This is a point I do not agree with him on entirely. But I've decided, so what! He is so solid on the Bible and theology, and that's what I read him for. If I want an expert on politics, I refer to an expert in that field.
MacArthur is a very important voice in the world right now. He is truly devoted to the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Nothing else matters compared to that. And our churches are in a bad way.
He is a long time student of theology and he can get on that topic and sometimes put some people off. That's a shame. He is unique in that he sees his ministry audience very broadly. He has his own church, speaks on the radio to average joes around the world, he supports a college, and he is a shepherd's shepherd (he ministers a lot to other pastors). Overall, I think he is brilliant. Although I think he might suffer from a common problem of fame, that is, too many adoring fans. I think, therefore, his critics provide an important role for him -- oddly. It forces him to constantly examine himself and his own teachings. It's a role I doubt those around him can provide, because he is just so much more gifted than the average person. The temptation is to just praise praise praise, and so I think he needs the detractors, even if their motives are bad.
TRANSLATION: He's a heretic Calvinist!