Pretty shocking.
Andy Stanley is son of Charles Stanley, a Baptist minister in Atlanta area. I have occasionally come across his radio or TV programs and he was solid Bible fundamentalist.
I am fairly certain Andy’s dad would not agree with his theology.
Guess in this case, the apple fell pretty far from the tree—and it rolled a fair distance too :(
I attended FBC Atlanta with Charles Stanley for the four years I was in college at GaTech (it was within walking distance of the campus.) The Charles Stanley style of church is very different from the Andy Stanley style. Charles spoke to “the body” of believers so that as a group we would be prepared to go out into the world and spread the love and salvation of Christ. Andy, however, not only invites and welcomes non-believers and those who are far from God into his church, but they are the target audience of his sermons! Consequently, Andy is approaching these issues from a different perspective. His terminology must be seeker-sensitive so his message can be digested and received by unchurched people. Different styles are awkward and uncomfortable - we are creatures of habit - but different isn’t necessarily wrong or bad. Andy is correct that Jesus calls his followers to a higher standard than that established in the 10 commandments. He is just following up that expectation with the realization that we lose focus on the freedom and life of the New Covenant when we build monuments to the pillars of the Old Covenant. The Old Testament is supremely important as it is the word of God - but, it must be considered in context - we have a risen Savior; we are no longer looking forward to his initial arrival here on Earth.