Many who commented on Sprinkle’s tweet about the episode voiced their appreciation for him having a conversation instead of simply giving a hot take. “You exhibited the ‘pause,’” said one. “Not responding to the wave of outrage. I knew you would eventually address it and you did, in a thoughtful, respectful and kind way. Most of all, to Glorify God and hopefully lead more of the church to do the same.”
Others had a problem with the idea that people should not have commented on the excerpt without more context, particularly since Butler’s book is not yet published and since most do not have a personal relationship with Butler.
Expecting people to give Butler’s book a chance after being repulsed by the excerpt is like expecting them to buy a whole box of cereal at Costco after being disgusted by the sample they tried, said user Erin Harding.
“As somebody who has read literally thousands of books as a professional researcher and editor, a full chapter is *more* than enough context to tell anybody what the whole book will be like,” another responded.
Dr. Juli Slattery wrote an article saying that Butler took his metaphor “too far,” but that “we are blind to the danger of not taking this metaphor seriously enough.” She said, “Instead of reading a blog or book through the lens of seeking what is offensive, we must also read with the curiosity of what we can learn from our brothers and sisters in Christ.”
