SBC First Vice President and President of the National African American Fellowship of the SBC Marshal Ausberry, pastor of Antioch Baptist Church in Fairfax, VA, released the following statement this past Friday. You can also see the statement along with an interview with Baptist Press here. December 11, 2020 Over the last week and a half I have received much communication related to the Council of Seminary Presidents’ statement and related comments published in the Baptist Press on November 30, 2020. Let me say that first and foremost I and the National African American Fellowship of … [Read more...] about Response to Seminary Presidents’ Statement (Marshal Ausberry)
Social Issues
From Boys to Men: My Response to the SBC Seminary Presidents’ CRT Statement
“When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put aside childish things.” (I Corinthians 13:11 CSB) I am often asked the question, why do I remain in the Southern Baptist Convention? A recent joint statement on race made by the six seminary presidents of the SBC has brought that question back into discussion once again. The crux of the seminary presidents’ statement is as follows: In light of current conversations in the Southern Baptist Convention, we stand together on historic Southern Baptist condemnations of racism in … [Read more...] about From Boys to Men: My Response to the SBC Seminary Presidents’ CRT Statement
On Rescinding Resolutions
I’m seeing a strange suggestion being floated around social media of late and it concerns me. Most recently in the form of a tweet from the Conservative Baptist Network. On December 3rd 2020 someone from the organization posted… The post states, in part, “Furthermore, we look forward expectantly to the presidents’ cooperation with us in rescinding Resolution 9…” I believe the suggestion of rescinding any resolution is a misguided one with significant challenges and unfortunate consequences. Likely well meaning, but concerning nonetheless. For those who have expressed concern … [Read more...] about On Rescinding Resolutions
Winning the Abortion Debate in America
Pro-life Americans have long focused a great deal of attention on Roe vs. Wade. And rightly so. It is among the most unjust decisions ever handed down by the United States Supreme Court. I long for the day when it is overturned. Conservatives are rightly thrilled with the appointment of Amy Coney Barrett. If Scalia's judicial philosophy is hers, then her judicial philosophy is mine. The United States Constitution should be interpreted as it was written. If Americans don't like what was written, there's a process for amending the Constitution. But that responsibility does not belong to … [Read more...] about Winning the Abortion Debate in America
My Wife, a Teacher in the Midst of COVID-19
My wife is a hero. She is the ultimate educational “utility player.” When I met her she was a young college assistant professor. Since I have known her she has served anywhere she has been needed in both public, private, home-school and college settings. She has taught high school, pre-K, middle school, college courses and across elementary school grades (she’s a science teacher by training as well as having a Master’s in Counseling). She really is amazing. The Ultimate Utility Player. This year, the year of the Novel Coronavirus-19, she will be teaching kindergarten because that is where … [Read more...] about My Wife, a Teacher in the Midst of COVID-19
An Open Letter to Dr. Al Mohler and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary Board of Trustees Regarding Honoring the Founding Slaveholders
Dear Dr. Mohler and Board of Trustees, Greetings in the Name of our Triune God, “in whom we live, move and have our very being” (Acts 17:28). The impact you have made on the SBC and the nation will be felt for generations to come (Psalm 145:4). The purpose of this correspondence is to humbly and respectfully request that the President and Board of Trustees at SBTS remove from SBTS campus, any memorabilia of the founders: James Pettigru Boyce, John Broadus, Basil Manly, and William Williams. Why? The founders should be acknowledged and appreciated for their role in the establishment … [Read more...] about An Open Letter to Dr. Al Mohler and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary Board of Trustees Regarding Honoring the Founding Slaveholders
No, Mr. White Supremacist, I’m Not ‘Ashamed of My Race’
“Are you ashamed of your race?” I was asked that about two years ago in an unexpected conversation with a white supremacist. He didn’t “wear a hood” he told me, but knew plenty of people who did. I didn’t know that was still a thing. Call me naive. How do I answer that question? Am I ashamed of being a white person? I tried to think quickly because here’s the reality: that question had never, literally ever crossed my mind before. Sometimes you’re slow to answer because you want to word an answer carefully. This wasn’t that. I paused because I had no category and no point of reference to … [Read more...] about No, Mr. White Supremacist, I’m Not ‘Ashamed of My Race’
Remembering Is Not Celebrating (Luke Holmes)
The news has been filled lately with unrest and violence over racial strife. Part of the action taken has been the tearing down of statues across the country. A statue of Christopher Columbus was thrown in the lake after being torn down in Richmond, VA and Robert E. Lee was taken down outside of a high school in Alabama. Tearing down statues is not a new thing. I remember seeing triumphant Iraqi citizens tear down statues of Saddam Hussein. Hungarians toppled a statue of Joseph Stalin in 1956. Across the world it continues to happen in light of recent protest. A statue of slave trader Edward … [Read more...] about Remembering Is Not Celebrating (Luke Holmes)
Open Letter to R. Albert Mohler, President, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (Rev. Joel A. Bowman, Sr.)
Scriptures and Prayers for Uncertain Times
A reminder of God's greatness: Say among the nations: "The Lord reigns. The world is firmly established; it cannot be shaken. He judges the peoples fairly." Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice; let the sea and all that fills it resound. ~ Psalm 96:10-11 Father, you are the great, awesome, and mighty God. You reign over all creation. The whole earth is yours. Nothing happens that is beyond your control. Nothing surprises you or catches you off guard. Father, we are weak. We are prone to fear. We don't see everything as you see. Help us to remember your strength. Help us to trust … [Read more...] about Scriptures and Prayers for Uncertain Times