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
Politics
The Church and Politics
You might read the title and think this will be a controversial post. It is not intended to be controversial, just a summary of "Politics in the Life of a Church", a livestream event featuring Jonathan Leeman. The event was hosted by Downtown Cornerstone Church in Seattle, and if you have time to view all three sessions, they will be posted here in the coming days. The event is broken up into three sessions, and lasts about three hours. The entire presentation is worth three hours of your time. I'll start with a summary of each session, then three good observations and three negative … [Read more...] about The Church and Politics
Open Letter to R. Albert Mohler, President, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (Rev. Joel A. Bowman, Sr.)
The SBC Deserves Better: Another Executive Committee Faceplant
The purpose and most basic task of the SBC's Executive Committee is "to act for the convention" between our Annual Meetings. Can we pause and think together about what that means – that the EC should act for the convention? There are multiple definitions of the word "for" but only one of those really makes sense in this case. The EC is supposed to work "on behalf of" Southern Baptist messengers when the convention is not in session. Can we make a basic assumption together? If the EC's duty is to work on behalf of the convention's messengers, doesn't it follow that it shouldn't act against … [Read more...] about The SBC Deserves Better: Another Executive Committee Faceplant
The EC and the ERLC: A Dangerous Overreach
First, the disclaimer. I’m on the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC) Leadership Council. Which by the way, and contrary to the belief of some phone calls I have received, has no authority or power at the ERLC but is a group of about 80 people who were nominated / chosen to “receive intentional investment from the ERLC and serve as ambassadors for the organization.” You can read more about the Leadership Council HERE. I suppose it should be said that I have come full circle in my appreciation for the ERLC as I once argued it should be dissolved. I no longer think it should and you … [Read more...] about The EC and the ERLC: A Dangerous Overreach
Week in Review: ‘Twas the Night Before Impeachment
It's time for the week in review, and since there was very little happening in our Baptist world, I give you "Twas the Night Before Impeachment." ‘Twas the night before impeachment, And all through the house, Adam Schiff could be heard Starting to grouse. The charges were written. They claimed they were fair. In hopes that the public would soon start to care. While out in his district, The homeless still slept In what ‘ere they could find Cause Schiff was inept. While Grandma needs medicine, The Democrats have been Chasing round rumors Of Trump’s … [Read more...] about Week in Review: ‘Twas the Night Before Impeachment
It’s Complicated: Hong Kong and the Church – Part 1 (Shawn Powers)
A Cry for Understanding The day started like any other. As I reviewed about a dozen messages sent me overnight, one message stood out, it was from Hong Kong. My friend wrote, If Jesus is good, why does he not just come and help Hong Kong right now? The private message, sent me through a China-based social media app known as Wechat, was from someone I know well. While living in China, I had worked with this person. I consider this person a friend, who I trust. I know this person to be a Christian. Upon reading the message, I knew my friend, who is normally cool under pressure, was … [Read more...] about It’s Complicated: Hong Kong and the Church – Part 1 (Shawn Powers)
Oh No, Chick-Fil-A caved. The World is Ending
The Twitter-verse was set ablaze yesterday as Chick-Fil-A anounced a redistribution of its charitable donations beginning next year. Conservative Christian leaders immediately took to social media to denounce the restaurant chain as cowards, compromisers, and cavers. Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee wrote via twitter: In August 2012, I coordinated a national Chick-Fil-A appreciation dayafter they were being bullied by militant hate groups. Millions showed up. Today Chick-Fil-A betrayed loyal customers for money. I regret believing they would stay true to convictions of founder … [Read more...] about Oh No, Chick-Fil-A caved. The World is Ending
A Resolution from Two Years Ago that Speaks to Our Present Reality
It's not the time of year we would normally talk about resolutions. But I don't think I ever posted this two years ago when our state convention passed it. Unanimously, by the way. This was months after the 2017 SBC when we ultimately passed a resolution condemning the Alt-right. Between the SBC's actions in Phoenix (June 2017) and the November annual meeting of the SBC of Virginia, the "Unite the Right" rally was held in Charlottesville. This resolution deals with the intersection of those events. Dwight McKissic's call for the SBC to speak against the Alt-right and White Supremacist … [Read more...] about A Resolution from Two Years Ago that Speaks to Our Present Reality
Pray for Those in Authority (thoughts for the 4th of July)
As we get ready to celebrate the Fourth of July, the birthday of our nation, let us remember the Bible's admonition to pray for our leaders. In 1 Timothy 2:1-2, Paul wrote: First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. Though the "authority" in our nation is meant to lie with the voters and the ballot box, we elect leaders to represent us. Therefore, we pray for our president, representatives, senators, … [Read more...] about Pray for Those in Authority (thoughts for the 4th of July)