Dave Miller

We spend a lot of time on blogs arguing over issues that exist within the gray areas of theology - doctrines that folks who love God and love his Word have disagreed about for centuries. But there are some issues that are absolute and clear in the Bible, but are often simply ignored. Too many disregard the clear teachings while we obsessively dipute the gray areas. I'm asking you to consider one of the clear teachings of the Bible today - a common and consistent theme in the words of Jesus and the writings of the Apostles.  Let's look back to the words of Jesus in the Sermon on the … [Read more...] about Loving our Enemies: A Matthew 5:44 Challenge

I am pleased to publish for our readers this statement from the First Baptist Church of Crystal Springs, MS, in which they express repentance over the racism that existed in the church.  Here is the text of the statement that was read Sunday.  According to BP, the church stood in affirmation of the statement after it was given. A Statement of Restoration and Reconciliation We the members of the body of Christ known as First Baptist Church Crystal Springs do this day affirm our unchanging belief that Jesus Christ is Lord of the church. Our church is indeed His church. We recognize that He, … [Read more...] about Affirming First Baptist Church, Crystal Springs, and Their Repentance

I got a direct message on Twitter from a friend when I got home today, asking why he had been placed on moderation. Somehow, our computer had read him as a new user and blocked his comments until I approved them. But that started me thinking how often people seem to have mistaken ideas about how we operate here at Voices, and what I do here. So, I thought I would share a few facts I have shared before.  Several times recently, I have been asked questions that indicate that there is widespread misunderstanding about how we work. Frankly, some of that is intentional. There are people out … [Read more...] about Correcting Misconceptions about SBC Voices

Saw this at Denny Burk's site. If you didn't see it there (and shame on you if you don't read Denny regularly!), here it is.  Iowa is proud of our champ, even if she is a transplant!   … [Read more...] about Gabby Douglas Interview

I am a conflicted blogger. I love blogging and I love this site, and yet I am often concerned about whether the way we do things is the right way. There can be little doubt about the popularity and expanded impact of blogging. But the question still remains as to whether what we do is spiritually productive. Are we an asset to the kingdom or do we hinder God's work? If we are going to improve our work, a little self-reflection is in order.  I think there is a simple way for each of us to review our own record as bloggers - to do a little self-evaluation that could help us.  Here's my idea; … [Read more...] about A Suggestion for Better Baptist Blogging

The last (hopefully) iteration of the Indiana Jones franchise, "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" has spawned a slightly more modern version of the widely-used term, "jumped the shark." That term refers to a point at which a TV program's popularity peaks and it begins its downhill slide; a referenced based on the "Happy Days" episode in which Fonzie ski-jumped over a pit of hungry sharks. In Crystal Skull, Indiana Jones hides in a lead-lined refrigerator to protect himself from a nuclear blast. The lead fridge not only protected him, but the blast propelled him to safety. … [Read more...] about Have Some SBC Critics “Nuked the Fridge?”

NOTE: I have just released a book which compiles (and edits and expands) these posts. It is called "Disqualified? What the Bible Says about Divorce, Remarriage and Ministry."   It is available on Amazon.com. The Kindle version will be released in the next couple of days - not sure what the hold-up is there. This book reviews the biblical evidence on divorce and remarriage, beginning with the cornerstone in the Old Testament - the twin principles of God's intent of marriage as a lifelong covenant between a man and a woman and the understanding of the brokenness caused by sin. It then lays the … [Read more...] about Is Abuse a Biblical Grounds for Divorce?

In a move that was predicted by many after the controversy that occurred earlier this year, Dr. Richard Land has announced his retirement from the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, effective in October of next year. Baptist Press' article can be found here. When the trustees of the ERLC reprimanded Land and took away his radio program after racially insensitive remarks about the Trayvon Martin tragedy and the plagiarism allegations were made public earlier this year, many expected that Land's retirement was imminent. It is probably the best solution to the situation. Land will … [Read more...] about Richard Land Announces His Retirement (October 2013)

I was very critical, in an article yesterday, of a Baptist church that refused to perform the wedding of a black couple in their church. Some have been critical of the pastor, Dr. Stan Weatherford for his actions. I have not bashed him for two reasons. First, I know he was faced with a difficult choice. He probably wishes he made a different one.  But there is a second reason.  I once walked in his shoes. It was nearly 25 years ago and I was a young preacher. I look back on my own actions with less than complete satisfaction.  I hope I would do differently now. If you have pastored in a racist … [Read more...] about A Story of My Own Failure in a Racial Challenge

The Clarion-Ledger newspaper of Jackson, MS, is running an article today detailing overt racism at a church that is evidently affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention, according to the Mississippi Baptist Convention's church directory and on the SBCnet church search. There is nothing on their website that identifies the church as Southern Baptist (thank God).  However, they are listed on both the SBC and MBC websites as part of us and the stain of their racism is on all of us until we do something about it. I would encourage you to follow the link above and read the story before you … [Read more...] about Shameful, Public Racism in an SBC Church: A Test Case for Racial Reconciliation?