I have been attending a Southern Baptist church since nine months before I was born. I have never been a member of a church that was not Southern Baptist, nor attended a non-SBC church on a regular basis. I am a Southern Baptist preacher's kid, and my parents served as SBC missionaries for one term while I was growing up. I was educated at an SBC-affiliated college and graduated from Southwestern Seminary. I am pretty much Baptist born and Baptist bred. And I have always assumed that I would serve out my years as a pastor of a Southern Baptist church. That is still my hope and goal. I … [Read more...] about Toward Forging a New SBC Majority
STOP IT! A Plea for Grownup Conversation in the SBC
The problem in the SBC is not primarily theological. I believe our theological issues and discussions mask a deeper spiritual problem, a heart problem that is demonstrated in abundance as we speak to one another. We all say we can live together and walk in unity, united around the BF&M, our sound and simple doctrinal statement to which all involved in this debate subscribe. Dr. Mohler, in his recent response to the traditionalist document, pointed out that we should be glad we are discussing something like the theology of salvation. We are not arguing over whether the Bible is true or … [Read more...] about STOP IT! A Plea for Grownup Conversation in the SBC
RESOLUTIONS SUBMITTED TO THE SBC 2012 ANNUAL MEETING BY WM. DWIGHT MCKISSIC, SR.
The following three resolutions were forwarded to the Resolution Committee for their consideration to present to the Southern Baptist Convention 2012 Annual Meeting in New Orleans: Resolution on Same-Sex Marriage and Civil Rights Resolution on Racist Statements in Mormon Source Documents Resolution on the Recognition of Baptist Minister, George Liele, as America’s First Missionary The first Resolution deals with same-sex marriage and civil rights; and it was primarily authored by Pastor Eric C. Redmond with minimal contribution, but full affirmation, from me. We are submitting it as … [Read more...] about RESOLUTIONS SUBMITTED TO THE SBC 2012 ANNUAL MEETING BY WM. DWIGHT MCKISSIC, SR.
A NOLA Bloggers’ Get-Together?
One of the things I like to do at the convention is meet people I've only known through blogging. I've wondered about getting together and having a bloggers "meet and greet and eat" at some point. I wondered about the following. 1) We could meet at Cafe Du Monde after the last session of the Pastors Conference on Monday night. 2) We could meet for lunch in the food area that is by the displays - either Tuesday or Wednesday. 3) We could meet at another place (reasonably priced - not all of us are as rich as CB Scott) for a meal, but someone who knows the area better than I do needs … [Read more...] about A NOLA Bloggers’ Get-Together?
Calvinists, Non-Calvinists, Traditionalists: Nomenclature Issues in the SBC
Let me start by saying two things: I understand the arguments that have been made in favor of "traditionalist" as a designation for those who are Baptists but do not subscribe to the Calvinists' so-called "Doctrines of Grace." They have been called Arminian, but most bristle at that. They have been called anti-Calvinists and there are certainly a few of those around, but there are a lot of people who reject Calvinism but do not reject Calvinists. The most common term has been non-Calvinist. But people do not want to be known simply by what they do not believe. However, in spite of … [Read more...] about Calvinists, Non-Calvinists, Traditionalists: Nomenclature Issues in the SBC
ERLC Trustees Reprimand Land, Cancel His Radio Program
The trustees of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission have reprimanded Richard Land twice and have cancelled his radio program "Richard Land Live." While they did not terminate him, the reprimand is a serious thing and the cancelling of the program was a fairly aggressive step. He was reprimanded for the statements about the Trayvon Martin case made on the radio program. He was reprimanded for plagiarism on the same radio program. The radio program will be cancelled as soon as is contractually permissible. The trustees noted that while Land's plagiarism on his radio program … [Read more...] about ERLC Trustees Reprimand Land, Cancel His Radio Program
Calvinists: What Do You Want from Traditionalists?
So here is the turnabout in the interests of fair play. This is a Calvinist-only forum. My question to you is the opposite of what I asked to the "traditionalists" earlier. What is it that you want from the "traditionalists?" They are not going away and they are not going to adopt Calvinism. So, short of acquiescing to Reformed Dogma, what do you want from them? If Calvinists and non-Calvinist, traditionalists are going to partner together in the SBC's missions endeavors, what is it that you desire from them? Speak the truth with grace. Other than perhaps asking a question for … [Read more...] about Calvinists: What Do You Want from Traditionalists?
“Traditionalists” – What Do You Want from Calvinists?
I'm going to ask our Calvinist readers to stay off this one. This is a question for those who have self-designated as "traditionalists." I will delete comments from Calvinists on this post. This is a non-Calvinist forum today! You may state your views without argumentation here. I may ask a question for clarity, but you have the floor today. Here is the question I hope some of you will answer - honestly and graciously. What is it you want from Calvinists in the SBC? Obviously, there are three simple solutions. Calvinists could abandon their doctrines. Calvinists could leave … [Read more...] about “Traditionalists” – What Do You Want from Calvinists?
We are SO tired of talking about Calvinism, right?
Here's our graph of our stats over the last couple of weeks. Notice anything? … [Read more...] about We are SO tired of talking about Calvinism, right?
“A Plague on Both Your Houses” – The Calvinism Debates in the SBC
Mercutio was caught in the middle of the warring houses of Montague and Capulet. He ended up getting killed during a battle between Romeo and Tybalt - an unintended but tragic consequence of the blood-feud that had gripped Verona. We are Verona, and the Calvinist Montagues are in battle against the non-Calvinist, "traditionalist" Capulets. Both sides claim the others started it. Both claim that they are serving God and that the other side is the one responsible for most of the trouble. "It was them! We only responded to what they did." This "eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth" attitude … [Read more...] about “A Plague on Both Your Houses” – The Calvinism Debates in the SBC