In previous installments in this series, I have discussed Brick Wall issues, in which Christians should take an uncompromising stand for the essentials of the faith. I have discussed Picket Fence doctrines on which Christians should hold to their convictions on secondary matters while maintaining friendly relationships with their Christian brethren who have different convictions. I have discussed Dinner Table doctrine - matters on which we disagree but do not divide at all. And finally, I have been talking about Personal Space issues - lifestyle issues on which each Christian is supposed to … [Read more...] about “Is It Okay for a Christian to…?” Identifying Personal Space Issues (Brick Walls and Picket Fences 15)
My Journey: Changing Views of SBC Leadership
I got into blogging to "fight the power." I did not like the now-infamous IMB policies, which prevented Baptists who were in full cooperation with the BF&M 2000 from serving as missionaries if they did not kowtow to a narrow view of Baptist identity. I was infuriated by them and motivated to do what I could to make a change. Since about the only route available to me was blustering on blogs, I blustered. I saw myself as some sort of modern day Don Quixote tilting against the powers-who-were who were trying to take our convention the wrong way. I was especially put off by the … [Read more...] about My Journey: Changing Views of SBC Leadership
If You Want a Glimpse of the Future, Look at Ft. Worth Schools!
Read this article. A 14-year-old boy was disciplined and suspended by the administration of Western Hills High School in Ft. Worth, TX. He is an honor student who is never in trouble. However, he evidently committed an egregious crime - he expressed an opinion to a friend that homosexuality is a sin. His teacher, according to reports, went ballistic and sent him to the principal's office where he was given a day of in-school suspension and then two days of full suspension. Principle James Wellman and the administration of Western Hills evidently prize political correctness over free … [Read more...] about If You Want a Glimpse of the Future, Look at Ft. Worth Schools!
Celebrating the Yankees: The SBC Voices Weekly Sports Forum
The Yankees are in the playoffs. Rejoice. In lesser news, NCAA football is being played. And in the who cares category, there is NFL football as well. Talk amongst yourselves. … [Read more...] about Celebrating the Yankees: The SBC Voices Weekly Sports Forum
Dr. Nathan Finn: Words We Need to Hear!
At Between the Times, Nathan Finn has just posted a powerful call to civility during the discussion of the name-change. It is called, "The Southern Baptist Convention: Name that Denomination." If I say "pretty please" will you promise to go read it? He explains his ambivalence toward the name change, and then issues a call for civil debate of the topic. I’m urging my fellow Southern Baptists (even those who don’t want to be called that anymore) to be as civil and Christ-like as possible. I seriously doubt that the overwhelming majority of those who want to change the name are closet … [Read more...] about Dr. Nathan Finn: Words We Need to Hear!
Helpful Articles on the SBC Name-Change
Is the SBC going to remain the SBC? That question is at issue right now. Obviously, our president Bryant Wright's appointment of a task force to study the issue has ignited a firestorm in the SBC and especially among us house-coat wearing basement-dwellers. Our traffic yesterday was incredible as this dispute broke out - we usually only see those kinds of numbers during the Annual Meeting. People are interested in this topic. I thought it might be helpful to list some of the helpful blog posts for those who want to acquaint themselves with this issue. Obviously, I have published … [Read more...] about Helpful Articles on the SBC Name-Change
Maybe These Folks Can Advise the Task Force
Is This What Solomon Had in Mind?
Probably not. … [Read more...] about Is This What Solomon Had in Mind?
Why the Overreaction?
As I have read blogs and comments today, I am again discouraged about the way that some Baptist Bloggers blog. Bryant Wright announced yesterday that he is forming a task force to study the ramifications of a name change. There are, I believe, some good reasons to change the name. There are some very good reasons to be careful about jumping into that - legal issues, money, the question of whether it will really work. Some of the commenters here have raised those issues and I thought they made sense. Why can't we just have a discussion of the merits of the case? Why must some act as … [Read more...] about Why the Overreaction?
The ??? Baptist Convention: Considering Bryant Wright’s Task Force Recommendation
I thought that Bryant Wright did a great job leading the SBC last year in Phoenix. Now, he is at the top of my buddy list again for appointing a task force to study the issue of changing the name of the SBC. I've been through this debate before and I have made my views clear - that our regional name is an unnecessary hindrance to SBC growth outside of the deep south. I would love to see the name change happen, but I doubt that it will anytime soon. Bart Barber has written a very different look at this, one that I understand but believe misses several points. You can read Bart's opinion … [Read more...] about The ??? Baptist Convention: Considering Bryant Wright’s Task Force Recommendation