Dave Miller

Two excellent articles which take varying sides of this debate have been written by card-carrying members of the SBC Voices family.  It is interesting that intelligent and cogent arguments can be made on both sides of this. I am greatly relieved to find out that Howell Scott was sick during the convention.  I thought he was just avoiding me as I tried to find him.  Glad he's better and writing good articles (even if he continues to be the counterpoint to some of my points).  Go to "From Law to Grace" to find his article "Southern Baptists & the Homosexual Culture." Earlier today, … [Read more...] about The Mohler/Homosexuality Debate Continues…

Since we left Phoenix last week, the buzz has been about the Peter Lumpkins question and Al Mohler's response.  We have dissected the exchange, analyzed them, autopsied them and elevated it to legendary status.  However, if Peter had not gone to the microphone during the SBTS report, we might have spent this time talking about the resolution on immigration, which was the most pointed discussion we had at the convention. Here is the Resolution in full for you to read, and I will have some comments below. ON IMMIGRATION AND THE GOSPEL June 2011 WHEREAS, The Kingdom of God is made … [Read more...] about “Immigration and the Gospel” – the SBC’s Real Controversy

Here is it, folks. You can watch the entire exchange and make your minds up. Fair warning, emotions are running high on this issue. This site will not be hosting a "bash-a-thon" for either participant in this exchange. Let's deal with the content of the discussion (well, the question and the answer.) … [Read more...] about Al Mohler’s Response to Peter Lumpkins: The Complete Video

I am more encouraged about the direction of Southern Baptists and their future than I have been in a long time. Reading blogs you can get an enhanced sense of our division and splintered nature.  We do indeed face real problems and challenges, no question about it. But I think that there is a growing sense of unity among certain groups (there are those who are determined to fight - and they have legitimate points to make) but there is a sense of optimism here that may or may not have come through the feeds. Bryant Wright did a great job.  There was neither much controversy, nor any … [Read more...] about Leaving Las Vegas (tomorrow – and Phoenix today)

There is a protest going on here by pro-homosexual groups.  It's not much of one - I haven't even seen it, except on twitter.  They say that we are purveyors of hate and discrimination, oppressing homosexuals out of hatred, fear and bigotry. On the other hand, there are those who claim that key leaders in the SBC are compromising in their views on homosexuality. Yesterday, a homosexual recovery group (which our friend Thom Hunter works with) was given time on the stage to describe their ministry.  I can't flesh this out much, but I think that there is a new approach developing. Here is … [Read more...] about Is it a New Day for Baptists and Homosexuality?

OS Hawkins gave an impassioned explanation of how Obamacare will gut and destroy private healthcare plans and especially how destructive it would be to church and denominational plans. He urged us to vote next year to elect folks.who will defeat Obamacare . Most political statement so far. But he made a lot of sense. … [Read more...] about Guidestone and Obamacare

We took a significant ballot vote a few moments ago. A resolution was presented about immigration and an intense debate ensued between law and order approaches and redemptive view. The key question is whether illegals should have an opportunity to become legal. Passionate debate on both sides and the vote was so close a ballot vote had to be taken. Results this afternoon. … [Read more...] about Immigration Brouhaha at SBC

Baptist Press is reporting on a meeting of "SBC Conservatives" led by Kent Cochran, with about 20 people in attendance.  I have no idea who was there (the details of the meeting were kept secret and attendees names withheld).  I would make the following observations and points. 1)  The beauty of the SBC is that anyone can meet and can express their opinions.  We are a free church/free convention.  They let Wiley Drake speak about 500 times yesterday.  In reality, for all the talk by groups on all sides of being marginalized, no one in the SBC is marginalized.  Become a messenger, come to … [Read more...] about What is this Small Group of “Baptist Conservatives”?

Kevin Ezell's first NAMB report was pretty much boilerplate SBC agency reporting - testimonies, encouraging stories, videos of work being done.  That is not a criticism, it's a fact.  In these reports, the agency heads highlight the good work being done by their agency and they all follow a fairly similar pattern.  It is good to hear the good things that are happening through our SBC schools and missions agencies, but the reports do have a certain sameness. But then, Ezell engaged in some straight-shooting with the Phoenix crowd, helping us to "Define Reality".  He used Jesus statements in … [Read more...] about Straight Talk from Kevin Ezell

The motion to form the GCR study committee died the death of all SBC motions - referral. I thought there might be a move to.fight referral but it didn't happen, at least not yet. There was a."moment" during presidential nominations when Wiley Drake nonated himself after David Platt renominated Bryant Wright. My hope is that Wiley will get less than 1% as the SBC says a resounding no to his nonsense! There is a good.spirit here today. … [Read more...] about Convention Business