(NOTE: Danny Akin has graciously responded to this post. His comment is #113.) (Editor's Note: I have closed comments on his topic. We've all said our piece. There is no value to mud-slinging and I doubt much productive will come from continuing this discussion. If we have done nothing else, we have established that contrary to what was insinuated, there is no significant drinking problem at SEBTS. ) I just posted on why I love blogging, and soon after posting, I was directed by a friend to Peter Lumpkins' latest post, "Here Come Those Boozin' [young, cool, and hip] Baptists: A … [Read more...] about Responding to Peter Lumpkins re Alcohol and SEBTS
Why I Love Blogging
It is fashionable to disrespect blogging. State conventions have passed resolutions focused on the evils of our pursuit. The new NAMB president showed utter disdain for those of us who write online, saying that we all wear housecoats and live with our mothers. Several prominent bloggers have for various reasons either left blogging behind or cut back dramatically. I have no doubts that blogging sometimes takes more of my time than I should probably give it. And there are certainly times when blogs get out of hand. Wild and unsubstantiated rumors sometimes fly, and people can dig their … [Read more...] about Why I Love Blogging
Whither Discernment?: A TV Show that Gives Me Little “Glee”
Many of you will think this post is strange, but I am the paterfamilias of a show choir family. Family History My first two sons sang in the youth musicals at church, but never caught the show choir bug. It all started in my third son's freshman year. I had coached him in both basketball and soccer in middle school and he was headed to high school with his father's high hopes for a good athletic career. His world, and mine, changed when a friend invited him to show choir tryouts. Show Choirs always need guys so Ben went and auditioned. They made him dance captain that day (thats … [Read more...] about Whither Discernment?: A TV Show that Gives Me Little “Glee”
A Moderate’s Playground: My View of the Conservative Resurgence
Recently I opened a blogpost for the discussion of sports. It has been a great diversion – I love sports, probably too much. But that post has served two purposes. It gave us a chance to talk about sports while also keeping the sports trash-talk (something I consider a moral imperative) off the other posts. If you want to post about the Hawkeyes, the Yankees, or any of the lesser teams out there, you have a place to go. There is a small group of bloggers who seem to come by Voices for no purpose other than to talk about the Conservative Resurgence that restored the SBC to its … [Read more...] about A Moderate’s Playground: My View of the Conservative Resurgence
IMHO: Blog-posts Worth Reading 10/6/2010
I have read two posts this morning that I think are well worth your time to read. I will link to them and encourage you to go there. Alan Cross First, Alan Cross, who has been one of my favorite bloggers for some time, has a powerful article called "The Failings of Christendom." He says, "Christendom is the establishment of Christianity (or a version of it) as the state or accepted religion in the larger culture. It is the syncretism of Biblical Christianity with the goals and purposes of the prevailing world system, creating a mixed civil religion that looks Christian in its forms, … [Read more...] about IMHO: Blog-posts Worth Reading 10/6/2010
Commenting Philosophy at SBC Voices
I appreciate the intelligent and lively discussions we have here at SBC Voices. I thought it would be good for me to say a little bit about my philosophy and approach here. I have made a few small changes since I was appointed editor, and so I thought I should let you know my philosophy and policies for blogging and commenting. First of all, the point here is to have an open discussion of current trends and issues in the SBC and to deal with biblical topics. We do not have a single viewpoint here. We have contributors who are five-pointers and other who see n0 point in Calvinism. We … [Read more...] about Commenting Philosophy at SBC Voices
Books that Shaped My Life and Ministry
What are the books that have formed your views on ministry or have helped you to be more effective in what you do? I’m going to share mine. You share yours. Tell us the books you have read that have shaped and formed your ministry. Let’s all agree that the most important book is the Bible. We believe that the Bible is our final authority and shapes our lives and ministries more than any other book. We know that. The topic of discussion is other books which God has used in your life. 1) “Liberating Ministry from the Success Syndrome” by Kent and Barbara Hughes This book traces … [Read more...] about Books that Shaped My Life and Ministry
PLEASE! Enough of the “God’s Man” Tactic, Okay?
We are waiting for IMB to follow in NAMB's footsteps and name a new president. My hope is that when they make their nomination, they will forgo the "We have found God's Man" tactic that was used by NAMB trustees and their search committee. Ted Traylor, Bryant Wright and others put on a full-court press for the nomination of Kevin Ezell as NAMB president. They designated him as “God’s Man” for the job. Before I dig in, let me say that I think that Kevin Ezell may just be exactly the man we need at NAMB. NAMB needs a visionary leader – he seems to be that. NAMB needs integrity – everyone … [Read more...] about PLEASE! Enough of the “God’s Man” Tactic, Okay?
Cooperative Program Reality Check: Is the CP Really Our Sacred Cow?
Before I say some things that might rankle some feathers here, let me say that I am a supporter of the Cooperative Program. In the nearly 30 years that I have been a pastor, I have served 4 churches (3 as “senior” pastor). Two of those churches gave 20% or more through the CP. My last two churches have hovered in the 12 percent range. I say all that to point out that I am not saying what I am going to say to excuse my own CP failures. I’m not sure what you consider an acceptable CP standard, but all four churches I’ve served have, I think, met that standard. When I was convention … [Read more...] about Cooperative Program Reality Check: Is the CP Really Our Sacred Cow?
CB Scott’s Personal Playground: A Sports Blog for SBC Voices
Since CB Scott has insisted on publishing constant drivel about the Albalama Crismon Tripe football team (yes, I'm bitter - my Hawks lost this week), I thought the best thing to do would be to provide him his own dedicated blog post which will be specifically for sports-related posts. Here are the rules: 1) Trash-talking, as long as it is good-natured and clean is strongly encouraged. 2) Those who diss the Tide will be commended. 3) Those who diss the Yankees or the Hawkeyes will be warned, then punished. Not sure what the punishment will be yet, but I will try to make it fit the … [Read more...] about CB Scott’s Personal Playground: A Sports Blog for SBC Voices