Dave Miller

I've seen arguments about this for years, and people whose judgment I generally respect seem to land on both sides. I think I generally understand it, but I am not sure I get all the ins and outs. The way the supporters describe it, it seems like it should be a no-brainer, then others come along and point out how the internet functioned well for a long time before Net Neutrality was put into effect. So, if you are FOR Net Neutrality, why? If you are against Net Neutrality, why? What are the issues? Effects? Please feel free to use forceful verbiage against those who hold positions … [Read more...] about Can I Get Some Help? Why Is Net Neutrality A Big Deal?

Random thoughts after the divisive Alabama Senate race and the tragic story about Judge Pressler. 1. It is time that character becomes an issue once again in American politics.  The truth is that sin, hypocrisy, and all kinds of darkness have always been a part of the American political landscape. But not too many years ago, Christians held politicians to a certain lifestyle standard if they were going to gain broad support. A thrice-divorced man who boasted of bedding multitudes of women, many married, or a man accused by 9 women of sexual assault would not have gotten an evangelical … [Read more...] about The Day After: Random Thoughts in a Weird World

NOTE: I made a correction in my original post. I had said that no accusation had been made against Dr. Patterson of a cover-up. I was directed to page 33 of the lawsuit where in fact such an accusation is made. The accusation is not proof of course, but my assertion that there was no accusation was not accurate. It is a sad day for the Southern Baptist family. We do not know the outcome of this. Perhaps in time the allegations will be disproven and dismissed, or perhaps they will not. But today, one of the luminaries of the Southern Baptist Convention has felt the sting of accusation. An … [Read more...] about Judge Paul Pressler Accused of Molestation in Texas Lawsuit

After nearly four decades in this job, I believe it is fair to say that the ministry presents unique challenges. No, despite what we like to say when we are together boasting about who is the busiest, we preachers don't work harder than anyone else. Every job has its stress and the people in our pews work hard and carry burdens just as we do. But there are challenges that face the man behind the pulpit (or sitting on the stool?) that the person in the pew may never understand. I have lived in a pastor's home all my life - first as a pastor's son and then as a pastor. Our families have all … [Read more...] about To Be Like Christ: When the Knife Sinks Deep

We are going to be changing some things around here the first of the year (hopefully, if all goes well). We still intend to write the same kind of soul-stirring, mind-expanding, convention-altering blog posts (am I laying it on too thick?) that we've always done, but we are also beginning three regular features - and you can help with those. They will be daily features Monday through Friday. (NOTE: the names are preliminary - they could change). In the Word: We had a great time last year promoting expositional preaching at the Pastors' Conference. We want to keep that up by beginning … [Read more...] about The New and Improved (?) SBC Voices

Will it be Ohio State or Alabama? Will the committee send up the white smoke and surprise us all by selecting Southern California? I don't know. By the time church is done today, I will. I have the selection show on my Tivo and the interwebs will be screaming it. I'm glad I won't have to watch the whole show as they drag out the naming of four teams over 60 minutes. Really? And we know this - there will either be weeping and wailing coming out of Columbus or Tuscaloosa. Before I make my point, let me make my prediction. I will make the startling prediction that Clemson will get … [Read more...] about Let’s Talk Football: Fix The Bowl Selection Process

Jesus says some strange and difficult things in the Gospels. Some just leave us confused and some are downright mind-boggling. But in John 16:7 he says something that most of us simply do not believe – even though we are inerrantists! Nevertheless, I am telling you the truth. It is for your benefit that I go away, because if I don’t go away the Counselor will not come to you. If I go, I will send him to you. Don’t worry, the disciples didn’t believe it either. He told them that he was going away and that he was doing so for their benefit. It is a remarkable assertion. The Spirit would be … [Read more...] about Baptist in the Spirit, Part 6: Jesus’ Shocking Words – The Spirit in Us Is Better than Jesus with Us

Who got outed today? It is likely that in both Hollywood and Washington, DC (as well as many other places) there are celebrities, politicians, and news figures hoping and praying (if they do that) that their past misdeeds will not be the next to surface. Anita Hill broke the ice with her vivid testimony against Clarence Thomas, which he called a "high-tech lynching." When Bill Clinton's sexcapades were revealed it was still shocking. When soon-to-be President Trump bragged about sexually assaulting women, evangelicals lined up to support him anyway. Hollywood mogul Harvey … [Read more...] about Responding to the Pandemic of Sexual Misconduct Allegations