Joel Rainey is the Director of Missions at Mid-Maryland Baptist Association, an adjunct professor at Capital Bible Seminary and blogs at Themelios (Twitter - @joelrainey). Last month, the Christian music community was shocked to hear of the pending divorce between musicians Derek Webb and Sandra McCracken. After 13 years of marriage, the couple announce the dissolution of their union due to Derek's infidelity. As a pastor of more than 20 years, my heart breaks every time I hear of a couple splitting up. I've been in those counseling rooms, and the visceral emotions and long-term damage … [Read more...] about The Kissing Cousins of Divorce and Heresy (by Joel Rainey)
A Memorial Day Tribute (by CB Scott)
America is at war. As of yesterday, 05-24-14, the number of men and women of the American Armed Forces who have given their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan was 6,805. It is highly possible that before anyone reads this post another father or mother will be notified that their daughter or son will not be coming home. Another young wife or husband may get the news that his or her spouse paid the ultimate price. A little boy may learn that his daddy will never coach him in Little League again. Some little girl may come to the realization that when she gets ready to go to her high school prom, her … [Read more...] about A Memorial Day Tribute (by CB Scott)
“When Heaven and Earth Collide”; A Review of a Book and a Pastor (by Bob Cleveland)
Bob blogs at "Eagles Rest", is a good friend and has been around blogging many years. I just finished reading "When Heaven and Earth Collide ... Racism, Evangelicals, and the Better Way of Jesus". Its author is Alan Cross, a pastor in Montgomery, AL, who happens also to be a personal friend. But before my observations of what I saw in the book, a few notes about the author. I met Alan in 2006 or 2007, as we were involved in some mutual projects involving Bloggers and the SBC. Shortly after, in February 2007, Alan slept on a cot in our hotel room that CB Scott and I had reserved. Alan had … [Read more...] about “When Heaven and Earth Collide”; A Review of a Book and a Pastor (by Bob Cleveland)
Dwight McKissic to Nominate Dennis Kim as SBC President
Here is the text to our friend Pastor Dwight McKissic's letter expressing his reasons for nominating Dennis Kim as SBC President. Here is a link to an excellent article by Shannon Baker on the nomination. It has a lot of good background information. WHY PASTOR DENNIS MANPOONG KIM, TH.D, NEEDS TO BE THE NEXT PRESIDENT OF THE SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION by WILLIAM DWIGHT MCKISSIC, SR. MAY 20, 2014 If God wanted something other than a family, He would have had us to call Him something other than Father. The first recorded words of God’s Son make it crystal clear that the Father’s business … [Read more...] about Dwight McKissic to Nominate Dennis Kim as SBC President
Good news: Lottie Moon Offering expected to be an increase over last year (by William Thornton)
William Thornton is the SBC Plodder. The International Mission Board will announce the 2013 Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions at the convention next month but is "estimating a $3-5 million increase" over the $149.3 million offering for 2012. This would mean the largest Lottie Moon offering in history, something around $153 million. In 2006 and 2007 the LMCO went above $150 million but not since and never above $150.4 million. While the offering is short of the $175 million goal, the unrealistic goal that was set in 2009 and kept each year since, it is a healthy … [Read more...] about Good news: Lottie Moon Offering expected to be an increase over last year (by William Thornton)
The Mirage of Same-Sex Marriage (by Paul Thompson)
Paul Thompson blogs at "The Bridge." In her statement released on Tuesday, May 13, 2014 U.S. Magistrate Judge Candy Dale said, “After careful consideration, the Court finds Idaho’s Marriage Laws unconstitutional.” (full ruling)I thought that I should read the ruling before offering a response. I’ve just finished reading the ruling. Wow, that was not easy. First the positive effect of reading the ruling; my vocabulary has now deepened. The value of reading the ruling will help me know how to express my thoughts. I now know what I’m responding to. The ruling will not go into place … [Read more...] about The Mirage of Same-Sex Marriage (by Paul Thompson)
Resolutions for the SBC Annual Meeting (by Wm. Dwight McKissic, Sr)
RESOLUTIONS ON: 1. The NFL Same-Sex Kiss and Their Failure to Recognize Kenny Washington; 2. The Washington “Redskins” Racially Insensitive and Racist Mascot; 3. Amending “Stand Your Ground Laws” In States That Have Such Laws. By William Dwight McKissic, Sr. Cornerstone Baptist Church Arlington, TX Whereas, the God of the Bible who is “the same, yesterday, today and forever more” is omnipotent and omniscient, therefore, keenly aware and concerned about the affairs of mankind (Hebrews 13:8, Malachi 3:6, Matthew 6:24-34), Whereas, “the church of the living God, the … [Read more...] about Resolutions for the SBC Annual Meeting (by Wm. Dwight McKissic, Sr)
Just how are our seminaries stacking up these days? (by William Thornton)
Editor's Note: A separate post called "Seminary Infographics" has been posted that demonstrates some of the data that William and Bart have been discussing. When I visited seminaries back in 1978 prior to enrolling, I went to Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary which was touted as the largest seminary in the world. Put together bold-talking Southern Baptists and tall-tale Texans and you've got a recipe for some heavy, heavy trash talking. Largest IN THE WORLD! Largest IN HISTORY! Impressive, though I chose not to attend. How are things looking these days? Well, it depends on the … [Read more...] about Just how are our seminaries stacking up these days? (by William Thornton)
A Response to Miller’s “Amyraldian Antinomy” (by Eric Hankins)
Before I begin, let me express my gratitude to Dave Miller for his willingness to let me post here at Voices. He has been generous with space while allowing me to offer perspectives at variance with his own. This is the true spirit of constructive debate. This post is my response to his response to my response to Nathan Finn’s response to the “Traditional Statement” (TS) on Southern Baptist (SB) soteriology, which is our response to New Calvinism in the SBC, which is the Calvinist response to non-Calvinism in the SBC. I imagine that this sort of back-and-forth is off-putting to some who see it … [Read more...] about A Response to Miller’s “Amyraldian Antinomy” (by Eric Hankins)
How Southern Baptists are Destroying Their Distinctives – Sort Of (by Nick Graves)
I received this submission anonymously a couple of days ago. I thought it was worthy of posting, but am reluctant to post anonymously, unless there is a good reason. So I emailed the anonymous "Baptist Person" who submitted it. Lo and behold, he identified himself a Nicholas Graves. He was posting anonymously because his mother and my sister are the same person. Be nice to Nick. With his family background, he deserves sympathy. As a layman who has interest in my favorite denomination, I have some observations about Southern Baptist distinctives and ways we may be shifting away from them. … [Read more...] about How Southern Baptists are Destroying Their Distinctives – Sort Of (by Nick Graves)