I've heard the mantra for at least a decade now: "Southern Baptists are known more for the things we are AGAINST than the things we are FOR!" It's a pretty decent applause line for a sermon. I've probably used it myself somewhere along the way. But I'm beginning to rethink the logic behind it, for reasons I will explain. Frankly, I'm not sure we can solve this problem ourselves because the perception others have of us is actually the factor driving the concern. This places us at the mercy of those who have never proven merciful to us in the past. The problem is not so much our position as … [Read more...] about Why I’m FOR Being AGAINST
Will Calvinism Shed A Tier?
Dr. Albert Mohler is to be credited for promoting a helpful theological grid which assigns to each doctrine a level of importance for Christian faith and practice. While his theological triage framework is conceptually sound, one cannot help but wonder about the convenience with which he somewhat avoids the placement of Calvinism. In the above article, for example, no specific mention is made of soteriology, unless one interprets it as among "any number of issues related to the interpretation of difficult texts," a classification rendering it in the relatively unimportant third-tier category, … [Read more...] about Will Calvinism Shed A Tier?
We Can Work It Out!
The extent to which the Southern Baptist Convention is being Calvinized is a subject of considerable debate. A Baptist Press article in 2007 compared a 2006 Lifeway Study claiming 10% of Southern Baptist Pastors were Five Point Calvinists with a 2007 NAMB New Minister study claiming that nearly 30% of recent seminary graduates were Five Point Calvinists. Although a 2010 Barna study seems to contradict this idea of a growing Calvinism, most observers of SBC life accept the prevailing view that a New Calvinism is being embraced, especially at Southern and Southeastern Seminaries. A problem … [Read more...] about We Can Work It Out!
A Sad State of Affairs
The similarities are striking. Both men were in their early fifties with high profile jobs and strong ties to the state of Arkansas. Both were involved in extramarital affairs with women in their early twenties. Both brought enormous pain and shame upon their families and the institutions they represented. Both scandals received national attention from the news media and led to serious investigations of misconduct. Both men initially denied any wrongdoing and attempted a coverup to avoid having the relationship exposed. Both investigations clearly revealed an adulterous relationship … [Read more...] about A Sad State of Affairs
Beyond the Southern Baptist Land War
Apologies and offenses notwithstanding, at least one profound underlying issue lies at the heart of the recent conflict over remarks made by Dr. Richard Land, President of the Southern Baptist Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, and it is not the false notion that Dr. Land is a racist. A fair reading of his record on this issue going back several decades clearly demonstrates otherwise. No, the question I wonder about concerns whether there exists, in the area of racial reconciliation, a level playing field for the sharing of concerns and demanding of apologies among those of every ethnic … [Read more...] about Beyond the Southern Baptist Land War
An Alternate History of the Baptist Name
BETHANY (AP) - Reports from the Jordan River today indicate that John the Baptist, a religious leader known for immersing repentant sinners in water, will no longer allow himself to be called the "Baptist," as described in one written account by a former tax collector known as Matthew. When asked why the name removal was necessary, John replied, "Our focus groups have indicated that people are rather turned off by the whole 'Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand' idea. We want to remove any hindrance to their acceptance of our message. Thus, we are also considering changing our diet from … [Read more...] about An Alternate History of the Baptist Name
Acts 29 and Bad Science Fiction Movies
Congratulations to the Acts 29 Network for selecting a President in Matt Chandler who is altogether less controversial than Mark Driscoll. The issues with Mark's explicit visions, his edgy sex book, and the church discipline controversy seems to have provided a lot of baggage that this organization did not need. I am certain that these factors would not be cited by leaders as reasons for the change, but the move to Dallas and the transition in leadership can only help this organization to become more acceptable both in Southern Baptist life and in the evangelical world at large. While I have … [Read more...] about Acts 29 and Bad Science Fiction Movies
Twenty POLITE Reasons to Oppose GCB (Part Four of Four)
In this final installment of the series, I will (1) discuss the complications of setting a double named convention precedent, (2) expose the weaknesses of existing GCB associations, (3) articulate the limitations inherent in a functional rather than geographical name, (4) suggest that the GCB name may be linked to a GCR agenda that is itself less than unifying, and (5) take issue with the timing of this name change proposal during such a transitional period of Southern Baptist life. Following these last five reasons, I will seek to organize all twenty reasons into four general categories … [Read more...] about Twenty POLITE Reasons to Oppose GCB (Part Four of Four)
Twenty POLITE Reasons to Oppose GCB (Part Three of Four)
Taxonomy is the science or technique of classification. When a body of material becomes large enough, it is helpful to organize it and classify it, not only for listing purposes, but also to provide an easy and fairly thorough source of reference. When I began this project of defining twenty specific reasons to oppose GCB, my purpose was to provide concise, one paragraph explanations in order to clarify, without the use of inflammatory language, the principles undergirding my opposition to GCB. Unless the arguments of GCB opponents could be stated clearly and rationally, I had grown concerned … [Read more...] about Twenty POLITE Reasons to Oppose GCB (Part Three of Four)
Pastors Conference Shout Out
Just when I thought I was a stranger in my own denomination, Dr. Grant Ethridge invites a list of actual Southern Baptist Pastors to preach at the Southern Baptist Pastors Conference. This list is certainly not complete, and I'm sure there are likely to be a few outsiders invited to the party, but it's pretty hard to go wrong with David Jeremiah, David Platt, Fred Luter, Johnny Hunt and Jack Graham. A year ago, we were embroiled in a bit of controversy over this conference. I suppose there is still time for that to develop, depending on the remaining speakers. But so far, from my … [Read more...] about Pastors Conference Shout Out