I assisted in a funeral Sunday afternoon. That is the occasion when the coats and ties in my closet rejoice that they will see the light of day because otherwise they stay put. The funeral was for a friend and longtime member of the church from which I retired. I joined the current pastor and another former pastor in doing the service. It was, as I like to put it, a triple header. All went smoothly. It was a good funeral. The lady was a believer, a faithful church member, and had lived a long life. As is the custom these days there was not only the preachers preaching and sharing anecdotes, … [Read more...] about Cringeworthy funeral moments
SBC Issues
Unto Us a Child is Born
In the absence of other content, I thought I'd post a short series I've done on Isaiah 9:1-7, focusing on the four names assigned to our Savior in 9:6. Here is the overview of Isaiah 9:1-7. Joy to the world, the Lord has come Let earth receive her King Let every heart prepare Him room And Heaven and nature sing The miraculous events of Bethlehem took place over 2000 years ago now, but many of the promises attached to the birth of Christ have yet to come to fruition. The world we live in has not prepared room for the king, heaven and nature do not sing, and Jesus does not rule the world … [Read more...] about Unto Us a Child is Born
Criticism and the SBC: Part 2 – Criticizing in Love
I watched a video recently decrying the feminization of men in the modern church. The speaker valued things like aggression and even anger as masculine and admirable. A while back a blogger wrote an article challenging the "idolatry of unity" - we cherish love and unity to the point where we are afraid to condemn sin and challenge error in the church. Perhaps there is a nugget of truth in these observations, but there is much to be wary of and much to reject. The fact is, as I noted in my first post, the Bible says much more about love and unity than it does about confrontation, about "calling … [Read more...] about Criticism and the SBC: Part 2 – Criticizing in Love
Criticism and the SBC—Unsequenced, Unexpected Part (Different Author)
I'd just like to jump in alongside Dave's series on criticizing the SBC and offer some niche thoughts, fresh and relevant, perhaps. I'd entitle this one: "How to express directly to trustees your criticism of their actions or to deliver to trustees your opinion about an unresolved matter presently before a board of trustees." Before proceeding, let me say this: What follows are in no way whatsoever a set of "rules" to follow for communicating with trustees. If you are a member of a Southern Baptist church, you can communicate with trustees any way you like. There are no rules. And it may be … [Read more...] about Criticism and the SBC—Unsequenced, Unexpected Part (Different Author)
BREAKING NEWS: SBTS Releases Report on Slavery and Racism in Its History
Dr. Albert Mohler and SBTS have just released a groundbreaking document called "Report on Slavery and Racism in the History of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary." I gave it a quick perusal, so I am not going to offer much analysis at this time, other than to say that this kind of honest appraisal of our history is needed among Southern Baptists. A PDF of the full report is available here. The report begins with a letter from Dr. Mohler with an overview and explanation. It is helpful and is copied here inn full. Dear Friends: We are living in an age of historical reckoning. … [Read more...] about BREAKING NEWS: SBTS Releases Report on Slavery and Racism in Its History
Fort Worth Star Telegram Report on Sexual Abuse
The Forth Worth Star Telegram has published a four part series detailing a culture of sexual abuse within the Independent Fundamental Baptist Network. The series was written by Sara Smith. She reported on the Paige Patterson situation earlier this year, and, from my research, has been a leading journalist in exposing abuse in religious institutions and denominations. If you have time, go read the series. It is scary. The Star Telegram interviewed over 200 people who were subjected to all kinds of abuse including rape, intimidation, and underage sex. The perpetrators, in most cases, … [Read more...] about Fort Worth Star Telegram Report on Sexual Abuse
Criticism and the SBC: Part 1 – Criticizing God’s Way
We always struggle with how to criticize the SBC and its leaders. Many of them, frankly, don't like it much and we don't enjoy doing it. Giving criticism will always put you in the crosshairs for others' criticism (or the silent treatment, or...). We have often found ourselves playing defense against the outrageous and inaccurate criticisms lodged against the SBC and its leaders by angry Baptists with an ax to grind. Now, the tectonic plates have shifted and we are in a position to speak critical words about things we see in the SBC. The SBC Voices team is made up of loyal, supportive, … [Read more...] about Criticism and the SBC: Part 1 – Criticizing God’s Way
What I Learned When My Position Was Mocked
It was my favorite class. At least for the first half of the semester. I loved the passion with which the professor destroyed the arguments of opponents. His words helped to deepen my faith and my convictions. And I appreciated his humor and wit. He had a special way of pointing out the ignorance of those who disagreed with us theologically. Then I became a them instead of an us. The class wasn’t as fun anymore. His wit wasn’t humorous it was biting. His arguments weren’t air tight they seemed over confident, silly, and as if they weren’t presenting my side in the best light. He didn’t … [Read more...] about What I Learned When My Position Was Mocked
STOP Complaining about Pulpit and Pen – BLOCK Them!
It happened again a couple of days ago. Shock. Outrage. Twitter lit up because the men at Pulpit and Pen said something outrageous, racist, sexist, and homophobic. Honestly, who could have seen that coming? I am not going to repeat what they said. The shameful rhetoric would even rile some who share JD Hall's views. But it was not shocking that P&P did something like this. Shameful, unChristian, vicious attacks are the stock in trade of JD Hall and Seth Dunn and have been for years. There is no evidence of the Fruit of the Spirit or even the desire to display such - just the will to … [Read more...] about STOP Complaining about Pulpit and Pen – BLOCK Them!
The Forgotten Theology of Rights & Revolution (Ken Hamrick)
Was the American Revolution a sinful undertaking? Were the “unalienable rights” written about in the Declaration of Independence not really “endowed by [our] Creator?” It seems to me that the Evangelical church may be forgetting the theological basis upon which our independent nation was established. Triablogue featured a linked video of an interview of John MacArthur by Ben Shapiro, in which Rev. MacArthur denied that Christians ought ever to be involved in revolutions. Shapiro asks, (at 17:04), “…So, early on, you mentioned that you weren’t sure that the American Revolution is in … [Read more...] about The Forgotten Theology of Rights & Revolution (Ken Hamrick)