This seemed as though it was worthy of a follow-up article. Dr. Rainer responded to Robert Downen (one of the best religion journalists in America) of the Houston Chronicle. His response is even more troubling, calling LifeWay's actions into question. It seems as though LifeWay is jumping to the lawsuit without much of an effort at all to find a more Christ-honoring and irenic way to solve it. The Chronicle is running a special (99 cents for 12 weeks - well worth it). Sign up if you want to read the article, but here is Rainer's statement. I was saddened to learn late yesterday of the … [Read more...] about Rainer’s Response Makes Mandrell’s LifeWay Lawsuit MORE Troubling
SBC Issues
Why Is Ben Mandrell (and LifeWay) Suing Thom Rainer?
The SBC is sounding plenty of sour notes these days - political roilings and wranglings, theological false accusations, racial unrest, schism, and discord abounding. In an environment such as this, the icing on the cake would seem to be another lawsuit between prominent Southern Baptists. Just what 2020 ordered, right? Last night, I was given a PDF of a lawsuit originating from Ben Mandrell and LifeWay against the former president, Thom Rainer. It was filed yesterday. I'm not sure how clear my COVID-infested brain is and so I'm reticent to opine on legal issues on which I claim no expertise … [Read more...] about Why Is Ben Mandrell (and LifeWay) Suing Thom Rainer?
You want SBC villains?
Then lock and load because all SBC leaders have giant, bright red bullseyes on their back. Sadly, it's part of our system. I diverge from almost all SBC leaders - the number of which includes entity heads, celeb megapastors, influencers, and others - on a few things but not enough to leave or participate in a new and needless CR. There has to be a way that we consider ourselves on the same side against the devil, debauchery, and societal deterioration. There also has to be a way for Bible believing churches and people to join together in favor of the Gospel, grace, goodness, and … [Read more...] about You want SBC villains?
Still no report from the ERLC study task force
The SBC Executive Committee voted back in February to form a study task force to “review the past and present activities” of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC). It was reported at the time that the task force would report back to the Executive Committee by September. The EC met today virtually. Not a word was mentioned about the ERLC study task force. The abbreviated meeting was held online due to safety concerns related to the pandemic. EC Chairman Rolland Slade said that he hopes to have a full meeting in February. He said, "We all know that there are a number of … [Read more...] about Still no report from the ERLC study task force
Discussion over our name is not a new thing
If you follow Southern Baptist news (and why wouldn't you) then you are aware that recently the discussion about changing the name of the SBC to "Great Commission Baptists" has been brought back to the forefront. One of the main reasons for this is the announcement of the theme for 2021 Annual Meeting in Nashville. In what is either a brilliant move of marketing, an epic troll, or more likely a desire to promote the gospel the theme will be "We Are Great Commission Baptists." Baptist Press reports that the theme connects to the effort by many to use the name approved by SBC Messengers in … [Read more...] about Discussion over our name is not a new thing
State conventions and legacy spending; unchecked financial hemorrhaging here in Georgia
The state conventions in the south (and, counting some border states one might take sixteen of these which would account for ninety percent or so of all SBC metrics - churches, members, money, CP giving, mission giving, etc.) have been around for a long time, many preceding the founding of the SBC in 1845. Some SBC history nerd can inform me as to which state convention will be celebrating their bicentennial soon. My state, Georgia, has a state convention that was founded in 1822. Likewise, several institutions that are or have been connected with the GBMB and which are funded in part by them … [Read more...] about State conventions and legacy spending; unchecked financial hemorrhaging here in Georgia
Nine Takeaways from LifeWay’s Theology Report (Scott Douglas)
It's fitting to write this while our church is hosting a weekly homeschool community through Classical Conversations. CC's motto is "To Know God and make Him known." It permeates everything they do. I hear my wife singing to her group of "Apprentices" about the Boston Tea Party and the class directly across the hall is using a clap/stomp beat to learn Latin. At the core of the CC curriculum is knowing God, who is the author of Truth and has revealed Himself to us. Recently the 2020 State of American Theology report was released by Lifeway Research. For research nerds this was like Christmas … [Read more...] about Nine Takeaways from LifeWay’s Theology Report (Scott Douglas)
Building Better Baptists: Forging a Solution
Life always gets in the way of blogging, and it has happened again. I started a series a few weeks ago called “Building Better Baptists.” My premise is that our problems are not denominational or structural, but heart problems. Today, I read a Facebook post in which a pastor accused our president of defunding the IMB. If you know anything about J.D. Greear, you know his church is our most active in sending missionaries and funding the IMB, yet this pastor had no guilt about publicly posting an accusation against the character and integrity of this man of God. This kind of false accusation is … [Read more...] about Building Better Baptists: Forging a Solution
We Are Great Commission Baptists – I HOPE!
I’ve tried to avoid rants recently, but sometimes us old codgers (after Sunday, I’m one year more codgery after all) just need to codger. Our president, J.D. Greear just announced the theme for the 2021 convention in Nashville. We should be rejoicing that there are VOWELS in it, but I saw several people grousing about his chosen theme, “We Are Great Commission Baptists.” Back in the dark ages, we appointed a name-change committee to see about the possibility of changing from being the SBC to something more reflective of who we had become – a nationwide Baptist convention. We ran into two … [Read more...] about We Are Great Commission Baptists – I HOPE!
SWBTS, Baylor, Sue over Alleged Patterson Attempt to Change Foundation Funding
Southwestern Seminary and Baylor are suing the Harold E. Riley Foundation and its trustees over what they allege is an illegal attempt to divert funds from the schools contrary to the foundation's purpose and bylaws. I skimmed the lawsuit and read the story, but I cannot pretend to have an in-depth knowledge of the facts of this case. You can read the full story in the Religion News Service story on the lawsuit, by Bob Smietana. The lawsuit itself is available in PDF form. The suit alleges that the Riley Foundation was established in 2002 to provide funds for SWBTS and Baylor, granting the two … [Read more...] about SWBTS, Baylor, Sue over Alleged Patterson Attempt to Change Foundation Funding