“When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put aside childish things.” (I Corinthians 13:11 CSB)
I am often asked the question, why do I remain in the Southern Baptist Convention? A recent joint statement on race made by the six seminary presidents of the SBC has brought that question back into discussion once again. The crux of the seminary presidents’ statement is as follows:
In light of current conversations in the Southern Baptist Convention, we stand together on historic Southern Baptist condemnations of racism in any form and we also declare that affirmation of Critical Race Theory, Intersectionality, and any version of Critical Theory is incompatible with the Baptist Faith & Message.
Initially, for the sake of unity and in the name of Christian charity, I was supportive of the statements released by the council of presidents and the resolutions committee. However, it then became apparent to me that these statements were merely paving the way for rescinding Resolution 9 at the upcoming annual meeting.
The first half of the above quote is innocuous. All believers and Baptists could and ought to give a hearty “Amen” to every single word up to the word, “and.”
The bombshell comprises the phrase on the other side of “and”: “we also declare that the affirmation of Critical Race Theory, Intersectionality, and any version of Critical Theory is incompatible with the Baptist Faith and Message.” Those 25 words have created a fault line in the SBC that will have lingering repercussions and ramifications until Jesus returns or God sends a revival.
The repercussions are already occurring. African American SBC pastor, Rev. Joel Bowman of Louisville, Kentucky, upon reading the seminary presidents’ statement posted:
I’m done with the Southern Baptist Convention! It took them 150 years to condemn chattel slavery, but only 1 year to condemn Critical Race Theory. It has no credibility on the issue of racism! None!!!
President Obama’s election was historic. However, it did not remove white supremacy from the US. Likewise, Fred Luter’s historic election as president of the Southern Baptist Convention did not remove white supremacy from it.
Many “Reformed” theologians aggressively teach the “total depravity” of Man. Yet, they won’t admit that depraved humans can create racist systems that must be confronted? Such denial is evidence of their own depravity.
There may be one, but I am unaware of any SBC African American lead/senior pastor who would sign on to the seminary presidents’ statement without qualifications and caveats. Therein lies the fault line. Black pastors and churches, almost without exception, would oppose the above SBC presidents’ council statement.
Do Black pastors oppose the seminary presidents’ statement because we are advocates and proponents of Critical Race Theory (CRT)? Absolutely not! Black pastors do not preach CRT; we preach C-H-R-I-S-T. Black pastors do not preach Karl Marx; we preach from the gospel of Mark.
Dr. Tony Evans’ statement regarding this subject should be embraced by all Southern Baptists, no matter their race. Dr. Evans was prompted to comment on this controversy because he was unfairly quoted out of context. Here is a link to his full quote, lest I also be guilty. Dr. Evans’ tweet that includes his statement and sermon link: https://twitter.com/drtonyevans/status/1334275756164321281
Members of the 2019 Resolution Committee of the SBC, without my awareness or permission, used my name in recent Affirmation of Recent Statements from Christian Leaders on Critical Race Theory. Upon reading this affirmation, I need to state that their use of my name and what I said in a sermon titled Race & Reconciliation released on 11/15/20 needs clarification of what I fully said. They have referenced a portion without giving it the context of my sermon. I have a great deal of respect for the SBC and the work that they do around the nation and the world, and this misunderstanding does not diminish that in any way.
As I stated in my sermon, which I encourage everyone reading this to watch, I again affirm that the Bible must be the basis for analyzing any and all social, racial or political theories in order to identify what is legitimate or what is not legitimate. But I did not say, nor imply, that CRT or other ideologies lack beneficial aspects—rather that the Bible sits as the basis for determining that. I have long taught that racism, and its ongoing repercussions, are real and should be addressed intentionally, appropriately and based on the authority of God’s inerrant Word.
There is only one phrase in Dr. Evans’ statement that would differ with these seminary presidents’ statement: “I did not say, nor imply that CRT or other ideologies lack beneficial aspects.” That one phrase is considered controversial, untrue, “liberal,” “Marxist,” “woke,” and in the minds of some, in conflict with the Baptist Faith & Message 2000 and/or the Bible.
There it is, my friend. The current dispute, dissension, division, and debate in the SBC would boil down to who would agree or disagree with that statement.
Most SBC voters in the annual meeting in Birmingham approved of a resolution including language very similar to Dr. Evans’ statement. Here is a complete copy of the Resolution (Critical Race Theory, Resolution 9):
WHEREAS, Concerns have been raised by some evangelicals over the use of frameworks such as critical race theory and intersectionality; and
WHEREAS, Critical race theory is a set of analytical tools that explain how race has and continues to function in society, and intersectionality is the study of how different personal characteristics overlap and inform one’s experience; and
WHEREAS, Critical race theory and intersectionality have been appropriated by individuals with worldviews that are contrary to the Christian faith, resulting in ideologies and methods that contradict Scripture; and
WHEREAS, Evangelical scholars who affirm the authority and sufficiency of Scripture have employed selective insights from critical race theory and intersectionality to understand multifaceted social dynamics; and
WHEREAS, The Baptist Faith and Message states, “[A]ll Scripture is totally true and trustworthy. It reveals the principles by which God judges us, and therefore is, and will remain to the end of the world, the true center of Christian union, and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and religious opinions should be tried” (Article I); and
WHEREAS, General revelation accounts for truthful insights found in human ideas that do not explicitly emerge from Scripture and reflects what some may term “common grace”; and
WHEREAS, Critical race theory and intersectionality alone are insufficient to diagnose and redress the root causes of the social ills that they identify, which result from sin, yet these analytical tools can aid in evaluating a variety of human experiences; and
WHEREAS, Scripture contains categories and principles by which to deal with racism, poverty, sexism, injustice, and abuse that are not rooted in secular ideologies; and
WHEREAS, Humanity is primarily identified in Scripture as image bearers of God, even as biblical authors address various audiences according to characteristics such as male and female, Jew and Gentile, slave and free; and
WHEREAS, The New Covenant further unites image bearers by creating a new humanity that will one day inhabit the new creation, and that the people of this new humanity, though descended from every nation, tribe, tongue, and people, are all one through the gospel of Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:16; Revelation 21:1–4, 9–14); and
WHEREAS, Christian citizenship is not based on our differences but instead on our common salvation in Christ—the source of our truest and ultimate identity; and
WHEREAS, The Southern Baptist Convention is committed to racial reconciliation built upon biblical presuppositions and is committed to seeking biblical justice through biblical means; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the messengers to the Southern Baptist Convention meeting in Birmingham, Alabama, June 11–12, 2019, affirm Scripture as the first, last, and sufficient authority with regard to how the Church seeks to redress social ills, and we reject any conduct, creeds, and religious opinions which contradict Scripture; and be it further
RESOLVED, That critical race theory and intersectionality should only be employed as analytical tools subordinate to Scripture—not as transcendent ideological frameworks; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the gospel of Jesus Christ alone grants the power to change people and society because “he who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6); and be it further
RESOLVED, That Southern Baptists will carefully analyze how the information gleaned from these tools are employed to address social dynamics; and be it further
RESOLVED, That Southern Baptist churches and institutions repudiate the misuse of insights gained from critical race theory, intersectionality, and any unbiblical ideologies that can emerge from their use when absolutized as a worldview; and be it further
RESOLVED, That we deny any philosophy or theology that fundamentally defines individuals using categories identified as sinful in Scripture rather than the transcendent reality shared by every image bearer and divinely affirmed distinctions; and be it further
RESOLVED, That while we denounce the misuse of critical race theory and intersectionality, we do not deny that ethnic, gender, and cultural distinctions exist and are a gift from God that will give Him absolute glory when all humanity gathers around His throne in worship because of the redemption accomplished by our resurrected Lord; and be it finally
RESOLVED, That Southern Baptist churches seek to exhibit this eschatological promise in our churches in the present by focusing on unity in Christ amid image bearers and rightly celebrate our differences as determined by God in the new creation.
From my 46 years of being engaged in SBC life, there are two unprecedented things happening here:
- The presidents of the seminaries have never, ever, attempted to redress a resolution passed by the Convention.
- The SBC has never, ever in her history rescinded a resolution, as now those opposed to Resolution 9 have pledged to do. The seminary presidents’ statement gives them the greenlight to now do so.
I have deeply appreciated Dave Miller’s recent remarks article about Resolution 9 (What’s YOUR Problem with Resolution 9 – Be Specific). He has graciously asked critics to provide substantive criticism of its text, and it appears no one has been able to do so without overgeneralization or name-calling.
The seminary presidents’ statement represents a broken promise to the SBC, and especially to the African Americans in the SBC. In 1995, the SBC approved the following in a resolution:
Be it further RESOLVED, That we apologize to all African-Americans for condoning and/or perpetuating individual and systemic racism in our lifetime; and we genuinely repent of racism of which we have been guilty, whether consciously (Psalm 19:13) or unconsciously (Leviticus 4:27); and
Be it further RESOLVED, That we ask forgiveness from our African-American brothers and sisters, acknowledging that our own healing is at stake; and
The centerpiece of CRT is the existence of systemic racism and injustice, or the lingering repercussion and effects of the Jim Crow era. By denouncing CRT in totality, the seminary presidents have contradicted and taken back the words of the SBC in 1995. This is painful to watch. It is understandable why hundreds of African American Southern Baptists are reassessing their relationship to the SBC.
I am grateful that Dr. Danny Akin has offered helpful and clarifying words since the publication of their statement. Dr. Akin granted me permission in writing to reference his view on systemic injustice. The following was sent to me in a direct message:
Dwight…I believe in personal and structural (systemic) racism. Sinful humans will inevitably build sinful structures. Again, I have been clear.
Just as we all can embrace Dr. Evans’ statement, we all should be able to embrace Dr. Akin’s statement. It really feels icky belonging to a convention that debates the reality of systemic injustice and whether or not, as a means of general revelation or common grace, a secular ideology may express something beneficial.
As a boy, I appreciated the SBC. Although our church was and remains NBC, back home in Arkansas, we enjoyed great fraternal relations with Arkansas SBC churches. Dr. Robert Ferguson was the director of National Baptist relations for the SBC in Arkansas. He built a great rapport between Black and White Baptists in our state. He preached revivals in our churches. He funded, through Southern Baptists, the Arkansas AM&N/UAPB Baptist Student Center. He opened Camp Paron to Black churches in the summer to conduct camps that were otherwise unavailable to us. He funded scholarships for Black ministerial and missionary students to Baptist colleges. I was the recipient of one to Ouachita Baptist University. He hired me as a chaplain intern at Tucker Prison in Arkansas to minister full-time in the summers and on weekends twice a month while I was a college student. My point is my relationship and view of Southern Baptists in my early years were quite positive, and that remains true (though there is some tarnish on it now).
When I planted the church I currently pastor at age 27 through a partnership with Tate Springs Church, Tarrant Baptist Association, and the Baptist General Convention of Texas, they provided our congregation over $200,000 during the first three-four years of our existence. That included pastoral funding, building payments and general budget expenditures. This was from 1983-1986. I was told at the time that our funding exceeded most White church plants. They wanted to use me as a test case to determine the potential of an adequately funded Black church plant. By God’s grace, we passed the test! I am grateful!
I have really been blessed with wonderful experiences being a Southern Baptist. I have had an opportunity to preach on many platforms all over Texas and America. In some instances, this was directly connected to my SBC affiliation. I am grateful!
It has taken me 39 years to complete my Master of Theological Studies Degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. The past two years on campus under Dr. Jeffrey Bingham (Interim President) and Dr. Adam Greenway (current President) have been wonderful. I have nothing but praise for Southwestern. My wife also graduated from SWBTS this year. My youngest son, J.E., is currently enrolled in their Master of Worship program. I highly recommend SWBTS and have watched them do everything possible to make Black students welcome and be extraordinarily generous in providing scholarships. I was blessed to have been granted opportunities to preach in chapel under the Dilday, Hemphill, and Patterson administrations. Grateful!
For many years, I looked at the SBC through the eyes of a boy; and I really saw a very beautiful picture. But as Paul said, when I was a child, I thought like a child; I reasoned like a child. [But] when I became a man, I put aside childish things.” (I Corinthians 13:11).
As a man, I have sat at SBC tables and watched White churches pay 0% interest on small church loans, while Hispanic and Black churches had to pay 6%.
As a man, while touring the SBC Nashville headquarters and requesting information concerning the highest-ranking person in the seven-story facility, I was introduced to the head custodian.
As a man, I watched the SBC EC in Nashville grant the SBTC the right to launch another Texas convention because they wanted to be distinct and clear regarding inerrancy. When I requested the EC to allow another convention in Texas to be affirmed so there could be doctrinal distinction and clarity within the Baptist Faith & Message on spiritual gifts, my request was denied. The only difference was the skin color of who was making the request.
As a man, I watched the Chair of the Resolution Committee in Phoenix, Arizona, from the floor of the SBC, critique my alt-right resolution—something that was unprecedented—and call it, “poorly written and incendiary.” Never has any other resolution been criticized from the podium before.
As a man, I am watching the 2019 resolution committee having to eat humble pie and walk back Resolution 9—again, in an unprecedented fashion—led by a Black professor, Dr. Curtis Woods.
As a man, I was threatened to be removed by convention vote from SWBTS Trustee Board for making it known that I would vote against investing SWBTS money in liquor, cigarette, and gambling stocks. They labeled it “violating confidentiality.” Another man, who happened to be White, actually violated trustee confidentiality; he was never threatened with removal from the trustee board.
I know what it is like to participate and benefit from the SBC as a boy. I also know what it is like, as a man, to have contributed financially to the SBC far, far more than they gave our church in those early years.
I have been a boy in the SBC, and like most Blacks, I have sat at the kid’s table. Blacks have systemically been excluded from entity head positions in SBC life. In 70 years, the SBC has never seen it fit to appoint a qualified Asian, Hispanic or African American to serve as an entity head.
But on this issue and Resolution 9, we will not take this like a boy. We are going to fight back, like a man.
The reason I have not and will not leave the SBC is because I would rather fight than switch. This is my Convention too! I regret deeply that the seminary presidents would release a statement regarding race, but not have other races sit at the table for discussion. It is also worth noting that, historically and systemically, African Americans, Asians, and Hispanics have been excluded from that room.
There is on overwhelming consensus among African American pastors in the SBC on this issue. I have been very encouraged by the recent remarks of the president of the National African American Fellowship of the Southern Baptist Convention, Dr. Marshal Ausberry (NAAF, Ausberry respond to seminary presidents’ statement).
Think about this for a moment: a council of seminary presidents (that, again, has never once seated a minority) released a statement that has labeled and limited what an African American pastor must say in his pulpit regarding race and CRT in order to remain within this new SBC “orthodoxy.” This is staggering!
Resolution 9 does not contradict the Baptist Faith & Message. Resolution 9 does not contradict the Bible.
Just as Richard Land invited eight Blacks and eight Whites into a room to hammer out the 1995 statement on race (a unifying moment for our Convention), I am saying to our Convention, as a man, that you need to bring all races into the room. If Resolution 9 is to be tweaked, all of us should have a say—not just six White men—because some of us have paid our dues to the SBC as boys. We are now ready to stand up and be men. We will not take this sitting down!
I am beginning to field questions regarding whether or not African Americans should enroll in or maintain their current enrollment in SBC seminaries. I believe in the mission of the six Southern Baptist Seminaries. A quality ministerial and theological education can be attained at our seminaries. I am partial to SWBTS. My wife and I recently graduated with the Master of Theological Studies degree. I have found Dr. Adam Greenway and Provost Randy Stinson to be friendly, faithful, accessible, and affirming. I love Dr. Greenway’s “Big Tent” vision, which is in part why I yet affirm and appreciate SWBTS. My prayers and financial and moral support will continue at SWBTS.
I remain enamored and highly recommend the Kingdom Diversity initiative at SEBTS led by Dr. Walter Strickland. Like Adam Greenway, I also totally believe in the heart of Danny Akin on the issue of race. I also remain extremely grateful for Southern Seminary’s $5,000,000 scholarship commitment named in honor of Garland Offutt, the first African American graduate of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. It certainly represents fruit worthy of repentance.
However, for those who feel if trust between the SBC seminaries and your convictions and sensibilities have been breached beyond repair, I highly recommend you consider Truett Seminary as a viable evangelical alternative to pursue theological studies.
I am grateful for a long-term friendship with Dr. Joel Gregory, who was a professor of mine in the 80’s at SWBTS. Dr. Gregory has preached for me at Cornerstone Church many times. I requested he forward me a statement expressing the thinking of his current teaching post. This is Truett Seminary’s position on matters currently under discussion:
BAYLOR UNIVERSITY’S GEORGE W. TRUETT THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY, BLACK LIVES MATTER, AND CRITICAL RACE THEORY
In the living of these days, every institution has a moral responsibility to speak clearly and transparently addressing the issues of our times related to justice, equity, and biblical solidarity with persons of color. Baylor University’s George W. Truett Theological Seminary stands in solidarity with our sisters and brothers of color in our ongoing cohesion and commonality with every effort of shared aims. We are humans only as we are in community with other humans. “God has made of one blood all people of the earth” (Acts 17:26). There is no place for ambiguity in opposition to racism, either individual or embedded in systems of oppression. We further believe this must not only be an expression of empathy or sympathy, but rather active intervention to right historic wrongs, confront the powers, and stand with others in unity. To that end George W. Truett Seminary. We deplore any effort that marginalizes or diminishes the seriousness of the situation of the struggle.
Truett Seminary:
- Has established a black church studies program led by Rev. Malcolm Foley, noted leader and PhD candidate at Baylor, who is also on President Linda Livingstone’s cabinet as a special advisor on racial issues.
- Has inaugurated the African American National Preaching Conference with an emphasis on the history and present practice of prophetic Black preaching;
- Has entered into an agreement with the alumni of now closed (1988) Bishop College to be a center of reserving the legacy, spirit, and documents of that storied school;
- Has for years has had an empowered Truett Black Students Association that regularly stages events and brings speakers that keep issues before the entire student body;
- Has for 15 years observed a two-day E.K. Bailey preaching event, honoring the life and legacy of that famed black preacher;
- Has joined with the larger Baylor African American community to stress campus-wide at the world’s largest Baptist University a zero tolerance for racism in any of its demonic forms and to stand in solidarity with brother and sisters of color to transform every area of university culture. One impact of this is a student body that is 37% visible minorities;
- Has joined with Proclaimers Place® as an academic sponsor certifying the attendance of nearly 1500 African American ministers in biblical exegesis and preaching.
- Has identified with Compassion International in its global effort to relieve children from poverty in Jesus name, most of whom are children of color. An African American graduate of Truett, Rev. Arbra Bailey, leads the Compassion African American team.
In each of these and more beside Truett stands with our African American brothers and sisters in the fight against racism, oppression, marginalization, tokenism, and stereotyping of any kind.
In this COVID-19 and George Floyd era, African Americans will make choices about where they invest their money, time, votes, and ministry alignments based on where there is a mutual, reciprocal, and beneficial relationship. Unfortunately, these six seminary presidents’ statements moved in the opposite direction.
I recognize, however, the pain the seminary presidents have caused. A group of White alumni and current seminary students will soon release a statement voicing their displeasure with the presidents’ statement. For that I am grateful. Their objection to the presidents’ statement was not just based on race, but also the unwise notion of making what one believes about CRT something more than a matter of conscience, but a test of orthodoxy.
Powerful word, Dwight. I had a similar experience of initially hearing about and reading the statement and thinking it was just ok – I was kind of ambivalent – to the next few days and since then growing less comfortable and even bothered by it.
When Dwight submitted this, he recognized that his closing section, advocating for Truett Seminary, might be uncomfortable. Two things: 1) Dwight is a Southern Baptist who is free to speak his mind. We wanted to give him freedom to say what he would say. 2) we publish posts here with a variety of views within the BFM framework. The opinions are the author’s. When I write, the opinions are mine, not “SBC Voices'” and the same is true here. Just because I may or may not agree about supporting a seminary like Truett does not mean Dwight should not be… Read more »
Thankful for you, pastor!
I’m a little unclear on the meaning of the headline “From Boys to Men” and the reference to 1 Corinthians 13:11. It is not really developed in the introduction. Is the idea that we need to grow up and talk about these matters less like a child and more like an adult? To discuss matters on a deeper and more complicated level? The article is well written and made sense to me, but the application of the headline and the verse was a bit confusing.
The end of the article (before the break line) seems to fill in that question pretty clearly in my mind.
“I have been a boy in the SBC, and like most Blacks, I have sat at the kid’s table. Blacks have systemically been excluded from entity head positions in SBC life. In 70 years, the SBC has never seen it fit to appoint a qualified Asian, Hispanic or African American to serve as an entity head. “But on this issue and Resolution 9, we will not take this like a boy. We are going to fight back, like a man. … “Just as Richard Land invited eight Blacks and eight Whites into a room to hammer out the 1995 statement… Read more »
Thank you for your helpful clarification.
Rick, love you my brother. Glad to read your commentary again. I see you still got that testiness & pushback. You & I are wired that way. I also could tell it was covered in love, sincerity & oriented toward seeking common ground, not battle ground. Blessings & Merry Christmas.
And Merry Christmas to you and yours, Dwight. I was not seeking to push back or be testy, but simply did not read carefully enough. The answer was clearly in that concluding section, as Brent pointed out. Thanks, brother.
Men are Hawkeyes fan.
Boys cheer for BAMA.
Infidel.
Dwight, you could have added this to your article….
https://youtu.be/Rciee-oQLoI
When RIck asked his question, I was like “You never heard of Boyz II Men?”
(Little 80’s jam).
Seriously, I appreciated your article. Thanks for your dogged steadfastness mixed with sincere compassion.
I just have to weigh in on this. Excellent Dr. McKissic. This I believe was touched on in 2018 in Dallas, I also watched the 2019 meeting online and understood all of it as well as doing my own research. I think what is happening is outrageous. We have broken a promise(and not the only one we have broken as we let down abused women in our churches by the boatload). We have taken 10 steps forward and gone completely back. I am so devastated by what is happening. Grateful we did not have a meeting in 2020. I love… Read more »
BTW I don’t think those of us who stand by you on this are the ones who should have our orthodoxy tested. Quite the opposite. The Bible is not just written for white men. The Southern Baptist Convention should never be just for white men. Yet here we are. Again.
” The Bible is not just written for white men.” Debbie Kaufman, You are right as the rain about that. Your comment makes me think of something that happened just this morning during morning devotions after breakfast. One of my daughters asked me why we do not have any pictures of Jesus in our home. She said, “We don’t have pictures of Jesus in our house like my friend’s family does. They have them in every room.” I responded, “Yes, I have seen those pictures in their home and they are very proud of them, I am sure, and maybe they… Read more »
Exactly CB. Thank you.
Amen, CB
Thank you Dwight for your courage and clarity. I know it hasn’t been easy to stay and fight, yet you continue to do it. We prayed for you in our staff meeting recently and will continue to do so. Your prophetic voice is needed if we are going to be a Kingdom-centered movement. I hope you are know you are not alone and that you are loved, supported, and prayed for!
Dwight I appreciate the way you express yourself: you don’t mince words, yet you show grace and even give complements to people and institutions when you believe it is due.
I appreciate this post Dwight. I personally believe that systemic racism exist in our country and our convention. America has never nationally repented of slavery nor of the many ways we have continued to maintain the social and economic divisions in our society. I pray that, though it must be painful, you and many others like you will stay with us. Only by your thoughtful, prayerful, graceful presence will we ever confront the significant ways we fall short of what Christ is calling us to be. It is my prayer that Southern Baptists who began our convention with ugly racism… Read more »
As always Pastor Dwight, I am thankful for your voice and your thoughtful words. This is an excellent piece.
Honored to stand with you brother.
Powerful word, Pastor!
Thank you, Dr. McKissic. When I first read Resolution 9, I thought it was one of the most well crafted statements that Southern Baptists had ever produced and a huge step toward racial reconciliation in the SBC. When I read the statement of the seminary presidents, my initial thoughts were that it was ill-timed and lacked clear context. I think context matters, both for the statement of the seminary presidents and for Resolution 9. David Miller is on the right track by trying to instigate a discussion about problems people have with Resolution 9. Unfortunately, people seem to be dividing… Read more »
Love to hear from HB Charles on the issue of CRT/I. Greatly respect him.
Through reading SBC Voices, my wife and I have become acquainted with Pastor Tom Ascol. We were not familiar with him. After listening to Pastor Tom and Pastor Dwight, we can hear both sides – one is “not more right” than the other – just different. Now we can make a more educated decision/stance on much of this. Thankful for both of these men and their educated views.
Actually, You’re right. “One is not more right than the other.” Dwight is right and Tom is wrong on this issue.
Again, seeing things from different angels and of course we are above, by God’s grace, demonizing one another. Ascol’s documentary caused our eyes to be open to “both sides.” Hey, Bro, you are playing partisan stuff here…”A church divided…”
No, I am not playing “partisan stuff here.” However, let me, if you will, amend my statement somewhat. In general, Dwight is right about this issue. I do disagree with him on portions of his position. In general, Tom is wrong about this issue. I do agree with him on portions of his position. Now, as to your quote “A church divided,” I have seen many divided local churches throughout my years. However, The Church of the Living Lord will never be divided at His appearing. That is a certainty. As to the SBC; I can assure you, it is… Read more »
I agree with you 100% CB.
All power structures exclude all people who do not come from the right school, the right social pedigree, and the right mentors/connections….true for all races. Your accomplishment and perseverance over 39 years speaks louder than anyone in the above category. You and your wife accomplished it the hard way….hats off to you both for demonstrating what is possible for others. For the record….I would rather meet the Head Custodian every time…that’s where the salt of the earth lives.
Dwight, I appreciate your thoughtful response and your personal story. It grieves me to hear of any unfair treatment you have received because of racial bias. I do agree with you that the seminary presidents’ statement contains obvious equivocation on CRT/I. However, I do respectfully have some issues with what you have written. 1. Recently, our mutual friend Adam Greenway (parliamentarian extraordinaire) informed me that resolutions cannot be rescinded by a convention other than the one who passed it. 2. Those of us who oppose the appropriation of CRT/I scholarship as a helpful tool, do not necessarily deny that our… Read more »
Daryl: What is CRT in your view? I read this, I hear this and when I ask I see on video being pointed to which is being presented by a white man. I don’t agree with it as I have researched CRT and I may not fully understand it. So please expand. Also reread Resolution 9. It clearly says the Bible is our standard above CRT. CRT can be used as a tool and I believe we are shutting out the voices of Dr. McKissic and others. Again. We need to listen more. We began doing this and now are… Read more »
If you want to know what CRT/I is in the words of its proponents a good place to start is the book Critical Race Theory: An Introduction, by Richard Delgado and Jean Stefancic. You can also read Cynical Theories by Helen Pluckrose and James Lindsay as a good historiography of the roots of critical theory more generally and how it is impacting a variety of areas, including discussions on race. I have read resolution 9 carefully, and I agree it makes clear the authority and primacy of Scripture. However, the whole resolution calls into question the sufficiency of Scripture. I… Read more »
James Lindsey is an expert?
He’s the one who recently tried to discredit Beth Moore because of her marriage to Russell Moore. Then refused to apologize because as an atheist, how could he be expected to know.
THIS is the standard for anti-CRT crowd?
We are footnoting an atheist about the ungodliness of CRT/I.
No irony there.
Dave, she asked for resources outside white guys in the SBC. Lindsey is who he is, but he and his co-author lay out some good historiography. Even Dr. Mohler interviewed him. Lindsey is interested in the subject for his own reasons, but just getting a good grip on the history is helpful. I’m not even up on his comments about Beth Moore. Lol. I know you feel like you had a good “gotcha” here, but not really. I do wish you would interact with the substance of my argument in these discussions. Follow up on some more of what Debbie… Read more »
James Lindsey is an atheist, and from what I read in his tweets, a pretty massive jerk. My point is that we say that we cannot gain insight from something ungodly, then footnote an ATHEIST. A total jerk of an atheist. Seems ironic.
No one is “shutting out” Voddie Baucham. He is free to speak and does so all the time. Along with his freedom to speak comes my freedom to ignore his words, right?
I get your point. Lindsey is not a guy I want to hang out with either. You may see irony there – fair enough. But I see a vast difference in referencing his work as helpful to understand history. It’s not the same as hearing Matt Hall teach that he is a racist because he’s white. Matt has done more than just glean some sociological insight from CRT, he has inculcated the worldview, at least to some degree. I appreciate the interaction. These are important issues and we need to talk to each other as brothers, even if we differ.… Read more »
Beth Moore is married to Russell Moore?
Daryl, Neil Shenvi, Voddie Bauchum and Monique Dusan are truly worth reading and listening to. Mature Christians want to be like “the Bereans” and study all sides. That is why we read all that is written here and then hop over to Shenvi. We don’t want to be “narrow”by only listening/reading one side . As a result we listen to other men/women from both sides who truly know about that of which they speak – they do. Not that it matters but Shenvi is an SBC church member – The Summit RDU.
Daryl, thanks for your reasoned & courteous pushback. 1) If Paul & Jude could quote pagan poets/philosophers without it calling into question the sufficiency of Scripture, so can modern day believers. All truth is God’s truth. General revelation & common grace can allow certain truth(s) to be revealed to unbelievers. 2) If the issue is denouncing racial world views incompatible with Scripture, shouldn’t the Council of Presidents also be denouncing The Lost Cause Theory & White Christianity Nationalism that are far greater threats to the SBC than CRT?
The heart of Resolution 9 is to address CRT. How could Resolution 9 not be about race, and that’s the subject matter? Therefore, it is not “irresponsible” to make Resolution 9 about race, it already is & always been about race.
What I hear Darryl saying is that it *should not* be about race. I agree with you that CRT is and has always been about race, but I think Darryl and I see that as a big part of the problem. We want to take the race issue out of CT so we can clearly oppose the Marxist, godless ideology of CT without throwing the baby of racial progress out with the bathwater of cultural Marxism. Then, as a separate topic, and from a biblical perspective, we can address racism, both individually and societally. I don’t see why a Christian… Read more »
What Rick said.
An inference I made from your essay was that those who may be dissenting against Resolution 9 have latent racist inclinations. The subject seems to be quickly morphing into an idea that if one criticizes CRT/I scholarship and philosophy, then one is suspect of racism automatically. To criticize CRT for what it is as a philosophical ideology has nothing to do with race itself. That’s all I’m saying.
You are drawing an inference that Dwight did not imply. I see this all the time. Make an inference then prosecute the speaker based on YOUR inferences.
I will be plain. I believe there is a racial aspect to SOME CRT/I opposition, but do not say it is there for all of it.
Possibly, that’s why I said it way my inference. I have no doubt you may be right of some, but I hope we don’t jump to such conclusions without really good reasons.
For many the issue is not race but the sufficiency of scripture.
Dwight, thanks for responding. Just being honest with history and broken over the broken parts is good. Just knowing the facts of history is imperative. CRT/I goes beyond that as a deconstructive philosophy that will deconstruct Scripture and ultimately see the Christian tradition and the Bible as oppressive. I think we have honest disagreements about the dangers of Christians appropriating CRT. However, I think we are in agreement that the SBC elite leaders have worked themselves into a mess. Their equivocating and damage control efforts are obvious to us both. We could use some clarity and conviction, not political pragmatism.
I was happy the seminary presidents said “the affirmation of Critical Race Theory, Intersectionality, and any version of Critical Theory is incompatible with the Baptist Faith and Message.” But “affirmation” is different from investigation or analysis. We can learn things by investigating and analyzing all kinds of wrong systems and ideas. But we shouldn’t “affirm” them. That’s how I took it, and I don’t think that should be divisive. For example, I would say the affirmation of fascism or secular psychology is incompatible with biblical truth, but we can still learn useful things by studying fascism and secular psychology. The… Read more »
I really have nothing to add since I have expressed myself clearly in previous posts. However, I do want to thank Dave and Brother McKissic for their courage, courtesy, counsel, and perseverance in finding a way to the love of Christ in our fellowship. I always wonder what God thinks of us as we argue. Just know, Dave and Brother Dwight, that I believe you are on the side of the angels.
Dear God, give us such a real, true revival that we love Your Word and believe in the sufficiency of it. That we love people, and don’t look at skin color, or where they come from. That we have more of a desire to lead people to Jesus; get so obsessed with worship and prayer and Bible study that we give no time to the thoughts and opinions and views of the world. Dear God, do such a work in our own personal lives that your love and truth fill our hearts and minds; that a fresh fire fills our… Read more »
I praise God that the Council of Seminary Presidents clearly spoke regarding the incompatibility of Critical Race Theory, Intersectionality and any version of Critical Theory with the Baptist Faith and Message. It has needed to be said for some time now, and I’m thankful they had the insight and courage to do so.
I don’t care what color of skin the seminary presidents have. Truth knows no skin color. And to point to the color of their skin is a foul effort at racializing the situation in an attempt to discredit their statement.
Dwight, thank you for writing this. I’m currently enrolled at Gateway Seminary and also the pastor of an SBC affiliated church. I was deeply disturbed to see Dr. Iorg sign that statement. I would gladly sign any sort of alumni statement that is being circulated.
Todd Starnes said, “A number of white Southern Baptist leaders and well-known pastors have embraced critical race theory. They also believe that white Christians should repent of the sins of their forefathers. And they also believe that we should apologize for white privilege. So here’s what I propose – all of those white Southern Baptist leaders and pastors who hold to those beliefs should immediately resign from their leadership positions and their pastorates so they can be replaced by people of color. It’s the only way to purge wokeness from the Southern Baptist Convention. So, who’s going to be first?… Read more »