A few years ago a Kickstarter project raised over a million dollars to produce a high-quality, multi-volume Bible without chapter or verse numbers. The idea was to create a distraction-free reading experience. I was taken in and ponied up $25 for the volume on the New Testament. Then I waited. And waited. And Crossway was able to get out a single-volume ESV Reader's Bible, so I bought that and read through it a few times in a couple of years. (I did eventually get my New Testament and read that too). I recently saw that both Zondervan and Broadman and Holman had released their own … [Read more...] about The Reader’s Bibles are here!
Irreverent, renegade, random thoughts about SBC stuff
I think alliteration is silly...except when I use it. The lawsuit against LifeWay over Glorieta (the sale of which was over four years ago) continues to hang by a thread. It's like the wierd uncle that won't go away. The underlying issue is a complaint about compensation of one couple who had a house on camp property, a land lease renewed annually. For those who complain about fair market value not being offered to the few dozen who were in this situation, exactly what would the fair market value of your house be if you did not own the land it sits on? Not a whole lot if the landowner could … [Read more...] about Irreverent, renegade, random thoughts about SBC stuff
Something the Church Can Actually Learn from Politics
I'll be uncharacteristically brief, here. While the whole universe is speculating about what lessons Republicans or Democrats ought to learn from Roy Moore's loss in Alabama, I'd like to turn the conversation away from politics and ask what lessons we who are pastors and other church leaders can learn? Instead of a list, I'll offer this one: If you are in leadership in a church and are secretly involved in sexual or financial sin, please step away from your leadership position immediately. If Roy Moore had not run for Jeff Sessions's seat, Luther Strange would've won the seat in a cakewalk. … [Read more...] about Something the Church Can Actually Learn from Politics
What Do These Flags Mean?
It’s a decades long tradition in my church. Every year in December, our auditorium gets decked out with an array of flags from all over the world. It’s an awesome thing that I really enjoy, especially as it gives us a chance to explain to visitors and newcomers what they represent while we remind ourselves. Those of us steeped in Southern Baptist culture know that December means the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. It is a season where many of us pastors or missions leaders urge our churches to give a special offering where every penny goes to support those we send to the mission field … [Read more...] about What Do These Flags Mean?
Can I Get Some Help? Why Is Net Neutrality A Big Deal?
I've seen arguments about this for years, and people whose judgment I generally respect seem to land on both sides. I think I generally understand it, but I am not sure I get all the ins and outs. The way the supporters describe it, it seems like it should be a no-brainer, then others come along and point out how the internet functioned well for a long time before Net Neutrality was put into effect. So, if you are FOR Net Neutrality, why? If you are against Net Neutrality, why? What are the issues? Effects? Please feel free to use forceful verbiage against those who hold positions … [Read more...] about Can I Get Some Help? Why Is Net Neutrality A Big Deal?
What’s Love Got to Do with It? Discerning the Value of Unity
I was browsing Twitter a few days ago and came across a tweet retweeting a quote from a source I generally ignore. I make active use of the block and mute functions on social media. What good comes from arguments in 140 characters (or 280)? When someone is hostile or belligerent, I exit them from my online world. Titus 3:10 tells us to do that sort of thing. The source is irrelevant (and not who you are thinking). The sentiment expressed in this quote is one I've encountered frequently among the so-called discernment ministries. While they provide a worthwhile service to a church prone to … [Read more...] about What’s Love Got to Do with It? Discerning the Value of Unity
The Day After: Random Thoughts in a Weird World
Random thoughts after the divisive Alabama Senate race and the tragic story about Judge Pressler. 1. It is time that character becomes an issue once again in American politics. The truth is that sin, hypocrisy, and all kinds of darkness have always been a part of the American political landscape. But not too many years ago, Christians held politicians to a certain lifestyle standard if they were going to gain broad support. A thrice-divorced man who boasted of bedding multitudes of women, many married, or a man accused by 9 women of sexual assault would not have gotten an evangelical … [Read more...] about The Day After: Random Thoughts in a Weird World
Judge Paul Pressler Accused of Molestation in Texas Lawsuit
NOTE: I made a correction in my original post. I had said that no accusation had been made against Dr. Patterson of a cover-up. I was directed to page 33 of the lawsuit where in fact such an accusation is made. The accusation is not proof of course, but my assertion that there was no accusation was not accurate. It is a sad day for the Southern Baptist family. We do not know the outcome of this. Perhaps in time the allegations will be disproven and dismissed, or perhaps they will not. But today, one of the luminaries of the Southern Baptist Convention has felt the sting of accusation. An … [Read more...] about Judge Paul Pressler Accused of Molestation in Texas Lawsuit
Roy M., sticky wicket, a soul-sucking rabbit hole, and The Edicule
I always appreciate little language nuggets and interesting things I haven't thought about. While they are rather scarce among us, here are a few I've run across (trigger alert: political hot topics included): Let’s face it: the Roy Moore situation is a sticky wicket. This from Fox News contributor and Southeastern Seminary Provost Bruce Ashford. I like the metaphor, sticky wicket, and am a bit of an anglophile myself, but what is it about these seminary profs and their affection for British figures and language? We're talking cricket here, a game no American has ever seen. We improved that … [Read more...] about Roy M., sticky wicket, a soul-sucking rabbit hole, and The Edicule
Let’s reserve “without error” for Scripture and Scripture alone
The Baptist Faith and Message says, in part, about the Bible: The Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired and is God's revelation of Himself to man. It is a perfect treasure of divine instruction. It has God for its author, salvation for its end, and truth, without any mixture of error, for its matter. The phrase "truth, without mixture of error" is our most popular operative phrase about Scripture. Most of us are completely comfortable describing themselves and being described by others as "inerrantists." The inerrant Bible, of course, refers to the original writings, … [Read more...] about Let’s reserve “without error” for Scripture and Scripture alone