SBC Voices

Good news: Lottie Moon Offering expected to be an increase over last year (by William Thornton)

by

William Thornton is the SBC Plodder.  The International Mission Board will announce the 2013 Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions at the convention next month but is "estimating a $3-5 million increase" over the $149.3 million offering for 2012. This would mean the largest Lottie Moon offering in history, something around $153 million. In 2006 and 2007 the LMCO went above $150 million but not since and never above $150.4 million. While the offering is short of the $175 million goal, the unrealistic goal that was set in 2009 and kept each year since, it is a healthy … [Read more...] about Good news: Lottie Moon Offering expected to be an increase over last year (by William Thornton)

SWBTS’ Muslim Student: Scandal, or Tempest in a Teapot?

by

I've been in Des Moines the last couple of days at our state's Executive Board meeting. Our hotel provides free internet, which is good because it is so close to no internet at all that if I paid for it, I'd be fairly upset. I read of the newest SBC scandal that has arisen, that Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary has at least one Muslim student in its archaeology PhD program. The news shocked me and I've wanted to opine on the topic for a couple of days. However, with the meetings I was a part of and the lack of internet access, plus travel time and other ministry responsibilities, I … [Read more...] about SWBTS’ Muslim Student: Scandal, or Tempest in a Teapot?

The Mirage of Same-Sex Marriage (by Paul Thompson)

by

Paul Thompson blogs at "The Bridge."   In her statement released on Tuesday, May 13, 2014  U.S. Magistrate Judge Candy Dale said, “After careful consideration, the Court finds Idaho’s Marriage Laws unconstitutional.”  (full ruling)I thought that I should read the ruling before offering a response. I’ve just finished reading the ruling. Wow, that was not easy. First the positive effect of reading the ruling; my vocabulary has now deepened. The value of reading the ruling will help me know how to express my thoughts. I now know what I’m responding to. The ruling will not go into place … [Read more...] about The Mirage of Same-Sex Marriage (by Paul Thompson)

Resolutions for the SBC Annual Meeting (by Wm. Dwight McKissic, Sr)

by

RESOLUTIONS ON: 1.       The NFL Same-Sex Kiss and Their Failure to Recognize Kenny Washington; 2.       The Washington “Redskins” Racially Insensitive and Racist Mascot; 3.       Amending “Stand Your Ground Laws” In States That Have Such Laws. By William Dwight McKissic, Sr. Cornerstone Baptist Church Arlington, TX Whereas, the God of the Bible who is “the same, yesterday, today and forever more” is omnipotent and omniscient, therefore, keenly aware and concerned about the affairs of mankind (Hebrews 13:8, Malachi 3:6, Matthew 6:24-34), Whereas, “the church of the living God, the … [Read more...] about Resolutions for the SBC Annual Meeting (by Wm. Dwight McKissic, Sr)

From a 39 Year Old Southern Baptist: Things That Younger Southern Baptists Should Know About the SBC

by

Recently, Trevin Wax wrote a great piece entitled 5 Observations About Younger Southern Baptists. I agreed with all that he said and identified with it. I am 39, so I am leaving the "younger" designation and firmly entering the "older" realm. As someone who has been a "younger" Southern Baptist for some time and is moving on, I wanted to share some observations for those coming behind me from someone who has walked in their shoes but chose not to wear skinny jeans: You can change things. You can speak truth to power. When you look at how things are in any situation, though, it is … [Read more...] about From a 39 Year Old Southern Baptist: Things That Younger Southern Baptists Should Know About the SBC

Maybe We Shouldn’t Stack Them Up At All?

by

Editor's Note: A separate post called "Seminary Infographics" has been posted that demonstrates some of the data that William and Bart have been discussing.  As a contributor to this site and an unrepentant SWBTS booster, how ought I to respond to William Thornton's latest post, Just How Are Our Seminaries Stacking Up These Days? It's a hard question. "Quickly," must constitute at least a portion of the answer, since I'm about to board an airplane for Africa. "Not at all" was an option—perhaps the best one—when considering that a reply probably has as little chance to make any … [Read more...] about Maybe We Shouldn’t Stack Them Up At All?

Two Key Men

by

1 of 2 Gregory "The Great" The Middle Ages, or Medieval Christianity, gave rise to some significant men. A reader of Church History might find any number of individuals that suit their fancy. I have chosen to give two names that contributed to the rise of Christianity in unique ways. As I previously mentioned, the early Middle Ages saw the fall of the Roman Empire in 476, and the rise of the Bishop of Rome to a prominent position. Some of the earliest Bishops of Rome captured various positions of authority. Some helped slow the barbarian invasions through political tactics, others used their … [Read more...] about Two Key Men

Just how are our seminaries stacking up these days? (by William Thornton)

by

Editor's Note: A separate post called "Seminary Infographics" has been posted that demonstrates some of the data that William and Bart have been discussing.  When I visited seminaries back in 1978 prior to enrolling, I went to Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary which was touted as the largest seminary in the world. Put together bold-talking Southern Baptists and tall-tale Texans and you've got a recipe for some heavy, heavy trash talking. Largest IN THE WORLD! Largest IN HISTORY! Impressive, though I chose not to attend. How are things looking these days? Well, it depends on the … [Read more...] about Just how are our seminaries stacking up these days? (by William Thornton)