Congratulations to the Acts 29 Network for selecting a President in Matt Chandler who is altogether less controversial than Mark Driscoll. The issues with Mark's explicit visions, his edgy sex book, and the church discipline controversy seems to have provided a lot of baggage that this organization did not need. I am certain that these factors would not be cited by leaders as reasons for the change, but the move to Dallas and the transition in leadership can only help this organization to become more acceptable both in Southern Baptist life and in the evangelical world at large. While I have … [Read more...] about Acts 29 and Bad Science Fiction Movies
Choosing Accountability
Several days ago, many of us became aware of the tragic situation unfolding in Wake Forest, NC involving criminal charges and shattered lives at Southeastern Seminary. I want to write about something that has struck me in all of this, but I want to do so carefully and graciously. As we comment and think about this, I think we should stick to the subject here, accountability, and try to step back from the situation that prompted these thoughts. I was riding home from class the other night with a classmate from one of my classes. He's staggering through the material about as unsteadily as … [Read more...] about Choosing Accountability
The Root of Angry and Divisive Calvinists: Part 2
Last time we looked at the story of Mark, a young seminary student coming back to his home church to set them straight. We wondered “what happened to Mark”. Unfortunately that fictional story is all too real in many church settings. For our discussion we will be tackling the problem of angry and divisive Calvinists, but truth be told we can make Mark’s sermon topics whatever you desire. In our day and age many may be tempted to drop the C word (Calvinism) as one of those topics bearded Mark picks up. 300 years ago it may have been Arminianism. It doesn’t matter what topic you pick … [Read more...] about The Root of Angry and Divisive Calvinists: Part 2
How Should We Feel When We Sin?
guilt shame doubt disapproval self-loathing apathy unconcern happiness acceptance From early on in our lives, we all have a sense of a need for approval and a feeling of disapproval when we mess up. Sometimes the feeling of disapproval is verbalized to us, “I am disappointed in you.” Other times it is given as a direct attack against our personality, “You’re a failure who can’t do anything right.” In the face of this ingrained sense of disapproval, some look at their faults with acceptance and approval. “That’s just who I am.” or “God [or whoever—fill in the … [Read more...] about How Should We Feel When We Sin?
Comment Moderation Policies at SBC Voices
I have sensed conviction recently (I know, very subjective) that we needed to work to reign in the tendency for comment streams to go haywire here. Moderation is my least favorite thing to do for two reasons. First, it takes time which I don't have. Second, it makes people mad. People really get upset when a comment is deleted. But, after a discussion with our contributors, we have decided to institute a slightly more restrictive commenting policy. It is not my desire, nor my intended practice, to delete comments because of their point-of-view. Subjectivity is always a problem to some … [Read more...] about Comment Moderation Policies at SBC Voices
My, how you’ve changed
Our fearless editor and blogger-in-chief, Dave Miller, has been holding an extended conversation with most of the regular contributors here about blog commenting and posting and how we all interact with each other. I expect we'll see some additional posts from him about the specifics of those conversations in the days to come. It is not my intention right now to short-circuit what he has to say. Or even preview. I want to make a few observations about a blog I read last week and offer some thoughts for your consideration. You see, I sat down and read a blog that was obviously written by … [Read more...] about My, how you’ve changed
The SBC is the Tim Tebow of Denominations
Tim Tebow may be the most polarizing figure in sports history. Some of us love him and cheer for him. Others disdain him, even hate him. Everybody talks about him. And Tim gives both camps plenty of ammunition. I watched Denver games last year and cringed. Most elite quarterbacks throw spirals that knife through the air like a missile. Tebow's passes wobble like drunk ducks. But in big moments, those drunk ducks seem to find a way home - into the end zone. Those who criticize Tebow have all the ammo they need to do so. I remember one play from last year. A Denver receiver made … [Read more...] about The SBC is the Tim Tebow of Denominations
Dear Christian: You’re Scaring Them to Death
Sometimes the distances between what people know of you . . . and what they think of you . . . and what you know of yourself . . . and what you think of yourself . . . and what is true of all of this knowledge and all of these thoughts when sifted out seems as vast as the entire universe. I wonder if God didn't just create all the stars and solar systems for a practice run, knowing that the humans-to-come would be much more difficult to put into motion and save from colliding. We don't orbit well. We want to be the center of our own universe; we choose carefully who gets into our … [Read more...] about Dear Christian: You’re Scaring Them to Death
The Root of Angry and Divisive Calvinists: Part 1
“What happened to Mark?” asks one of the bewildered purple-haired saints. Two years ago Podunk Baptist Church sent a bright, energetic, and humble young man off to the seminary. This little gathering of believers has for over two-centuries housed some of the dearest saints. But Mark was different. Though young and a relatively new believer he stood out because of his marked brilliance, passion, and dedication. Tears of joy mixed with sadness now watered the out-dated carpet, as Mark was sent off to learn how to be a pastor. Most of the members could still remember that cold September morning … [Read more...] about The Root of Angry and Divisive Calvinists: Part 1
Blue Collar Blog Madness: Final Four
NOTE: Because of the incredible closeness of the vote, because I forgot to remind Tony to close voting yesterday, and because Todd and Paul have been SO entertaining in their shameless electioneering, the voting will continue until about 5 PM this evening (Central Daylight Time). So, Todd can continue to rally his family members and Paul can garner more support from the animated animals that have lined up behind him until that time. We have winnowed the field down and now only four blogs remain. Our Blue Collar Blog Madness champion for 2012 will be crowned soon. Congratulations to Paul … [Read more...] about Blue Collar Blog Madness: Final Four