The following resolution will be offered by Pastors Dwight McKissic and Tim Rogers in Houston. It certainly has my support, for what it’s worth.
WHEREAS, Historically, Southern Baptists have embraced Christian brotherhood and cooperation with other evangelicals and
WHEREAS, We have witnessed in recent years the portrayal of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints as Christian and termed an evangelical group and
WHEREAS, We have witnessed in recent years an increased call of denominations as barriers to be overcome on the road to unity and
WHEREAS, our convention along with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has a long history of affirming the sanctity of life and
WHEREAS, The Word of God, the Bible, is the complete, trustworthy, and inerrant written record of God’s revelation of Himself to man (John 16:13; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21) and
WHEREAS, The Bible reveals God as the only true, eternal Creator and self-sufficient, self-existent Sovereign of the universe, one God in three persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Genesis 1:1; Isaiah 43:10-11; 44:6-8) and
WHEREAS, Jesus Christ is the unique and eternal Son of God, the incarnate Word, who was with God and was God, and was supernaturally conceived of the Holy Spirit, without sexual relations, born of the virgin Mary (John 1:1-18; Isaiah 7:14-16; 9:6-7; Matthew 1:18-21) and
WHEREAS, True Biblical unity can only be realized in the bond of truth, and never at the expense of Biblical truth; Now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED, That the Southern Baptist Convention meeting, June 11-13, 2013, in Houston, Texas, urges the Boards and Agencies of the Southern Baptist Convention to maintain the historic position of Southern Baptists as they cooperate with various other groups in appropriate evangelistic enterprises, and on issues of justice, morality, and religious liberty both at home and abroad; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That such efforts not commit Southern Baptists to any organizational or long-term relationship which would risk possible compromise of historic distinctives or the unique witness of Southern Baptists to the world; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That Southern Baptists affirm the finality, sufficiency, and exclusivity of the Christian Gospel and of biblical revelation as the sole source of saving truth, “For there is no other name under heaven given among man by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12); and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED; Any group that denies the sufficiency and exclusivity of the Christian Gospel and of biblical revelation as the sole source of saving truth, while cooperating with on issues of morality, social justice, and religious liberty, will not be a group Southern Baptists cooperate with on evangelistic endeavors, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED; We call on all Southern Baptists to cooperate with all groups on issues of morality, social justice, and religious liberty while maintaining the understanding that the term “evangelical” is reserved only for those who affirm the exclusivity of salvation alone, by faith alone, through grace alone, in Christ alone, according to the scriptures alone;
AND BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED; Any group that adds to the exclusivity of Jesus Christ as the eternal son of God, or denies the work of the Holy Trinity, is not considered Christian, or part of an evangelical belief system.
This seems to be more about Trinitarianism than Mormonism, excluding the “oneness” Pentecostal folks also.
Ken,
This would also include JWs.
I don’t think the resolution is bad. Not sure it is needed however.
My brothers, I agree with the proposed resolution and hope it will pass in Houston. I think you could take your resolution a step further and be much more direct. The title makes your intention clear but I’m not so sure the resolution makes it that plain. I would not be opposed to supporting a resolution that said, BE IT RESOLVED, We do not consider Mormonism to be another evangelical Christian denomination but a cult.
I agree Mormonism is a cult, and I’d like to see that word included….but the final resolve does state “shall not be considered Christian”.
Brother Bill and Tarheel,
You are welcome to amend the resolution if it comes out of committee. I do know that some have a dislike to the term “cult” because it raises memories of Jim Jones and David Koresch. However, my understanding of cult is any religion that denies the trinity or deity of Jesus Christ.
But, I would not oppose your amendment.
Actually if you look up the definition of cult. It says “religious veneration and devotion directed toward a particular figure or object.” Means we’re a cult too, just a cult of Christ.
Makes sense, Bill. And since today the word cult means a shaved head and white Nikes while you wait for the comet to pick you up, then maybe “false religion” would be better.
I like both of you guys but need to be persuaded that this resolution is necessary.
Would you kindly make the case?
William and Bill,
I think I agree with you both. As I read the resolution, I am not sure WHAT the force of the resolution would accomplish.
Would would this resolution effectively accomplish?
An interesting side note are the following statments:
WHEREAS, We have witnessed in recent years an increased call of denominations as barriers to be overcome on the road to unity and
WHEREAS, True Biblical unity can only be realized in the bond of truth, and never at the expense of Biblical truth; Now, therefore….
Sounds eerily familiar with the theological debates going on today INSIDE the SBC.
Bob: While not being totally insensitive to the concerns of some who fear a public perception of kinship between Mormons and Southern Baptists, all I can say is here we go again. Further defining with continual resolutions and statements what we don’t believe and who we’re not willing to identify with (in this case, Mormons) tends to decrease rather than increase public good will toward the SBC. IMO Why do Southern Baptists always insist on a creedal approach to such issues and why are we so unwilling to let the Lord of the harvest seperate wheat from tares? Any literate,… Read more »
Here’s another possible scenario for consideration Bob.
Suppose you have at least two resolutions offered from the floor for consideration at the upcoming SBC annual meeting.
One resolution tends to theologically disparage Mormonism, The second resolution speaks to the issue of sexual abuse of children within SBC churches/partner churches.
What happens through the lens of public perception when the resolution on child abuse cannot muster a vote of support but the statement against Mormonism does?
Not only is Mormonism not evangelical, neither is it a “church”. I recommend a more accurate title which does not at all legitimize Mormonism as a “church”.
Why not simply say that Mormonism is not Christian?
Of course, you’ve got my vote either way.
Here is my question… why are we singling out this one specifically?
What a change, we went from the 3rd great abrahamic religion and
voting for a Mormon to run this country to this. Friends, many in the SBC just don’t know what side they are on.
I don’t think that Dwight, Tim, or I have changed positions at all.
Bart,
I agree
Tim
Billy Graham’s actions in the last election made it necessary I think.
I also like the clarity with which the resolution speaks toward the trinitarianism, exclusivity of Christ and the gospel….stating that “no group” who denies these things is evangelical or Christian.
Evangelicalism needs to be defined…..remember several pastors and leaders (SBC) embraced a like minded political conservative who called for spiritual/political revival under God- These leaders locked hands and implied spiritual union with him on the steps of the Capitol.
That political leader was Glenn Beck, a Mormon.
SEE # 14 today to which this should be attached .
If the exclusivity of the Gospel and biblical revelation as the source of saving truth, with faith in Christ as it’s sole source, why are we so quick to single out the Mormons yet move to accept Roman Catholicism as legitimate Christianity? I wonder what the Reformers would have to say about it.
Bob,
I, too, thought of Roman Catholicism when reading this resolution.
For what it’s worth, the SBC did pass a resolution on Roman Catholics in 1994. You can read the text here:
http://sbc.net/resolutions/amResolution.asp?ID=964.
Thanks David, I didn’t know that the issue had been addressed. The fact that we acknowledge that the RCC teaches a different nature and means of salvation other than the biblical Gospel, and yet encourages meaningful dialogue as we hold hands in the sight of the whole world astounds me somewhat. The RCC clearly preaches another gospel while claiming to be Christian. The Scripture us clear on how we should treat them. I’m not a hateful guy, I’m just concerned with our willingness to look the other way when it comes to the Bible at times.
The same multi- millionaire Glen Beck that entertained the masses at Liberty University while having the NRA conservative pro-gun support . We need to encourage our own friends of our own choosing ignoring the box office draw of the “wild ones” .
I’m thankful to hear a resolution of this nature. Like many others have stated… This resolution includes more than just Mormonism (this is good) It could go further, but I would be in support of it as it stands.
Good clarity and helpful for me with my Mormon community neighbors. Recent political atmosphere made for a short season of confusion among both evangelicals and Mormons. May this help.
Amen and well said. The focus of this resolution is separation from Mormonism but it does raise the issue of separation with RCC. As evangelicals become more socially oriented in the name of the Gospel we are always in danger of blurring the lines of distinction with other groups, both religious and political. Dominion Theology has clouded our proper focus on and definition of the Gospel of Christ as we try to heal the world’s woes in the name of the Gospel of Christ. I just don’t find that in Peter and Paul’s ministries. Christ’s miracles authenticated WHO He was… Read more »
Dwight introduced a similar resolution at last convention. I was convinced it was political in nature then, and I’ve not changed my mind. Why is this necessary? Are we prepared to do the same thing for other religious groups we don’t agree with? How about the WW COG, TEC, ELCA, COC, the Roman Catholic Church? If we aren’t prepared to challenge these people, then why should single out Mormons? Why shouldn’t we clean up our own in-house issues before we go after others? Our motives might be good, but what message are we sending to unbelievers? Who gave us the… Read more »
Chief. I agree wholeheartedly with your analysis. We are forever making resolutions as a substitute for making a difference.
PS–my son Jonathan is 3 weeks into FC School. The only one to pass last weeks test. Maybe we will have another “Chief” in a few years.
Hi Frank, Thanks for your good words. I really appreciate the way you framed the difference. I think we have a big job before us and condemning others doesn’t seem productive to me. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to compare and contrast the Mormon church with us to see the difference. Good to hear about Jonathan’s progress. FC school is no walk in the park. It’s a comfort to know that the best and brightest are succeeding. Not sure that being a Chief will mean to Jonathan what it has meant to me and generations of other Chiefs. Everyone… Read more »
Chief Katie,
You said, condemning others doesn’t seem productive. You just don’t know how wrong you are. Southern Baptists have been condemning folks for 150 years, and look at us now.
Jess, I’m not sure if that was serious or sarcastic, but honestly, I’m very weary of the constant rancor. I’m not in favor of compromising the gospel, and watering down the basic doctrines we hold dear, but neither do I think we need to go after other faith groups. Living in AZ has me surrounded by the LDS church. At my last teaching assignment (before taking on the Director job of a Christian school), the majority of my students were Mormon children. The truth is I didn’t like hearing kids talk about the three levels of heaven, but I NEVER… Read more »
Chief,
I’ll steer off course a bit to have some scuttlebutt.
Jonathan told me that they are working toward having one basic uniform for all the services. I did not understand it all, but I think the distinctiveness of each branch is healthy and would hate to see the Navy give up the distinctive “Cracker Jack” uniform.
It came back just before I mustered out.
God bless,
Yep, Frank, that’s part of what I’m hearing. I believe this will be a mistake of profound repercussions. The ties that bind are interwoven into our heritage. I can only hope and pray that someone can steer the ship aright and much beyond amidships. I hope that I never hear that it’s unacceptable to sing “Eternal Father”. It still brings tears to my eyes.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZk1n9C070s
Okay, we better secure the hi-jack…:)
Semper Fi, Chief.
As a former Marine musician, Eternal Father is still one of my favorites. I’ve written a couple of arrangements for piano and organ that I sneak in sometimes when I’m asked to play.
I seriously hope they don’t unify the uniforms. There is a lot of history behind the Marine Corps dress blues. They don’t call them blood stripes for nothing.
Katie, I like the idea of having resolutions for the RCC and CoC.
Mark,
If I may? I don’t disrespect your view. But I think using the ‘resolution’ method, is counter to our goals. Correct me if I am wrong. Our primary goal is to fulfill the Great Commission, Yes? Why isn’t the BF&M sufficient to describe what we believe? How do these resolutions serve us? If you can demonstrate to me, that we can reach unbelievers with these resolutions, I’ll reconsider your point of view. I’m often not correct, and I have no problem with learning from others.
Amen.
Katie, As one who was raised in a sect of Mormonism, I do see a need to have clear statements that Mormonism is not Christian. As Southern Baptists (and other Christians) continue to supporting Republicans, and Mormons such as Beck and Romney support Republicans, more confusion is likely to come. The last election is a good example of Christians not being able to discern that Mormonism preaches a different gospel and Jesus. Romney even lied to Huckabee about the question of Jesus and Lucifer being brothers. Mormons have become very good at claiming they are Christians with the default answer… Read more »
Well Mark, I’m one of those pesky Calvinists so in essence I believe in the doctrine of election. But, even if I didn’t, your question regarding unbelievers is more than fair. It seems to me that unbelievers approach the faith with a good degree of skepticism. Just as an aside here, my cousin is Dan Barker from the Freedom From Religion Foundation. His life’s work is to make sure that every last person on the planet is a skeptic and stays that way. It might be my own very destructive upbringing, but I surely approach any belief system suspiciously. If… Read more »
Mark,
I think some may have had trouble discerning that Mormonism preaches another Gospel and another Jesus, but I think that many who voted for Romney in 2012 didn’t consider President Obama a Christian so it was a wash religiously. I personally think it’s sad that I had more in common with a Mormon on social issues than I did a professing Christian. So, at least for me that line was not blurred. I knew full well how I felt about Mormonism, but in all honesty, I don’t feel any better about liberal Christianity.
Hello all, I stumbled upon this blog from the Deseret News, and have been really impressed with the civility of discussion. I AM a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and, if you would allow me, I would like to defend my belief that I am a follower of the very same Jesus Christ that you follow. To Mark Lamprecht, above, I would say that if you had truly been a member of our church, you would have known that there are no sects of it as a denomination, and that any break-off organizations are not… Read more »
You guys stated, (one God in three persons). Why not a triune God, three persons in one God. I think what you have written in this matter should be reworded as I have pointed out. To me, what you have written states
triune persons, instead of a triune God.
Jess,
Thank you for that clarification. It is in the hands of the Committee right now if it comes out and it is still there I will suggest the rewording.
“God in three Persons” is also accurate.
I think this is a good step, but if anything I think it’s too soft. I think there are members of SBC churches that could read this and not actually know what the point is because so many members are confused as to what Mormons really believe. Therefore, it seems odd that we would not make the statement include enough language to explicitly declare that Mormons do NOT believe the same gospel that we do. So here’s the point: if everyone in the SBC knows that Mormonism is wrong, then why do we need a resolution at all? If we… Read more »
“What would this resolution effectively accomplish?”— Glad you asked. We have had some leaders come out with specific comments in the last election cycle that seemed gracious but really implied the Mormon Church was a Christian group. While we have not had any incidence of church planting efforts with a Mormon group, and I do not expect to see any such thing, I believe the lines are blurred to the extent that it could only be a matter of time before we are debating this issue on the floor of the convention. Why do Southern Baptists always insist on a… Read more »
Last paragraph: so it is politically motivated? It is about the last election not the doctrine of election. Such a resolution will do more harm than good. Can we hope to correct ever misstatement of a politician with a resolution? We would simply be chasing our tales. I wonder if this resolution is intended to bring unity or simply grind an old ax from the last election? I see the remake of the Disney Fiasco coming. The Mormons are not our Enemy and resolutions are not our mission. This resolution will only allow us to make news, not extend the… Read more »
Frank, if the devil puts his hand on your shoulder and says you’re my buddy, shouldn’t you worry? This is the same way I feel about Mormonism. We had better leave well enough alone.
Jess. I certainly have no plans to partner with Mormons. I just don’t plan to substitute resolutions for evangelism.
I think there is another agenda at work in this resolution that I am not comfortable with
So, with all respect, Tim: You actually believe a statement by the SBC disparaging Mormonism is going to have the effect of fine-tuning the public’s theological perception as well as having a corrective influence on media produced political statements coming out of Washington? I tend to think that picking an unnecessary fight with Mormons on a public platform in a situation where the Word of God is all one needs to dispell their religious claims is silly and counterproductive. How can you be sure that the final effect of an overtly negative SBC resolution would not be to accelerate the… Read more »
Scott,
I am not “picking an unnecessary fight with the Mormons”. This resolution is long overdue as the lines of clear difference in Mormons and evangelicals have been blurred.
Blurred by who or what?
Bro. Tim, Well stated. The parking stripe analogy sounded like a parable. After reading your words in this comment thread, I am even more convinced of the need & legitimacy of this resolution. Thanks for letting me partner with you on a Resolution that every Baptists need to understand. The lines have been blurred, as you so simply, illustratively, & eloquently make clear. This resolution brings clarity, definition & distinction to this discussion. My prayer is that the resolutions committee will see the need & help make it clear to all Baptists, that we do not view Mormonism as a… Read more »
Well, they certainly behave evangelistically, but to be Christian evangelicals, they need to proclaim the true evangel. This brings up an observation that there are some groups more closely considered evangelical that are arguably not proclaiming the true evangel.
I wonder what charges and accusations will arise if the committee, or the convention turns this down? More division. More marginalization.
This looks like a no-win proposition
Who are the Southern Baptists who have caused this to be a problem, Tim?
William,
I am not going to be drawn into a kiss and tell back and forth. But thanks for the offer.
Tim
Bro. Tim,
Much love, Much respect, Much appreciation for the wisdom that you have shown in the construction of this resolution & the responses to comments. Your background & training has served you well. Look forward to seeing you in Houston.
Dwight
Any group that adds to the exclusivity of Jesus Christ as the eternal son of God, or denies the work of the Holy Trinity, or denies that a person must repent and trust Christ in this lifetime is not considered Christian, or part of an evangelical belief system. Dwight/Tim A humble suggestion in bold. I didn’t see anything else in the resolution that covered it. Basically, don’t they teach you can get baptized for a dead relative and they can be saved? This would take care of that as well as making it clear that any baptist groups outside the… Read more »
I like that!
Joe,
That would be a great addition and one that I would not object to. As I said earlier the resolution is in the hands of the committee and as such I am waiting to see if it gets through. If it doesn’t I do not know what I will do. If it does and is changed some I do not think it will be changed significantly for me to disagree with the committee. Also, if it does come through please feel free to add this as an amendment.
NEWS FLASH: BIG NEWS FROM THE SBC IN HOUSTON!! Attila the Hun and Ghandi have joined forces to challenge Southern Baptists to fight those aggressive, false-evangelical, Latter Day Saints. Yes folks, that’s right and you got it first right here at SBC Voices. Today is a historic day in the SBC once again. Attila the Hun Rogers and Ghandi Mckissic, two well known Southern Baptist pastors and Crusaders for both extremes, Right Wing and Left Wing at the same time, are coming together to bring forth a Resolution to end bicycle riding, young, Mormon Cultists from terrorizing urban communities with… Read more »
Carlos,
Yes, it is a result of marble heads being chipped away to the point of understanding we could find something to agree with–the exclusivity of Jesus Christ.
Tim Rogers,
I have often thought about how life would have been different had you been just a few hundred higher when you jumped out of that plane with a faulty parachute.
Now that’s funny right there… I don’t care what anybody says!
🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
Carlos,
I am just glad of two things. The drop zone was nothing but sand and I had not hardened my heart to the point that God’s Spirit had stopped striving with me.
Now, as to the height I would have been had this not happened….. 🙂
CB,
You really need to take up the side line of appearing on the comedy circuit!! You would make a fortune. 😉 (smiley is for you Dave)
Jake Barker,
There are many Baptist deacons who have agreed with you when I gave them my ministry budget for the next year.
Get’em, CB!
David 🙂
cb scott,
You can unite with whom you want, I’m going to unite with Baptists,
but only a special few of them. I even named my flock of chickens Baptists, they are all the time clucking and eating, but seem to never get anything done.
“You can unite with whom you want, . . ” Jess Alford, I did. We have been married for many, many years. However, our “flock” is named: David, Joe, Ben, TJ, Stephen, Carrie, and Ashley with several others who just “nested” with us for a while. I think you and your wife would have done better had you named your flock something other than “Baptists.” Seems to me that would cause a lot of confusion when you yelled out n the back yard, “Baptists, bring in some firewood.” However, I am sure that is one way to keep the wood… Read more »
Lol.
CB,
LOL.
Dwight
CB,
Your “news flash” is nothing less than brilliant. Thanks for the comic relief.
Dwight
Dwight,
I want you to say more about my brilliance. It does wonders for Tim’s self-esteem. 🙂
CB,
I’ll help with Tim’s self esteem…may I? Tim Rogers is one of the best, Krispy Kreme, donut eaters I’ve ever seen.
How’s that?
David
volfan007
Hanging around CB helps my self esteem. The boy cannot see over the pulpit when he preaches. I am just excited to see him out of breath by the time he walks up the steps to get to the pulpit then he can’t see the people. So he preaches by looking around the sides of the pulpit. 🙂
This is why this resolution is needed…
https://sbcvoices.com/will-we-gain-the-white-house-and-lose-our-souls/
How does voting for a Mormon violate any Christian principals? Are we only supposed to vote for Christians? If that is the case, then we couldn’t have voted in the last election since there wasn’t a Christian presidential candidate.
Joe Blackmon,
With the Devil being the brother of Jesus, and spending eternity on a star with as many wives as you want, and suffering life or limb for leaving the cult should ring a few bells.
How does Mormonism being a cult, which it clearly is, mean that Christians can’t vote for them? Again, if Christians can only vote for Christians then they couldn’t have voted in the last Presidential election because there wasn’t a Christian running.
Many seem to have that philosophy and did not vote.
In the NT kings were regarded as everyone’s king and participating in the political practice was taught by Jesus as well as others.
God is as much sovereign over a Mormon politician as any other.
Joe,
To be honest, if we can only vote for Christians, we might have needed to set out the last several presidential elections.
Joey,
Probably the last dozen elections at least, eh?
Joe,
Sadly, at least that long.
Well can I be honest? (Rhetorical question) CB Scotts news flash is about the dumbest and insulting thing he ever wrote. (I thought saying stupid a bit harsh).
Also, The word “cult” might be a bit much for todays connotations, but I think we ought to include pronouncing the anathema on their doctrine.
Seriously!
Clark,
CB was joking around. Good grief, Dude, get a sense of humor.
And, a cult is what the Mormons are.
David
CB was joking? Well, that puts a different light on it for me 🙂
Chief Katie, No sense in bringing Calvinism into this exchange since we are on the same page. And I usually agree with you on the issues which I’ve read your comments. Besides, believing in election has not stopped Calvinists to be some of the strongest defenders of doctrine. I think the question of how the BFM helps unbelievers has now shifted. You’ve moved the issue into the realm of a seeker who ultimately finds what they are looking for. Fine, but all I would do is add the Mormon resolution among those resources you listed. If I understand you original… Read more »
Regarding the upcoming Southern Baptist Convention and its vote on the resolution to work with the LDS Church, I sent several of the following texts to my pastor who I believe to be at, or getting ready to leave for, the SBC convention: “Today the Adam and Eve Convention voted to approve a resolution allowing Eve to work with Satan and “all groups on issues of morality, social justice, and religious liberty” noting that Satan had a “long history of affirming the sanctity of life”. The convention was held in the Garden of Eden. Following the vote, Satan and Eve… Read more »
Ron, I can assure you that since missionaries typically do not surf the web, they will not know about or care about this resolution. If they do, they can read, and they will understand what the resolution is actually saying. I’ve been entertained by all of the comments, and I’m sincerely grateful for Chief Katie’s comments. She seems to be one of the few voices of tolerance and love on this site. But as Anisha said, please refer to the Mormon site or better, ask a Mormon. Having been a full-time missionary myself, I can tell you I’m not afraid… Read more »