This coming week is scheduled for the annual meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention in Louisville, KY. Thousands of messengers are expected to attend this meeting of the largest non-Roman Catholic denomination in these United States. The Southern Baptist Convention is composed of approximately forty thousand self-governing Baptist Churches. Baptists have no hierarchy and the Southern Baptist Convention has no authority over the local churches.However, through voluntary support, the SBC ministries operate six seminaries, send thousands of missionaries around the world, and work to provide guidance on moral issues of the day. What should happen this week at the 2009 Southern Baptist Convention?
1) Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville will celebrate their 150th anniversary. Southern is now a solidly conservative school under the leadership of their President, Dr. Albert Mohler.
2) Discussions should be held on the proposed Great Commission Resurgence (GCR). Some have wisely expressed concern that the proposal trends toward connectionalism, with the SBC declaring that which state conventions are to do. While any Baptist should support a re-emphasis on the Great Commission, one must never compromise on the distinctives of Baptist Autonomy. Does the Great Commission Resurgence proposal compromise Baptist autonomy? This messenger to the Convention is waiting to hear the debate before signing on.
While many Pastors signed on to support of the GCR, this writer has decided to wait until his reservations are settled.
3) Some expect a motion to withdraw fellowship from Broadway Baptist Church in Fort Worth, a church that some say has endorsed homosexual behavior. If, indeed, this church does support legitimizing homosexual practice, I expect this church to be disfellowshipped.
4) Dwight McKissic is offering a resolution celebrating the election of Barack Obama as the first black President. The interesting matter is that SBC President Johnny Hunt has endorsed the motion.Frankly, this writer believes that these United States need to repent in sackcloth and ashes for electing a pro-abortion, pro-homosexual, pro-socialism leader like Barack Obama. I care not what his race may be. Should we celebrate the election of a black President? Somehow, I thought the dream of Dr. King was a color-blind society. Dr. King's most famous speech declared I have a dream when men will be judged, not by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character. Somehow, praising the election of a President of a certain race would seem to conflict with the King dream.
My ideology is contrary to that of Obama, hence, I am not happy with the election of President Obama. Seriously, I doubt that few Southern Baptists would be happy if this convention supports such a resolution applauding Obama's election. This Baptist will be present to vote against such a resolution.
8 comments:
"I thought the dream of Dr. King was a color-blind society. Dr. King's most famous speech declared I have a dream when men will be judged, not by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character. Somehow, praising the election of a President of a certain race would seem to conflict with the King dream.
My ideology is contrary to that of Obama, hence, I am not happy with the election of President Obama. Seriously, I doubt that few Southern Baptists would be happy if this convention supports such a resolution applauding Obama's election. This Baptist will be present to vote against such a resolution."
Well said. I agree. There will be at least two votes against this resolution.
cb
While scripture tells us to have respect for whoever God installs as our government authority, I don't support his ideology or agenda. I respect the fact that he is the president,however hard that has beenthe last few months.
this vote is no--race should not be a factor.
Must we all bow down to Massa Obama to prove we are not racist?
This is getting to be ridiculous and beyond.
I agree with Brother John on all his points. He has stated it very clear and concise.
It doesn't matter if the President is purple with green polka dots! I just want someone sitting in that great White House that upholds the Oath of office to God that he takes to "preserve, protect and defend" the Constitution!
Even though there is much that has been written in it that is terribly wrong from the 14th Amendment through the remainder, yet, if it were followed even now as written, we would not be in half the awful situation we find ourselves in today!
Trying to get a grip from the best and brightest on Iran--one pundit called this moment Shiite Shakespeare, of that tragic dimension and intrigue--I think they may need a Baptist moment of the likes of Leland, Truett and Roger Williams.
That most likely want be encouraged in Louisville this week as Baptists there may have more in commmon with Achmidinejad and Khameini than Rafsanjani, his daughter, Moussavi and Neda.
Jim Evans of FBC Auburn suggests as much in this column I recommend to all of you
http://www.ethicsdaily.com/news.php?viewStory=14404
The big hurdle for Alabama Baptists in Louisville seems to me will have to reconcile Wade Burleson's latest notion that the Con Resurgence did more harm than good, with where they send in good conscience their CP dollars.
Like people of conscience these days in Tehran, looks like sooner or later Gary Fenton and Jay Wolfe are gonna have to lead their churches to make a decision.
While I have strong disagreements with some of the policies of our new president, his election was a important milestone for our nation, especially in light of the racism of our past. A resolution acknowledging this positive aspect of his election and urging prayer for him and all those in authority seems like a gracious and appropriate thing to do.
I think Steve Potts makes a good point.
Will be interesting to see how it plays with Lenora Pate and Nick Saban in light of Sally Jenkins new book at Jones County Mississippi and her intent to enlist Auburn QB Jason Campbell in the advancement of her book.
How will that aspect of Artur Davis candidacy for Governor inflect the musings of Rick Lance and Bob Terry this coming year?
At Grace and Truth Wade Burleson is announcing today a year of being apolitical in the SBC.
I think that is a mistake.
I do hope bob Terry will ask Gary Fenton and Jay Wolfe where they stand on all this and will they continue to support the COOP Program as usual.
FBC Huntsville is on the front page of the Bama Baptist this week.
I thought Jimmy Jackson was kicking it out of the State Convention.
See my comment on Wade Burleson's farewell to politics for a year comment line.
Steve Potts,
You have missed the point of John's post entirely. But I am glad to say that Dwight McKissic did not and the committee did come out with a good resolution. John and I both talked to Dwight at length during the SBC. Our respect for one another is mutual.
cb
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