There is no limit to anger born from ignorance or misinformation

It must be something in this morning's coffee, but I have been pondering what others have had to say about a certain value, belief, icon (i.e the Bible), or institution (i.e. the family) coming under 'attack'. I'll confess to my tendancies to become defensive when faced with an opinion, comment, or ideology that either conflicts with my own values or makes me uncomfortable. It is because of that discomfort that I leave you with the following words from Mark Twain:

"We despise all reverences and all the objects of reverence which are outside the pale of our own list of sacred things. And yet, with strange inconsistency, we are shocked when other people despise and defile the things which are holy to us."

Maybe I just need more creamer...perhaps one of those fancy flavored varieties.

Baptist & Reflector Editor Interested in Fairness

There is hope. Following a small hiccup in jounalistic standards, Lonnie Wilkins published "In the Interest of Fairness" as a follow up to this article. The Baptist and Reflector editor concludes with what I feel to be an honest reflection, worthy of consideration by all of us:

"It is a reminder that we need to be careful about not only what we say, but how it may be interpreted. We should never leave any doubt that we believe Jesus is “the only way, the truth, and the life.” And we should never, ever be ashamed to proclaim that Jesus is Lord."

I, too, will stand by what I wrote based upon Lonnie's story.

Dr. David Dockery - Baptist Olive Branches

I really, truly like David Dockery. He is a great match for the Union University community and the mission/goals/vision for the school. I hope that the trustees recognize the jewel that they have at the helm and support and encourage his ministry in leadership.

Dr. Dockery has stepped up to the plate to mend fences and extend olive brances within the ranks of Southern Baptists. His efforts are commendable. I hope that his most recent foray into Baptist diplomacy doesn't pull him too far from his focus at Union. I say that in all sincerity and know from experience and history that a misstep in any direction can be disasterous. We Baptists still tend to bury our wounded.

The following is a quote from a recent Concerned Tennessee Baptist news story, "Dockery calls for consensus on theological issues of primary importance":

Dockery traced his own experiences growing up as a Southern Baptist in the 1950s, when being Southern Baptist carried a cultural and programmatic identity no longer seen today. Instead, in recent years, Dockery said the Southern Baptist Convention has become a gathering of loosely-connected groups – including fundamentalists, evangelicals, revivalists, purpose-driven churches, quasi-charismatics, culture warriors and Calvinists, to name a few.

Dockery acknowledged that tension may exist between some of these groups – as tension exists in some basic Christian doctrines. But he said tension doesn’t have to lead to fragmentation or division.

“It is possible to hold hands with brothers and sisters who disagree on secondary and tertiary matters of theology and work together toward a common good to advance the kingdom of God,” Dockery said. “But we need to be of like mind on first-order issues, issues such as the authority and truthfulness of the Bible, the deity and humanity of Christ, the Holy Trinity and the exclusivity of the gospel.”

I feel pretty confident that Dr. Dockery's statement, "But we need to be of like mind on first-order issues" is something that most every Baptist would agree to. It may, however, be naive (and un-Baptist-like) to believe that his list of first-order issues will gain consensus in light of on-going debate over the Baptist Faith and Message (choose your version). I wish Dr. Dockery godspeed in his quest and will be watching for the wings of his words.

Refugee Baptists have affirmed Dr. Dockery's status as a Baptist... there is the burning question of whether or not he believes that fried chicken is the concensus Baptist bird. It is a first-order, Baptist fellowship issue, isn't it?

Not Under My Christmas Tree, No Way!

I have a historical appreciation for the folks over at Focus on the Family and their original projects that focused on parenting. In spite of what I perceive as a shift toward a focus on politics, there have been expansions of programs that I appreciate. I have generally found their entertainment reviews at PluggedIn to be fair and on target. I do take issue with the latest game recommendation.

First, read their review and endorsement for the computer game. Then, check out the reactions to Left Behind: Eternal Forces over at EthicsDaily.com. Sorry, guys, I believe the Focus on the Family crowd missed this one...particularly:

"Eternal Forces is the kind of game that Mom and Dad can actually play with Junior—and use to raise some interesting questions along the way. Production company Left Behind Games is pushing it as an evangelism tool for teens, and I can see that, too. You certainly don't have to be an eschatologically minded seminarian to appreciate it."

Oh, just in case someone chooses to lump me in with the "rock throwers", I HAVE seen and played the game. I consider the downplaying of "defensive violence" to be dishonest...it is probably the only part of the game that "Junior" would actually "enjoy". I would place this "tool for evangelism" in the same category of sharing the four spiritual laws using a hand puppet...it might feel good, but it is just not quite right. The primary benefit of the review might be parents scrambling for a dictionary to define eschatologically minded seminarian.

There are Baptist parts of the Left Behind Game game...while playing, it is essential that the leader keep his followers supplied (at least spiritually). Again, the lack of actual reference to fried chicken, green beens, or pecan pie was a real disappointment.

Concerned Tennessee Baptists - Searching for Sin

Larry Regan and his wife used the seach feature on web sites for Wal-Mart, Kmart, Target, and Meijer using the following words: "lesbian, gay, homosexual, transexual, and bisexual". The intent of the research project was to get some indication of where these stores stand on these cultural issues, particularly since WalMart announced (but has yet to fully implement) a change in corporate giving to homosexual causes. I have re-created Larry's findings in chart form below (the numbers in each column represent the number of items that link to a word in the left-hand column):

	WalMart	Kmart	Target	Meijer
lesbian	614	0	0	0
gay	1315	0	3	0
homosexual	26	0	30	0
transgender	42	0	0	0
bisexual	38	0	9	0

Your response to the figures in this chart may have been like mine. I was surprised, shocked, dismayed, and genuinely concerned. So, I ventured into WalMart's search feature to see just what kinds of products these homosexual search terms referenced. As it turns out, the vast majority of the products are books.

Since WalMart isn't where I generally shop for books, I decided to apply the same search terms to the places where I have been known to shop for books. Here are my findings:

	Lifeway	Borders	Cokesbury	Amazon
lesbian	1	2000	101	44,872
gay	115	2000	311	146,201
homosexual	64	291	81	51,959
transgender	0	146	20	3,532
bisexual	0	241	30	17,758

If these search terms are to be the basis for a boycot, then I might suggest that Amazon appears to be a far greater offender than WalMart (noting that LifeWay doesn't look any better than Kmart, Target, or Meijer at this level...perhaps indicating a flaw in the thesis for the research). Which leads me to the following thoughts:

Generally, I am not one to boycot an institution because of a stance on cultural issues that differs from mine. I say that in one breath and will tell you in the next that I will not darken the door of an 'Adult Bookstore' or 'Gentleman's Club'... I make what I consider a common sense distinction (i.e. I doubt seriously that anyone enters an adult bookstore expecting to find bread, milk, and eggs).

I am not of the opinion that a boycot of an institution will bring that institution to saving grace. By focusing on the institution, we somehow miss the mark to reach the people within that institution (including corporate leadership) with the Gospel. I am pretty sure that the great commission mentions 'people' and not 'institutions' (although the imagery of immersing a Wal-Mart does have a certain appeal to my imagination).

I am not saying that we should throw in the towel for institutions that we see headed in the wrong direction. If any group understands how to make those kinds of institutional changes, I would expect that group to include strategists from the conservative resurgence. One share of stock in WalMart get you a vote and a seat at a stockholder's meeting...you can take it from there. Other groups have succeeded with a similar strategy.

Bottom line: I am not making plans to boycot WalMart although I am far less likely to purchase books from the store... call it a WalMart Book-cot if you like, but things that don't sell at WalMart are replaced by items that will. Now, I am struggling with how I should respond knowing a little more about Amazon. Thank goodness Amazon doesn't sell groceries!

I am pretty sure it shouldn't be like this

John the Methodist concludes a recent post regarding blogs being used to label someone unfit for ministry with the following:

It's amazing how bloodthirsty and ruthless Christians can get under the disguise of "correcting an errant brother in a spirit of love".

Amazing, indeed.

Dr. Gabhart in Good Form

I hear that Dr. Herbert Gabhart is progressing well in his physical therapy at Vanderbilt's Stallworth Hospital. For those of you who do not know the man that I consider Tennessee Baptists' senior statesman, take a look at part of a message that he delivered at Union University nearly 55 years ago (January 1952). It is cited in Calvin Miller's book, The Book of Jesus: A Treasury of the Greatest Stories and Writings About Christ. These are the words of Dr. Gabhart and the reason why that I love the heart of this man so dearly:

Let us call the roll of some of the professions:
To artists, He is the One altogether lovely.
To architects, He is the Chief Cornerstone.
To physicians, He is the Great Physician.
To preachers, He is the Word of God.
To philosophers, He is the Wisdom of God.
To the dying, He is the Resurrection and the Life.
To geologists, He is the Rock of ages.
To farmers, He is the Lord of the harvest.
To professors, He is the Master Teacher.
To prodigals, He is the forgiving Father.
To the lost sheep, He is the Good Shepherd.
To thirsty souls, He is the Water of life.
To the hungry, He is the Bread of life.
To philanthropists, He is God's Unspeakable Gift.
Nineteen centuries after His sojourn on earth, His shadow is larger and growing larger than ever before. No one can measure His height or His influence.

God bless you, Dr. Gabhart, I pray for your return to good health and happy times. We miss you!

Tounges Tied - Another Southern Baptist Divisor

For a snapshot view of the most recent Southern Baptist squabble, I believe Sam Hodges' Tongues tied: The lowdown on a Baptist spat treats the subject fairly and succinctly. There is a quote at the end of the article from Freddie Gage, a Dallas-based Southern Baptist evangelist, that I embrace. It is how many of us perceive the direction that our convention is headed:

“We’re no longer fishers of men, we’re keepers of an aquarium,” he said. “People need to be reached.”

"Keepers of the aquarium"...that is painful.

Paige Patterson on Non-Conservative Baptist Colleges

I have seen a couple of references to a 'let moderate and liberal colleges go' statement attrubuted to Dr. Paige Patterson, but did not know of a source until a Refugee Baptist reader sent me this link (thanks, Charles).

In an EthicsDaily.com post titled, "SBC Leader Says Fighting Over Baptist Colleges a Waste of Time", Dr. Patterson is quoted as saying:

"Most of the colleges and universities that have chosen not to move with the conservative movement are not going to move with the conservative movement," Patterson said. "[There's] nothing you can do that will do anything but create more hostility and more difficulty."

Please excuse my cynicism, but I believe that most of the colleges (and seminaries) who moved with the conservative movement did not do so by 'choice'...although, there were some colleges who did. Patterson clarified his position in later sections of the story:

"I thought frankly when we started out that out of the 56 Southern Baptist state-run colleges and universities we wouldn't get (emphasis mine) more than four or five of them for the conservative movement," he continued. "We've actually ended up with about 15 of them."

"There's no use fighting that battle any further in my estimation," Patterson said. "The thing to do is keep our own house clean."

In the cases of Belmont University and Carson-Newman College, I believe that Paige Patterson's estimation is correct. "We" (whoever-the-heck 'we', is) probably won't 'get' Carson-Newman or Belmont into the conservative movement. The question of whether battling institutions can cooperate in ministry after the dust settles from the feuds still remains to be asked or answered. I am still hopeful that partnerships between Belmont, Carson-Newman and the Tennessee Baptist Convention will happen in spite of the rift between the institutions. I cannot image that anyone in the ranks of Tennessee Baptists view Belmont or Carson-Newman students as a mission field that should be thrown out, discarded, or abandoned. There are examples of non-affiliated institution who completely abandoned their Baptist heritage, and there are examples of institutions who remain Christian with Baptist roots who continue the cooperative spirit that once was the glue that held Southern Baptist Churches together. I am willing to allow those who wish to "follow the conservative movement" to do so, and am still willing to find common, cooperative grounds for ministry...it is what I see that makes Baptists different from other denominations.

We Moved to Beta Blogger

I am not sure what this means for anyone who has The Refugee Baptist in their feed reader or blog roll, but if something isn't working on your end, it may be due to our change to blogger beta. I am guessing that whatever has happened is related to this.

And if all the above sounds like Greek to you, you are in good company.

Baptist Christmas Music - The Outtakes

Who would ever have imagined that the 1980's heavy metal band Twisted Sister would be singing "Oh Come All Ye Faithful"... Somehow, I don't expect it to make the cut at any of this season's Christmas pagents...but it did make me laugh.

Thanks to our resident systems person for the long telephone conversation to learn about posting YouTube videos. Who says that you can't teach an old dog...

Hat tip: Reformed Baptist Thinker

Even (Real) Journalists Make Mistakes

Many bloggers make themselves easy targets for professional journalists to point fingers at the blogosphere as a harbor for unethical/unprofessional journalistic practice. It would seem that it still happens in mainstream journalism as well. The editor of the Tennessee Baptist and Reflector, Lonnie Young, inadvertently slipped into that chasm this week. His recent commentary, Poor Advice, is based upon poor factual reporting by the Tennessean. Without checking his facts first, Lonnie (and others) re-gurgitated the misinformation, insulted Dr. Camp, and then broadcast it in print to Baptists in the state of Tennessee.

I am certain the mistake was not intentional on Lonnie's part, however, thousands of Baptist readers across the state may never learn of the error. At least in a blog, the opportunity exists to correct the problem immediately. Come to think about it, the online version of the B&R has that same flexibility...perhaps we'll see an errata/apology.

Bill Hobbs had the following to say (and it applies to Mr. Wilkins error):

"You don't trust The Tennessean on a regular basis to get the facts right or to represent conservative viewpoints accurately when it comes to a variety of issues, yet you blindly accepted their version of events yesterday. You ought to know better. Like you, I took immediate offense at Dr. Camp's alleged remarks as quoted by The Tennessean yesterday, but it soon occurred to me that he may have been misquoted, or taken out of context..."

Here is some Good Advice: If someone in Christendom is quoted in the newspaper as saying something that sounds completely outrageous. Go. Phone. Email. Ask the individual if, indeed, that is what they actually said. (Note to self: That is good advice for bloggers as well...it is basic, ethical journalism for those who call themselves (or emulate) professionals).

I only wish I had said this first...

Agree or disagree with Wade Burleson as you may...but denying that he has the heart of a Baptist would be completely off the reservation. Wade reposted his feelings regarding conservative politics in Southern Baptist circles, and I quote him here because it defines where I am, better than I have been able to do myself:

"I, and others like me, are now being isolated by political conservatives who want to rid our convention of fellow conservatives who don't interpret Scripture like they do, or express dissent with the power politics of the SBC. These political conservatives refuse cooperation in favor of conformity, and I really think it is because they have forgotten how to minister in the power of the Spirit through prayer, humility and cooperation.

I do not want to fight with my fellow conservatives. I want to cooperate with every conservative to win the world to Christ. I don't want to even argue, I just want all of us who call ourselves Southern Baptists to realize our convention is big enough for different interpretations of the non-essential doctrines of Scripture. Let's accept the Baptist Faith and Message, but let's not demand conformity on doctrines that are not even addressed in our 2000 confession of faith before agree to cooperate with each other."

I confess my frustrations with the political tactics of the conservative resurgence and promise to work harder to avoid using the same ends-justifies-the-means strategies that have caused pain and confusion for far too many years.

I want my fried chicken and I want it now! (There must be a fried chicken = "Baptist cooperative spirit" metaphor somewhere that will preach...there is certainly more than one way to make good friend chicken instead of arguing over white meat or dark meat, right?)

Dr. Herbert Gabhart Hospitalized

Dr. Gabhart has been hospitalized and is now in Vanderbilt Stallworth Rehabilitation Hospital. Tennessee Baptists know this man well as one of Belmont's early presidents and the epitome of Baptist statesmen. I am praying for Dr. Gabhart's return to the active lifestyle that this 90+ year old young man enjoys... join me. (He is missing far too many deserts...and we can't have that, now can we?)

The Nativity Story - Quick Movie Review

Yes. I went to a movie theater. I watched The Nativity Story. If you are expecting a Charleton Heston, voice-of-god-like, narrated reading of the Christmas story from Luke, you will be disapointed. What you will see, however, is a wonderfully engaging project that gives a real feeling of what day-to-day life must have been like in Roman occupied territories where Jesus was born. You will be transported into the sights, the sounds, the customs, and community of Nazareth and the surrounding coutryside. There is a villianous Herod. There are shepherds whose faces show the wrinkles and roughness of a life lived outdoors. There are Mary's family and friends who struggle with Mary's announcement and react in ways that are believable. Mary and Joseph are not shiny and glossy people, but are portrayed in a manner that lets you know that they had real faith, hopes, fears, and questions... I'll not give away the ending. Just leave it to say that I don't think you will be disapointed. Take the family and friends. It is a beautifully portrayed story and a great way to get into the spirit of Christmas.

Belmont University's Cafeteria - Subversive?

You read it right. What Belmont University is doing in their cafeteria is down. right. subversive! They are after our children. If I didn't know better, I think they might even want them to be Baptists! (relax already, I am joking)

Many of you attended college and I dare say that a large per centage of you would agree that the cafeteria food from those years was a motivator to get you OUT of school rather than keep you there. Gracious, I remember little bowls of chocolate pudding that had to be the precursor to Wham-O Super Balls (you know what I'm talking about)... oh, the nightmares!

A new link appeared recently on Belmont University's home page just right of the news stories and it is called Bruin Blog. I started reading what students have to say about life on Belmont's campus and stumbled on this story: "Mmmmmm Mmmmmm Good" Dear me! There are actually choices in Belmont's cafeteria:

The "Caf" or cafeteria is probably the most well rounded meal choice, always serving an entree with probably a few veggies, a vegeterian choice, a special chef prepared treat, a salad bar, dessert bar, cereal bar, ice cream bar, pizza bar, and hamburger/chicken sandwich/grilled cheese bar. Enough bars? I'd like to think so. My favorite meal thus far at Belmont is probably the Belgian Waffles at breakfast... where you can use all the whipped cream, syrup, and fruit that your heart desires. Wow, I'm getting hungry just writing this!

Well, there you have it, folks...fodder for a Baptist debate: Conservatives can jump on all the bars at Belmont. Moderates will find food in the middle of the room... and liberals can ask the chef to water down the gravy. See, I think this place IS Baptist and the cafeteria is a covert, subversive, instrument . I offer the closing paragraph of Mmmmm Good as proof:

Food is important! Don't underestimate the power of food! I can assure you that you can always find something to chow down on at Belmont, and if you don't believe me, see for yourself!

You DO understand that I am kidding about the caf, right?... but I'd like to think that the "you can always find something to chow down on at Belmont" speaks metaphorically of the good things going on inside the classrooms on campus.

Hopeful Carson-Newman Faculty - Beware of Wolves...

If you haven't been following the struggles at Carson-Newman College, this post will be of little interest to you. If you have any connection to the college as a student, faculty, staff, or alumni, I hope that you will find encouragement in the words of a faculty member regarding a recent 'listening session':

"I was inspired beyond description by the integrity, honesty, and genuineness with which my colleagues shared their concerns about the state of Carson-Newman College. Their commitment to students, to Jesus, to academic excellence, was a delight to hear... My hope for the future of C-N was rekindled in a way that it has not been for years... I have never been more proud of Carson-Newman faculty. I am proud to be counted among them."

There are many needs at Carson-Newman, but a dedicated and committed faculty of Christian educators is not something the school lacks. I hope that Tennessee Baptists will recognize that fact and that they will rally around those individuals who are prepared to lead the college forward.

There are some in the Tennessee Baptist Convention who are proposing that Carson-Newman be changed to reflect the conservative resurgence within the Tennessee Baptist Convention:

"The theologically liberal Religion department at C-N should be replaced with Bible-believing faculty members. The Biology department should be replaced with teachers who do not teach evolution as fact. The Trustees from CBF churches should be replaced with Trustees from churches whose theology and worldview are representative of Tennessee Baptists."
- Bill Carden, FBC Tullahoma

It may just be my refugee roots, but Bill Carden's suggestions sound like conservative Baptists want more than just a change in direction...don't be surprised if a conservative pastor becomes a candidate is called to replace Carson-Newman's current president.

The Prodigal Blogger

I spent much of last week reading other Baptist blogs. I could be way off base, but I see much more reasoned discussion going on than venom-filled, personal attacks. It may be that I have discovered the places where reasonable Baptist have gathered...and if so, I forgive them in advance for not sharing their favorite 'meat-and-three' (which preaches as 'meet-and-two-or-three' Matthew 18:20 )...I regress.

One of my discoveries is The Prodigal Blogger. I commend Brother Wade to you for several reasons and plan to have his blog added to my reading list. He is currently a student at Campell University and is a recent graduate of Southeastern College... if you do not read anything else on his blog, please take the time to read In the Name of Fairness, his personal journey as an older student called into ministry, relating his experiences at Campbell and Southeastern. I consider is closing paragraph to be of Refugee Baptist, prophetic proportion:

I find myself in a unique position. I see both sides of the issues and do not subscribe to either one. I will not choose sides. In all fairness to both institutions my opinion on both schools is that they more than likely stand on equal footing as abominations to the Lord God of Heaven. Both schools have flaws in their core beliefs. Southeastern has gone too far. Campbell has not gone far enough. Southeastern worships a book and themselves. Campbell has all but chunked the book out the window and worships themselves. Liars and hypocrites! When will the two sides wake up and realize that all they are doing is dragging the body of Jesus and nailing it back on the cross over and over again. Truly the time has come for both sides to quit acting like fools in the name of Jesus and discover that there is indeed equal footing at the cross of Calvary.

There are many good posts on The Prodigal Blogger and I sense a kindred spirit in Brother Wade's frustrations with the polarized ranks of Baptists.


Brother Wade and I have never met, but I'm thinking that conversation over Cracker Barrel's beef stew and corn bread would be some-kinda-fellowship!

I Don't Think So

The Houston Chronicle (12/2/2006) apparently thinks that Rev. Jett is the outgoing president at Belmont University... Has anyone told Dr. Fisher?

I am just hoping that the Houston Chronicle will stick with the news and stay away from prophesy.

Belmont University Students are Upset with TBC

The student newspaper at Belmont University, The Belmont Vision, recently posted a story on the university's response to the law suit filed by the Tennessee Baptist Convention against the university. Dr. Todd Lake, the university's Vice President for Spiritual Development had this to say about the ideological aspects of the conflict:

This conflict is between “Baptists who believe that we become a stronger school by including other Christians and those who think we stay truer to our mission by excluding other Christians,” he said.

“Usually we Baptists can see clearly enough to see that our mission is enhanced by including other Christians,” he continued. “It is unfortunate that in this conflict, some see that our mission is better served through exclusion.”

Lake said he also sees the conflict as fueled by the inherent struggle between tradition and progress.

“Belmont is moving ahead, and we need a Board of Trustees that reflects the reality of the school…We want to be more robustly and vibrantly Christian, and so [after breaking with the TBC] we can widen our trustee selection.”

Those who fear that this is a step leading to the secularization of Belmont should realize that this is a fear without basis, Lake added, saying that universities that become secular do so as a conscious choice, not just because they drop an affiliation with one denomination. Lake said he believes it likely that after the conflict has blown over, little of Belmont’s core nature will be changed.

“I’m sure that in the long run, people will look back and wonder what the big deal was,” Lake said.

The graphic on the left appears in the sidebar on the same page with the Belmont Vision story. It gives a clear indication on how the students feel about the conflict. While this mess is being cleared up in the courts and back room meetings, it looks to me like this is still a big deal to some students.