BaptistsTexas Committed August 2001 Newsletter of Mainstream Baptists of Texas How do we move on?

By David R. Currie, Executive Director God’s call to fight this battle.” I under- we have a vastly different viewpoint on the I hope you notice a subtle change in this stand those feelings. I understand that many gospel and Baptist principles than the SBC. newsletter. We have tried to make it more of you do not like the SBC but you do not Yet most still do not want to move positive in content, talk more about the fu- like me much either. You just want it to go apart, despite the irreconcilable differ- ture and less about the Southern Baptist away. ences. I understand that feeling but it is Convention. One thing you do need to realize is the keeping us from moving forward. You will read very few articles about fundamentalists are not tired of it and will The SBC is fundamentalist. The BGCT the recent SBC meeting in New Orleans. never get tired of it. Many churches are is traditional. The SBC wants you to sup- Yes, it was the same old stuff. We address now in turmoil because of fundamental- port the Southern Baptists of Texas Con- it in a few articles, but not in depth. ism. Fundamentalists like to fight. Read vention. If not, they, at least, want you to In fact, we are not even addressing the the history of fundamentalism. Fighting is keep supporting the SBC. lies and guilt-by-association by Roger how they feel they are doing God’s will The BGCT wants to move forward yet Moran, still circulating around the country. and rooting out heresy. is afraid to because so many of you still I may address it in the future. However, it support the SBC. They do not want to lose is my opinion that anyone who believes This Baptist mess has been going your support either. that junk is too emotionally and spiritually on more than 20 years. You do not want to decide—never- unhealthy for anything I say or Jesus says I am tired of it. theless—you ultimately must if this is to change them. ever going to end. Once they formed the You are tired of it. SBTC, they put every church in the posi- I have come to a conclusion that might One thing you do need to realize surprise you. I do not think it accomplishes tion of having to choose. The fundamental- much to tell you how unBaptist, how theo- is the fundamentalists are not ists have forced this on everyone. logically unsound and how mean-spirited tired of it and will never get I would love reconciliation, however, it the present SBC is. After 22 years, you tired of it. will not happen. The SBC will never com- know that. Yet, that has not moved you on continued on page 2… into the future. So for all of us who want this over, This Baptist mess has been going on how do we move on? more than 20 years. I am tired of it. You You may not like this answer but this is TBC Online! www.txbc.org are tired of it. Now some of you have been the best one I can give you. INSIDE true friends in the battle, coming to the It will be over when you decide it is Touched by an Angel convention year after year, faithfully sup- over. We will move on beyond this when David R. Currie ...... 3 porting TBC financially and prayerfully, you decide to move on. Dear Fellow Christians… and I thank you. You have hung tough and You see, we are stuck here now, more Open letter to all ...... 4 you need to continue to hang tough. You than any other reason, because people do Memorial Gifts ...... 5 are the reason the BGCT is free. You are not want to decide what to do. the reason there is still hope for a true, We are two different denominations A Disturbing Question ...... 6 traditional, Christ-focused, Southern Bap- and have been since 1990, yet we remain TBC Breakfast Information tist movement in the 21st century. You are related because you want it that way. The October 30, 7 a.m...... 7 heroes to me. revision of the Baptist Faith and Message The Fruits of Norrisism Nevertheless, you are tired of it too. in 2000 solidified the total and complete L.R. Scarborough...... 8 Many of you, our strongest supporters, have change in the SBC from its historical roots. “The Bible Alone is Word of written recently asking how much longer The use of the 2000 BF&M as an “instru- God” David Flick ...... 10 this is going to go on. ment of doctrinal accountability” solidifies Six Areas of Concern Others of you have never taken a side, that creedalism is a modus operandi of the Dan Martin ...... 13 yet, you also are tired of it. You have never new SBC. Anatomy of an Illness wanted any part of it. You just want to Texas Baptists endorsed the 1963 Herbert H. Reynolds ...... 18 pastor or serve in your church and want to BF&M, although not as any instrument of TBC Convocation Tape reach people for Christ. If you are a pastor, doctrinal accountability. Most of us are Order Information ...... 24 you tell yourself, “I did not respond to comfortable with the statement. That means — 1 — Committee Experience – May 29, 2001

By R. Mitch Randall ties. While Global Missions affirms evan- mission. They are not going into other cul- My experience serving on the Missions gelism and church starting, they also em- tures trying to begin a Western church. Study Committee for the Baptist General phasize social ministry projects as equally Rather, they are trying to equip and em- Convention of Texas was an incredible mo- important to the Great Commission of power the indigenous people so that they ment of inspiration. As the youngest mem- Christ Jesus. can begin to build an indigenous church. ber of the committee, the company I kept Secondly, they are committed to mak- Seventhly, I am certain if Texas Baptist during this long process of fact-finding and ing certain that the missionaries appointed churches and individuals were to conduct reporting humbled me. The men and women to mission endeavors are theologically an honest study of CBF Global Missions of the committee were committed and de- sound. Each applicant is put through a thor- they would discover that their convictions termined to bring an honest report of the ough evaluation. While they do not ask their and beliefs were more closely related to facts regarding each of the mission sending applicants to endorse a man-made docu- CBF than they are to the “new” Southern agencies. ment, they make certain that their employ- Baptist Convention. Within the full committee, we were di- ees and missionaries are committed to the Finally, my experience and newfound vided into three sub-committees. I was truthfulness of Scripture, the essentials of understanding of CBF has brought me to asked to serve and chair the sub-committee Christian faith, and historic Baptist doc- the conclusion that I believe the Coopera- charged with studying the Global Missions trines. I have never been able to under- tive Baptist Fellowship is the future for efforts for the Cooperative Baptist Fellow- stand how anyone who would ever take the traditional Baptists wishing to maintain their ship. time to do a thorough study of this agency historical roots while looking towards the would ever refer to them as liberal. future of missions and ministry network- My experience and newfound Thirdly, their strategy to allow mission- ing. aries to be agents of the work is an incred- understanding of CBF has brought ible philosophy. Missionaries are a part of How Do We Move On? from page 1… me to the conclusion that I believe a team-based approach to missions. Mis- the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship sionaries construct strategy, develop bud- promise. You sign the 2000 BF&M or you cannot serve. You do not belong. As they is the future for traditional Baptists getary needs, and carry out implementa- tion. Missionaries are treated as the most have said. It is nonnegotiable. wishing to maintain their historical Most traditional Baptists will not sign important facet of the missions network. it. That is a nonnegotiable matter of con- roots while looking towards the Every missionary we spoke to affirmed their science. So, you must decide, “which are future of missions and relationship with administrators. They have you?” When you decide, this will be over ministry networking. never felt as though they were subordinates and both groups can go on in peace follow- in their efforts to carry out the Great Com- ing God as they understand him and his In our initial contact with Barbara and mission. leadership. Fundamentalists will keep on Gary Baldridge (Co-coordinators of Glo- Fourthly, CBF Global Missions does attacking because that is their style. bal Missions), they were extremely coop- NOT see itself as being competitive with I am ready to move on. Are you? Un- erative in our effort to find out more about others’ missions agencies. Dr. Keith Parks til you decide, the battle will continue for them as a missions sending agency. Within first introduced their philosophy of reach- years and years and years. Only you can two-weeks upon our initial contact, we were ing out to the World “A” people groups, put this period behind us. Whatever you given a detailed account of every aspect of because the World “A” population was decide, you have my respect, but decide. their agency. growing ever so rapidly. This philosophy The kingdom is suffering. After reading and studying everything continues to drive their efforts. In fact, the I suggest you invite someone from the they had sent us, we met with the International Missions Board of the SBC BGCT to speak to your church. Hear the Baldridges, Dr. Daniel Vestal, other admin- has recently somewhat duplicated this ap- truth, then decide. If you do not want to istrators for Global Missions, Dr. Keith proach to missions. support the BGCT, go in peace. Parks, and actual field missionaries. Con- Fifthly, the greatness of CBF Global If you do support the BGCT, then get versations with them were extremely ben- Missions is found in their promotional ma- behind its ministries strongly and encour- age them to expand. We have more lost eficial and illuminating. After researching, terial. They exist to equip and empower people in this state than the population of interviewing, and experiencing the purpose persons called by God to obey the Great most states combined. We can carry out and practice of Global Missions, I have Commission. Their philosophy is not “come massive new worldwide mission programs come to some personal convictions con- and support what we are doing,” but rather partnering with others who have stayed his- cerning this dynamic opportunity to do mis- let us help you be obedient to the Great torically Baptist. sions. Commission. They are about empowering If you know you want to support the First, the Global Missions holistic ap- and equipping churches and people, not the BGCT and need materials from us, please proach to missions creates opportunity for other way around. contact us. We will help you anyway we individuals and churches to be “fully” obe- Sixthly, Global Missions missionaries can. Do not avoid this situation or soon, dient to the Great Commission. When other honor indigenous churches and people. CBF fundamentalism will reach your church and mission strategies are decreasing their ef- missionaries learn from the indigenous cul- tear it apart. forts in social ministries, Global Missions ture in order to help the indigenous church Decide so we can move on. Jesus is is creating new social ministry opportuni- and people be obedient to the Great Com- calling us to put this behind us. — 2 — A MATTER OF come with emotion that she had to stop the song to her “Mom and Dad who are PERSPECTIVE driving. E-mails, letters and faxes flooded here tonight,” and then sang “What a Won- in. When they showed a grainy home video derful World.” This old cowboy wet his Touched of Eva singing at a club on BBC 2’s TOPT2 moustache again. By An just before Christmas, similar behavior re- Then God gave me, “Let us not become sulted.” weary in doing good, for at the proper time Angel One will need tissue paper when one we will reap a harvest if we do not give By sits in silence listening to the songs. I urge up.” (Gal. 6:9, NIV) I thought of many of David R. Currie, you to buy the CD or cassette of Songbird. you and the journey we have had together. Executive Director The songs are “covers” of songs written I know many are tired of this “Baptist and sung by others. Many are more than 50 Mess.” I know you get discouraged that years old. When Eva sings them, they take many do not even care. I know being lied Somewhere, over the rainbow, on a life of their own. The gift of her voice about and attacked is not enjoyable. I know skies are blue, is that special. in some churches, and many states, the and the dreams that you dare to dream Now let me tell you just a little of the cause seems hopeless. I know the tempta- really does come true. rest of the story. Eva Cassidy is not pre- tion to walk away from it all. Somewhere over the rainbow, forming on The Tonight Show or The Allow the success of Eva Cassidy to blue birds fly, Letterman Show. She is not selling mil- remind you that we as humans do not birds fly over the rainbow, lions of albums because she is singing con- know the “rest of the story.” We do not why, oh why can’t I. certs all over the world. She is not being know how all this is going to turn out. interviewed on MTV. We must not become weary in doing You all know that song. Most of you good. Eva Cassidy had a beautiful gift, a voice probably do not know that this classic song, God does not want to be made famous years ago by Judy Garland, that you have to experience to understand. was the number one song in the United represented to the world by She was true to her gift, using it as she felt Kingdom for many months. The song Baptists who are mean, comfortable, being true to whom she was. comes from the album, Songbird. judgmental, angry and legalistic. Now, five years after her death, her life It has sold more than one million copies and her gift is touching millions. in the United Kingdom and is often the You and I have a gift, a God-given un- number one seller on amazon.com. In fact, Eva Cassidy, only 33, died November derstanding of the gospel of grace, love recently, they listed it as the number one 2, 1996, as an unknown small-club singer and compassion. The Spirit that dwells in selling album in Texas on amazon.com. Fi- from Washington, D.C. She seldom per- us will not let us desert the One who has nally, most of you probably have never formed outside D.C. Eva died of malignant called us by his grace and mercy Ð Jesus heard of the singer, Eva Cassidy. melanoma. Two independently-released al- the Christ. When you go to amazon.com and click bums, “The Other Side” and “Live at Blues I do not know how successful we will on the CD top sellers, you will find Eva Alley,” sold few copies. She recorded them be in the next few years in stopping Cassidy several times. When you type her shortly before they discovered her cancer. fundamentalism’s evil. Some will go to name in the search field you will find all No record label ever signed her. eternity with God in the next few years and you want to know about her. Her success You can look up Eva Cassidy on the will not see the results of our work to- will surprise you. Internet and read the amazing story of her gether. Therefore, I want to say an encour- I had never heard of Eva Cassidy until I posthumous success. I will not rob you of aging word to us. read about the success of Somewhere Over the joy of reading it for yourself by telling I believe we will win this battle, “for the Rainbow in a USA Today story in mid- you all the details. in the proper time we will reap a harvest if May. Then on May 25, ABC news show I find tremendous encouragement we do not give up.” I believe your faithful- Nightline featured Eva Cassidy. When they from reading about and listening to Eva ness to the gospel will have eternal suc- played Somewhere Over the Rainbow, this Cassidy. I understand the emotions people cess. We will preserve the Baptist witness old, hard, battle-scarred rancher and describe in their reviews of the album, in America. They will know Baptists as preacher felt little streams of salt water slid- “Songbird,” on amazon.com. Part of the people of grace, love and compassion. That ing down his face and wetting his mus- emotion is knowing the story. It also is the day will come again in the 21st Century tache. It was amazing. Eva Cassidy had voice and soul of Eva Cassidy. In a few and your faithfulness will have been the the most beautiful, pure, innocent, pow- more weeks, I may be able to listen to “Over key. erful voice I had ever heard. the Rainbow” without getting goose bumps God does not want to be represented to Later I was pleased to learn I was not and tearing up, although I am not sure. the world by Baptists who are mean, judg- the only one and thus not totally crazy. I One story told on “Nightline” was about mental, angry and legalistic. Despite the found an article that began: how shortly before her death, her friends power of evil, I still believe we live in a “Hearing Eva Cassidy’s voice is for were doing a tribute to her. She, in pain, beautiful world. many people a deeply personal moment. went to the stage and sang, “What a Won- I see trees of green, red roses too, There is the tale of the listener who heard derful World.” The first time I heard the I see them bloom, for me and you, Eva’s version of Over the Rainbow on Terry song, I was listening to “Live at Blues Al- And I think to myself, Wogan’s Radio 2 show and was so over- ley” on the way to the ranch. She dedicated What a wonderful world. — 3 — Dear Fellow Christians… Editor’s Note: This letter came to us unsolicited. We decided to publish this story without a name because it illustrates the problems so many of our churches are facing.

Dear Fellow Christians, son. Our under-40 pastor seemed to surround This is the most difficult piece of writ- The message we were hearing via con- himself with those of his own generation ing I have ever done. vention and state news was conservatives and those older that gave him 100 percent Difficult because it is heart breaking to vs. moderates & liberals. Many people in loyalty. me, to my loved ones, and to my family of our church made it clear that they stood It became apparent to me that several of faith in my local Southern Baptist church. with the conservatives, and they wanted a the specific items the Pastor Search com- Pastoral abuse is something I never, ever conservative Southern Baptist pastor. Thus, mittee had addressed were not being car- imagined I would experience. However, our search began, and we tried to seek ried out. Unhappy church members shared because of the pain inflicted upon me and God’s will and God’s man for our church. these concerns. I made an appointment with others in my church, I have been slow to our pastor to discuss these concerns in or- pick up my pen and write. For several months, I did not know der to hold him accountable. However, I feel a constant tugging at my mind and heart that urges me to share what they were saying about me. I It appeared that a takeover had my story with fellow Baptists so that it will just knew how they were treating occurred without most people prevent future takeovers of churches. I also me. I felt shocked and horrified realizing it. Older members and hope it will protect devoted followers of when, finally, a dear older woman deacons rotated off committees. Christ from the undeserved pain and suf- told me the lies and fering I and others have endured. They were replaced by younger insinuations that certain leaders members. Most were hand-picked They tried to discredit, discount were spreading. by the pastor. Our under-40 pastor and withdraw fellowship from me. seemed to surround himself with They brought my physical and Ten months later, I presented to the those of his own generation and emotional state into question. The church one who had solid Southern Baptist those older that gave him 100 chair of deacons, a physician, roots. He was a conservative fourth gen- eration pastor. According to his statement, percent loyalty. implied that my medication was he was not a fundamentalist theologically. responsible for my anger. He said he was committed to being the I thought the meeting went well. The pastor of a Great Commission church. He pastor listened to me and made notes. No I have proudly worn the banner of South- was an eloquent preacher/teacher and most anger was expressed. I was gentle but firm ern Baptist for more than 50 years. My of our members were eager to listen and in what I said. Sometimes he agreed with family has strong Southern Baptist roots. learn. me, even apologizing for mistakes. At other My great-grandfather and my grandfather During the following year, my father’s times he wrote on his note pad without were involved in Southern Baptist churches death and my own health problems pre- comment. The pastor said at the beginning and associational ministry as lay leaders cluded me from taking any major leader- of the conference, “I want a list of every- throughout their lives. My aunt and my fa- ship roles. Thus, I was not aware of the one who called or talked to you.” At the ther graduated from a Southern Baptist inner workings of church politics. I had a end he said, “I’ll be waiting for that list.” I seminary and served until their retirements warm relationship with our new pastor as was appalled. Of course, I did not give him as an educational minister and a pastor. he frequently called me for advice or help a list of names. Our son graduated in 1998 from the same that first year. However, I began to notice That was the beginning of my struggles. seminary and is presently serving as pastor this happened less and less, and I assumed Though the pastor pretended to be my of a 200+ member Southern Baptist church. he had found other advisors within our friend, the staff ministers suddenly did not Wherever my husband and I have lived, church. That was fine with me. speak to me. This was also true of most all we have been actively involved in a tradi- After the pastor had been there three those who held leadership positions. In ad- tional Southern Baptist church. We have years, some church members were express- dition, several things happened that caused served in many leadership roles, support- ing some concern and discontent to me. I much dissent among faithful members of ing Southern Baptist work with our time, kept notes of each person and their con- our church. These were dictatorial decisions abilities, prayers and finances. cern. When two or three families shared made by the pastor without the church’s We have been members of our present the same concern, I put it on my list. I approval or prior knowledge. I noticed the 2000+ member church for more than 25 began to look and listen quietly and be- absence of these faithful ones in worship years. I have served the Lord in many ca- came very bothered by what I learned. and became genuinely concerned. In my pacities. When our former pastor announced It appeared that a takeover had occurred honesty and naivety, I addressed these in a his retirement plans, our church body without most people realizing it. Older letter to the pastor and he requested a con- elected a Pastor Search Committee. The members and deacons rotated off commit- ference with me. This second conference church elected me to that committee and tees. They were replaced by younger mem- was two months after the first one. then the committee elected me chairper- bers. Most were hand-picked by the pastor. From the onset I realized this confer- — 4 — ence was different. He was in control and I It has been a difficult year. My husband felt he intended to intimidate me through and I and some of our friends that shared Memorial Gifts his arrogance and dictatorial behavior. Only our concerns were removed from our church Texas Baptists Committed would like through the supernatural power of the Holy responsibilities. They did not allow me to to express our sincere thanks to the follow- Spirit was I able to withstand a two-hour teach Sunday School. Remember — I have ing for their memorial gifts: confrontation with him regarding worship taught more than 20 years in this church. style, pastoral responsibilities and church Some of our friends for years were afraid In memory of Joseph Fregia polity. to associate with us for fear the same thing Mr. and Mrs. Chester and Jeannie Again I was gentle but firm, reminding would happen to them. Gotcher, Fort Worth him of what we had agreed upon when the Mrs. Jane Bird, Fort Worth church called him to be pastor. Sadly, I Mr. and Mrs. Harold and Wylodine As we began to visit other McPeak, Fort Worth saw a man that day I did not know. He said churches, we began to see what things to me he had never said during the Ms. Neva Chapman, Fort Worth many conversations with the Pastor Search we had been missing in fellowship Ms. Edna Estep, Fort Worth Committee. I left knowing that he had de- with Christians, through Mr. and Mrs. William Early, Jr., Fort ceived and betrayed us to get the pastorate opportunities for service, and, Worth of our church and perform a takeover. Ms. Margaret C. Childress-Aledo, Fort most important, in experiencing Worth true worship. Ms. Betty Quimby, Fort Worth The most blatant and hurtful abuse Mr. and Mrs. Cullen and Gracie happened when my husband The list goes on. The most blatant and Clampitt, Fort Worth suffered a heart attack followed by hurtful abuse happened when my husband Mr. and Mrs. Jim and Gwen Dyer, Fort five surgical procedures in the suffered a heart attack followed by five Worth next six months. During his surgical procedures in the next six months. Mr. and Mrs. Aubrey and Virginia During his hospitalizations and months of Owens, Jacksonville, Florida hospitalizations and months of Ms. Betty Law, Fort Worth recovery at home, he did not see recovery at home, he did not see nor talk to the pastor. It was purposeful and cruel. Ms. Frances Williamson, Fort Worth nor talk to the pastor. It was However, it served to clear our minds be- Young at Heart Fellowship, Fort Worth purposeful and cruel. cause it gave us the undeniable opportunity In memory of Robert Whitaker to sit back and view the pastor as we feel Dr. and Mrs. T. E. Pratt, Tyler The next few months, we talked with he really is. Real people with real needs In memory of Dr. Roy Ray godly Christians who were hearing about are not nearly as important to the spiritual Dr. and Mrs. Ronald and Carolyn my differences with the pastor. I had not abuser as numbers and programs and Goelzer, El Campo talked openly about these differences be- money. cause I did not want to be a gossip nor a As my eyes were opened, I mourned Given in memory of Mr. Walter troublemaker. These church members had and grieved for the candidate I interviewed Matthews known me for many years. The personal while serving on the Pastor Search Com- Mr. and Mrs. Mike Caraway, San attacks the pastor and his leaders launched mittee. I also mourned for the church I had Angelo against me surprised them. lost under the deceiver’s leadership. This, They tried to discredit, discount and however, was a turning point for me, giv- withdraw fellowship from me. They brought ing me the desire and the courage to break BAPTISTWAY my physical and emotional state into ques- away from our church. During my tion. The chair of deacons, a physician, im- husband’s illness, many ministers had vis- Bible Study plied that my medication was responsible ited and encouraged us. for my anger. That was their term for my As we began to visit other churches, we For Texas disagreements. began to see what we had been missing in For several months, I did not know what fellowship with Christians, through oppor- Have you ever wanted to they were saying about me. I just knew how tunities for service, and, most important, in study the Bible using they were treating me. I felt shocked and experiencing true worship. We are being materials written horrified when, finally, a dear older woman healed, set free, and trusting in God’s won- told me the lies and insinuations that certain derful grace. especially for Texas leaders were spreading. At that point, I de- I do not see this abuse as God’s perfect Baptists by Texas cided to answer any questions from con- will. Nevertheless, he permitted it. There- Baptists? cerned church members who approached me fore, I am wiser and more ready to help regarding the conferences I had with the others come to know the gospel of grace For more information call pastor. When someone like me who has been than ever before. My prayer is that I will on the inside breaks the silence and exposes use my story to share God’s story as I stand the BGCT Bible Study/ genuine problems, a silencing process fol- forever covered with his love. (Eph.l:4). Discipleship Division lows. I felt the abusive leadership in control A Devoted Servant 1-800-355-5285. carefully orchestrated it. August 2000 — 5 — A DISTURBING WORDS CAN BE TRICKY

QUESTION By David R. Currie, Executive Director truth that it is even afraid to ask good ques- A major cause of conflict for Baptists tions. Fundamentalism, as a worldview, I Are Baptist churches teaching today is both the interpretation of Scripture find very strange and very anti-truth and heresy in Sunday School? and the right to interpret Scripture. Words anti-spiritual growth. The question is disturbing, however, it can be tricky, confusing and convey differ- is one that needs to be dealt with. Look at a ent messages to different people in certain About Fundamentalist Mindset vs. Sunday School quarterly from Lifeway, the situations. Fundamentals of the Faith My words have gotten me in trouble publishing arm of the Southern Baptist Con- One pastor totally misunderstood I was vention. In each piece of literature it says, recently, or at least, the way some have interpreted them. speaking about the fundamentalist mind- “the 2000 Baptist Faith and Message is set and wrote me “outraged that I was at- our doctrinal guideline.” tacking the fundamentals of the faith and The statement also appears in each is- About the “false God of men who believed the fundamentals of the sue of Home Life Magazine, Open Win- fundamentalism…” faith like Billy Graham, Herschel Hobbs dows, The Deacon and other publications One Texas pastor wrote me after the and Paul Powell.” of SBC’s Lifeway Christian Resources. last newsletter where I spoke of the “false I can assure you Billy Graham, the late A recent issue of the LifeWay Family God of fundamentalism” and said he was Herschel Hobbs, and my good friend, Paul Bible Study Pathways contained the fol- shocked I was saying the leadership of the Powell do not believe the fundamentals of lowing statement promoting the 2000 SBC was not saved. I never meant to imply the faith any less than I do. BF&M. that at all, only that the conflict we have I was speaking of the fundamentalist “The best protection against false doc- today is similar to the one found in Scrip- mindset, not the fundamentals of the faith trine is to know Bible doctrine. A good ture, Jesus and the religious leaders of his most of us agree upon and believe strongly. study of The Baptist Faith and Message day had a very different understanding of will help you understand the Bible and the the character and nature of God. I Promise… vital issues that face us all as we seek to Words can be tricky. I promise to work follow Jesus and bring others to him. Cop- About the SBC deserting every harder to make sure I communicate more ies of this booklet are available from single historic Baptist principle clearly. I urge our readers to reread quotes LifeWay Christian Stores or by calling I gave an unfortunate response when and articles before becoming outraged. You LifeWay Customer Service at 1-800-458- asked if I was attending the SBC meeting might be reading something into what I 2772. Your church may have copies, or in New Orleans. I was quoted in several said that says more about you than it does probably would order copies if you ask the secular papers in an article written by As- about me. person who orders your literature.” sociated Press saying, “I only attend Bap- Speaking of misspeaking, I bet James The 2000 BF&M is a heretical docu- tist meetings.” A few people wrote or Merritt wishes he had not said, “the Bible ment. Its theology regarding Christ and emailed me questioning that statement as alone is the word of God,” but being a Scripture is wrong. So why are Baptist well. nice guy, I want to ask him who Jesus was. churches using literature that uses this he- This was a bad choice of words on my I bet he is a little more careful the next retical statement as a doctrinal guideline in part. Honestly I am a very ecumenical per- time also. our Sunday School classes? son. I do feel that the modern SBC has For more information on problems with deserted every single historic Baptist prin- “Let us move beyond the the 2000 BF&M, we recommend the fol- ciple, but, if the current leadership of the Baptist battles by being lowing websites: SBC is indeed Baptist, they are certainly www.baptiststandard.com which has an an aberrant sort of Baptist. Baptist together, for the excellent article by Russell Dilday; Nevertheless, I should have given a more sake of a world desperate www.bgct.org which has another serious answer. for the hope of the gospel. excellent article; For the sake of those who www.mainstreambaptists.org which has About “Intelligent people and are where I was, waiting many resources relating to the 2000 Fundamentalism???” BF&M; for the good news of Finally, I was quoted in the Dallas Morn- and our own website, God’s love. ing News in regards to Richard Land hold- www.txbc.org which has several articles ing a degree from Oxford. I said I was We can end the Baptist relating to the 2000 BF&M. surprised at Lands’ intelligence because to battles in Texas by being We strongly suggest all Texas Baptist me, “being intelligent and being a funda- Texas Baptists.” churches find out more about the new adult mentalist was an oxymoron.” literature published by Texas Baptists. In- Now to be honest, I like that quote. I do – Jim Denison, formation about the BGCT website men- find it hard to believe an intelligent person Pastor of tioned above is included. You may order can buy into the fundamentalist system be- Park Cities Baptist Church materials by calling 1-800-355-5285. cause it is so closed, so narrow, so sure of — 6 — Why the divisions between the two conventions? Four issues stand out:

1. Authority. The SBC exhibits a top- Over and over, SBC leaders express fear make a point in debate on a motion. down chain of command. In the church, of what might happen if Baptists exercise Baptist Press released two Texas the pastor is the absolute ruler. In the the priesthood of the believer. Texas stories—one that perpetuated the convention, the president and agency Baptists rest secure in God’s grace, seminary president’s remarks and heads are supreme. This notion was ex- realizing the Lord’s love turns hearts another that misrepresented BGCT hibited at the SBC meeting when mes- toward righteousness and compels Executive Director Charles Wade. sengers proposing changes to the Bap- Christians to live according to standards Frankly, BGCT leaders are bone-weary tist Faith and Message were criticized laws never could attain. of arguing with and responding to such for daring to suggest such a move. 3. World-view. A sub-theme of this year’s attacks. Nevertheless, truth must be Texas Baptists tend to trust each other SBC could have been “The Sky is Fall- presented to counter falsehood. more. It comes from our affirmation of ing.” Speaker after speaker lamented that Fundamentalism’s nature is to attack, the priesthood of the believer, the idea these are the worst of times. Indeed, they and warm-hearted Christians are not that while we live and work in built a case from certain indicators of wrong to resist for the sake of Baptist community, we first are accountable and morality that Texas Baptists would not ideals. responsible to God. Consequently, we dispute. But BGCT Baptists tend to be Most Baptists simply want peace. IF the hold back from imposing rigid authority more optimistic than that. Yes, we la- SBC and its surrogates in Texas would over each other. We trust God and each ment abortion, the sorry state of TV and stop attacking the BGCT and refuse to other too much to do that. movies and sexual promiscuity. How- sanction untruth, Texas Baptists could 2. Grace. Ironically, the Texas Sunday ever, we see God’s hand at work in spiri- decide where they stand on authority, School lesson just before the SBC meet- tual movements, in human compassion grace and world-view as they decide ing was taken from Galatians 2, where for others and in opportunities to turn where they will stand in relation to the the Apostle Paul had to defend himself disaster into victory for the glory of God. conventions. Then, we could live in from the Judaizers, who accused Paul of 4. Attack. For the most part, the SBC meet- peace to support missions, racial over-emphasizing God’s grace. They ing was free from attack on the BGCT reconciliation and America’s families. feared what might happen if people were that has characterized the SBC for the not bound by laws. They did not trust past year or so. However, some could the Spirit of Christ to lead believers in not resist. A seminary president misrep- —Marv Knox (reprinted from the the way of righteousness, and so they resented a Baptist Standard editorial to Baptist Standard) sought to impose restrictions. TBC Breakfast Oct. 30, 7 a.m.

Please send in the form below with your check to reserve your place at our annual TBC breakfast. Your ticket request and check should be mailed to the Texas Baptists Committed Office, P. O. Box 3330, San Angelo, Texas 76902-3330. Tickets are $20. The breakfast begins at 7:00 a.m. at the Adam’s Mark Hotel, Dallas. Bill Wilson, Co-Chair of the Network of Mainstream Baptists, will be the speaker.

Name ______RESERVATION Address ______FORM City, State, Zip ______Church ______TBC ANNUAL Daytime Phone Number ______Enclosed is a check for $______for ______tickets at $20 per plate to the BREAKFAST Texas Baptists Committed Annual Breakfast featuring Bill Wilson on Tuesday, October 30, 2001 at the Adam’s Mark, Dallas at 7 a.m. Return this form with your check to TBC, P.O. Box 3330, San Angelo, TX 76902-3330. (915-659-4102)

— 7 — THE FRUITS OF NORRISISM

by L. R. Scarborough This tract is a discussion of some fruits of an old cult under innocent personalities and institutions. a new name. The following are some characteristics of this 6. It divides and splits families, churches and associations. cult — Norrisism: Its poisonous fangs strike at Christian brotherhood. 1. It is toward true religion what socialism and bolshevism 7. It lowers the standards of right conduct, individual righ- are to politics and industry: wholly destructive in spirit and teousness, ministerial ethics and personal integrity. People get methods. a false conception of the character, spirit and methods of Chris- 2. It is anti-missionary and anti-institutional. It gives noth- tianity. ing to associational, state or home missions and only enough 8. The only people or causes it praises are those who bow to foreign missions to get representation in the convention. It down to its dictum or fail in any wise to cross its path. spends most of its money on itself. Some has been spent in 9. The individual, the preacher or church who joins in sym- court trials for perjury, arson and murder. More is spent for pathy with this cult will eventually cease to cooperate with the sending free literature that seeks to destroy the causes other mission, educational or benevolent enterprises fostered by God’s people try to build. people. 3. It thrives on sensationalism, misrepresentation and false 10. False accusations and public misrepresentations have accusations against good men and true causes. It masquerades blotted noble names of: Carroll, Gambrell, McDaniel, under the cloak of anti-evolutionism, anti-modernism and anti- McConnell, Mullins, C.V. Edwards, Brooks, Sampey, Groner, Catholicism to ride into public favor and cast poisonous suspi- Ray, Robertson, Forrest Smith, Cullen Thomas, Truett and cion on constructive Christian causes and leadership. others. 4. Its chief leadership is the embodiment of autocratic eccle- False accusations of infidelity, graft, heresy, theft and siasticism. All privileges and rights of the church center in the groundless insinuations have gone out against these good men pastor. for years. This tract deals with only a few of these false and 5. It uses the pulpit, the press and the radio to create suspi- slanderous charges against these brethren. These are but cion, to foment class prejudices and to vent its hatred against samples. Many others as groundless as these exist.

“Hey Preacher, What are we?”

Editor’s Note: The article below was talist theology. 8. If you believe God calls gays and actually printed in a church newsletter. We 2. If you believe the children of Israel lesbians to the pastorate. That is a liberal- are printing it so people can read for left Egypt because the Red Sea opened for moderate theology. themselves how far some pastors will go in them to cross over. That is a conservative- 9. If you believe the Bible is still just a misleading their congregations, and fundamentalist theology. book. That is a liberal-moderate theology. slandering the faith of others. 3. If you believe the Stories of Jonah, 10. If you believe the only difference Abraham’s offering of Isaac, and Sodom between the Islamic Koran and the Holy Many pastors are hearing this question and Gomorrah were all fables. That is a Bible is the mention of Jesus name. That is lately because of the current events in Bap- liberal-moderate theology. a liberal-moderate theology. tist life. I am asked, “Are we SBC, CBF, 4. If you believe the early church fa- 11. If you believe the Bible is the Word BGCT, SBTC, TBC, or LMNOPQRSTUV? thers made up the natural miracles of the of God and not merely a record of God’s I feel so confused!” New Testament. That is liberal-moderate Word. That is a conservative-fundamen- theology. talist theology. I cannot answer, “What are we?” I can 5. If you believe the demoniac posses- 12. If you believe Faith in Jesus is the only answer, “What are you, Preacher?” sions recorded in the New Testament were one and only, unique, singular way into What you are is based on what you believe only psychological. That is a liberal-mod- heaven. That is a conservative-fundamen- in your heart. You and God are the only erate theology. talist theology. ones who know that. 6. If you believe the early church cre- ated oral tradition that gave us a fallible Now I ask you “Hey, what are you?” We can sort these groups into two basic New Testament. That is a liberal-moderate groups: The conservative-fundamentalist theology. Conservative-fundamentalist -Southern and the liberal-moderates. These questions 7. If you believe you should not support Baptist Convention (SBC), Southern Bap- may help you to decide what you are. groups condoning same sex marriage and tist of Texas Convention (SBTC), Liberal- the ordination of homosexuals with your moderate - Cooperative Baptist Fellowship 1. If you believe Adam and Eve were tithe dollars. That is a conservative-funda- CBF), Baptist General Convention of Texas the first man and woman created in a literal mentalist theology. (BGCT), Texas Baptists Committed (TBC) garden. That is a conservative-fundamen- — 8 — Thoughts on Southwestern Editor’s Note: The following letters were sent to former Southwest Baptist Theological faculty revealing the mean spirit of fundamentalism. I just got back from a month-long trip to In essence, they are threats. Europe and found the article of May 7 re- garding the two Southwestern professors October 28, 2000 being pushed out. Needless to say, I was overwhelmed by both anger and grief. One Dear… of these men was my brightest student at You have publicly expressed your support of the budget proposal of the BGCT to SW. Therefore, I am submitting the fol- lowing for the Opinion Page: be made in Corpus Christi next week which will decrease budget receipts to South- With reference to the May 7 story re- western Seminary and other SBC seminaries by millions of dollars. garding the two Southwestern Seminary It seems appropriate to me, ethically and morally, that you should ask the semi- professors who chose not to sign the 2000 nary to terminate the very generous medical insurance, all Christmas bonuses and all Baptist Faith and Message, I wish to com- other “benefits” you have been provided since retirement. You have chosen to turn ment about one of them: Jeph Holloway, your back on the institution that supported you and your family for many years. professor of Christian ethics. While I was Choices always require responsible action. chairperson of the department of Christian ethics at Southwestern, Jeph was my gradu- Cordially, ate assistant and teaching fellow for three John Earl Seelig of those years. 8048 Sunscape Lane Jeph was one of the brightest and most Fort Worth, Texas 76123-1950 godly graduate students I ever had at South- western. Shortly after graduation, his Ph.D. cc: Dr. Ken Hemphill dissertation was accepted for publication (a rarity for SW Ph.D.s) by the prestigious Scholars Press of the Society of Biblical OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT Literature. He then served 10 years as Bible Kenneth S. Hemphill professor at Williams Baptist College in D.Min., Ph.D. Arkansas (one of the most conservative December 8, 2000 schools identified with the SBC). No one has ever questioned his commitment to the Dr. Dan Kent veracity and authority of Scripture. 6408 Wrigley Way Now he must leave Southwestern be- Fort Worth, TX 76133 cause the trustees, led by the likes of Miles Seaborn, have lately (after hiring Jeph) su- Dear Dan: perimposed, not merely the inerrancy of We were deeply saddened and grieved to read of your lack of confidence in our Scripture (always expected), but now mi- nor “interpretations” of selected passages seminary at this time. As a signatory in the Baptist Standard of October 23, 2000, (wifely submission and no women pastors) page 11, you even encouraged financial support for institutions in Texas other than as required orthodoxy for professors at Southwestern. Such an act seems to raise questions of ethical propriety. SWBTS. More serious was the elimination One must ask what thought was given to your previous colleagues with whom you of “Jesus Christ as the criterion for inter- taught for years at Southwestern and who continue to teach and invest their lives pretation” from the BF&M (a seismic selflessly in training men and women for ministry across the world. One must ask if change from the 1963 version). any moral dilemma surfaced as you gave assent to this public declaration. One must Fundamentalists, not conservatives, did ask how does one continue to accept the benefits and advantages sacrificially vested this. When will the news media stop con- in retired, faculty such as yourself, who seems to have abandoned or have little fusing these words in reporting the das- regard for our institution. For example, the projected cost of insurance benefits for tardly deeds of fundamentalists? There is a you and your spouse over the next decade well exceed $64,525 without taking into huge difference. account any future rate increases. Jeph Holloway is a very healthy conser- One must ask where is the moral courage that will risk being an advocate of peace vative, a superb teacher, and a godly role and reconciliation rather than being a pawn in the fray of current denominational model for students. To drive this man of brilliance, conviction, integrity, and spiri- politics. tuality out of the classroom at SWBTS is a Southwestern has a proud legacy and history and we assure you that we will prime example of fundamentalism’s stu- continue to aggressively pursue programs of academic excellence and spiritual vital- pidity and arrogance. Ken Chafin was right ity for all of our students in the 21st century. I still believe in what it means to be a when he warned years ago that inerrancy “Southwesterner” and stand proudly for that name. We hope your trust in and support would eventually require “inerrant inter- for Southwestern will be soon restored. preters” who will try to use their interpre- tations to control the rest of us. Sincerely, Guy Greenfield, former professor of Kenneth S. Hemphill Scotty Gray Hubert Martin Christian ethics, SWBTS, 1980-91 Lawrence Klempnauer Jack Terry David Crutchley Amarillo, Texas Daryl Eldridge Benjamin Harlan — 9 — Merritt: “The Bible Alone is the Word of God” Context is crucial. Context is crucial moment of truth. The 20-year battle for sinner and turns him into a saint!” whether it is interpreting the Bible, reading the spiritual heart of the Southern Baptist 3.“Because this book ALONE is the a news story or hearing a sermon. People Convention had just been exposed in six word of God!” can misinterpret statements when they take words.” One might argue that we have taken them out of context. They can understand Misleading as it was, Starnes succeeded these three comments out of context. How- them correctly when statements are in con- in joining the fundamentalists in leading ever, taken either in and out of context, texts. Southern Baptists to believe that Anthony Merritt was talking about the Bible. It does Southern Baptists are noted for taking Sizemore was speaking heresy. not take a rocket scientist or an intelligent things out of context. They are noted also Such was not so, but Starnes’ article, theologian to see that his statements are for not recognizing heresy when it occurs with vocal fundamentalists, used the phrase heresy. within the contexts of sermons and debates. to frighten Southern Baptists into thinking Nowhere in the Bible is there a claim The most notable instance where some- that liberalism was sweeping the conven- that the book itself has salvific qualities. one took a quotation out of context was tion. Nowhere in the Bible does it claim to be, during debate about the Bible at the 2000 Many Southern Baptists will believe “ALONE,” the word of God. Nowhere in Southern Baptist Convention. anything that simply sounds bad. They the Bible are there claims that a book died fall for the lies told about moderates and on the cross for the sins of people. Merritt’s statements, whether in or conservatives. They claim that moderate out of context, are heresy. Hear and conservative Southern Baptists do not It does not take a rocket scientist three statements from the believe the Bible because they say it is just or an intelligent theologian to see a book. Never mind they blatantly took the president’s mouth: phrase out of its context. that his statements are heresy. 1. “You see, it is the word of Within seconds after he spoke, funda- Nowhere in the Bible is there a God that saves sinners and turns mentalists jumped on Anthony Sizemore claim that the book itself has them into saints…” like ducks on June bugs. They seized the salvific qualities. Nowhere in the moment to multiply lies upon lies about Bible does it claim to be, 2. “It is the word of God that what he believed. takes a sinner and turns him Taken in context, Sizemore’s harmless “ALONE,” the word of God. into a saint!” statement was meaningful. His argument Nowhere in the Bible are there was that the Bible is not synonymous with claims that a book died on the 3. “Because this book ALONE is Deity and does not belong on the level of cross for the sins of people. the word of God!” the Trinity. The Baptist Faith & Message of 2000 elevated the Bible to Deity status As Sizemore stated, the Bible is indeed by saying that the Bible is the very Revela- They took a statement in a debate over just a book. It is a divinely inspired book tion of God. the Bible out of context. SBC fundamen- and is the record of the revelation of God. In reality, the new statement of faith talists went wild. Anthony Sizemore, spoke It is the record of the revelation of Jesus elevated the Bible to a status above Jesus a single phrase about the Bible. Messen- Christ. Therefore, it contains the divine Christ. However, Jesus alone is the true gers greeted him with audible gasps of qualities only so far as it tells us who Jesus Revelation of God. (John 1:1) shock and dismay. Never mind that he was and what He came to accomplish for Sizemore was attempting to point out to spoke the phrase completely out of con- sinful people. The Bible cannot save a the fundamentalists that the “Bible is just a text. single soul. book,” in the sense that it is the “written Todd Starnes, of Baptist Press, lifted Both in context and out of context, that’s revelation of God.” Nothing more, nothing the quote out of its context and wrote an precisely what James Merritt said in his less. Yet, taken out of context, the funda- article that was misleading to Southern Bap- sermon. So, on one June day in 2000, a mentalists believed that Sizemore’s com- tists. He was, of course, picking up on the single statement was taken out of context ment meant the Bible is a book of no more shock of diehard inerrantists in the denomi- and fundamentalists with audible gasps importance than Gone With the Wind. Now, nation. His harmless comment, taken out cried heresy. a short year later, the president of the SBC of its context was, “ . . . the Bible is just a On another June day, just one year later, sallies forth with genuine statements of book.” In “6 words: ‘defining moment’ be- the president of the SBC complete with a heresy and nobody raises an audible tween conservative & moderate Baptists,” Ph.D. in theology, issues no less than three gasp. Merritt’s heresy has no defense. which appeared in the June 21, 2000 issue statements of heresy and there are no au- Merritt’s statements, whether in or out of of BP, Starnes wrote: dible gasps to be heard. Does anyone won- context, are heresy. Hear three statements NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP) — “…the der why? Does anyone wonder what South- from the president’s mouth. Bible is just a book.” As those words ern Baptists are thinking? Here is one resonated through the Orlando, Fla., 1.“You see, it is the word of God that Southern Baptist who is filled with won- convention center June 14, thousands of saves sinners and turns them into derment. shocked Baptists responded with audible saints…” David Flick is a Director of Missions in gasps. For conservatives, it was a 2.“It is the word of God that takes a Oklahoma — 10 — Denominational Battle Reaches North Carolina Association ENFIELD - Mildred Middleton knows conservative effort has been made to adopt In August, a group of concerned pastors the frustration of women being treated as the BF&M as associational policy although organized a laity gathering to talk about second-class members in church. She ex- Cloer said he hopes that happens. threats to Baptist principles. Since that perienced it while participating in a Cloer said the BF&M doesn’t threaten meeting, large crowds have attended asso- Wednesday night Bible study about nine believers, but it does challenge them to ciational meetings. Fear of the crowds has years ago at what was then her church. She know what they believe. “I’m hoping there prevented proposals to make the 2000 asked a question related to the lesson, and will be a clear distinction in our state, es- BF&M a test for fellowship as well as to she got her answer. But it didn’t come di- pecially our association.” If the BF&M is spoil attempts at “actions they wanted to rectly to her. Her husband, Charles, was adopted by the association, one of its mem- be made,” Martin said. told the answer so he could, in turn, tell ber churches, Antioch Baptist in Enfield, her. would be excluded because its pastor, Joy Mildred Middleton knows the She was one of 110 people who attended Heaton, is a woman. frustration of women being treated a meeting at Enfield Baptist Church in Heaton participated in the March meet- March. It was organized by leaders of the ing by leading the group in a prayer in as second-class members in association’s Woman’s Missionary Union which she asked God to help those attend- church. She asked a question (WMU). The meeting was designed to in- ing to resist the temptation of safety and related to the lesson, and she got form laity of the association about perceived face the risks of discipleship. One presenter her answer. But it didn’t come threats to historic Baptist principles and to was Edna Weeks, associate WMU direc- directly to her. Her husband, examine the laity’s role in preserving them. tor. She described the difficulties women Speakers expressed fear that attempts will have faced in Southern Baptist life by read- Charles, was told the answer so he be made to impose what they consider le- ing an article written by Bruce Prescott could, in turn, tell her. galistic policies on the association, particu- titled “Subjugating Women in the SBC.” larly the 2000 Baptist Faith & Message The article notes the WMU was founded in He encouraged those attending to be which limits the pastorate to men and de- the basement of a Methodist church be- vigilant in standing for Baptist principles. emphasizes the priesthood of each believer. cause its founders weren’t allowed to gather Virginia and Texas Baptists have stood up in the Baptist church. For the first 73 years to those threats, he said. “Should some have their way, you of the SBC’s existence, women weren’t al- One attendee asked how the trend in and I would become more lowed to serve as messengers, and it wasn’t Southern Baptist life the last 20 years has impacted the WMU. Heaton, also a mem- accountable to them than perhaps until nine years later that a woman instead of a man was allowed to give the WMU ber of the WMU, said Southern Baptist (to) God himself.” report at the annual meeting. leaders are building a foundation based on —Wayne Martin “We’ve come a long way,” Weeks said. biblical interpretations that moves women “And we still have a long way to come. No into second-class status to men. Women The meeting was held during a time of matter where we turn, people are trying to who agree with this submissive view of conflict over the nomination committee’s snuff us out. … We can’t let that happen.” themselves will be put into WMU leader- recommendations for the 2001 personnel Tea became a symbol for the fight for in- ship positions, she said. The reason for the committee. Two strong conservatives were dependence during the Revolutionary War, SBC’s interest in WMU is the great mis- recommended for the committee but re- and another speaker at the meeting, Ruby sion offerings, she said. moved at a second meeting. That move is Batchelor, a former WMU director, used Controlling the organization that has now being challenged. tea as a metaphor of their struggle. been so successful at garnering funds for One of two removed was Michael Cloer, Wayne Martin, pastor of Weldon Bap- the International Mission Board and the pastor of Englewood Baptist Church in tist Church, talked about an associational North American Mission Board is vital to Rocky Mount. The reason for the change meeting 30 years ago in which legalistic the SBC, she said. was theological, Cloer said, because the theological statements were proposed by Charles Wilson, pastor of Bear Swamp personnel committee will eventually choose who he called “pseudo-Baptists.” The move Baptist Church in Littleton, described the a successor for the director of missions, was turned down by messengers in what theological difference between two sides J.D. Harrod, who plans to retire next year. Martin called the association’s “finest in Baptist life as: “They want to say to “That’s what it’s all about, who controls hour.” A similar type of stand is needed others ‘You have to believe the way we the personnel committee,” Cloer said, not- now, he said, because some people in the do.’ … Everyone’s responsible for their ing that conservatives don’t want the com- association want to establish theological own relationship to God. That’s a big dif- mittee controlled by churches supporting guidelines that Martin described as “legal- ference.” the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship (CBF). istic” and “Pharisetic.” Cloer said later the difference is related “It’s a denominational issue on the local “Should some have their way, you and I to Scripture. “We believe in the integrity level. Is the association CBF or SBC would become more accountable to them and authority of Scripture. That takes pre- (Southern Baptist Convention)?” than perhaps (to) God himself,” Martin said. cedence over personal preference. That’s a Principles like priesthood of the believer If priesthood of the believer, soul compe- major difference. … Once a person says ‘I and local church autonomy aren’t being tency and local autonomy are lost, they are believe …’ then you’re taking some other threatened in the association, he said. No lost forever, he said. authority.” — 11 — IMB Regional Leader Declines to Sign

BFM Form, Steps Down Editor’s Note: Prior to missionary appointment, Bill Phillips served as minister of education at First Baptist Church in Stamford, Texas; pastor of Heron Drive By Bill Phillips Baptist Church in Fort Worth, Texas; and pastor of Bethany Baptist Church in RICHMOND, Va. (BP)—A Southern Breckenridge, Texas. The Phillipses also served as missionaries in residence at Baptist International Mission Board re- Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1982. gional leader stepped down from his posi- tion May 21 after declining to sign a docu- ment affirming the Baptist Faith and Mes- be required of them. was based on a longstanding practice of sage as adopted by the Southern Baptist Phillips’ resignation from the regional asking missionary candidates to state Convention in June 2000. His resignation leader’s position, effective June 30, was whether they are in agreement with the will not affect his status as a missionary. accepted by Avery Willis, IMB senior vice BFM and to explain any area of difference. “My inability to sign the prescribed form president for overseas operations. The res- That action was taken in response to a mo- is a matter of personal conscience related ignation will not affect their status as mis- tion made during the June 2000 meeting of to signing such a form and has nothing to sionaries. the Southern Baptist Convention that asked do with the content of the Baptist Faith and “We are thankful for the 10 years Bill agencies of the convention not to require Message,” said Bill Phillips, regional leader Phillips has served as area director and re- personnel to sign the current version of the for IMB work in West Africa. gional leader for West Africa,” Willis said. Baptist Faith and Message. “As I stated verbally and in writing to “Bill and his wife, MaryDean, have led the In that January meeting, trustees deliv- International Mission Board leadership and region in significant advances among West ered a “wholehearted” endorsement of the trustees, I affirm the Baptist Faith and Mes- Africa’s people groups. recently revised Baptist Faith and Message sage as a Baptist statement of doctrine for “We regret that Bill, as a matter of con- statement as “the standard for carrying out life, work and leadership,” Phillips added. science, has chosen not to sign the affirma- the program and ministries” of the IMB. “My wife, MaryDean, and I both continue tion, although he has given a clear state- They also strongly affirmed the doctrinal to fully support the global mission of IMB ment in support of the recently revised BFM soundness of the agency’s missionaries and missionaries, staff leadership and trustees.” and leading in accordance with it.” stateside staff members. IMB President Jerry Rankin affirmed After June 30, Bill Bullington, IMB vice All other elected IMB leaders have Phillips’ doctrinal beliefs and expressed re- president for overseas services, will serve signed the affirmation of the Baptist Faith gret at his decision to step down. as interim regional leader for West Africa and Message. “We are grateful for Bill and until a successor to Phillips is elected. Natives of Lamesa and Stamford, Texas, MaryDean’s outstanding leadership in West Bullington led IMB work in West Africa respectively, Bill and MaryDean Phillips Africa and their passion for reaching a lost prior to Phillips’ election and served as IMB were appointed by the IMB in 1978 as mis- world, especially the multitude of unreached regional vice president for work on the en- sionaries to Zambia, where they served un- people groups in their region,” Rankin said. tire continent. til 1985, when he became associate direc- “I personally regret their decision to step “Our work in West Africa should con- tor of Southern Baptist work in eastern and down from their leadership position. Their tinue in the direction that Bill and his col- southern Africa. He was named director of doctrinal soundness and support of the IMB leagues have set,” Bullington said. “I love work in West Africa in 1991 and became and our strategies are unquestioned. the peoples, our personnel and our Baptist regional leader with the IMB reorganiza- “It is appropriate, however, for South- partners in West Africa. God is doing a tion in 1997. ern Baptists to expect leadership to be will- great work in West Africa, and that has ing to affirm commitment to the Baptist been the focus of Bill Phillips’ leadership. Copyright (c) 2001 Southern Baptist Faith and Message statement adopted by I am committed to supporting that focus Convention, Baptist Press Terms of Use the SBC, and we regret Bill’s decision not and momentum.” 901 Commerce Street to affirm that commitment as requested by The IMB policy approved in January Nashville, TN 37203 the IMB board and administration.” IMB policy requires new missionaries and elected leaders to sign statements af- Incoming SBTC President, Rudy Hernandez firming their agreement with the recently revised Baptist Faith and Message and “But there was a statement in the older BFM of 1963, which said committing themselves to carry out their responsibilities “in accordance with and not that the criterion for the Baptist faith was Christ. We say it is not contrary to” the statement of faith. The form Christ, but the Bible. Not to say the Bible is more important than also gives them the opportunity to state Christ is, but to say that, were it not for the Bible, we would not any areas of disagreement with the BFM. know Christ. We’ve chosen to return to the original statements of In January, IMB trustees affirmed the our Baptist faith to say that it is not an experiential basis or criterion. agency’s missionaries and stateside staff It is not because of my experience that I believe in Christ. I believe members, saying their beliefs already had been adequately screened during the selec- in Christ because of the Bible.” tion process and that nothing more should — 12 — IMB Study Lists Six Areas of Concern

By Dan Martin whom we have a long history of coopera- them to continue doing the work of God. During its long and painstaking study of tion. This focus also may disregard the ef- We will pay for and hold up the hands of the work of the Southern Baptist Interna- forts of years of intensive missionary culti- all who follow the example of Lottie Moon, tional Mission Board, the Mission Sending vation which are now bearing fruit and from who served God by starting churches, wit- Agency Study Committee of the Baptist which national missions sending agencies nessing for Christ, and seeing people come General Convention of Texas found six ar- are developing,” the report says. to salvation,” the report said. eas of “crucial concern regarding the present The report also noted the abrupt change work and direction” of the IMB. in strategy “becomes frustrating to career FIVE: “For more than a century, WMU The six areas are listed in the report of missionaries who prepared to work in spe- of Texas has played an integral role in the the committee, presented at the May 22 cific ministries (such as medical missions, growth of mission work around the world. meeting of the Executive Committee of the theological education or agricultural mis- God continues to use WMU of Texas to BGCT. The committee was created by vote sions) as their primary assignment and are lead Texas Baptists to greater mission of messengers at the 1999 annual meeting now being told such work is no longer stra- awareness and involvement. The WMU Ð of the BGCT in El Paso on a motion by tegic and will not be funded. Missionaries both national and Texas Ð traditionally has Nathan Porter, a member of Calvary Bap- have told our committee that their alterna- been our primary vehicle for involvement tist Church of Waco. tives are to accept assignment to a ministry by women, teens, children and preschoolers The four pages of findings regarding the to which they do not feel called by God, or in missions education, mission action and IMB are part of the 18-page report submit- resign. mission support. We encourage the IMB to ted by the 17-member committee chaired “While we believe that New Directions value and to strengthen its relationship with by Jim Denison, pastor of Park Cities Bap- does have positive qualities, we have sig- these necessary and vital organizations.” tist Church of Dallas. nificant concerns about repercussions from The committee noted it met with IMB the implementation of this strategy,” the SIX: The committee said it has con- leadership, current and former IMB mis- report says. cerns about adherence to the 2000 Baptist sionaries and administrative staff and oth- Faith and Message. ers as it did its work. TWO: The committee expressed a con- The report noted the ambiguity in IMB Members of the committee which stud- cern with the decrease in the number of positions regarding requirement that mis- ied the IMB said it “studied in depth the persons who are appointed to careers as sionaries, staff and new appointees be re- materials distributed by the IMB senior ad- international missionaries. It said statistics quired to adhere to the revised statement, ministrative staff … publications, news re- provided by the IMB show there were 3,365 adopted by the SBC in 2000. leases and articles…. “The group “discov- career missionaries in 1990, and there were “For the first time, the Southern Baptist ered significant differences between the in- only 3,323 in 1999. international missions sending agency is formation from the IMB and the personal examining candidates with reference to a experiences of some current and former THREE: The committee reported that specific theological document with which missionaries….” career missionaries interviewed by the many Texas Baptists disagree, and which It added the study group found areas of group “feel they have a less meaningful the BGCT has chosen now to endorse. agreement, but also found “crucial concerns voice in strategy planning and determining Based upon dialogue with IMB leadership, regarding the present work and direction of how to do their work.” The New Direc- the committee understands that a candidate the IMB.” tions strategy has resulted in a central deci- who does not agree in totality with the new The entire Missions Sending Agencies sion making process. BF&M would experience greater scrutiny. Study Committee Report is available on Some IMB missionaries reported they “We call upon those who screen mis- the BGCT website (www.bgct.org) A sum- believe that while they were formerly seen sionary candidates from Texas and other mary of the six areas of concern are: as God-called missionaries who carry out states to hear carefully their biblical con- the Great Commission, they now are seen victions regarding the missional task of ONE: In the past three years, IMB has as employees of the IMB are “are being evangelism and ministry and measure them implemented a “New Directions” reorgani- required to carry out the tasks identified by by Scripture alone,” the report says. zation which gives highest priority to the the organization.” rapid multiplication of indigenous churches, Despite the concerns, the committee rec- at the expense of traditional missions ac- FOUR: The committee also was con- ommends making no change in the budget- tivities such as hospitals, theological edu- cerned about the role of women in IMB ary relationship between the BGCT and the cation, agricultural missions, retreat cen- leadership. No woman serves as part of the IMB. ters and other activities. senior administration, nor does a woman It adds a caveat: “We hope there will be “This focus has served to open new serve as one of the 14 regional leaders. improvement in the documented areas of fields, but may tend to ignore the harvest “Texas Baptists will continue to encour- concern and we will continue to work with in some countries and the relationship with age women who are called to missions, and encourage the IMB to address the ar- Baptist partners in those countries with whether married or single and will urge eas identified.” — 13 — An Overlooked Baptist Distinctive

By Cyrus B. Fletcher, September 2000 One of my favorite pastoral stories re- God….”(John 3:2) Believing that was not I read with interest the comments from counts how a pulpit committee chairperson enough to get Nicodemus the new heart church history about the distinctives that introduced me as a lifelong member of the and spirit of being born again, I do not like make us Baptists. Writers mention freedom Christian church. Knowing he had come to argue from silence, but John 3:16 says of conscience and religion, soul compe- from a Disciples background to join a Bap- nothing about the written word. tency, priesthood of the believer, believer’s tist church I blurted out, “First let me say It stands Baptist distinctives on their baptism and church autonomy. that I am a Baptist. No one is going to ear to say ‘Believe John 3:16 and it will Others point to our cooperative polity make a Christian out of me!” I was re- save you.’ There is a profound difference and our way of doing missions. All these lieved when they all joined in laughing at between the written word, as effective as it are important to anyone wanting identifi- the joke. is and the living Word with the power to cation as Baptist. The Bible is knit with the basic save. Jesus identified the essential personal premise that God is the one and only nature of God and the setting in which sal- The overlooked distinctive that true God because he is alive. The Bible vation takes place. Jesus said, “God is spirit, says that God is the independent personal and those who worship him must worship marks Biblical interpretation as creator, the covenant maker, the giver of in spirit and truth.” (John 4:24) Baptist states that symbols, rites promises, the righteous judge of all people and words must refer to a reality and the faithful forgiver of sinners who beyond themselves. repent unto Him. “…We must affirm the Bible to be Isaiah and others depict the personal na- God’s word and inerrant. Without ture of salvation and religious experience. that authority our Jesus is without I want to consider an almost hidden, For instance, “I am he who blots out your real merit.” overlooked distinctive that separated transgressions for my own sake, and I will Baptists from other groups growing out not remember your sins.” (Isaiah 43:25) —Harold O’Chester of the Reformation. Along with others, Ezekiel prophesied “…It is only the person My position is that the presence Baptists abandoned Apostolic succession who sins that shall die,” (18:4b) and “…the as necessary for an authentic church. What righteousness of the righteous shall be his and power of the risen Christ basic presuppositions did they hold that own, and the wickedness of the wicked shall gives merit to the Bible and earned them the Baptist label? be his own.”(18:20). authenticates it as the People branded Baptist were like the fol- Ezekiel said “…Get yourselves a new authoritative word of God. lowers of the Way in Syrian Antioch be- heart and a new spirit.”(18:31c) In both …If God and His Christ are not cause they were different. “…And it was in Isaiah and Joel we have the promise of Antioch that the disciples were first called God. “I will pour my spirit upon your de- alive and well, an inerrant Bible ‘Christians.’”(Acts 11:26) They gave the scendents, and my blessing on your will not help. shortened form of the earlier Anabaptist to offspring.”(Isaiah 44:3b & Joel 2:28–29) those who insisted that only believers who The new heart and spirit come from God in had professed their commitment to Christ the dynamic of personal faith. Branded Bap- The fuller knowledge of the written word for themselves could be baptized and that tists earned their reputation by insisting that by the Jews did not make them more saved by immersion. the church administer the ordinances, main- than the ignorance of the Samaritans. Jesus They rejected any saving efficacy to tain the purity of the gospel and guide the told the Samaritan woman that all must ritual, rite or symbol even by the church community obligations of Christians. submit to the Messiah. “Jesus said to her, congregated. When they partook of the However, the church does not have ‘I am he, the one who is speaking to Lord’s Supper, they insisted that salvation the power or authority to make a person you.’”(John 4:26) Paul wrote about the re- or grace was not in the elements or sym- into a child of God. God takes care of that ality of acceptance by God before sym- bols, but in personal confrontation with the personally as the Holy Spirit. Peter wrote, bolic expression. “[Abraham] received the living Christ. For them the personal pres- “He was destined before the foundation of sign of circumcision as a seal of the righ- ence of the Holy Spirit empowered their the world, but was revealed at the end of teousness that he had by faith while he was faith in Jesus to yield an authentic religious the ages for your sake. Through him you still uncircumcised.”(Romans 4:11a) An experience with the living God. have come to trust in God, who raised him idea or a word may be enlightening, but it Such affirmation and discerning re- from the dead and gave him glory so that cannot forgive you or change your head jection earned them the label of Bap- your faith and hope are set on God.” and spirit. tists. Were they correct to reject salvation (1 Peter 1:20-21) Some would abandon a Many misspeak by saying someone can by rite or symbol? Were they correct to distinctive so integral to our Baptist begin- be saved by believing the gospel, as though insist that Christian symbols, experience and nings by making equal the symbols of the certain words, formulas or facts can trans- even the Bible refer to a living reality be- written word with the power and reality of form the human head and spirit. Branded yond themselves? The content and mean- the living Word. Baptists would not buy that sod of convo- ing of the Bible lead me to answer “Yes!” Nicodemus said to Jesus, “…We know luted word magic. Why would anyone to both questions. that you are a teacher who has come from equate a written or spoken statement with — 14 — the vibrant personal reality of the living Christ who is present to accept them, for- Some questions about the fundamentalists give their sins and make them new? Now just any old Christ will not do. He and answers that came through meditation: is not the creation of our imaginations nor is he at the disposal of church, priest or 4. When I asked what attitude I should By Bennett F. Hall take towards the controversy in SBC? sacrament. I have great difficulty seeing Winchester, Kentucky Answer: “Fermentation generates cre- how a Baptist could make a statement like ation” the one Harold O’Chester of Austin wrote 1. What about the fundamentalists? (Now we have 11 new seminaries to in a late June 2000, letter to the Baptist Answer: Transcend them Ð they are on work with) Standard. the lowest rung of the ladder. They will destroy themselves with their own nega- 5. At another time when I realized our tives. I cannot help but wonder what loss of control over the convention, I asked again – “What should I do?” 2. What about the effect they will have the Baptist Press attack dogs Answer: “Live it!” In other words – live on the denomination? out what is happening. It can bring a new Answer: They will break up denomina- day Ð even though the convention splits. will do with that phrase “…Our tional pride. No one group has all the an- Jesus is without real merit?” swers. A monolithic denomination creates the illusion of infallibility and separation. Meditation — God works in many ways His wonders You are concerned about the SBC. This He wrote “…We must affirm the Bible to perform—by love—not by coercion and is the time of breaking up. God is not to be God’s word and inerrant. Without domination. The walls will come tumbling pleased with a monolithic convention that down. controls masses of people. Power politics that authority our Jesus is without real enter into the situation. Control is then merit.” Sadly, those who revised the Bap- 3. What about or institutions? sought by a few greedy individuals who set tist Faith and Message in 2000 must think Answer: Some will survive Ð they can’t themselves up as the paragons of virtue, the same way. My position is that the pres- win. They can create confusion Ð dissen- doctrine, and way of life — God does not ence and power of the risen Christ gives sion Ð some hate Ð but not unity, trust and work in this manner. merit to the Bible and authenticates it as love. He is seeking individuals who listen to the authoritative word of God. This movement will hurt some good his voice — not someone who thinks he is The overlooked distinctive that marks people, but the denomination will never be the voice of God and should be obeyed. Biblical interpretation as Baptist states that the same. God has his very own among you who Remember what Jesus said about know the difference. Keep going in the di- symbols, rites and words must refer to a Herod’s temple? rection you are going and God will give reality beyond themselves. (See It did not survive. you the light you need for further develop- 1 Corinthians 15:17Ð18) If God and his Matthew 24:2, Mark 13:2, Luke 21:6 ment. Christ are not alive and well, an inerrant Bible will not help. I cannot help but won- der what the Baptist Press attack dogs will do with that phrase “…Our Jesus is without real merit?” For Your Information Baptists readily accept and proclaim the content and meaning of one of the Bible’s wondrous promises. “Although you have The BGCT has upgraded the adult materials to not seen him, you love him; and even though respond to the needs of Texas churches. Changes you do not see him now, you believe in initiated are as follows: him…receiving the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.”(1 Peter ¥ The Bible passage is printed in the Study 1:8Ð9) The Baptist distinctive of insisting on Guide (pupil item) personal faith in a living Savior while ¥ Bible background materials have been added rejecting the saving efficacy of symbols, to the Teaching Guide and rites or decrees will stand us Baptists in good stead in the midst of the contro- ¥ A Large Print Study Guide is available. versy which threatens to change that which identifies us as Baptists. — 15 — Committee Looks at North American Mission Board

By Ophelia Humphrey THE COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT guage/ethnic groups call for new missions When they restructured the Southern Section I of the most recent version strategies. Requests for adjustments to the Baptist Convention in the mid 90s, the (1991) of the Cooperative Agreement reads funding ratio have been ignored with the North American Mission Board (NAMB) in part: suggestion that Texas has enough large, was created to absorb the former Home wealthy churches to provide for our needs. The committee was not permitted to know Mission Board, Brotherhood Commission, GENERAL PRINCIPLES Radio and Television Commission and Stu- the ratio of NAMB support agreements with 1. The purpose of this agreement is to de- other states. dent Ministries. fine the responsibilities of the Baptist The amount of NAMB’s agreed upon A significant difference of opinion re- General Convention of Texas and the funding is a percentage portion of the CP sulted regarding the identity of NAMB. It Home Mission Board in areas in which dollars BGCT churches provide to NAMB. became apparent as the BGCT study com- the two entities develop and adminis- The remainder of NAMB’s portion of CP 1 mittee met with leaders of the SBC agency. trate a strategic mission plan on a coop- receipts from Texas churches goes to reach 2 The committee viewed NAMB as a con- erative basis. the rest of North America with the Gospel. tinuation of the Home Mission Board, part- 2. The strategic mission plan shall be co- An account’s analysis of financial in- ner of the BGCT for many years. operatively developed by appropriate formation provided to the committee re- Leaders of NAMB identified their staff representatives of the two entities veals that NAMB is financially strong, with agency as a three-year-old baby organiza- and according to the policies of each no long-term note maturities. In 1999, the tion learning to walk. It was unaware of entity. only debt, other than accounts payable and many inherited traditions and agreements. 3. Financial support for the strategic mis- accrued expenses, is accrued post retire- This question of identity and continuity is sion plan shall be provided by the two ment benefits of $51 million. significant when considering matters like entities on an agreed-upon ratio of par- The net asset position is strong enough the Cooperative Agreement, the contract ticipation in an annual conference. that NAMB is able to carry its entire loan portfolio of $127,369,000 without external that had shaped previous relationships. 4. General administration and promotion borrowing. Revenues amounted to $119.2 When the committee raised issues of of the strategic mission plan shall be by million, including $38.7 million through CP NAMB’s violations, the visiting group the Baptist General Convention of Texas. and $43.5 million through the Annie seemed unaware of the terms of the his- 5. Adjustment to the strategic mission plan Armstrong Easter Offering. Total 1999 ex- toric compact and miscommunication some- and its funding may be requested by ei- penses amounted to $119.9 million. times resulted. ther entity. However, changes shall not Figures provided by the BGCT Since 1991 when the most recent Coop- be implemented until both entities have Treasurer’s office showed that in 1999, the erative Agreement was negotiated between approved. BGCT churches gave $26 million through Baptist General Convention of Texas and 6. All Home Mission Board funding shall the SBC CP, of which 22.79 percent — the HMB, Texas’ population has swelled be paid through the Baptist General Con- $5.9 million — went to NAMB. In addi- to become the second most populous state vention of Texas upon receipt of agreed- tion, state convention churches contributed in the nation with more than 10 million upon documentation. $5.9 million through the Annie Armstrong unchurched people (more than the popula- Easter Offering. Thus, BGCT congregations tions of each of 44 other states). In keeping with Principles 3 and 6, contributed $11.8 million to NAMB in Texas’ population increased 3.8 million NAMB presently rebates to the BGCT up 1999. from 1990 to 2000. Population now ap- to 45 percent of the budget mutually agreed proximates that of Kentucky, South Caro- upon for projects, while the BGCT pro- PREVIOUS STUDIES vides the additional 55 percent. When the lina or Oklahoma. Ethnic groups with more Both the 1995 BGCT/HMB Study than 100 languages also increased rapidly, 45/55 division does not cover the projected budget, BGCT must fund the remainder or Committee and the 1997 Effectiveness/Ef- calling for more creative ways to do mis- cancel the project. ficiency Committee examined ways the sions. The documentation which NAMB re- HMB/NAMB could assist Texas Baptists Through cooperative giving to BGCT quires in order to forward any agreed upon in reaching the unchurched in Texas. and SBC, Texas’ churches generously sup- funding is sometimes tedious, time con- Both spoke directly of the need for a port worldwide missions and Texas’ grow- suming and frequently delayed beyond the better working relationship between the ing, challenging mission fields. Most Texas planned startup date. When an urgent Texas BGCT and NAMB. Both underscored the churches also include substantial funds in missions project does not fit NAMB’s stra- problems created by the lack of a function- their budgets for specialized hands-on mis- tegic priorities, Texas must fund the entire ing Cooperative Agreement with NAMB. sions/ministries. However, their generosity amount or forego the opportunity. Problems have escalated in 2001. has not been sufficient to meet urgent needs. The ratio of funds to be returned to our NOTE: At no time did anyone on the committee suggest or even consider that For most of a decade BGCT staff appeals state was established before Texas began BGCT should receive from NAMB sub- to HMB/NAMB for adjustments in the growing more rapidly than most other stantially more money back through the funding formula have gone unheeded. states. The influx of large numbers of lan- — 16 — Cooperative Budget than Texas churches because the IMB and NAMB define the ¥ This will in no way affect the ongo- give to NAMB through CP. Unfortu- term differently. ing promotion of the Annie Armstrong nately, words are twisted sometimes. Im- In a follow-up communication the com- Easter Offering. Funds solicited and pressions feed rumor mills and people mittee was informed that the term mission- received for this offering will continue come to believe what they are told. ary is now defined by both the IMB and to go directly to NAMB for mission NAMB as “A person who, in response to work in North America. SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION God’s call and gifting, leaves his/her com- ¥ This will have no effect on the Inter- OF TEXAS fort zone and crosses cultural, geographic national Mission Board’s share of the The Cooperative Agreement specifies or other barriers to proclaim the Gospel Cooperative Program. that one entity may not unilaterally change and live out a Christian witness in obedi- the Agreement. Historically, the HMB ence to the Great Commission … while Endnotes: agreed it would not unilaterally sponsor IMB has a significant number of mission- 1 The Committee was composed of Al projects in the state or assign personnel aries fully funded by IMB alone, NAMB Burns, Dallas; Bud Hudgens, Houston; except through the BGCT. NAMB’s present will typically fund missionaries in partner- Doug Jackson, Corpus Christi; Bill Noble, support of projects and personnel through ship with state conventions … partially fund Brownfield & Lubbock; Presnall Wood, the Southern Baptist Convention of Texas Dallas; Ophelia Humphrey, chairperson, ‘approved’ missionaries who may have violates Section VI.2 of the Cooperative Amarillo. other sources of income (like a church Agreement. 2 Bob Reccord, President; Randy Singer, planter partially supported by his church or Executive Vice President; Nate Adams, a missionary partially supported by a work- 2000 BAPTIST FAITH & MESSAGE: Vice President of Mobilization and Mis- ing spouse).” Of the 5,000+ home mission- As of this study, the 2000 BF&M is sion Education; Mike Day, Vice President aries in the year 2000, 1,878 (37.8%) are applied to all missionaries processed, al- for Strategy and Business Services; Carlos though the executive vice president of Mission Service Corps volunteers and re- Ferrer, Chief Financial Officer; Richard NAMB said in a letter to the subcommittee ceive no financial benefits from NAMB. Harris, Vice President of Church Planting; that candidates are not required to sign the Harry Lewis, Lead Strategy Coordinator for the Midwest and Canada; Phil Roberts, Di- document. He added, however, “We will BAPTIST MEN rector of the Interfaith Witness Evangelism … continue to seek and deploy those who The restructuring of the Southern Bap- can agree to minister and lead consistent Team; and John Yarborough, Vice Presi- tist Convention moved Brotherhood from with and not contrary to the current dent for Evangelization. commission status to a department in BF&M.” For the first time, NAMB is examining NAMB. Texas Baptist Men and local candidates with reference to a specific theo- churches are now dependent on NAMB for logical document with which many Texas the production of mission education for Baptists disagree and which the BGCT has plans and materials for men and boys. Early BGCT Bible chosen not to endorse. The letter contin- performance of NAMB in regard to TBM ues: “The fact that NAMB uses the current was disappointing. It is hoped that improve- Study BF&M as a guide for clarifying any doctri- ments are being made. nal issues, whereby the BGCT does not, Curriculum should not mean cooperation between the EFFECTS OF THE COMMITTEE’S two entities is impossible.” RECOMMENDATIONS This practice may affect some mission- Update aries and candidates for appointment. Also, ¥ This action would not require any Chaplains applying for certification and NAMB missionary in Texas to change The BGCT will produce those whose employers require annual re- his or her appointment status. 18 new curriculum prod- certification are required to affirm theo- ¥ The recommendation does not defund ucts for use in churches logical positions with which they may not NAMB but provides for more effi- agree creating the possibility of loss of em- in the fall of 2002. Watch cient administering of that percentage/ ployment. for the first showing of portion of the gifts of Texas churches which would be returned to Texas un- these items at the annual HOW MANY MISSIONARIES? der the current Cooperative Agree- meeting of the BGCT in A matter of much confusion among ment. Dallas, October 29-30. Texas Baptists is NAMB’ actual mission- ¥ This would create no change in Copies will be available ary count. When it was suggested that there NAMB’s use of the remaining Coop- around March 15, 2002. are only (plus/minus) 40 fully funded mis- erative Program gifts from Texas. These new products will sionaries directly related to NAMB and its Texas Baptists are still committed to be usable for churches in strategy, the nine-man administrative lead- doing their part in reaching the rest of Texas and beyond Texas. ership agreed that “might be about right” this continent for the Savior.

— 17 — ANATOMY OF AN ILLNESS: FUNDAMENTALISM IN THE SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION

Editor’s Note: This was a speech that have achieved significant personal visibility sue and resurrected the liberal label to cre- Herbert Reynolds gave at the SBC Forum had it not been for their vision of creating a ate a worthy adversary. While this strategy in New Orleans in June 1990. milieu and structure in Southern Baptist surfaced in 1978-79, the historical roots go life that would allow them to control and back at least to 1887 and the English Bap- By Herbert H. Reynolds manipulate a large mass of people to sat- tist battles of the downgrade controversy, President Emeritus, Baylor University isfy their own unhealthy personality needs. followed in America by the nationwide fun- and TBC Board Chair The renowned longshoreman philoso- damentalist movement of the 1920s with As a lifelong Baptist and president and chancellor of an institution that was tar- A 20-year-old illness in the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) exists. It geted from the inception of this unholy cru- is not characterized by physical symptoms on the part of Southern sade, I have been passionate in my opposi- tion to the forces that have ruthlessly torn Baptist people, although some have been so afflicted. Rather it is a the Southern Baptist Convention apart. disease of the spirit which has so debilitated the convention as an entity On the other hand, as a trained observer that what has been a significant ministry to a lost world is being of human behavior, I have dispassionately systematically decimated. studied the personalities, goals and meth- ods of the fundamentalists or Presslerites, pher, Eric Hoffer stated that such persons the Reverend J. Frank Norris of Fort Worth, because I do not know of any trained pro- “see their lives and strivings beyond rem- Texas, as a prime mover and propagandist fessional who has examined these phenom- edy and …they crave to dissolve their in the south. ena as characteristics of a mass movement, spoiled, meaningless selves in some soul- Present day fundamentalist leadership I have sought to do so succinctly within an stirring spectacular communal undertak- was incensed when, in their opinion, the historical and psychological context. ing.” 1963 Baptist Faith & Message statement A 20-year-old illness in the Southern Once the organizers of a mass move- did not go far enough in correcting what Baptist Convention (SBC) exists. It is not ment are committed to changing their world they perceived as the shortcomings of the characterized by physical symptoms on the since they cannot effectively modify their 1925 Baptist Faith & Message statement part of Southern Baptist people, although own personality characteristics and short- formulated in the heat of the Norris era. some have been so afflicted. Rather it is a comings, then they must identify both an They wanted no less than a creed or in- disease of the spirit which has so debili- issue and a worthy adversary in order to strument of doctrinal accountability so tated the convention as an entity that what rally the masses to their cause. that the body of Baptist cardinals and has been a significant ministry to a lost As Adolf Hitler said in the early days of bishops could enforce what they believe world is being systematically decimated. the organization of the third Reich “the every Baptist must believe to be a proper I want to describe this illness as a psy- masses do not want freedom of choice, they Baptist. chologist, however, I want to make it clear want a simple doctrine and an enemy, pref- A few years later, when Harold Lindsell, from the start that I am not making in- erably just one enemy… truth is irrelevant; former editor of Christianity Today, pub- dividual clinical diagnoses, however ap- emotional appeals are better than intellec- lished The Battle for the Bible (1976) and pealing that might be. tual arguments…” The Bible in the Balance (1979) through Rather, I am seeking to portray the char- With his propaganda chief, Joseph the Zondervan Publishing House, the fun- acteristics of yet another mass movement Goebbels, he made it clear that if the damentalists in the SBC were ecstatic with in history in which there is significant Jew had not existed, they would have the accusations and name-calling and the sociopathology. A good lay definition of had to invent him. They also understood battle was on with the winning of the SBC the term is “one who knows that what he is all too well that “any lie, frequently re- presidency in 1979 by the Reverend Adrian doing is wrong but he does not care.” I use peated, will gradually gain acceptance,” Rogers of Memphis, Tennessee. he rather than he or she or they since women e.g. that “liberals” have infested SBC insti- In Texas, the Reverend W.A. Criswell have been intentionally excluded from lead- tutions and agencies and are ruining the insisted that the faculty and staff of Dallas ership in the present movement. unsuspecting with heretical teachings. The Baptist College sign a creedal statement A mass movement appeals basically Hitlers and Goebbels of all time eras know containing the two points he and others to those who crave to be rid of an un- that “the big lie” will work because most believed should have been included in the wanted self. They seek a new life, a re- people are innately trusting and therefore 1925 and1963 statements. Indeed, he was birth or a chance to acquire new elements have a limited capacity to fathom decep- quoted as saying of those at Dallas Baptist of self-esteem, confidence, hope and a sense tion on a grand scale. or at other Baptist institutions who were of worth by identification with a holy (read In keeping with their understanding of unwilling to sign the revised statement and unholy) cause. the two critical ingredients of mass move- creedal position that “there are plenty of As with most mass movements through- ments, which were probably both biblio- other places where the infidels can teach.” out history, this one was begun in 1978 by graphically and intuitively derived, the fun- The fundamentalists knew, of course, ambitious malcontents who would never damentalists concocted the Bible as the is- that they had to focus primarily on our semi- — 18 — naries, colleges, universities, trustees, ad- Southern Baptist life had to be created and sonalities, as Bergson pointed out, mani- ministrations and faculties since these in- tormented to give birth and continuing im- fests itself not in moving mountains but in stitutions and individuals have intimate and petus to the fundamentalist movement. not seeing mountains to move. lengthy contact with many of the future The SBC fundamentalist movement, like Since it is doubtful that the involved leaders of our denomination. all its predecessors, had to develop early mass movement extremist who deserts his Thus, the total control and power sought on a cohesive corporate organization and a holy cause or is suddenly left without one by the fundamentalists could be achieved capacity to absorb and integrate all com- can adjust himself once again to an autono- only if the vast majority of Southern Bap- ers. the strength of the fundamentalists has mous individual existence without incur- tist teachers and leaders believed the same been in their ability to quickly recruit and ring much self-hatred, then it is also doubt- way and taught students to do likewise un- totally absorb the many in the SBC seeking ful that the leaders and most followers of til everyone is properly indoctrinated, par- absolute answers and affirmation in a rap- the fundamentalist camp will change their ticularly pulpit ministers who then could idly changing, highly technological world behavior any time soon. It would be like and would articulate the theology “ap- where they felt that everything that once the loss of life itself to those who are the proved” by the theocracy. seemed to be “nailed down” is coming most psychologically afflicted. loose. Hitler was a master in recognizing that a mass movement can never go too far As Adolf Hitler said in the early in advocating and promoting collective co- Individuals must be identified and days of the organization of the hesion and meeting the need to belong, the victimized from time to time to third Reich “the masses do not post-world war I era in Germany and the keep the hatred and fires burning want freedom of choice, they want vast changes in our society since world war in the bellies of the mass a simple doctrine and an enemy, II, and particularly since the early 1960s, movement members. In other provided the environment and atmosphere preferably just one enemy… truth essential for the fundamentalist demagogic words, they have to see live is irrelevant; emotional appeals takeover. evidence of the demeaning, are better than intellectual The leaders of the fundamentalist move- punishment and even destruction, arguments…” ment possess classical mass movement per- physical or psychological, of the sonality characteristics in that they have worthy adversary. demonstrated time and again that they have Soon after Rogers’ June 1979 election an unfulfilled craving for power, recogni- as president of the SBC, Paul Pressler, a tion and goals that cannot be found in their In view of the preceding statements, Houston, Texas layman and the key funda- ordinary pursuits. what will we continue to see in the funda- mentalist strategist, made it quite clear that They require separation from self and mentalist mass movement in Southern Bap- they were “going for the jugular” in gain- something they view as more creative and tist life? First, the fanatical orthodoxy ing control of institutional and agency fulfilling than that of a servant role in a lost will continue as long as the movement boards. The fundamentalist college of car- world filled with travail. A blemished self leadership is in possession of power and dinals (a term which I first used, along with that manifests itself in bibliolatry and can impose its faith by force and by co- Baptist bishops, in 1984) began to raise up hot pursuit of the worthy adversary mo- ercive persuasion. some victims among our teachers and in- tivates them. The personality structure Persistent coercion is of nonpareil ef- stitutional and agency heads. involves the proclivities and behavior in- fectiveness, not only with those who lead a These actions were entirely consonant digenous to a frustrated mind. less complex existence but also with those with mass movement strategy since indi- All active mass movements, and the fun- who consider themselves leaders and intel- viduals must be identified and victim- damentalist movement is no exception, lectuals. At some point, even those among ized from time to time to keep the hatred claim that “the ultimate and absolute truth us who consider themselves strong and re- and fires burning in the bellies of the is embodied in their doctrine and that there silient may compromise and capitulate if mass movement members. In other is no truth nor certitude outside it.” As Henri they are not constantly unyielding to such words, they have to see live evidence of Bergson said in his 1935 book, The Two ungodly tactics. We must therefore accept the demeaning, punishment and even de- Sources of Morality and Religion, “so te- the fact that innocent people will continue struction, physical or psychological, of naciously should he cling to the world re- to be deliberately accused and sacrificed in the worthy adversary. vealed by the gospel, that were I to see all order to keep suspicion and hatred alive. As Eric Hoffer has discerned, “hatred is the angels in heaven coming down to tell Second, there will be a continuation the most accessible and comprehensive of me something different, not only would I of doctrinal purifying, slogans and an all unifying agents.” Heinrich Heine has not be tempted to doubt a single syllable, interpretation of “historic new days in suggested that “what Christian love cannot but I would shut my eyes and stop my ears, Southern Baptist life” to try to reinvigo- do is effected by a common hatred.” Fi- for they would not deserve to be either rate those involved in the fundamental- nally, it has been said that “mass move- seen or heard.” ist movement and to attract new adher- ments can rise and spread without a belief This is the source of the fundamentalist’s ents. Attempts to discredit traditional con- in a god but never without a belief in a constancy. He is “not frightened by danger servative Baptist leadership and institutions devil. The strength of a mass movement is nor disheartened by obstacles nor baffled also will continue. proportionate to the vividness and tangibil- by contradictions because he denies their Furthermore, it is a fact of history ity of its devil,” in our case, the liberals in existence.” Strength of faith in such per- that when a mass movement attracts and — 19 — rewards people who are primarily ambi- book entitled, The Church Christ Approves, whom they despise… in the name of the tious in their personal careers, that it he stated: Lord they will launch vehement attacks on has passed its most viable stages and is “Fundamentalism is more dangerous individuals and churches, in the name of committed to preserving the power of than liberalism because everything is done the Lord they attempt to assassinate the the present. in the name of the Lord, in the name of the character of those whom they oppose, they Hoffer has said, “It ceases then to be a Lord, the fundamentalist condemns all who direct their attack most often on other Chris- movement and becomes an enterprise.” disagree with him… he uses the Bible as a tian leaders with whom they find disagree- Hitler said “the more posts and offices a club with which to beat people over the ment….” movement has to hand out, the more infe- head, rather than a means of personal Thank you former SBC president, and rior stuff it will attract, and in the end these strength and a revealer of God, to the fun- now SBC new Lifeway president (a re- political hangers-on overwhelm a success- damentalist, the test of fellowship is cor- ward!) Jimmy Draper for such a vivid de- ful movement in such numbers that the hon- rect doctrine. If you do not agree with his scription of the heart, mind and soul of the fundamentalist, that unholy element which The fundamentalist tactic is simple: hatred, bitterness and condemnation of all has given us the destructive mass move- whom they despise… in the name of the Lord they will launch vehement ment of the past 20 years. attacks on individuals and churches, in the name of the Lord they attempt to assassinate the character of those whom they oppose, they direct their attack BIBLIOGRAPHY most often on other Christian leaders with whom they find disagreement. The Two Sources of Morality and Religion, Henri L. Bergson, Henry Holt & Co., NY, 1935. The Origins and Destiny of Imperial Britain, J.A, Cramb, est fighter of former days no longer recog- doctrinal position, he writes you off and John Murray Co., London, 1915, p. 216. nizes the old movement….” For example, will not have fellowship with you. The Church Christ Approves, Broadman Press, Nashville, TN 1974, pp. 38-43. James T. Draper, Jr. Al Mohler, Roger Moran and Bill Streich, “There is no room in his world for those Religion and Philosophy in Germany, Heinrich Heine, present day highly vocal critics, do not pos- who have a different persuasion. He feels Trubner & Co., London, 1882, p. 89. Mein Kampf, Adolf Hitler, Houghton Mifflin Co., Boston, sess the political and theological acumen threatened by diverse convictions and writes 1943, p. 105. of the early day Presslers and Pattersons them off as sinister and heretical. As long The True Believer, Eric Hoffer, Harper And Row Publish- ers Ny, 1966 (Originally Published By Harper & Brothers, 1951), who unleashed the unholy war. as you support his position, he is with you. exact and inexact quotes from throughout the book, pp.1-151. Let me conclude by commending one Cross him, and he has no use whatever for The Third Reich: The New Order, Editor’s of Time-Life Books, Time-Life, Alexandria, Va, 1989, pp. 53-97. of our former pastors who exhibited great you… the fundamentalist tactic is simple: The Third Reich: Storming To Power, Editors Of Time-Life insight back in 1974 in a Broadman Press hatred, bitterness and condemnation of all Books, Time-Life, Alexandria, Va, 1989. pp. 7-60

Editor’s Note: The following ad is part of a new ad campaign launched by the Baptist Integrity Committee to counter false information being spread about the Baptist General Convention of Texas. The Integrity Committee placed the ads, which were paid for by “concerned Texas Baptists.” No Cooperative Program money was used. Some People Love God, But Not the Truth? Half-truths, innuendos, and personal attacks are being spread in the name of God. As long as we’ve had organized religion, we’ve also had politics. Unfortunately that means degrading and negative campaigning also rears its ugly head inside the doors of our churches. Perhaps you have heard the personal attacks and deception at the Baptist church Ð or know your church leaders are being pressured to make decisions based on outrageous and untruthful accusations made against The Baptist General Conven- tion of Texas. Whatever your situation may be, Texas Baptists of good faith all over the state are rising up in righteous indignation over this blatant, crude attempt to polarize our historic Baptist faith, divide us as brothers and sisters in Christ and fulfill a political agenda. We ask your prayers for Baptist leaders across Texas as we keep our focus and continue the work we are called to do. And may we ask you to help us call a halt to these un-Christian attacks. Guiding principles of The Baptist General Convention of Texas: ¥ We believe the Bible is inspired and true Ð all of it. ¥ We are committed to the Bible as our only creed. ¥ We make missions a priority Ð always have, always will. ¥ We affirm reverence for human life and oppose abortion. ¥ We have spoken clearly and acted decisively in opposing homosexual behavior. ¥ We support religious freedom and the separation of church from government control or favoritism. ¥ We affirm the autonomy of the local church Ð its responsibility and accountability to God alone Ð not a denomination. ¥ We always seek to assist any Baptist who shares our vision. For more information, visit www.BaptistIntegrity.org This important message has been placed by The Baptist Integrity Committee and paid for by concerned Texas Baptists. No Cooperative Program funds have been used.

— 20 — Missions and Stewardship

By David R. Currie, Executive Director Is the money we are giving keeping these agency? The Missions Study Committee report missionaries locked in with the SBC when This Christmas, when you get ready to has been released. It raises serious ques- they had rather work for someone else? write that check to the Lottie Moon Christ- tions about the missions programs of the We need answers. Would it have been mas offering, reflect on these questions. Southern Baptist Convention although it better if the money given by Texas Bap- Ask yourself, is this really what God wants does not recommend significant changes. tists to SBC mission causes last year been me to do? We have printed details of this committee given to a “free the missionaries” fund I am not trying to be mean. I simply report on page 13 of this newsletter. started by the BGCT that would hire SBC think these are some hard questions we all missionaries who want out from under the need to deal with. A part of stewardship Are we really supporting the current system? Is there a way to find out? is asking hard questions and finding the Are we really supporting the current mis- right answers. After all, the entire purpose current missionaries or hurting sionaries or hurting them by funding a sys- of missions is to tell people about Jesus them by funding a system that tem that no longer works or is not sup- and we should always be asking what is no longer works or is not ported by those on the field? the most effective way to achieve this goal. Two: Is the money given to Lottie Moon A final word. May God bless all our supported by those on the field? and Annie Armstrong supporting mission- missionaries, with the SBC and CBF, wher- aries or keeping missionaries from being ever they serve him. Texas Baptists believe in missions. We sent to serve? believe God has commissioned us to tell Both SBC mission boards have huge fi- the world about Jesus Christ. We give sac- nancial reserves. Reserves are important. I TEXAS BAPTISTS COMMITTED do not deny that fact. Nevertheless, if Texas P.O. BOX 3330, SAN ANGELO, TX 76902 rificially to support missionaries. Last year 915-659-4102 • FAX 915-655-3603 Baptists did not give a dime to these mis- Texas Baptists gave $13,814,104 to the www.txbc.org sion programs, I wonder if any SBC mis- Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, DR. HERBERT H. REYNOLDS $6,117,112 to the Annie Armstrong Easter sionary would be hurt financially? The Chair Offering, and $1,188,034 to CBF Global money is there to support SBC mission pro- DR. RON COOK Missions. Texas Baptists believe in and sup- grams without any Texas Baptist money. Vice-Chair MR. RON ELLISON port missions. That is an obvious fact. Secretary Now, I want to raise some hard ques- Are there hundreds of persons who feel DR. ED HOGAN tions. I will be attacked for raising them, called by God to be missionaries but who Treasurer CANNOT serve because we gave our DR. DAVID R. CURRIE however, that is okay. Someone needs to Executive Director money to Lottie Moon and Annie raise them. I have no evil intent in mind. I VICKY TRUSDLE just think we need to ask some stewardship Armstrong? These are Bible-believing tra- Associate Executive Director questions. ditional Baptists who do not agree with the and Newsletter Editor COLLEEN TAYLOR-MARTIN One: Do our gifts to the Lottie Moon revised 2000 Baptist Faith and Message Copy Editor Christmas Offering and the Annie and thus cannot serve as an SBC mission- Armstrong Easter offering help hurting mis- ary, but also cannot be appointed by CBF TEXAS BAPTISTS COMMITTED sionaries, specifically traditional Baptist because CBF does not have the money, or BOARD OF DIRECTORS missionaries who do not support the Fun- cannot be appointed by Texas Baptists be- FOR 2001 damentalist movement controlling the SBC? cause we do not appoint missionaries. What Howard Batson, Amarillo How many missionaries now serving are these people to do? Where are they to Michael Bell, Fort Worth go? Amelia Bishop, Austin with the SBC International Mission Board Bill Brian, Amarillo and the SBC North American Mission Would we as Texas Baptists be better Rudy Camacho, Fort Worth Board would serve with these agencies if stewards if we sent our gifts to CBF or Ron Cook, Brownwood started our own mission program and used James C. Denison, Dallas CBF had the money to appoint them or Dean Dickens, Garland Texas Baptists asked them if they had rather our mission dollars to appoint these mis- Ron Ellison, Beaumont serve as Texas Baptist missionaries? sionaries whom the SBC will not appoint? Clyde Glazener, Fort Worth Would there be more missionaries in the Ed Hogan, Houston I do not know the answer to the above Phil Lineberger, Sugar Land questions, but I wish I did. I also wish I world telling people about Jesus if we gave Jerold McBride, San Angelo knew the answers to the following ques- our dollars differently? Jaclanel McFarland, Spring Is it good stewardship to give our mis- Albert Reyes, San Antonio tions. Herbert Reynolds, Waco How many missionaries have resigned sion gifts to SBC mission boards that have Robert Sloan, Waco because they could not work under a plenty of money and will not appoint tradi- John Cash Smith, Orange tional Baptist missionaries, or would it be Bob Stephenson, Norman, OK Fundamentalist agenda? Phil Strickland, Dallas How many would like to leave but better stewardship, and better for the spread Bill Tillman, Abilene cannot because there is no where else to of God’s Kingdom, if we gave our gifts to John G. Wilkerson, Lubbock go? CBF or started our own missions sending Sandra Magee Womack, Pasadena

— 21 — Ain’t It a Shame! – Unhealthy Guilt and Religious Fundamentalism by Timothy L. Boschen, D. Min. Fundamentalist movements in American mature, though painful feeling of regret reach for connection in the powerful inner Protestantism in the 20th century have one has about behavior that has violated circle. found the need for rule-bound rigidity, re- a personal value.”Kaufman said in The However, a member of an inner circle ligious purification and the all-sufficiency Psychology of Shame. “Guilt is that requires them to stick to goodness as of a perceived source of orthodox author- immorality shame.” defined by the group becomes preoccupied ity, an inerrant application of the Holy That is, it is a violation of the internal with maintaining the goodness factor. They Bible. moral code one has developed. Guilt is a have little time for fellowship and authen- It is possible that at least a part of the self-generated feeling of disgust with one’s tic expressions of affection and need. driving force behind these movements lay actions. Shame is an other-generated sense Grace, the unconditional love of others in the shame-bound behavior of fundamen- of disgust with oneself as a person of worth. as God loves us, is not the operative ethic. talist believers and leaders. The implica- Parents and the victim’s family of origin Preserving one’s personal goodness is. In- tion is that religious fundamentalists bear a more often assign it to the victim. timate relationships with brothers and sis- burden of unhealthy guilt that we can call If you ever heard a parent say some- ters in Christ is subordinated to preserving shame. If this is true, a direct link would lie thing like, “why can’t you be like your the appearance of goodness even when there between the ethical behavior of religious brother,” or “I can’t believe you are so stu- may be feelings of little or none. fundamentalists and the shame they carry. pid,” then you have known shame. When a Shame-bound systems follow certain rules, according to Fossum and Mason. These are just as true of shame-based per- The church, undoubtedly, also has been a source of shame for sons, marriages, families and churches. Christians. When you hear sermons repeatedly calling you an While there are at least eight of these regu- evil sinner, when you hear often that you are dirty and filthy lations, this article will allow for only three. The first and all-important rule is that with sin, you can feel soiled spiritually. one must always give the impression of being in control of one’s life at all times. To pursue this theme, we need to clarify child hears statements like these through- This is the cardinal rule of all shame-bound terms. For our purposes, we can define fun- out maturing years, the adult-child becomes relational groups in that all other rules flow damentalism as a religious movement that shame-based. from this one and help it remain in place. militantly defends orthodoxy against mod- The church, undoubtedly, also has been Since shame-bound persons come from ern incursions. a source of shame for Christians. When families-of-origin in which their worth is These intrusions may be about shifting you hear sermons repeatedly calling you always questioned and diminished, one way interpretations of holy writings, changing an evil sinner, when you hear often that an adult-child learns to cope with these sub- ethical values in the native culture or the you are dirty and filthy with sin, you can sequent feelings of inferiority is always to complicated anxiety that accompanies in- feel soiled spiritually. seem powerful and in control of one’s life, tense and rapid social change. Although Seeing shame-based Christians making proving his worth in his world. guilt and shame may have the same emo- repeated public statements of rededication tional origin, it is important that the reader is common among Baptists and other A shame-bound church is one in understands they are different. Shame, an evangelicals using the altar call or invita- which the members feel alone unhealthy form of guilt, is toxic to the tion as a time of public profession of faith. victim’s selfhood. Kaufman, Gershen, They hear their inner critic declaring them together. Church members judge Shame: the Power of Caring, says: unclean. each other on a goodness vs. Guilt is not their issue. It is shame. The “Shame is an inner sense of being badness scale. very institution founded on the grace of completely diminished or insufficient as God in Christ, the church, can enhance and a person. It is the self judging the self. The second rule of shame-bound fun- empower this inner critic. They need deliv- A moment of shame may be humiliation damentalism is that one must always be erance from self-loathing, not forgiveness so painful or an indignity so profound right and do the right thing according to for sins committed. that one feels one has been robbed of group law and especially the leadership. Merle Fossum and Marilyn Mason, The her or his dignity or exposed as basically This means that the individual strives for a Psychology of Shame, suggested that a inadequate, bad, or worthy of rejection. kind of spiritual perfection to maintain his shame-bound family is a group of people A pervasive sense of shame is the sense of personal power and control from who feel alone together. We may also say ongoing premise that one is within the group. that a shame-bound church is one in which fundamentally bad, inadequate, Apart from the parent organization, there the members feel alone together. defective, unworthy, or not valid as a is no awareness of increased self-worth but Church members judge each other on a human being.” only deep self-questioning. These persons goodness vs. badness scale. In this system, become strong competitors because they Therefore, guilt is not synonymous with the preservation of one’s personal good- have to be proving their inherent value to shame. ness is foundational to one’s acceptance by others. They must look better than others. “Guilt is the developmentally more other church members. They subsequently They become the hard-working church — 22 — members who can be used up and burnt out come more important than relationships. to work out one’s worthiness by following by controlling leadership. Their personal They thereby elevate rules to the level the directive dictates of another, they can worth depends on their winning and being of love and mercy in terms of importance hardly expect one to love others as oneself. seen by others as high-achieving winners. in one’s life of faith. Blaming and trust are For the shame-bound believer, the Bib- The personal, family, or church image, what mutually exclusive because responsibility lical statement, “grace through faith saves the rest of the world sees, is foremost. and forgiveness are not a part of the blame us,” becomes, “We are saved by earned The third rule of shame-bound fun- equation. worthiness through our works.” In other damentalist religious groups is blaming Religious fundamentalists exhibit blam- words, “Let me prove to you how good I others. If something does not happen the ing behavior when they label others liber- am and thereby show you how much Jesus way you planned, blame yourself or some- als. They also blame when they keep the lives in me.” one else, if possible. Blame helps one main- group’s focus on what they oppose and when they make new rules to which all The Biblical statement, “grace must agree. Did You Know? through faith saves us,” becomes, In American Protestant circles, whether The BGCT goal in producing the “We are saved by earned the target is women, blacks, the Masons, Bible study curriculum is to help worthiness through our works.” In the Disney Corporation or other subgroup churches accomplish their mission, within one’s own denomination, the tactic providing new materials that: other words, “Let me prove to you is to get and keep power by having your how good I am and thereby show followers focused on some target to blame ¥ Lift up Jesus Christ you how much Jesus lives in me.” for some set of ills. ¥ Focus on the challenges and Jesus said, “Love the Lord your God opportunities of reaching the tain the illusion of control and helps the with all your heart, soul, mind and strength, Texas mission field system remain pure. and your neighbor as yourself. On these ¥ Strengthen the mission base to They can transfer one’s personal sins to things hang all the law and the prophets.” another thereby helping the blamer feel A person from a shame-based system will help reach a lost world with the freed from his own anxieties. Blame also have trouble doing this. gospel and keeps the rules rigidly in place. By blam- Frequently in fundamentalist circles, the ¥ Highlight Baptist heritage, ing, one declares they did not break the interpersonal need displaces love to appear polity and doctrine. rules. Another did. Therefore, the rules be- good, that is, worthy. When one is trying

Editor’s Note: The following ad is part of a new ad campaign launched by the Baptist Integrity Committee to counter false information being spread about the Baptist General Convention of Texas. The Integrity Committee placed the ads, which were paid for by “concerned Texas Baptists.” No Cooperative Program money was used.

Thou Shalt Not Bear False Witness Against Thy Neighbor. No matter how many times some people hear this basic rule of Christianity they still cannot live by its simple lesson. If you are a concerned Texas Baptist you probably have heard about the disagreement some are having with The Baptist General Convention of Texas. We want you to be aware of the half-truths and personal attacks that are being used to divide and deeply trouble all Texas Baptists of good faith. This deception reminds us of the negative campaigning we continue to see in politics. For years, BGCT member churches have endured attacks with patience and humility, but enough is enough. In many instances The BGCT has been given no opportunity for defense. It is time the plain and simple, undistorted truth be made public. May we ask all who live by this rule to help us call a halt to the bearing of false witness against this God-directed organization that historically has brought Baptists together for the work of our Lord. Guiding principles of The Baptist General Convention of Texas: ¥ We believe the Bible is inspired and true Ð all of it. ¥ We are committed to the Bible as our only creed. ¥ We make missions a priority Ð always have, always will. ¥ We affirm reverence for human life and oppose abortion. ¥ We have spoken clearly and acted decisively in opposing homosexual behavior. ¥ We support religious freedom and the separation of church from government control or favoritism. ¥ We affirm the autonomy of the local church Ð its responsibility and accountability to God alone Ð not a denomination. ¥ We always seek to assist any Baptist who shares our vision. For more information, visit www.BaptistIntegrity.org This important message has been placed by The Baptist Integrity Committee and paid for by concerned Texas Baptists. No Cooperative Program funds have been used.

— 23 — CONVOCATION TAPE ORDER FORM Tapes are $5.00 each or $25.00 for the entire set. Please attach your check made payable to Texas Baptists Committed. Place a checkmark by each tape you wish to order. Thank you.

Dellanna O’Brien, Christian Women in the 21st Century Charles Johnson, A Courageous Mission Ron Cook, A Theology for Missions Dennis Harris, Walking In Faith Through the Open Door Paul McBride, Evangelize and Make Disciples Keith Parks, One Way—Many Ways Bill O’Brien, 21st Century Missions: Global and Apostolic

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