>> This is the December 2015 issue containing the January Bible Study Lessons
Fanny Crosby’s unpublished works recovered 4
baptiststoday.org LOSS & LEGACY Lessons from the American Civil War 32
Did you say, ‘Merry Clausmas’? 9
BIBLE STUDIES 17 FA TH™
John D. Pierce Executive Editor [email protected] Julie Steele Chief Operations Officer [email protected] Jackie B. Riley Managing Editor [email protected] Tony W. Cartledge Contributing Editor [email protected] Bruce T. Gourley Online Editor/Contributing Writer [email protected] David Cassady Church Resources Editor [email protected] Pathway Vickie Frayne Art Director to Peace Jannie Lister 36 Customer Service Manager [email protected] Lex Horton Nurturing Faith Resources Manager [email protected] PERSPECTIVES Walker Knight, Publisher Emeritus The shaping power of fear 7 Jack U. Harwell, Editor Emeritus By John Pierce Dig Deeper
DIRECTORS EMERITI Did you say ‘Merry Clausmas’? 9 Thomas E. Boland By Ben Self R. Kirby Godsey 12 Ann Roebuck Is advocacy in your church’s wheelhouse? 29 Guy Rutland III Mary Etta Sanders By Chris Sanders Mel Williams Winnie V. Williams IN THE NEWS MEDIA BOARD OF DIRECTORS Donald L. Brewer, Gainesville, Ga. (chairman) Holy pepperoni! Church tips big 10 Cathy Turner, Clemson, S.C. (vice chair) tribute to John Nannette Avery, Signal Mountain, Tenn. Evangelical group softens stance on Kelly L. Belcher, Asheville, N.C. Edwin Boland, Johns Creek, Ga. death penalty 10 Ronnie Brewer, Bristol, Va. Janie Brown, Elon, N.C. Christians, Muslims commit to oppose Bob Cates, Rome, Ga. religious bigotry 11 14 Jack Causey, Statesville, N.C. Anthony D. Clevenger, Pensacola, Fla. Study shows more Americans reject religion, Kenny Crump, Ruston, La. but believers firm in faith 40 Doug Dortch, Birmingham, Ala. Jack Glasgow, Zebulon, N.C. Do science and religion conflict? Wayne Glasgow, Macon, Ga. Frank Granger, Athens, Ga. It’s all in how you ‘see’ it 42 Cynthia Holmes, St. Louis, Mo. David Hull, Watkinsville, Ga. Quotation Remarks 6 Bill Ireland, Dalton, Ga. FEATURE Becky Matheny, Athens, Ga. Tommy McDearis, Blacksburg, Va. Religion and the American Presidents: Andrew McGill, Chattanooga, Tenn. Cynthia Wise Mitchell, Birmingham, Ala. Andrew Jackson (1829-1837) 30 William T. Neal, Stone Mountain, Ga. In the Know 28 Roger Paynter, Decatur, Ga. Kathy B. Richardson, Rome, Ga. COVER PHOTO BY JOHN PIERCE. Charlotte Cook Smith, Winston-Salem, N.C. Sarah Timmerman, Cairo, Ga. David Turner, Richmond, Va. Clem White, St. Petersburg, Fla. Donna Wood, Macon, Ga. CAMPAIGN CO-CHAIRS Drayton and Mary Etta Sanders READERS SERVICES
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Baptists Today (ISSN 1072-7787) is published monthly by: Baptists Today Periodical postage paid at Macon, Ga. 31208 and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address corrections to: Baptists Today All rights reserved. !" #$%& '()*+) Treasure Trove Beloved hymn writer Fanny Crosby’s unpublished works recovered
enerations of Christians have long Christ in rescue missions. sung — from hymnals and memory Crosby, he learned, understood her voca- G — the inspiring hymns of Fanny J. tion to be that of a mission worker more Crosby (1820-1915) such as “To God Be the than a songwriter — and that hymns such as Glory,” “Jesus Is Tenderly Calling You Home” “Rescue the Perishing” and “Pass Me Not, O and “Blessed Assurance.” But very, very few Gentle Saviour” were influenced by her work knew that some 2,700 of her unpublished and among immigrants, the urban poor and the unfinished compositions were stashed away in imprisoned. a library. Crosby was a member of Brooklyn’s Sixth Avenue Baptist Church but felt at home in a OUT OF SIGHT variety of congregations. She wrote songs and poetry out of her compassion and faith. These compositions — dictated by the blind In addition to the thousands of hymns poet, lyricist, composer and social worker — and poems, Crosby wrote some popular and had been scribbled out on various sheets and political tunes — especially songs during the scraps of paper, all with her initials and tucked American Civil War that reflected her deep out of sight at Wheaton College. moral commitment to the abolition of slavery. They might have remained hidden had Stephen Kelley’s mind not wandered during a NEW LIFE sermon long ago. The artist/entrepreneur was Upon a visit to Wheaton in 2000, Kelley Fifteen years passed and still no project. Much searching for a unique word to help brand a was first shown an envelope containing some of Kelley’s attention shifted to care for his wife, company he was forming. of Crosby’s writings. He insisted on seeing the Janda, who began cancer treatments shortly The sermon ended with a call to commit- whole collection — which was wheeled out on after their move to Nashville. She died in ment while singing the hymn “To God Be the 20 library carts. 2007. Glory,” that included the line: “… and opened He offered to pay Nashville was “ground zero” for the music the lifegate that all may go in.” for having every word industry, said Kelley. There he met music pro- “The word (lifegate) sunk into my heart,” digitized — a project that ducer Bobby Blazier, also a drummer for Roy said Kelley. took about two months. Orbison, Michael Martin Murphey and other His curiosity led him to note that the Kelley was sure that popular artists. hymn writer was Fanny Crosby and to discover something must come Kelley discussed his long-ago discovery her name listed several times in the hymnal from this successful “trea- with Blazier over dinner and got an unexpected index. He didn’t stop there, however. sure hunt.” But he wasn’t response. “I can barely hum, but wanted to know sure what it would be. “He grew up on Fanny Crosby,” said more about that songwriter,” said Kelley, who “I’m not a hymn- Kelley. “He started to cry.” is an avid collector of antique hymnals. ologist,” he noted. “… I had a business sense, That which had languished for so long So he began intensive research into the but had never done a musical project.” remarkable life of Fanny J. Crosby, one of his- now had a future. tory’s most prolific hymn writers. “That’s when it became a project,” he ‘RESCUE THE PERISHING’ confirmed. “Bobby had the music contacts.” Kelley also discovered that Crosby’s old piano After a failed attempt with one publisher, THE DISCOVERY was reportedly housed in a New York rescue the project was presented to Integrity Music Kelley learned that Hope Publishing had mission. So he headed to the Bowery from his where a deal was struck. acquired Crosby’s catalog from her publisher but South Florida home to check it out. The challenge was deciding on a first that the many unpublished and incomplete writ- “There sits her Steinway upright,” he said. project from such a massive collection. Of the ings “languished in their files.” They were then And a nearby plaque on the wall acknowledged 2,700 discovered compositions, only 200 had donated to Wheaton College and stored away. that it was on this instrument that Crosby been scored, said Kelley. “No one had pursued them at all except wrote the hymn, “Rescue the Perishing.” And Kelley was insistent that whatever hap- two or three students who’d done theses on It reflected much of Crosby’s faith as pened with these treasures must be respectful of them,” he said. well as her long, deep commitment to serving Crosby — and, therefore, “tastefully done.”
4 NEW/OLD MUSIC: Blessed Assurance: The New Hymns of Fanny Crosby
OLD BECOMES NEW someone who had inspired each of them — to style genres that are present in today’s mod- complete her unfinished songs,” he said. ern church while simultaneously maintaining The resulting first project was released this fall. Thompson said that each work was the lyrical depth and perspective that Fanny Blessed Assurance: The New Hymns of Fanny assessed “to see if it could stand the test of Crosby brought to the church back in the late Crosby has 15 compositions further crafted by time” — realizing they were 1800s and early 1900s,” said respected songwriters such as Michael Farren “now stewards of some potential Thompson. and Michael W. Smith. great hymns that could, and With so much more of The involvement of contemporary should, be sung in churches for Fanny Crosby’s recovered music Christian artists bridged some modern musical decades to come.” still awaiting the light, what’s preferences. And the timing for that was just next? The answer to that ques- right, said Kelley, who remarried and now lives THE PROJECT tion will take a little time, said in the mountain town of Tiger, Ga. both Thompson and Kelley. “There is a resurgent interest in tradi- The collection of 15 songs “It’s almost unlimited,” said tional hymns,” said Kelley. accomplishes that high goal, Kelley of the potential projects. Adrian Thompson, vice president of song Thompson believes. But, he added quickly, whatever and artist development for Integrity Music, Collaborating on the recordings are Blind follows must be done “tastefully.” said great care was taken when bringing the Boys of Alabama, Paul Baloche, Ernie Haase & Thompson agreed: “We are currently new/old music to life. Signature Sound, Matt Redman, Ricky Skaggs looking at the other works and what we may “We were asking established modern and the Whites, All Sons & Daughters, and be able to do for seasonal or specific musical worship songwriters to collaborate with some- others. genres. Although for now, we want to see how one who had been dead for 100 years — yet “Musically we have crossed a lot of the the church responds to these songs!” BT
5 quotation remarks —Presiding Bishop Michael Curry, the first African American to lead the Episcopal Church, when asked whether evangelism or social justice is more important to him (RNS) —Neurosurgeon and presidential candidate Ben Carson, taking an opposing position to his Seventh- day Adventist denomination (Christian Post) best (or worst) we are selective —A new, less-specific statement replacing a page of —Church historian Bill Leonard of Wake dress code restrictions for Liberty University students Forest University School of Divinity (BNG) (Washington Post) —Honduran Cardinal Oscar Rodriguez Maradiaga, who heads an effort by Pope Francis to reform the Vatican that is finding intense opposition from some more conservative Catholic leaders (RNS) —Co-pastor Nick Dejacimo, on the vandalized, neglected former Ohio home of boxer Mike Tyson —Student pastor Scott Shelton of First Baptist being transformed into Living Word Sanctuary Church of Athens, Texas, after the congregation (USA Today) decided to replace a leaking cupola with a traditional steeple (BNG) —President Jerry Young of the National Baptist Convention, USA, on joining Southern Baptist “We estimate that the tree Convention President Ronnie Floyd for a November is somewhere between event in Mississippi to foster racial unity (RNS) —Business administrator Cecil Dunham, after weather brought down a massive oak inside First Baptist Church of Waco, Texas (KWTX) —Pastor Jason Coker of Wilton Baptist Church in —Former Olympic basketball player Jack Robinson, 88, on helping christen the new gym floor Nov. 4 at Wilton, Conn. (Christian Reflection) First Baptist Church of Augusta, Ga., where he served —Religion News Service senior columnist Jonathan as pastor from 1953-1974 (Augusta Chronicle) Merritt responding to the National Association of Evangelicals softening its position on capital punishment (See story on page 10) —Blogger Pete Enns, who teaches —Jake Hall, pastor of Highland Hills Baptist Church biblical studies at Eastern University in in Macon, Ga., and the father of a —Wall Street Journal economy writer Ben Leubsdorf St. Davids, Penn. (peteenns.com) 3-year-old son, Logan (Family Matters)
6 Editorial By John Pierce The shaping power of fear
y friend Pam Wacter, a longtime fearful as well as friendly. conflict in the larger society — comes from educator, shared a story with me The story, published in 1961, was varying sources of fear. M recently. Her coworker was enjoy- inspired by a real-life adult concern, said In fact, such fear-inducing factors create ing a visit from her two young nieces. Roger. The pants represented the unnecessary defining and often opposing worldviews. They began running and screaming more alarm that electing an Irish Catholic president One perspective (popular among many than typical for young, screaming little girls so would put the United States under the control Christians) is based on the fear that society their mother went into the guestroom to check of the Vatican. is spiraling into hell — one misguided socio- on them. The excited girls shouted that a bug Decades later, as has long been the case, logical change at a time. The corresponding was after them and they were afraid of being many green-pants fears remain — along with belief and behavior is that such change must be bitten. legitimate ones. Maturity and wisdom are strongly opposed. The false alarm was over a small moth needed to discern healthy The term “culture war” speaks to the floating lazily around the room. Moths don’t from unhealthy fears. intensity of the opposition to such change — bite people, their mom assured them; they only Fear is addressed and the great sense of threat felt by those who eat clothes. throughout the Bible, see their cultural dominance diluted. The next morning the girls were found including the clear calls Conversely, there are others who fear that sleeping peacefully in the guestroom — and to “Fear not!” from the deeply rooted attitudes and actions of discrimi- naked. angelic proclamation of nation and injustice — evils accommodated if Their clothes had been piled safely into the birth of the messiah not advocated by societal structures including one corner of the room. to repeated words from government and church — are not changing as They are not the only ones whose behav- Jesus himself. much or as quickly as they should. iors — as well as beliefs — are greatly shaped Christian ethicist Bill Tillman provided As a result, those holding such divergent by fear. great insight a few years ago when he said he views actually fear each other. And fear is the At the Mercer Preaching Consultation this often told his students: “Tell me something fertile ground where hatred grows. fall, veteran pastor Roger Paynter shared a ser- about your fears, and I will tell you something There is much to consider during the mon from a series he had done at First Baptist of your theology.” Advent and Christmas seasons. But our minds Church of Austin, Texas, in which he used Indeed, what one fears is very shaping. and hearts would do well to ponder how fear both holy scripture and the creative writings of And we hear so much fear from those who pro- shapes our beliefs and behaviors. Theodor Seuss Geisel. fess to be Christians — followers of the very We who claim to follow the one at the cen- This sermon featured Dr. Seuss’ story, one who said, “Fear not!” ter of these celebrations might give more serious “What Was I Scared Of?” — about a pair of Examining our fears can help us to bet- consideration to what he meant by “Fear not!” animated empty green trousers that created ter understand what we believe and how we … And perhaps even do something about unnecessary fear and turned out to be equally behave. Much Christian division — as well as the fears that shape our very beings. BT
May the Advent journey and the Celebration of Christmas bring you love, joy, hope and peace.
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7 “…The notion of believers as CONSERVATIVE or LIBERAL in the absolute sense that these terms are being used today is a 21st-century innovation. What we are dealing with here is nothing less than a new kind of CHRISTIAN SELF- UNDERSTANDING unique to the contemporary era.”
—William E. Hull in his final book, Conservatism and Liberalism in the Christian Faith
Available now at NurturingFaith.net!
“In this last testimony, CONSERVATISM out of his knowledge and his experience, [Bill Hull] AND LIBERALISM accomplished a momentous in the and greatly needed clarity.” —Novelist WENDELL BERRY, in a letter to David Hull CHRISTIAN “Hull calls us to account, whatever our ideology of theology and gospel. Churches and schools FAITH should find it a valuable introduction to ways of con- fronting diverse ideas and Toward a Moderate Approach thought-forms.”
—From Foreword By William E. Hull by BILL J. LEONARD
AVAILABLE NOW from NurturingFaith.net. For a limited time, get a 10% discount by entering code HULL10 with your order. Publication of this book and FREE STUDY/DISCUSSION GUIDE guide made possible by the by educator Terry Maples at generosity of David Hull, NurturingFaith.net. Susan Hull Walker and the Hull Legacy Series Committee of Mountain Brook Baptist Church, Birmingham, Ala.
8 Guest Commentary By Ben Self Did you say ‘Merry Clausmas’?
Merry Clausmas, everyone! That’s And the change would not hurt the merchants. Then Christians might adjust their own The celebration of Clausmas would prob- greetings since Merry Christmas has not been ably expand business because everyone could an appropriate biblical greeting anyway. other people, I have been bothered celebrate Clausmas, if they wished. According to Luke, the angelic announce- Christians could celebrate both Christmas ment to the shepherds of Jesus’ birth was not, for a long time about the commercial- and Clausmas — but assign the commercial- “Merry Christmas!” The announcement was ization to Clausmas. We would no longer have of great joy for all people. and buying and giving of gifts to to feel sorry for Jewish children at Christmas Why have Christians (except perhaps because they could enjoy Clausmas without the French) not said, “Joyous Christmas”? one another has little to do with the any religious meaning. Christians would be closer to the Bible if they Christian meaning of Christmas. Muslims might like the giving associated did and then let anyone who wanted to, say: with Clausmas because giving is one of their “Merry Clausmas!” he birth of Jesus is the Christian mean- Five Pillars. There would seem to be no reason Would there be difficulty in basing a holi- ing of Christmas. That meaning often why Hindus and Buddhists could not celebrate day on a fairy tale? Is there really a jolly old T fades into the background with the way Clausmas. man at the North Pole who employs elves in a that many celebrate the holiday. People of any religion and of no religion toy workshop? Do reindeer jump into the air From a Christian point of view, would it could celebrate Clausmas. There could be a and soar through the sky on one magical night not be good to do away with the commercial- worldwide phenomenon. each year? ization of Christmas? Substituting Clausmas for Christmas People around the world love fairy tales But doing away with the commercializa- in many settings should not be too difficult — and Santa Claus is one of the greatest. The tion of Christmas would hurt the economy. because the words are similar, and much of only big objection that I see to celebrating There are people who have jobs because of the celebration of Christmas is already secular. Clausmas is that it is such a sensible idea. Christmas. Would it not be easy, for example, to dream of People are so used to having things mud- We are told that many merchants would a white Clausmas? dled that they can be suspicious of anything not make an annual profit if not for Christmas Matthew and Luke say nothing about that sounds reasonable. But there is no trick. sales. Surely we do not want to snow in their accounts of the birth of Jesus, Clausmas would absorb the commercialization keep people from making a but we easily associate snow with Santa of Christmas or at least the huge part that has living. and his workshop at the North Pole. nothing to do with Jesus. So what should we do? People could happily say that they would Advertisers could go wild while Christians, Perhaps we could switch be home for Clausmas. along with anyone else who wants to, could the commercialization of We could give focus on the original meaning of Christmas. Christmas to Clausmas. Clausmas gifts. The In fact, I think that we may be headed for Many people name of Christmas Clausmas whether there is a campaign for it or emphasize Santa Claus would still be used not. It might take a little while to get used to at least as much as Jesus at whenever it would the word, but it sounds fine to me. Christmas, if not more. be religiously So “Merry Clausmas, everyone!” The change would sim- appropriate. And, to my Christian friends, “Joyous ply recognize what many What if every- Christmas!” BT already believe and practice. one decided to The change would celebrate Clausmas —E. B. (Ben) Self of Hopkinsville, Ky., leave Christians free to and greet one is the author of Ways of Thinking About God: emphasize the religious another with “Merry The Bible, Philosophy, and Science meaning of Christmas. Clausmas”? (Nurturing Faith, 2013)
Substituting Clausmas for Christmas in many settings should not be too difficult because the words are similar, and much of the celebration of Christmas is already secular.
9 Evangelicals group softens its death penalty stance
Religion News Service
ASHINGTON — The largest coali- tion of U.S. evangelicals has stepped W away from its pro-death penalty stance, which it embraced for the past 40 years. tips Domino’s driver The board of the Washington, D.C.- based National Association of Evangelicals more than $1,000 announced in October that evangelicals who light of their strong support compared with both support and oppose the death penalty can other religious groups. legitimately ground their beliefs in Christian A report from the Public Religion USA Today ethics. Research Institute from September 2014 found The decision, made by resolution, reflects that 59 percent of white evangelical Protestants Holy pepperoni! a larger societal shift away from the practice, — more than any other religious group sur- A Domino’s driver was left in tears though it does not reverse the earlier support veyed — preferred the death penalty to life in when an Ohio church congregation tipped for the death penalty. prison with no chance of parole for those her more than $1,000 after she delivered a “This is a sign of shifting, but not decid- convicted of murder. $5.99 pizza, according to local media. edly changing sides, on the death penalty,” said But nonwhite evangelicals part with their The sobbing started after the driver, Ed Stetzer, a Southern Baptist and executive white co-religionists on the issue. who identified herself as Natasha in a director of LifeWay Research, an evangelical “The NAE’s decision to change its posi- video of the Oct. 4 surprise, brought research firm. tion on the death penalty is notable because it the pie to the Sycamore Creek Church A strong majority of evangelicals are still signals the increasing importance of nonwhite in Pickerington, a suburb southeast of in favor of the death penalty, but that’s moving evangelical Christians,” said Dan Cox, PRRI’s Columbus, and was asked by pastor Steve from an overwhelming majority to a strong research director. Markle to go to the front of the sanctuary, one,” Stetzer added. “My guess is that shifting “Most white evangelical Protestants support the Columbus Dispatch reported. will continue; that’s why they are called trends; capital punishment, but it is decidedly unpopu- Markle asked her the biggest tip she’d they continue.” lar among black and Hispanic Protestants,” he ever received, and she said it had been The Southern Baptist Convention, the said. “The NAE’s policy shift is an acknowledg- about $10. He gave her $15, but then told nation’s largest Protestant denomination, ment that black, Hispanic and Asian evangelicals her: “We’ve been teaching our church this continues to support the death penalty. are going to play a vital part in the future of last month about being generous, and so In the resolution, the NAE board said: evangelical Christianity in the U.S.” we did something special for you today. We “Evangelical Christians differ in their beliefs Most U.S. states, 31, allow the death took up a special offering for a tip for you.” about capital punishment, often citing strong penalty, though the number rejecting it has It turned out that church members had biblical and theological reasons either for the just increased in recent years. The Supreme Court is collected $1,046 to present to the driver. character of the death penalty in extreme cases or set to revisit the issue this session, with several According to the newspaper, the con- for the sacredness of all life, including the lives of death penalty cases on the docket so far. And gregation was wrapping up a sermon series those who perpetrate serious crimes and yet have though none of the cases directly asks the ques- on “I Was Broke. Now I’m Not” and has a the potential for repentance and reformation. tion, two justices — Ruth Bader Ginsburg and monthly missions emphasis on “Random “We affirm the conscientious commit- Stephen Breyer — have challenged the constitu- Acts of Kindness.” ment of both streams of Christian ethical tionality of capital punishment. As Markle pulled out the thick stack of thought,” it continues. NAE president Leith Anderson character- bills, the driver gasped, covered her mouth The NAE, which represents more than 10 ized the move in terms of evangelicals’ larger and broke into tears, the video shows. She million Americans and 45,000 congregations, advocacy for respect for life from womb to embraced him and said “Thank you so is not the first large evangelical group to adjust tomb. much.” its death penalty views. Earlier this year, the “Life is the gift of God and humans are “I hope that this can help you,” National Latino Evangelical Coalition, which created in God’s image, and this speaks to that Markle said. “I don’t know what’s going on represents 3,000 congregations, advocated for core issue. It’s important because as evangelical in your life.” an end of capital punishment. Christians but also as American citizens, we “It can help a lot,” she replied. “Thank The softening of evangelicals’ support for want to engage in how our country lives and you so much. Thank you everybody.” BT the death penalty is particularly significant in the laws of our nation.” BT
10 | Information December 2015 Religion News Service Evangelical Christians and Muslims commit to oppose religious bigotry
- cal pastors consider Islam to be “spiritually evil,” according to a recent poll. But in - ship and mutual respect. exas Pastor Bob Roberts and Virginia Imam Mohamed Magid joined dozens Tof other religious leaders in prayer at the Washington National Cathedral before signing a pledge to denounce religious bigotry and ask- ing elected officials and presidential candidates to join them. “I love Muslims as much as I love Christians,” said Pastor Bob Roberts, of Northwood Church in Keller, Texas, before lead- ing a prayer at the “Beyond Tolerance” event. “Jesus, when you get hold of us, there’s nobody we don’t love,” he prayed. participants joined in the pledge signing after one-third of mainline pastors (32 percent) Although mainline Christians have joined gathering the night before at a suburban agree, a rate that is unchanged from 2010, together for years on interfaith initiatives, the Washington church as part of the “Spreading LifeWay Research reported recently. work of evangelicals and Muslims is a newer the Peace” meeting attended by 175 evangeli- Fewer than a quarter of evangelical pastors dimension in efforts to foster interreligious cal pastors and imams. (24 percent) surveyed said Islam was spiritually understanding. “American evangelicals, they want to win good, but a smaller fraction (16 percent) said “I would like each one of us today to spread the world for Jesus and send missionaries, but that five years ago. the news, using evangelical terminology, or to they want to be hateful here,” Roberts said. Roberts called the survey results “very sad.” share what we have learned here today,” said “And they don’t understand they’re shooting “That’s why this work is very crucial,” Magid, president emeritus of the Islamic Society themselves in the foot.” added Magid in an interview. “We cannot of North America, as he issued a call to action. In July, the two men joined other leaders afford hatred, animosity between the two The pledge came as presidential candi- in decrying anti-Muslim comments by evan- communities.” dates Donald Trump and Ben Carson had gelist Franklin Graham after the killing of five Catherine Osborn, director of the questioned each other’s devotion to faith and service members in Chattanooga, Tenn. Shoulder to Shoulder campaign, an interfaith Carson said he didn’t think a devout Muslim Now, Magid and Roberts are planning group that seeks to end anti-Muslim senti- could be president. retreats across the country — including in ment, said the Washington gathering was part The pledge reads: “I pledge and commit Washington, Phoenix and Dallas — to continue of an evolution in Muslim-evangelical rela- to the American people that I will uphold and the bridge-building efforts. Despite the agree- tions that is not “flashy” but has been breaking defend the freedom of conscience and religion ments and future plans, a new survey shows that down barriers. of all individuals; and reject and speak out, evangelical Protestant pastors view Islam more “I see this event as a step toward relation- without reservation, against bigotry, discrimi- negatively today than they did five years ago. ships between evangelical pastors and imams, nation, harassment, and violence based on Fifty-two percent of evangelical pastors and also between evangelical and Muslim religion or belief.” now characterize Islam as spiritually evil, communities, becoming a norm rather than an Many other Muslims and evangelical an increase from 44 percent in 2010. About exception,” she said. BT
against bigotry, discrimination, harassment, and violence based on religion or belief.”
December 2015 Information | 11
Dig Deeper What will your Bible study class learn next year?
he Nurturing Faith Bible Studies by Tony Cartledge respect the intelligence of those who explore biblical T - dant teaching resources — video overviews, commentaries, lesson plans and more — that are online for free to subscribers.
TEXTS AND TITLES FOR 2016
Season of Christmas Season of Lent THEME (Feb. 10-March 26) Close Encounters of the Jesus Kind: Jan. 3 “A Good Way to Begin” Conversations with Jesus Psalm 147:12-20 Feb. 14 “Who Needs a Rescuer?” (April 3-May 8) Psalm 91 April 3 “A Disciple We Can Like” Season of Epiphany John 20:19-31 Feb. 21 “Who Needs a Light?” (Jan. 10-Feb. 7) Thomas was a disciple we can relate to. Psalm 27 THEME April 10 “One Shepherd to Another” Jesus: The Curtain Rises John 21:1-19 (Jan. 10-31) Feb. 28 “Who Needs God?” Jesus didn’t pass the torch, but handed Psalm 63 Jan. 10 “Of Water and Fire” Luke 3:15-22 April 17 “Ask the Sheep” March 6 “When Old Becomes New” John 10:22-30 changing ministry. 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 Jan. 17 “Of Water and Wine” April 24 “A Serious Summary” John 2:1-11 March 13 “God’s New Thing” John 13:31-35 Jesus’ first recorded miracle sets an important tone. Here’s one commandment with many ramifications. Isaiah 43:16-21 Jan. 24 “An Old Scroll and a New Mission” May 1 “At Home with God” Luke 4:14-21 John 14:23-29 Jesus’ first sermon got him thrown out of the synagogue. March 20 “The Dark Night Before the Dawn” Luke 23:1-49 May 8 “Make Them One” Jan. 31 “A New Prophet and an Jesus’ crucifixion is distasteful to consider, but essential nevertheless. John 17:20-26 Old Response” Luke 4:21-30 Israel had a history of rejecting the prophets, Season of Easter Jesus included. (March 27-May 8) Season of Pentecost (May 15-Nov. 20) Feb. 7 “Who Needs a King?” March 27 “Ladies First” Psalm 99 Luke 24:1-12 May 15 “Someone’s Coming” John 14:8-17 Women were first in love and faithfulness, Jesus would never leave his followers alone: first to witness Jesus’ resurrection. enter the Spirit.
12 | Information December 2015 THEME Oct. 23 “Finish the Race” May 22 “Trinitarian Roots” Faith Matters: Lessons from Hebrews 2 Timothy 4:6-18 John 16:12-15 (Aug. 7-28) Timothy was challenged to be faithful until the end. Aug. 7 “You’re Not the First” Oct. 30 “Little Big Man” Hebrews 11:1-16 Luke 19:1-10 THEME Getting on in Galatia: to the importance of faith. Paul’s Angriest Letter THEME (May 29-July 3) Aug. 14 “You’re Not Alone” A Time for Gratitude: Hebrews 11:29-12:2 Songs of Thankful People May 29 “You Did What?” The parade continues: a “cloud of witnesses” (Nov. 6-27) Galatians 1:1-12 is cheering us on. Nov. 6 “Justice Always Counts” Aug. 21 “All Shook Up” Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21 Hebrews 12:14-29 June 5 “Training Camp” the faithful can remain unmoved. Galatians 1:11-24 Nov. 13 “A New Song for a Lasting Love” Psalm 98 Aug. 28 “Remember – and Do” We can’t say enough good things about June 12 “Do You Feel ‘Justified’?” Hebrews 13:1-16 Galatians 2:15-21 To be justified by faith is to be crucified with Christ. Nov. 20 “When All Else Fails” Sept. 4 “Getting Into Shape” Psalm 46 June 19 “No More Lines – Really?” Jeremiah 18:1-11 Galatians 3:23-29 and not only in desperate times. if we don’t fight them. Dividing lines become meaningless in the shadow of the cross. THEME Season of Advent June 26 “What Will Prevail?” An Apostle’s Apprentice: (Nov. 27-Dec. 18) Galatians 5:1, 13-25 Lessons from Timothy Nov. 27 “Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem” We have human traits – and spiritual gifts. (Sept. 11-Oct 23) Psalm 122 The world’s most strategic real estate Sept. 11 “Bad Starts Can Be Redeemed” still needs our prayers. July 3 “Living Like You Mean It” 1 Timothy 1:12-17 Galatians 6:1-16 Dec. 4 “Starving for Hope” If we are new creations in Christ, turned it around. Matthew 3:1-12 Sept. 18 “It’s Not About You” THEME 1 Timothy 2:1-7 Nothing ‘Minor’ About These Prophets Dec. 11 “The Real McCoy” (July 10-31) Matthew 11:2-11 Sept. 25 “Find Contentment Where You Are” July 10 “The Leaning Tower of Israel” 1 Timothy 6:6-19 The proof was in the pudding. Amos 7:7-17 Dec. 18 “The Invisible Man” Oct. 2 “Keep the Faith” Matthew 1:18-25 July 17 “Full Pockets and Empty Hearts” 2 Timothy 1:1-14 Joseph is the forgotten man at Christmas, Amos 8:1-12 but he had a story too. There’s no good news for those who trample the poor. Oct. 9 “Don’t Be Ashamed” Season of Christmas 2 Timothy 2:8-15 July 24 “A Seriously Broken Home” When we live as we ought, Dec. 25 “Why Christmas Matters” Hosea 1:1-10 there’s no cause for shame. Titus 3:4-7 Witness a short synopsis of Jesus’ mission on earth. Oct. 16 “Read the Instructions” July 31 “A Love That Won’t Let Go” 2 Timothy 3:14-4:5 Hosea 11:1-11 It’s always helpful to start by reading the instructions, including the scriptures.
December 2015 Information | 13 , *)-(). !" #$%& '()*+)
from the Episcopal Church he moved to Claypool’s invitation to preach at St. Luke’s Atlanta, where he taught at Mercer University’s and her instant fear of preaching before him a beautiful — in words and appearance McAfee School of Theology until his death in and his congregation. His charge, “Just come — tribute to the late John Claypool. The 2005. tell us what is saving your life now,” both attractive volume, Life Is Gift, was pub- Among those paying tribute are Walter relieved her anxieties at the moment and Shurden, Emmanuel McCall, Barbara Brown became a guiding mantra. Taylor, Mahan Siler, Fisher Humphreys, Alan Joe Phelps said that Claypool “became Culpepper, Hardy Clemons, Joe Phelps, Reba the North Star for a generation of Baptist is a member and Claypool was rector. Cobb, David Hull and Julie Whidden Long. ministers.” The volume also includes the late William There are so many more good words in he well-designed book is a compilation E. Hull’s remembrance offered at Claypool’s the case-bound, jacketed volume that may of 99 essays from both Baptists and funeral. be ordered online from St. Luke’s Episcopal T Episcopalians touched by Claypool’s Calling Claypool a “Baptistpalian,” Church at saint-lukes.com. BT effective ministry that crossed both denomina- Shurden concluded: “Some of us will go to our tional traditions. graves talking about what he said and the way In the foreword, Ratliff explains the gen- he said it — and why in the world we didn’t LIFE IS GIFT: esis of the book: “The impact John had on think of saying it the way he said it.” Remembrances people, the abundant love that he communi- McCall recalled Claypool’s role in racial of John Rowan cated, and the fact that his name is regularly reconciliation — kick-started by a newspaper Claypool IV spoken in sermons, in conversations, and in photo showing Claypool having coffee with my own mind convinced me to begin this Martin Luther King Jr., his friend from ear- Episcopal Church) book.” lier years when both were associate pastors in Claypool, a widely regarded preacher and Atlanta. author, became rector at St. Luke’s after a long Episcopal priest and gifted preacher in career in Baptist ministry. Upon retirement her own right, Barbara Brown Taylor, recalled
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WHAT ABOUT OTHER BIBLE STUDIES? > Ephesians: Upward Faith (8 lessons) > Psalming the Blues: At the Intersection of Pain and Praise (7 lessons) > A Place for Praise: Ancient Psalms for Modern Times (8 lessons) > And coming soon (pun intended): What Revelation Really Reveals
14 | Information December 2015 BAPTISTS TODAY / NURTURING FAITH has some GREAT THINGS in store for 2016.
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WE’RE IN THIS TOGETHER. THANKS! The Lighter Side By Brett Younger Like children Every once in a while we need a child to What we need to emulate is the way that crawl into our lap and remind us what it means children laugh, cry, dance and fall asleep almost source, a consulting firm — which to be human. at the same time. The key to becoming like chil- probably does not exist — has a pre- Jesus is having another long day. The disci- dren is understanding that we are children. ples, who have rooms for rent upstairs but they Over the last 26 years I have spent a lot of employment quiz that is helpful in are unfurnished, are not catching on as fast as time waiting for my children — not nearly as determining whether someone is he hoped. Jesus’ mother and brothers keep try- much time as Carol, but a significant amount ing to take Jesus home to Nazareth to build end of time. I waited for the bus. I waited for bas- management material. tables. Someone from the university is usually ketball practice to end. I waited so we could eat waiting with a trick question. Just once Jesus dinner together. 1. How do you put a giraffe into a refrig- would like to teach something without a legalist Now my sons are out of the house — one a erator? The correct answer is, “Open the with a Windsor knot trying to pick it apart. lawyer and one at college — and I wait for them refrigerator, put in the giraffe, and close the Several mothers, grandmothers and aunts to respond to texts or answer an email. I wait door.” This question tests whether you do have been watching Jesus touch the sick, poor and wonder: How is work? Did the test go well? simple things in an overly complicated way. and unnoticed. They bring their children to Is he having a good time? 2. How do you put an elephant into a Jesus to bless them. Jesus never resists a par- When my sons come home they are refrigerator? The wrong answer is, “Open the ent who uses the words, “my daughter” or “my pumped for information: “How is everything? refrigerator, put in the elephant, and close the son.” Everything is pushed aside for children. Who’s your favorite teacher? Are you bringing a door.” The correct answer is, “Open the refrig- The disciples know that Jesus is having a girl home for Christmas?” erator, take out the giraffe, put in the elephant, hard time. He does not need to be bouncing They roll their eyes on that last one, but it and close the door.” This tests your ability to babies on his knees when there are parables to is not that I am nosy. I am a parent, so I want think through the repercussions of your actions. write, people to heal and a world to save. What them to have wonderful lives. 3. The Lion King is hosting an animal they do not recognize is that Jesus needs these When Jesus said, “Become like children,” conference. All the animals attend except one. children. he meant the children of an interested heavenly Which animal does not attend? The correct The disciples begin telling mothers, “This parent. God waits for us like a loving parent answer is “the elephant,” because the elephant is isn’t a good time.” who wants us to have wonderful lives. We in the refrigerator. This tests your memory. Jesus says, “Hold on,” with his hand on a become like children when we see that we are 4. There is a river you must cross, but it is child’s shoulder should she try to make a run for God’s children. inhabited by crocodiles. How do you cross the it: “You’re always asking, ‘Who’s the greatest?’ Groucho Marx said: “My mother loved river? The correct answer is, “You swim across.” Unless you become like children, you’ll never children. She would have given anything if I had The crocodiles are attending the animal meeting. enter the kingdom.” been one.” This tests whether you learn from your mistakes. People scratch their heads: “Become like a God feels the same way. BT According to this completely untrust- child? What could he possibly mean?” worthy source, 90 percent of potential managers One mother thinks, “If Jesus wants me to —Brett Younger is associate professor of answer the questions wrong. Preschoolers, become like a child, then he doesn’t know my preaching at Mercer University’s however, do well. This disproves the theory that Tyler.” McAfee School of Theology. bosses have the brains of 4-year-olds. We become management material too fast. We spend our days measuring giraffes and refrig- erators. We wring our hands when an elephant needs to be refrigerated. We plan conferences and worry that not everyone will attend. We have rivers to cross and crocodiles waiting. Some of us are too young to feel this old. We are buying more aspirins, coffee and Tums. We are losing, and the competition is getting younger. Noted theologian Garth Brooks put it like this: “All the cards are on the table, no ace left in the hole.”
16 The Bible Lessons that anchor the Nurturing Faith Bible Studies are written by Tony Cartledge in a scholarly, yet applicable, style from the wide range of Christian scriptures. A graduate of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (M.Div) and Duke University (Ph.D.), and with years of experience as a pastor, writer, ™ and professor at Campbell University, he provides deep insight for Christian living without “dumbing down” the BIBLE STUDIES richness of the biblical texts for honest learners.
Teaching resources at baptiststoday.org
HOW TO USE THESE January lessons in this issue BIBLE STUDIES Season of Christmas 1. Order a copy of Baptists Today news journal Jan. 3, 2016 for EACH MEMBER of the class. The Bible A Good Way to Begin Lessons are found only here. Psalm 147:1-20 2. Teachers can go to baptiststoday.org to access all of the free resources needed for presentation. Simply click on “Adult” or “Youth.” Season of Epiphany Jan. 10, 2016 Teaching the Lessons Of Water and Fire After reading The Bible Lessons by Tony Cartledge Luke 3:15-22 starting on page 18, teachers can access helpful teaching resources (at no charge) at Jan. 17, 2016 baptiststoday.org These include: Of Water and Wine * Tony’s video overviews John 2:1-11 * Adult teaching plans by Rick Jordan * Youth teaching plans by Jeremy Colliver Jan. 24, 2016 * Tony’s “Digging Deeper” notes and An Old Scroll and a New Mission ”The Hardest Question” * Links to commentaries, multimedia Luke 4:14-21 resources and more Jan. 31, 2016 How to Order A New Prophet and an Old Response The Bible Lessons in Baptists Today are copyrighted Luke 4:21-30 and not to be photocopied.
* Orders may be placed at baptiststoday.org or Adult teaching plans by Rick Jordan of the 1-877-752-5658. Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of North Carolina are available at nurturingfaith.net * The price is just $18 each for groups of 25 or more — for a full year — with no additional costs. Thanks, sponsors! * All online teaching resources are available at no These Bible studies for adults and youth are sponsored through generous charge and may be printed and used by teachers of gifts from the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship (Bo Prosser, Coordinator of the Nurturing Faith Bible Studies. Organizational Relationships) and from the Eula Mae and John Baugh Foundation. Thank you!
© Nurturing Faith Bible Studies are copyrighted by Baptists Today. DO NOT PHOTOCOPY. Order at: baptiststoday.org | 17 Psalm 147:1-20
with Tony W. Cartledge
Jan. 3, 2016 A Good Way to Begin
hemes of the Christmas season bring heaven and earth together: T the Son of God surrenders heavenly prerogatives to become incar- nate on the earth, a new star appears to celebrate his birth and guide the Magi, an angelic chorus sings from the sky to The beginning of a new year is also an appropriate time to remember that the creator of the universe has offered to Psalm 147:10-11 – live in personal relationship with people “His delight is not in the strength of the horse, of the earth, and Psalm 147 provides an nor his pleasure in the speed of a runner; effective reminder of that dual reason but the LORD takes pleasure in those who fear him, in those who hope in his steadfast love.”
God’s restorative power (vv. 1-6) and establishing farms for themselves, Psalm 147 was probably written at “Hallelujah,” a call to worship that some point after Hebrew exiles were When the prophets Haggai and literally means “Praise Yahweh,” the Zechariah came on the scene around psalmist declares that singing praises to by a decree from King Cyrus autho- 520 BCE, they were appalled at the lack God is a good and proper response to rizing them to rebuild the temple of for not rebuilding the temple and restor- the return brought hard times, however: cence, the psalmist praises Yahweh for the former exiles found the city in ruins, Haggai, in fact, claimed that Yahweh building up Jerusalem and gathering the people of neighboring towns were had sent the famine as punishment those who had been exiled from their hostile, and a period of famine made it because the people had failed to put home, healing their broken hearts and The excitement of the return Urged on by the prophets’ preach- ing, the new governor Zerubbabel gears, amazed that the God who had workers to clear the site of the corresponded with Persian leaders to cares for the hard-pressed people of temple, and priests built an altar that overcome legal challenges brought by Jerusalem is the same God who could enabled them to reinstitute the cultic neighboring governors and renew the Hebrews’ authorization to build a new might expect a God of such immense power and immeasurable wisdom to be from surrounding provinces and a daily culminated with the dedication of the unconcerned with human struggles, but struggle for survival soon brought not so: Yahweh intervenes to lift up the Psalm 147 was probably written downtrodden – such as the returning Residents focused on building houses during this tumultuous period, and it exiles – and to cast down wicked folk reinforces the importance of offering Additional background information praise to God – an activity typically had sought to prevent the temple from online where you see the “Digging associated with the temple, where a Deeper” icon professional order of temple singers When you think of your own life and
18 | © Nurturing Faith Bible Studies are copyrighted by Baptists Today. DO NOT PHOTOCOPY. Order at: baptiststoday.org Resources to teach adult and youth classes perhaps your church, do similar thoughts his word to Jacob, his statutes and ever occur to you? How amazing it is are available at to sit outside on a clear night to ponder baptiststoday.org Hardest Question” online for more on the stars in their number and magni- tude, while imagining that the same context does not suggest abject fright, - God who created the universe also cares but a sense of reverence and respect for humankind and desires to live in a for God that goes deep enough to in God’s order: no other nation had affect one’s behavior in keeping the been granted the opportunity to live in commands and honoring the covenant such a relationship with God, whose God’s dependable provision ordinances were not demands as much (vv. 7-11) as they were gifts, keys that could open God’s covenant word the door to lives of peace and of praise (vv. 12-20) The second strophe of Psalm 147 begins with a renewed call to praise God with With each section, the psalm goes a Now, all of that sounds well and little deeper into the joys and challenges the NRSV usually means “to answer” or reminds us that our prayers and songs of begins with a call to praise Yahweh, say to me? praise are a human response of gratitude utilizing two different words for The answer, of course, is yes “praise,” two different terms for God, and two different names for Jerusalem: different covenant, but it is rooted in psalmist considers the gifts of clouds “Praise (shavach the same God who loved and blessed and rain that make the grass to grow and disciplined and forgave the people (halal ancients, he did not consider wind or on keeping the law, but in trusting the rain to be the result of global meteoro- followed by reasons for why adora- logical phenomena, but believed that what we could not do for ourselves, one the seasonal rains were a gift of God’s addresses the renewed Jerusalem sustaining grace, not just to humans, but This is not to say that our relation- safety and people can live in peace, was called to love God and keep the considers its inhabitants, what sparks enjoying the earth’s bounty that God commandments, Jesus challenged his - followers to love God and keep his sive beauty of a muscled horse in full commandments – namely, to love one Jerusalem to all of nature, including God’s ability to control the seasons by divine the laws that really matter are bound response of “those who fear him, in those up in this: when we are guided by love, psalmist declares that “his word runs Some writers think the reference to swiftly” to bring snow, frost, hail, and strong horses and swift runners could that the faithful will always prosper or be a military reference to chariots and that hardships will not come our way: infantry, but that is not a necessary precipitation of winter, so also “He - cial freedom, and wrongdoing will not he makes his wind to blow, and the wonders of creation at its best, but what motivation in following Jesus goes really brings God pleasure is the grate- of ancient Jerusalem had farms and ful response of those who have put their prosperity: it is a longing to see the They understood the importance of the world with Christlike compassion and alternating seasons for growing needed to do our part to bring peace and whole- Wisdom literature, which insists: “the But divine care goes beyond the Praising God with our voices and physical: God has also provided both a songs is one response to the grace we covenant of relationship and the instruc- have received: praising with our love tions needed to follow it: “He declares BT
LESSON FOR JANUARY 3, 2016 | 19 Luke 3:15-22
with Tony W. Cartledge
Jan. 10, 2016 Of Water and Fire Luke 3:22 – “The Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. D And a voice came from heaven, ‘You are my Son, the evening our pastor loosened up a bit, Beloved; with you I included some stories and jokes in his am well pleased.’” the invitational hymn to congratulate arm around my shoulders and asked if Whether he ate the big insects fresh, John’s baptism not only took place in the Jordan River, but it also had a considered not John’s notoriety as an odd duck, as well as his stern words of warning, cleansing from ritual uncleanness that two other boys followed my uninten- may have contributed to the crowds had nothing to do with character, but tional lead, and within weeks we were who came out in droves to hear him indicated repentance from sin and a desire to change one’s life by following Today’s text deals with a baptism wondered, what should they do? John taught a simple ethic of just living in John’s authoritative preaching and which people do not exploit each other, charismatic appeal created such excite- ment that some began to follow him as A prophetic prediction (vv. 15-18) John’s message sparked a broad response, disciples, and many began to wonder if and many responded to his call to repent John might actually be the long-awaited John the baptizer, a cousin of Jesus and of their sins and to mark the beginning of the son of a priest, came out of obscu- When they asked him about it, John tomed to dipping themselves in water declare that their hopes were not fruit- traditional roles of leadership as a priest ing ritually unclean through contact less: the Messiah was indeed living, and or scribe, John took to living in the wilderness, dressing in rough garments practice of baptism as a sign of repen- John insisted that the Messiah of woven camel’s hair, and foraging for tance would not have been alien, with would be far more powerful than he, his food, which notably featured locusts the obvious difference that, while the baptizing not with water, but “with the rabbinic regulations allowed Jews to use streams or rivers as water for Additional background information their ablutions, they typically dipped online where you see the “Digging themselves in a small pool called a Deeper” icon mikveh (plural mikva’ot proposed to explain John’s tandem use
20 | © Nurturing Faith Bible Studies are copyrighted by Baptists Today. DO NOT PHOTOCOPY. Order at: baptiststoday.org Resources to teach adult and youth classes - chose this particular form as a symbol pretation seems to be that the Spirit of are available at of the Spirit, but it has proven to be a Christ would purify the repentant like a baptiststoday.org The most important thing about that moment, however, is not what was seen, This image reappears in the willingness to stand tall and do what but what was heard: a voice saying needed to be done is an enduring lesson Messiah would gather wheat (the repen- tant) into his storehouse, but immolate John A promising start correctly, the others who were present took no joy in the death of the wicked, (vv. 20-21) hoping that more would choose to The part of Jesus’ baptism story told in one brief act, God validated both the teaching of John the messenger and the words of judgment could be considered who are familiar with the stories in Mark and Matthew may be surprised to conjunction of two acts of the Spirit in designed to lead persons to salvation rather than destruction, to life rather Jesus walking up and asking his cousin John to baptize him, nothing about of his mission – but immediately after- John’s comment that Jesus should be ward, the same Spirit “drove him out A parenthetical note the one doing the baptizing, and nothing into the wilderness” to face a season of (vv. 19-20) fasting and temptation to foster Jesus’ Jesus was sinless and had no need continued growth and preparation for preaching to insert a parenthetical note that often gets skipped over: John’s bold baptized, probably intending to declare Sometimes we discover that the more familiar a story, the harder it is While proclaiming the good news about even as Christ declared his humanity, Jesus, John had also been condemning account of what God said to Jesus, what the wickedness he saw on every side, Mark tells the story from Jesus’ might God be saying to us? Several and fearlessly included the king in his baptism through the eyes of another . dripping postulant standing on the riverbank, or even of a skeptic hanging gospel, repent of their sins, and submit to Nabatean wife in favor of his sister-in- back in the crowd, wondering at the baptism in proclamation of their commit- law Herodias, who in turn divorced his ment to God’s way, so we face times of half-brother Herod Phillip so she could . the sordid affair, along with “all the evil the Spirit of God descended upon Jesus of sins, Jesus chose to be baptized as a Herod then added to his foul deeds, Just before the dove’s surprising declaration of solidarity with human- of Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness Jesus had been baptized, but also that Mark and Matthew do, that Herod’s he “was praying” when “the heaven was was tempted to stray from his commit- new wife conspired to have John’s opened, and the Holy Spirit descended ment just as we are, but set an example head removed from his shoulders and upon him in bodily form like a dove” presented on a platter: his main concern is to underscore John’s courage in we feel drawn to trust Christ and be speaking truth to power, even as he Why would God choose the form of baptized, to devote our lives to missions, a dove to depict the Spirit’s presence? or to show God’s love in a particular situation, we can trust God’s Spirit to let John’s daring may not inspire us - us know when it is time to express our to adopt a locust-and-honey-based diet or move to the wilderness, but his None of them make it clear why God What is it time for today? BT
LESSON FOR JANUARY 10, 2016 | 21 John 2:1-11
with Tony W. Cartledge
Jan. 17, 2016 Of Water and Wine John 2:11 – “Jesus did this, the fi rst of his signs, in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.” uring the age of prohibition, Baptists were in the forefront of the campaign to criminalize the making, sale, or use of intoxicat- a rocking chair that once belonged to Josiah Bailey, who inherited the job as editor of the North Carolina Biblical Recorder Josiah was 22 years old and a recent He became active in the temperance later became a lawyer and served as a as “synoptic Gospels” because they Nathanael he would see amazing things Senate colleagues nicknamed him “Holy into the story, we should point out that The wedding probably involved voted on alcohol issues? some of Jesus’ relatives, and his new disciples would have been invited no doubt plenty of Baptists running moonshine, even at the risk of having role in the organization of John’s dictated that relatives should contrib- their church membership revoked: Gospel (see “The Hardest Question” ute to the expenses of the wedding, alcohol use is one of many areas in which Baptists have differences of John is the only gospel writer to include the story of Jesus attend- an extra burden of contributing on his churches in which a member made ing a wedding in “Cana of Galilee,” a family’s and the disciples’ behalf – but homemade wine for communion, while village not far from Jesus’ hometown of the traveling ministry they had begun provided no income, depending on the real thing and even made it for Could this be why Jesus’ mother But that is not all we learn … The story occurs after Jesus had came straight to Jesus to report that the wine had run out – or why she expected A poorly planned party and Nathanael to be his disciples: the him to do something about it? Jesus (vv.1-3) account of Jesus’ calling of the disciples and his followers had apparently been partaking of the wine without providing John’s Gospel differs in many ways his disciples had arrived in Cana “on the We should not assume that While some see a foreshadowing of and turn water into wine: it’s more Additional background information the resurrection here, John probably likely that she expected him to send his online where you see the “Digging intended only to indicate that the disciples to the wine shop with instruc- Deeper” icon miracle occurred soon after Jesus told
22 | © Nurturing Faith Bible Studies are copyrighted by Baptists Today. DO NOT PHOTOCOPY. Order at: baptiststoday.org Resources to teach adult and youth classes A most helpful guest he called the bridegroom to express (vv. 4-7) are available at surprise that he had saved the best Jesus’ curt response has often troubled baptiststoday.org readers who think he wasn’t being very most people would serve the best wine So, while Jesus’ remark implies that was not as impolite a form of address he is not ready to act with power, that is as guests drank more and their tastes as we might expect, and could imply sensing Jesus’ willingness to help, No response is recorded from either Jesus or the bridegroom, and we are Jesus typically used the term when instructed the servants to do whatever not told if the wedding guests learned addressing women, including the the miraculous origin of the wine or Syro-Phoenician woman whose daugh- he was about to do something unusual? The conversation must have taken that the servants knew the source, but the steward did not, implies that very 13:12), the Samaritan woman at the John notes that six stone water jars “for few people were aware of what had well (John 4:21), the woman caught in Jesus’ disciples knew what Jesus had done, and the experience contributed again addressed his mother Mary that hands before eating, so it was important way from the cross, when commend- that the water and the vessels containing of his signs, in Cana of Galilee, and ing her to John’s care: “Woman, behold Even so, one would not normally mouthed jars from stone was far more labor-intensive than making them from Through this miraculous “sign,” address his mother as “Woman,” so this Jesus manifested his glory and his likely suggests a shift in their relation- pottery, rabbinic law held that vessels made of stone could not become ritually his mother, but the beginning of Jesus’ contaminate ceramic vessels, however, public ministry was marked by his self- This left stone as the material of choice was clearly a change coming, as Jesus’ ministry introduced the coming of the “What concern is that to you and speak of the coming kingdom through the metaphor of a feast or wedding large each with a volume of “two to that literally means “what to me and three metretes metretes was about nine gallons, so each jar would have than to worry about whether there was vision of the eschatological future, the used small juglets to dip water from the day as “a feast of rich food, a feast of That Jesus had to tell the servants usually refers to the revelation of his marrow, of well-aged wines strained glory through the passion narrative of something about the number of people his arrest, death, and resurrection (see, and other prophets foretold was becom- ing known through the life and ministry A surprising, miraculous sign where it is more likely that Jesus has in (vv. 8-11) mind the arrival of his public ministry to see evidence of and to understand and the beginning of the mighty works that the new covenant in Jesus, the that would bring glory to him as the brim with water, Jesus told the servants Son of God, was superior to the old to dip some out and take it to the “chief had been revealed in the previous steward,” one we might call the master the miracle at Cana should be seen as a chapter, however, and though Jesus appears to be downplaying his mother’s a family member or a professional time the followers of Jesus take the host is unclear and unimportant: what bread and wine of communion, we are only way for him to provide it would be matters is that he was so impressed by reminded of the new wine Jesus brought BT
LESSON FOR JANUARY 17, 2016 | 23 Luke 4:14-21
with Tony W. Cartledge
Jan. 24, 2016 An Old Scroll and Luke 4:18-19 – a New Mission “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to museums have been staple bring good news attractions in resort areas for R to the poor. He has sent me to nated by things that are different – even proclaim release to the captives and when he announced the beginning of recovery of sight to his ministry were so shocking that some the blind, to let the people of his hometown thought he had oppressed go free, gone over the edge and become too to proclaim the year of the Lord’s Try to imagine that you had favor.” watched Jesus grow up as the ordinary noticed something different about him when he did not marry at a young age, both the prophetic text Jesus read and religious establishment, and he was consistently resisted and rejected by Rather, the young man lived at home those who led the faith into which he was because Jesus’ mission echoed some People were curious when he went off a Gentile by birth and a physician by homecoming immediately after his he came back to town, sat down in the temptation and prior to his call of the and his companions in Macedonia during to his baptism and into the wilderness, What would you have thought? appears to have written primarily for a Gentile audience, even as Matthew wrote Spirit” as he traveled back to Galilee, The change in Jesus (vv. 14-15) Writing to a broader audience, happened inside the synagogue on us, and he “was praised by everyone” gives attention to women, the poor, the outcasts of society, and any others who places the story later in Jesus’ ministry, 44), but his hometown would be a tells us that the people of his hometown to the needs of the downtrodden, which were offended by his teaching in the Some of the prophets had foreseen synagogue, but doesn’t say why (Mark Jesus’ early ministry and related this a time when God’s Spirit would raise story near the beginning of Jesus’ public up a deliverer who would lift up the oppressed Hebrews and lead them to Today’s text, as a whole, offers a Additional background information capsule portrait of what Jesus’ public predictions into the anticipation of a online where you see the “Digging ministry was like: he constantly focused Messiah who would come in power to Deeper” icon on those who were rejected by the
24 | © Nurturing Faith Bible Studies are copyrighted by Baptists Today. DO NOT PHOTOCOPY. Order at: baptiststoday.org Resources to teach adult and youth classes the nation to renewed prominence on promising the arrival of a better day, “the are available at Jesus’ words, teachings, and baptiststoday.org demeanor demonstrated clear evidence The text speaks to four groups who dictated that one stood (often on a raised had in common their powerlessness: the Jesus’ ideas about redemption were dais) while reading the scriptures, then poor, the captives (slaves, prisoners, or exiles), the blind, and the oppressed in ever imagined, however, and many were century), many people were forced to We do not know if the particular text sell themselves into slavery because of grow up without exhibiting any special was already chosen, or if Jesus did leadership interests, and also witnessed system was such that those who had has provided an exact account of what nothing found it virtually impossible to speaking that Jesus adopted after spend- happened: Mark’s account of the same experience is much shorter and includes The blind, like the lame and the would you have thought? mentally handicapped, were often recreated the story based on whatever The claims of Jesus orphans often went uncared for and thus (vv. 16-21) We presume that Jesus would have The verb form used in describing Jesus’ return to Nazareth, “where he had been Many of Jesus’ contemporaries brought up,” suggests that Jesus had been away for some time, but not so rendering from the Greek translation assumed that the reference to the poor, long that people did not recognize him downtrodden, and captive people a single passage, but contains most of related only to their own situation as Jews who had long lived under the to the synagogue on the Sabbath day, (see “The Hardest Question” online for as was his custom,” probably refers imagined that the one who could say to his new practice of teaching in the than a comment on his life practice of he spoke under the direct inspiration of attending synagogue, though we may Jesus had already shown strong signs reminds readers of Jesus’ baptism story of the Spirit’s presence, so there would in the previous chapter (where “the have been great anticipation in the synagogues for laymen to be asked to congregation as Jesus returned the scroll read from the scriptures, especially if 3:22), and also of the earlier note that they were known to be well-spoken Jesus came “in the power of the Spirit” We can visualize how still and suspenseful it must have been as Jesus’ his emerging reputation as a laudable rough outline of his coming ministry: he former neighbors waited to hear how - the surprisingly different young man edgment that he had come home, Jesus was asked to read from the prophets’ imagine the shock when he said simply: salvation to those who were oppressed opportunity to explain the text as he the blind as well as people with other examine the congregation’s response to which was divided into 155 lessons, with think you would have responded? There is a sense in which Jesus Torah reading, someone would translate - for their religious unfaithfulness and there a scripture verse or longer passage that you would claim as your own life often offers hope to the disenfranchised, commandment?
LESSON FOR JANUARY 24, 2016 | 25 Luke 4:21-30
with Tony W. Cartledge
Jan. 31, 2016 A New Prophet Luke 4:24 – and an Old Response “And he said, ‘Truly I tell you, no prophet is accepted in the prophet’s hometown.’” D exchanges, especially with people who are close to us, yet there are probably more disagreements among family members than in any family always leads to discomfort, and Jesus’ visit to his home synagogue in Nazareth wasn’t exactly a family setting – only men were allowed, so his mother father Joseph was probably dead by then, though some brothers may have synagogue that day to hear Jesus boldly was asked to read from the prophets and to a section that was probably written announce: “Today this scripture has offered a chance to teach, he was among during the postexilic period, when life was hard for the Hebrews and hopes for Was Jesus claiming to be the village that may have had no more than longed-for savior they expected to defy Rome and lead the Hebrews to a glori- men sitting around would have watched ous age? How could they believe such a thing? Greek Septuagint, along with a line Jesus’ sermon must have been They thought they knew Jesus, but impressive, for the listeners’ initial there was much about him that they hadn’t seen – and apparently weren’t is upon me, because he has anointed amazed at the gracious words that came reason for wanting to throw him off a He has sent me to proclaim freedom for cliff? the prisoners and recovery of sight to Whether the people were favor- the blind, to release the oppressed, to ably impressed is not so clear as the One misunderstanding NRSV suggests, but the cause for (vv. 21-22) The words were several hundred marveled at the words of grace that has Jesus returning to his hometown after years old when Jesus read them aloud, gaining notoriety as an itinerant teacher and no one had stepped forward to translated as “marveled” or “were amazed” appears often as a response to on the Sabbath, Jesus was asked to read Jesus, but typically to indicate wonder Hebrews still longed for “the year of or curiosity that falls short of belief (see Additional background information God to send a Messiah who would set online where you see the “Digging Jesus’ teaching or see his mighty works Deeper” icon
26 | © Nurturing Faith Bible Studies are copyrighted by Baptists Today. DO NOT PHOTOCOPY. Order at: baptiststoday.org Resources to teach adult and youth classes Two responses are available at (vv. 28-30) baptiststoday.org t surprising that the people of Nazareth “the words of grace that came out of took offense at Jesus’ words? We have a sense that the discussion has now moved the embodied grace they perceived in beyond the synagogue to an outer venue Jesus’ presence as well as his teaching, them with his speech, but refused to prophet is accepted in the prophet’s - such an unassuming young carpenter He claimed to be the Messiah, but talked tion, Jesus claimed the title of prophet, suddenly morph into a miracle-working about prophets being rejected by their and made it clear that he had no expec- teacher who spoke such words of grace? Could they believe that Joseph’s Mark says the people were offended This proverb also appears in son, no matter how well spoken, was the other Gospels, though in differ- really the one sent to bring God’s salva- upstart turn away from his own people, challenge their traditions, and expose to widespread murmuring against Two proverbs their prejudices? (vv. 23-24) Not only did the offended people the people’s preconceptions of what a Jesus heard the congregation’s mixed become angry with Jesus, but they also response, and he knew the people better forcibly threw him out of town and down and become the village miracle- Having heard worker, attracting visitors from all over of Jesus’ activities in other places, they in the law would have called for such a wanted him to back up his impressive response: the rising tide of anger led to words with a few mighty works to the formation of a lynch mob so deter- Two prophets mined to stone Jesus that they brought (vv. 25-27) Jesus responded to the desire for He managed to melt into the crowd and “yourself” should be understood, by prophets who were also misunderstood, extension, to include “your hometown,” and whose acts of healing or succor done this except by some exercise of so the people were asking “Why heal took place outside of their expected the sick in other towns when there the irony: the people who wanted to see are people who need healing here in a miracle had one performed right before Nazareth?” could have used help, but the one he helped was a Gentile woman who lived Today’s text demands that we ask to a self-proclaimed Messiah who still ourselves what we expect of Jesus, dressed simply and led a mendicant and whether we also reject him when ministry, depending on others to provide healed Naaman, an enemy general from we don’t get what we want out of our such blessing to the world, why don’t think that Jesus promises perfect protec- you show more evidence of personal the Sidonian widow and the Syrian tion or miracles on call, but that is not blessing?” - the case: Jesus calls us to follow because Either interpretation suggests that cant faith prior to the miracles done in it is the right thing to do, not as a method Jesus perceived a desire among the people for him to perform works of this story, the issue of miracles is not a power to match his words of grace: claims that Jesus could do no mighty sometimes reject Jesus by dropping things that we have heard you did in works in Nazareth precisely because out of church, or turning their backs on faith altogether – metaphorical tempted Jesus to win people over ways of throwing Jesus over a cliff so most concerned with the acceptance of we don’t have to be confronted with Jesus’ former neighbors wanted him Gentiles, so he does not press the faith to perform miracles in order to prove yourself in this picture? BT
LESSON FOR JANUARY 31, 2016 | 27 Classifieds Minister of Children, Families and Minister of Contemporary Worship and Outreach: Young Adults: Associate Minister: Families and Congregational Care: searchcommittee@fbcwilm In the Know BH&HS Annual Conference Andrew Gardner is winner of the 2015 Torbet Bob Ballance is pastor of First Baptist “Perspectives in Church of South Boston, Va., coming from Prize from the American Baptist Historical Pine Street Church in Boulder, Colo. Society for the best Baptist history essay. Titled Baptist History and Identity” “Reversing Roles: Denominational Community Steven Case died Oct. 8 in Washington, Among the American Baptist Churches USA May 23-25, 2016 D.C. He was retired pastor of First Baptist and the Alliance of Baptists,” the essay will Baylor University Church of Mansfield, Penn. appear in The American Baptist Quarterly. Waco, Texas A new release FROM Faith BOOKS
rom a loving but colorful family, Howard Holder Williams Jr. thrived in the carefree days spent visiting grandparents in Shake Rag, Miss. It was there F that he learned at an early age the value of a story well told, as evidenced in this collection of inspirational remembrances from simpler times that remind us to celebrate the little things in life and to love one another while doing so. A gifted writer and minister, Howard died in 2013 at age 56. His wife Jana and friends at Weatherly Heights Baptist Church in Huntsville, Ala., where How- ard served as minister of spiritual formation, made possible the publication of this reflective and inspiring book. Howard has been described as a “conduit of grace” and one who demonstrated teaching at its best. His good life is well remembered, and his challenging and en- couraging words will continue to touch both minds and hearts. Order now at nurturingfaith.net
28 | Information December 2015 Editor’s note: This article in the series “Transitions: Helping churches and church leaders in changing times” is provided in partnership with the Center for Healthy Churches (chchurches.org). Healthy Church Is advocacy in your church’s wheelhouse? By Chris Sanders
We could even discuss whether or not it’s church’s name in the paper, and many more a church’s business to speak a word about why outside our walls who are glad to see a church terms, it’s the Body using its discern- people are poor. Leaving that for a moment, standing up for the poor. When the message ing eye and heart and its clear voice we can certainly agree that for the most part, comes as good news, not controversy, people advocacy isn’t in our wheelhouse or our are attracted and come. comfort zone. We also don’t speak out in the public But why not? Why not get to the root square because we’re used to leaving advocacy causes of poverty at home? to others, usually some local or regional body. In medical terms, advocacy treats the dis- In Baptist life, we’ve excused ourselves from ease while we’re easing the symptoms. For any responsibility by defaulting to the denomina- charity your church gives to or provides, there’s tion. There are pros and cons with that. Size justice, in contrast to charity. corresponding advocacy: matters, expertise counts, and a national message deserves national messengers. Members of a church located by a river F ood pantry and But the downside is that we delay and heard thrashing in the water and frightened Christmas baskets? Ask miss local crises while waiting to organize criti- cries. Laying their hymnbooks aside, they ran your city council member cal mass. Messages get diluted down to say outside, threw a line and pulled a drowning to come to the congrega- little of importance in deference to an unneces- man out onto the bank. tion and explain why sarily broad consensus. They looked upstream and saw another people are going hungry There are plenty of local needs begging for flailing and pulled her out as she came down- in your community. a timely word from the Lord. And they will go river, then another and still another. After-school reading begging unless we speak up. They spent the entire Sunday morning program for poor kids? Tell your school board Pastors, find a powerful consensus in your outside their walls instead of inside at worship, you want the public schools stronger and church on a message and speak out. Church fishing for drowning people. They even formed their teachers (your church members!) to feel members, give your pastor some room to speak a river rescue team and raised money for the supported. the Word without parsing his or her every word. victims. Emergency assistance? Post online to call Why? Because of Luke 4:18. Jesus said, But, having had enough of this, an old out the payday lender who dips into bank the first time he preached back home in deacon stomped off upstream. accounts before the rent is paid and the kids Nazareth, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, “Where are you going?” the people called. are fed. and has anointed me to preach good news to You know the answer. Pulpit exchange with the black church down the poor, to set the oppressed free...” The old deacon growled, “To find out the street? Distribute a list of African- We should know that verse by heart, as well who’s throwing them in.” And, we might add, American-owned businesses for your as we know John 3:16. “Anointed” — the Spirit’s to stop them. congregation to patronize. very purpose for us is to bring good news, out in The Body is used to using its hands and public, out among the poor. Advocacy really is in feet and pockets to rescue the perishing poor So, any church on mission should be advo- our wheelhouse after all. BT people in our perishing communities. We cating too, right? Or do we get muzzled by provide, give, donate and work. That’s in our the few but vocal critics who frown and say —Chris Sanders is an attorney who consults with wheelhouse. we’ve crossed the line between preaching and churches in matters of law, poverty and advocacy. But using the sharpened eye and a rising meddling? He recently served as interim coordinator for the voice? Not so much. (Isn’t that odd? Discerning It doesn’t have to be. For every solo critic, Kentucky Baptist Fellowship. He can be reached and speaking are what we do — on comfort- there’s a quiet majority who like to see their at [email protected]. able topics.)
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EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the seventh in a series of articles by historian Bruce Gourley on the religious faith of U.S. presidents. Gourley is online editor and contributing writer for Baptists Today and executive director of the Baptist History & Heritage Society. His latest book, Baptists and the American Civil War: Crucible of Faith and Freedom, a compilation of articles from the recent series on Baptists and the American Civil War, is now available from Nurturing Faith.
Religion and the American Presidents Andrew Jackson (1829-1837)
continued, the most notable his crucial vic- tory against the British in the Battle of New Orleans in 1814-1815 during the War of 1812. States shattered the status quo of the During the war General Jackson willingly suf- fered alongside his enlisted men, earning their nation’s highest office. respect and the nickname “Old Hickory.” hus far the presidential club consisted A national hero, the rough-and-tumble of men of great wealth, genteel heritage, Jackson received a Congressional Gold Medal T class privilege and rationalistic intellect. and remained one of America’s foremost mili- Jackson could claim only one of the four, and tary leaders for the next decade, his service even then his great wealth had been earned on including a stint as the military governor of the edge of civilization rather than received Florida in 1821. from familial inheritance. To this point, religion apparently occu- A son of Scotch-Irish Presbyterian immi- pied little of Jackson’s time and thought, grants, Andrew Jackson’s 1767 birthplace, despite Rachel’s efforts to impress faith upon somewhere on the unsurveyed remote frontier her famous husband. The First Presbyterian along the border of North and South Carolina, Church of Nashville claimed the general as one is unknown. Neither did Jackson know his of its own, but although sometimes attend- father, who died of an accident before his ing services, he did not formally join the birth. congregation. Captured by the British at age 13 and troubles. Falling in love with Rachel Stockley Jackson nonetheless deferred to Rachel in nearly starved to death in captivity, a defiant Donelson, he married her while under the the construction of a new church building in teenage Jackson refused to clean the boots of a impression that she had obtained a divorce 1823 for the Hermitage community. Initially British officer, who as punishment slashed the from her husband. Mistaken in this matter, the interdenominational, the Ephesus Church youngster’s head and left hand with a sword, couple lived together in a bigamous relation- (later Hermitage Church) affiliated with the leaving him scarred for life. Months after his ship for four years before final completion of Presbyterian Church in the early 1830s. release from captivity, Jackson’s mother died the divorce and a second, official, wedding held Despite his refusal to join the church at from cholera, making him an orphan. in 1794. that time, Jackson during the decade of the Fending for himself, Jackson plunged fur- Personal matters aside, Jackson’s public 1820s occasionally referred to religion in his ther into the frontier wilderness in what is now persona and business successes led to politics. writings, perhaps in part due to Rachel’s con- northeastern Tennessee. Largely self-taught, Elected as Tennessee’s first U.S. representative tinuing influence until her death in 1828. the young man set up shop as a frontier lawyer, and then as a U.S. senator, Jackson quickly Beloved by his adopted state, Jackson focusing on cases of assault and battery, as well came to dislike Washington, D.C. returned to the U.S. Senate to represent as disputed land claims. Resigning from the Senate and returning Tennessee from 1823 to 1825. He also secured In a land of few attorneys, Jackson to Tennessee, in 1798 he secured an appoint- a nomination by the Tennessee legislature for made the most of his situation, leading to an ment as a judge of the Tennessee Supreme the presidential contest of 1824, losing to John appointment as solicitor (prosecutor) in the Court. Greater success and prosperity soon Quincy Adams. In a rematch four years later Southwest Territory. His legal knowledge and followed, first with an 1802 election as major and after helping establish the new Democratic government position provided the opportunity general of the Tennessee militia, followed two Party, he defeated Adams. for land speculation. When the Southwest years later by the purchase of a 640-acre plan- President-elect Jackson, formerly an Territory became the state of Tennessee in tation, the Hermitage, near Nashville. orphan and frontiersman, acknowledged his 1796, Jackson prospered financially. Soon an elite, albeit unrefined planter, affinity for and commitment to common As the frontiersman-turned-prominent Jackson later enlarged the plantation, owning Americans by inviting the public to the White citizen inched his way upward in the world, as many as 150 slaves at one time. House for his inauguration. A mob scene Jackson’s personal life evidenced a fair share of Accomplishments and accolades ensued in the nation’s capital, heralding the
30 arrival of “Jacksonian democracy.” limits prescribed by the Constitution for the underwent a conversion experience and in Jackson’s vision of democracy, however, President and without feeling that I might in 1838 joined the church he earlier built — now did not extend beyond the white race. His some degree disturb the security which religion the Hermitage Church, renamed in his honor presidential policies included Indian removal nowadays enjoys in this country in its com- and a Presbyterian congregation. from the Deep South, a view of Manifest plete separation from the political concerns of Whether this spiritual turn in his life Destiny that proved beneficial to his own the General Government.” stemmed from regrets, reflections and lone- slaveholdings. Jackson also opposed an escalating national liness of an aged widower, or emerged as a Despite maintaining a limited view of campaign by conservative Christian nationalists public expression of a long-evolving but previ- federal rights, President Jackson successfully to force America, founded as a secular nation, ously private faith, the congregation shortly resisted South Carolina’s threats to nullify to officially embrace Christianity. Advocates of thereafter elected Jackson a ruling elder, only federal law and secede from the Union due a Christian America targeted Sunday mail deliv- to have the former president decline the honor. to federal tariffs deemed a threat to the state’s ery, declaring the practice an affront to God and Now a church member, Jackson regularly slave economy. Critical of the federal banking discriminatory of the rights of Christians. attended worship services. Although he nei- system established by James Madison, Jackson The government, many Congregationalists ther probed the depths of church doctrine nor dismantled the institution following his elec- and other powerful traditional religious interests philosophically struggled to reconcile faith and tion in 1832 to a second presidential term. contended, should honor God by following reason, as had prior presidents, Old Hickory On occasion as president, Andrew Jackson biblical Sabbath laws. The president, with did evidence a belief in heaven and hell. addressed matters related to religion. In those the support of Baptists foremost, resisted the Near the time of his death in June 1845, few instances he voiced strong support for Christian nationalists and defended church-state Andrew Jackson allegedly said to his family church-state separation as written into the First separation, evidencing his trademark Jacksonian and slaves: “I am my God’s. I belong to him. Amendment. democracy. I go but a short time before you, and I want to In 1832 President Jackson declined to As Jackson later noted in a letter, “let it meet you all in heaven, both white & black.” declare a national day of fasting and prayer in be remembered … no established religion can Following his death, the body of President the face of a rapidly spreading cholera epidemic. exist under our glorious constitution.” and General Andrew Jackson came to rest Speaking of his refusal, he noted, “I could Following his presidential years the alongside that of his beloved Rachel at his not do otherwise without transcending the heretofore religiously distant Andrew Jackson Hermitage plantation. BT
Good reading he 150th anniversary of the American Civil War provides a grand opportunity to consider precisely what Baptists — North and South T — were saying from their pulpits, in the press, and through official resolutions from that time. Bruce Gourley brings such perspectives to life by making good use of careful and significant research, creatively taking a chronological approach using primary sources. He highlights the role of various kinds of Baptists, for example: Robert Smalls, Thomas Hill Watts, Basil Manly Sr., Gov. Joseph Brown, Gov. Sam Houston, Isaac Taylor Tichenor, Crawford H. Toy, and Frank and Jesse James — most of whom went on to great prominence in politics, religion or education. Gourley’s firsthand accounts of how Baptists on both sides sought and claimed divine favor and righteousness provide lessons as plentiful as the statues and markers that dot the many battlefields where the devastation has given way to peaceful fields and quiet woodlands. nurturingfaith.net
31 Loss and Legacy
e cannot get away from the Civil War,” said historian “WBobby Lovett, retired from Tennessee State University in Nashville. “In one way or another, all of us are still fighting the Civil War. We’re trying to understand it.”
LARGE LOSSES Lovett was one of two historians to address the Nurturing Faith Experience: Civil War at 150 — a two-day gathering hosted by the First Baptist Church of Chattanooga and sponsored by Baptists Today/Nurturing Faith, Baptist History and Heritage Society, and Tennessee Cooperative Baptist Fellowship. The staggering losses from the war can be both measured and yet remain unmeasured, said Lovett. Of the estimated 620,000 Americans who BAPTIST ROOTS “That’s why balconies were built in perished in the battles on their home turf, he churches,” said Lovett, noting that white con- Lovett’s own church experience reflects the said: “It was the bloodiest war we ever fought.” gregants would occupy the lower space while impact of the Civil War. Yet the total loss of human life from the black members would sit above. “I’ve been a Baptist for 60 years,” said the war — soldiers, slaves, Native Americans — White ministers continued to lead the ser- 72-year-old, who recalled his grandmother lead- remains unknown, he added. “We dig up vices until 1853, when worshippers educated a ing him at age 12 to a mourners’ bench where people all the time.” freed slave who had been willed to the church he confessed his sins and professed his faith. Outside perspectives can provide earlier. Nelson G. Merry was called the “sexton” The congregation he joined that day was Americans with a better understanding of the — which Lovett said was a fancy word for jani- enormity of the war’s self-destruction, human the First Colored Baptist Church of Nashville tor: “the person who took care of the church and and otherwise, past and present, said Lovett. — now called First Baptist Church Capitol made sure it was ready for Sunday and so on.” “European visitors want to know about Hill. Lovett is helping lead a yearlong com- But in 1853, the ministers of Nashville th the Civil War,” he said. “They can’t believe it.” memoration of the congregation’s 150 year of ordained Merry to lead services for the black Terry Maples, field coordinator for independence dating back to 1865. members. Then, during the Civil War, white Tennessee Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, The church’s roots go back to 1834 when church leaders “pretty much left the black echoed that observation during a discussion the First Baptist Church of Nashville allowed congregation alone,” said Lovett. that followed Lovett’s presentation. During a its slave membership along with free blacks In March 1865, a month before Robert E. recent visit to Canada, Maples said he explored to hold Friday night prayer services. In 1848, Lee surrendered in Virginia, the black Baptist the differences between Americans and their black members — representing about half of worshippers in Nashville sent a petition to the neighbors to the north. congregation — were allowed to meet sepa- white congregation asking for independence One Canadian told him: We never killed rately in an old schoolhouse for services led by and the ownership of a meetinghouse the one another in a war. the white associate pastor. slaves had erected.
32 “It was a powerful case for the South,” EMANCIPATION said Lovett, adding that it also declared that A second significant result of the war was the Congress had no authority to prohibit slavery fulfillment of Lincoln’s vision of a nation free in any state. of human enslavement and a permanent estab- “The North hated the Dred Scott case,” lishment of the Emancipation Proclamation, said Lovett. “The South loved it.” Lovett said. He recalled that when Taney died during President Lincoln was worried that the the Civil War, some newspapers in the North Emancipation Proclamation would cause him reported: “Justice Taney has died. He did the to lose reelection in 1864, said Lovett. “There nation a favor.” was as much opposition to it in the North as While Southern states would soon begin there was in the Confederate States.” declaring their secession from the Union, Lincoln called abolitionist Frederick Northern abolitionists back in 1848 were first Douglass to the White House to agitate for the to raise the idea of independence from slave- escape of so many slaves that the Emancipation holding states, said Lovett. Proclamation could not be repealed,” Lovett said. “They wanted to secede from the Union “Before that a black man had never been and write a slave-free constitution,” he said. called to the White House….” Weeks later, on April 15, Lincoln was But their desire was too costly for other aboli- Douglass agreed to help, but he didn’t assassinated and a march turned into mourn- tionists to sign on. have to do so, said Lovett, because Lincoln ing and then mass meetings. One was held in “Frederick Douglass and others asked: won reelection handily. After the election, the slave-built church that would gain its inde- ‘What about the four million slaves down Lincoln worked to make emancipation per- pendence in August of that year, 1865. South? You’ll leave them slaves forever manent — through the 13th amendment to Lovett said the church made its name probably.’” the U.S. Constitution that was ratified by change during its centennial celebration in The abolitionists backed off from their the states in Dec. 1865, months following 1965, the era of the Civil Rights Movement. call for secession in 1848, but ultimately Lincoln’s death in the spring. The word “colored” was dropped, he said, since achieved their goal of a slave-free constitution, “That was a great result of the Civil War several white members had joined including said Lovett. — at least for African Americans,” said Lovett, activist and Baptist minister Will Campbell. “One of the greatest results of the Civil “that there would be no slavery in the United “Dec. 13 this year is the final celebra- War is they rewrote the Constitution of States, forever again, anywhere.” 1789-1791.” tion,” said Lovett of the commemoration of th Lovett noted that the 150 anniversary th the historic congregation’s independence. The 13 amendment, in particular, of the passage of the 13th amendment will be And he warmly invited guests to attend. brought several important changes, said Lovett, marked on Dec. 18, 2015. including nullification of the Three-Fifths As a historian, Lovett said he is often PRESERVATION Compromise that counted only 60 percent of asked when the slaves were freed. blacks in each state to determine national “Preservation of the American Union” was a “Well, the Emancipation Proclamation legislative representation. primary result of the Civil War, said Lovett. It didn’t have anything to do with my people “But guess who wins?” asked Lovett. “The was a concern for many including the first U.S. in West Tennessee,” he said. And it didn’t South wins because now the South can count president. apply in some other states such as Louisiana, all of the blacks. You know, the South picked “If there is one thing that is going to Missouri, West Virginia, Maryland and up almost 30 seats.” destroy this union it’s the question of slavery,” Delaware. So the struggle for freedom and equal- he quoted George Washington, who died in “Our date is Dec. 18, 1865.” ity was elusive. President Ulysses S. Grant 1799, as saying. pushed for the 15th amendment giving African The Declaration of Independence, Americans the right to vote — though that the Articles of Confederation and the U.S. REALIZED DREAM right was long restricted in many states. Constitution addressed issues of human equality, A third result of the Civil War, said Lovett, was Interestingly, the U.S. Constitution says said Lovett. And, as an example, in his last will the realization of a radical proposal put forth nothing about race, Lovett noted. The reason, and testament Washington freed his own slaves. by abolitionists in 1848 that many considered he added, is that Colonial America had white “But Martha didn’t!” noted Lovett. a pipe dream. bondsmen too — those dumped on the However, Washington would be revered in “All the presidents before Abraham colonies by England. the North and the South, and among free and Lincoln had supported slavery,” said Lovett. Equality for indentured whites “ was what enslaved blacks. “Every one of them.” Thomas Jefferson was talking about in the “He didn’t know that 61 years later we’d Martin Van Buren acquiesced to politi- Declaration of Independence,” said Lovett. have an American Civil War that would nearly cal pressure, said Lovett. And Tennessean destroy the Union,” said Lovett. Andrew Jackson packed the Supreme Court in Yet at the end of all the destruction of that a way that resulted in the 1857 Dred Scott v. QUESTION ANSWERED war would be a tattered but preserved union. Sandford decision in which Chief Justice Roger The anti-slavery movement dating back long “That was the greatest result, in my opin- Taney declared that slaves were not United before the Civil War was based on the question ion, of the Civil War,” said Lovett. States citizens. of morality, said Lovett. That question was
33 finally answered as a result of the great conflict. Sermons, especially revival sermons “It was based on morality, not just that (slav- among Baptists and Methodists during the ery) was unconstitutional,” he said. “It was Great Awakening, often opposed slavery. But simply wrong.” social change was occurring in the South. The first abolitionist movements arose in “Baptists [went] from persecuted, poor the South, said Lovett. Quakers in Tennessee outsiders to up-and-coming insiders who were publishing antislavery newsletters by [benefited] from changes taking place in the 1819. South,” Gourley noted. The moral question of slavery split That shift, he said, could be seen in Methodists and other Christian bodies, he noted. popular evangelist and religious liberty advo- “Some historians say the first shot in the cate John Leland who — writing on behalf Civil War happened long before the battles,” said of Virginia Baptists in 1789 — called for the Lovett. “It was when the question of the moral- removal of slavery (deemed “a violent deprava- ity of slavery was raised: simply, ‘Is it right?’” tion”) from the land. Many influences turned Northerner sym- “Not all white Baptists agreed with that pathies toward abolition, said Lovett, but none but a significant number did,” said Gourley. more so than Harriet Beecher Stowe’s 1852 “Others were ambivalent on slavery.” book Uncle Tom’s Cabin. “That was on every- Yet 50 years later, Leland, who died in contributing writer for Baptists Today, said body’s coffee table.” 1841, called slavery “humane, just and benevo- connections between the war a century and The moral question grew as songs lent.” He then argued for the rights of slave a half ago and modern times can be seen in emerged such as “The Battle Hymn of the owners rather than for slaves, said Gourley. South Carolina today — where a Confederate Republic” — proclaiming “His truth is march- What caused Baptists to flip on the issue symbol was removed this year from the state ing on” — published in The Atlantic Monthly of slavery? Money, said Gourley. capitol following the murder of nine African- in February 1862. The popular marching song “Baptists changed as they became depen- American church members by a young white was a takeoff on the Negro spiritual, “John dent on the economics based on slave labor,” supremacist. Brown’s Body,” said Lovett. he noted. And those changes were clearly Charleston’s Emmanuel AME Church, The question of the morality of slavery reflected in those who gathered in Augusta, where the June 17 massacre occurred, was active was answered in the costly war. Ga., in 1845 to form the Southern Baptist prior to the Civil War, said Gourley. One of its Convention. founding members, Denmark Vesey, who had Those represented owned more slaves CONTINUING IMPACT bought his freedom, was part of a slave insurrec- than typical Baptists, said Gourley. He noted The Civil War was more than an event cap- tion plot that was discovered in 1822. that in 1860, on the eve of war, the 10 richest tured in the past, said Lovett. Its influence Vesey had stockpiled arms and enlisted some counties in the U.S. were all in the South. And continues. 3,000 freed blacks but mostly slaves to take over the Baptist presence was strong in all of those The war raised important and ongoing plantations, kill whites, commandeer ships and areas except Louisiana. questions about what it means to be human, sail to freedom in Haiti. Thirty-five of those par- Protecting the economic benefits of slav- he noted. And history, a study within what is ticipants were executed, said Gourley, and The ery was the reason the South sought called the humanities, is about “seeking truth.” Citadel arose to prevent future insurrections. independence, said Gourley. Economic, cultural, political and social In December of that same year, Richard “This was a war about slavery,” he said. differences between the southern and northern Furman, president of the South Carolina “… ‘States rights’ was a tool to preserve what regions of the nation resulted in the war, he Baptist Convention, penned a public letter to at that time was called ‘a peculiar institution.’” said. Many of those differences remain today. the state’s governor that represented “a tipping Language at the time had meaning, said The end of the war brought about another point among white Baptists in the South,” said Gourley. Southern elitists used terms such as great challenge: How do you integrate more Gourley. “radical” and “fanatic” to refer to abolitionists. than four million people freed from slavery “Rights” was used in reference to their freedom into American society? BAPTIST SHIFT to own slaves. “Race and skin color came to have special “When they spoke of liberty or freedom,” Furman’s “very pro-slavery stance” in the meaning,” he said. said Gourley, “they spoke only of freedom for letter affirmed that slavery is never actually The Civil War was followed by long and whites.” condemned in the Bible, and he assured the often painful struggles for civil rights, Lovett Southern Baptists at this time attributed governor of the state’s Baptist support in noted. Progress has been slowed. white supremacy and black slavery to the will preventing future insurrections. “There is something that comes out of of God. Fearful that Lincoln would seek to “Prior to 1800, most white Baptists in history, whether it’s good or bad,” he said, end slavery, they tagged him as “the black the South were either opposed to slavery or “… that yields some of the progress we human president.” ambivalent,” said Gourley. “Richard Furman’s beings make.” Lincoln’s background would give them letter changed things in the South.” reason for such concern, though he ran on Socially, Baptists in the mid- to late-18th a platform of simply seeking to keep slav- CONNECTIONS century were still disadvantaged persons, said ery from spreading westward, said Gourley. Gourley. “They were not the ‘in crowd’; they Bruce Gourley, executive director of the “Lincoln grew up in a Primitive Baptist were outsiders.” Baptist History and Heritage Society and abolitionist church.”
34 ODD ‘BLESSINGS’ of our imperial confederacy.” than he wanted,” taking advantage of the Keeping God on the side of slaveholding president’s open door policy. In January 1861, Pastor Ebenezer W. Warren required some ongoing theological efforts, said Baptist bodies in the North passed vari- of First Baptist Church in Macon, Ga., pro- Gourley. One common claim was that slaves ous antislavery resolutions, including one from claimed from his pulpit: “Slavery forms a vital were happy and content in their state — even Pennsylvania in November 1862 that called for element of the divine revelation to man.” though slaves were risking their lives to escape. emancipation. He offered strong biblical support for this While defending the institution of slavery, cause and was critical of those not standing in some Southern Baptists would criticize certain BLACK BAPTISTS defense of slavery. laws pertaining to slaves such as disallowing From the 1820s on, many slaves were forced “We in the South have been passive, hop- slave marriages and Bible reading, he said. to attend church and sit in the balconies. ing this storm would subside,” said Warren. And losses throughout the latter part of Many prayed for a Moses to lead them out of “Our passiveness has been our sin. We’ve not the war — despite the South being clearly on bondage — a role later embodied by Abraham come to the vindication of God and truth as God’s side — called for justification. For exam- Lincoln. duty demanded.” ple, the North Carolina Baptist newspaper, “They were quite certain that God was Warren preached that slavery, like Biblical Recorder, in December 1864, blamed a God of freedom and equality for all,” said Christianity, comes from heaven. “Both are Confederate losses on the failure of slave own- Gourley. This understanding led many slaves blessings to humanity.” ers to evangelize their slaves. to escape, and for black churches to seek some It was all part of a divine plan, said Theological justifications were built on autonomy. Warren: “Their Maker has decreed their selected literal readings of the Bible, said bondage.” Gourley, as well as intentional misuses such as “From 1862 onward they established Politically, Alexander Stephens, vice the easily debunked “Curse of Ham.” autonomous Baptist churches in Union- president of the Confederacy, spoke of “the Confederate losses would dampen the controlled areas of the South especially along proper status of the Negro” as indicated in the aspirations of many Southerners. However, the the South Carolina coast,” said Gourley. Confederate Constitution, during a March immorality of slavery was never a reason for so- “There was very dynamic African-American 1863 address in Savannah. called setbacks in the minds of white Southern Baptist presence during the war along the The U.S. Constitution, he noted, rested elites, said Gourley. Baptists and others would coastal areas of South Carolina.” on the equality of races. “This was an error,” point to retribution for sins such as greed, In and after 1864, escaped slaves fought said Stephens, calling it a sandy foundation. alcohol consumption and Sabbath-breaking. officially for the Union cause, said Gourley. “Our new government is founded upon One North Carolina Baptist soldier wrote The movie, Glory, he noted, showed Sgt. exactly the opposite idea,” said Stephens. of profanity, gambling and other iniquities William H. Carney, a Baptist deacon, as the “… Its cornerstone rests upon the great truth within the army favored by God — and he flag bearer who survived the Battle of Fort that the Negro is not equal to the white man. complained about the lack of “any spiritual Wagner in 1863. He became the first African That slavery, subordination to the superior counseling.” American to receive the Congressional Medal race, is his natural and normal condition.” True to their heritage of church-state of Honor. The government of the Confederacy, he separation, most Baptists had not supported “Many Baptists fought in colored said, is to be based on “this great physical, government-paid chaplains and missionaries regiments, as they were called back then, for philosophical and moral truth.” during the war, said Gourley. As a result, there freedom for those yet enslaved,” said Gourley. White Baptist leaders of the South raised were fewer Baptists serving as Confederate Great anticipation surrounding the long- their voices in support. chaplains. awaited Emancipation Proclamation kept black Virginia Baptists in June 1863 declared: As losses mounted, however, many Baptists and other black Christians up late on “We are daily convinced of the righteousness Baptists went against their religious liberty the night of Dec. 31, 1862. It took awhile for of our cause.” Northern Christians who “claim heritage. They spoke in terms of Christian Lincoln to sign it and for word to get out over to be followers of the meek and lovely Jesus,” nationalism — even asking the government to the wires. they charged, actually embrace an “intolerant declare days of prayer and fasting for them. Frederick Douglass spent that day and fanaticism.” Efforts to keep the presumed holy cause night at Tremont Baptist Temple in Boston — from faltering did not always succeed, said writing later about the anticipation and anxiety JUSTIFICATIONS Gourley. Quiet dissent appeared — espe- before the formal announcement of freedom A grandiose vision of an expanding slave cially among poor white Baptists in eastern was received. empire was set forth by Samuel Boykin, edi- Tennessee and western North Carolina. “Watch Night is an African-American tor of the Georgia Baptist newspaper, The By the end of the war, he noted, nearly church story,” said Gourley, although many Christian Index, who proclaimed: “We will two-thirds of the Confederate soldiers had white Southern Baptists who have prayed in absorb Central America and the contiguous deserted. the new year together were unaware of its states of Mexico not by bloody war but by the On the other side, white Baptists in the historical ties to enslaved blacks awaiting the generous attractions of our superior civilization North were heavily abolitionist — sometimes good news of freedom. and purer religion.” called the more “radically abolitionist” among But Gourley noted that despite the signifi- Boykin assured his readers that a time major Northern denominations, said Gourley. cance of the Emancipation Proclamation, real would come when other nations of the world “Many (Northern) Baptists pushed freedom for black Americans didn’t come for would “come to woo and worship at the shrine Lincoln toward emancipation more quickly another 100 years. BT
35 Pathway to peace
any people are searching for peace. They cannot figure out how to M unplug from the stress, the constant demands, the running commentary in their heads, the responsibilities and the duties of life in order to find the elusive peace that awaits us all. One path of peace — that has become an important part of my life and of the lives of my husband and daughters — is to walk a labyrinth. People often think of a labyrinth as a maze. But a maze is really a puzzle. Recreational mazes built in cornfields or constructed of hay bales have high walls and dead ends. They can be fun, but they can also instill fear or frustration in those trying to negotiate them. In 2 Tim. 1:7, we read, “… for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” Unlike a maze, a labyrinth are heading to the center and they are heading one in the Grace Cathedral in California, and has a clear pathway to a center and then out out. We might simply observe others as we are lesser-known ones such as at Sardis Baptist again. No decisions are made as to which way walking, or sitting near the labyrinth lost in Church in Charlotte, N.C., Athens Regional to turn at any given point. contemplation and prayer. Medical Center in Athens, Ga., and Grace One may not immediately discern the For some, this pathway to peace is an United Methodist Church in Charleston, S.C. path ahead. But when you enter the labyrinth, easy trail. For others, it may take several times My husband and I were so moved by you walk until you reach the center. You may for distractions to dissipate as they become walking labyrinths that we decided to give one remain there for as long as you like before mindful of God and all the love and guidance to Meredith College in Raleigh, N.C. The turning to walk out. At all times you are able offered. labyrinth beside Jones Chapel honors our three to see the next step leading to your destination. On a trip to France years ago with a group daughters, all Meredith College graduates: Mary Walking this “pathway to peace” calls for of students, we visited Chartres Cathedral. Blythe Taylor, Anna Taylor Freeman and Erin keeping your head down — in an attitude of I could hardly wait to walk this famous laby- Taylor Rice. Scripture inscribed on two plaques prayer. You are able to let go of your thoughts rinth. To my chagrin, there were chairs all over encourage those who walk the labyrinth. and worries and stresses and become open the beautiful structure. The blessings of that gift caused our to God. You can sense a lifting of cares and Our guide dismissed my desire to walk daughter, Mary Blythe Taylor, to recently worries as your spirit centers in God. An inde- it and shuffled off with our group following donate a labyrinth in honor of my husband, scribable peacefulness can follow. behind. I was not to be deterred! If I could Charles E. Taylor Jr., and me at Wingate “Mindfully” walking the labyrinth can not actually walk this beautiful labyrinth, with University. The labyrinth, beside Austin be separated into three parts: entering and so much history and spirit associated therein, Auditorium, is in clear view of Dry Chapel. moving toward the center, being in the center, then I could stand on it and absorb the spirit Our prayer is that these labyrinths will and then walking out. There is symbolism to of God in that place. That’s just what I did. bless many and bring them closer to God. remind us that life is a journey. Now I look back and remember that my Should you be near Raleigh or Wingate, please In essence, we walk our own journey feet touched the very stones that have been stop by and walk. Perhaps you, too, will find alone. Yet there are those who share our lives, trod by many Christian pilgrims through the that walking a labyrinth will bring you to a those who intersect our lives, those who only ages. That was powerful for me. place of peace and possibly healing in your brush our lives and those we simply observe in So where can you go to find such a place? own life. BT the course of our lives. Online searches will reveal labyrinths in your In walking the labyrinth, we may stop to area. Some churches have permanent laby- —Carol Boseman Taylor lives in Rocky Mount, wait for someone to move forward before we rinths or temporary ones for certain times. N.C., and is the author of I Promise. Rejoice! continue. We might brush by someone as we There are famous labyrinths such as the (Nurturing Faith, 2015).
36 Good reading from Faith BOOKS
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WOMEN I CAN’T FORGET REMEMBERING MISS ADDIE TARNISHED HALOES, OPEN HEARTS Winnie Williams Lamar Wadsworth Lynelle Sweat Mason She has witnessed Miss Addie lived by Laced with love and gender and socio- the adage, “If Moses laughter, this is a story economic inequality had waited until of giving and finding in extremely diverse everybody was ready, acceptance in people cultures around the the children of Israel and places behind world — and Winnie would still be in the common masks Williams’ heart has Egypt.” Young Cassie of fragile humanity. been torn by the lives suggested that Moses Through poverty, of the women she has $16.00 pb should have had some $16.00 pb personal losses, and $16.00 pb met in her travels. $9.99 ebook grownups like Miss $9.99 ebook persistent “divine $9.99 ebook Now she shares Addie to help him. hungers,” Lynelle with readers descriptions of the beauty of Cassie was 15 when she confided in Mason inspires readers without super- the places she has seen and the fascina- Miss Addie that God was calling her to ficiality or pretense. tion of the cultures, along with insight preach. Then at 19, Cassie helps conduct Her refreshingly honest account of into the forces that shape the lives of her 101-year-old friend’s funeral and soon her remarkable life experiences is blunt, people. She examines the role of hope in finds herself facing unexpected challenges compelling, and hopeful. She carefully fulfilling dreams that can lead to change as the new pastor of Peyton’s Chapel balances heartache and hope, obstacles for the better, especially for women. Baptist Church. and opportunities, disappointment and acceptance, pain and peace. THE MODERN MAGNIFICAT: A GYPSY DREAMING IN JERUSALEM WOMEN RESPONDING TO THE CALL Amoun Sleem OF GOD “Being raised in the Jennifer Harris Dault, ed. Gypsy culture was like What is a woman to a movie with sweet do when she hears the parts mixed with call to ministry? How painful times. In my is she to remain faith- childlike thinking, I ful to what she was had no idea how that taught, while remain- drama would continue ing faithful to the or how it would end. $16.00 pb voice of God? “Looking back to $9.99 ebook The Modern $16.00 pb the change from that Magnificat chronicles $9.99 ebook childhood to becoming director of the the journey of calling Domari Center gave me an incentive to through the stories of 23 women who heard tell my story and show the world what it God’s call and are committed to being life- is like to be a Gypsy woman.” long Baptists, although some have found Order now at places of service in other denominations. nurturingfaith.net Reblog
Selections from recent blogs at baptiststoday.org Readers, and not
By Tony W. Cartledge per year, while just 16 percent of “downscale” adults (income of $20,000 or less and no col- s a person who has loved reading from lege) read five or more books per year. Nearly the time I could sound out “See Spot half of all “downscale” folk read no books. A run,” I found a recent Barna survey Women are more avid readers than men: on adult reading habits to be, well, worth 32 percent of men don’t read any books, com- reading. pared to 18 percent of women. Forty percent In a digital world where countless items of women read five or more books per year, are posted online every day, it’s good to know while just 28 percent of men maintain the that some people still read books: the kind you same pace. can hold in your hand, even if they’re on an Most adults report reading mainly for e-reader. pleasure (64 percent), and fiction (53 per- Not surprisingly, older people read more cent) is slightly preferred over non-fiction. books than their younger counterparts: almost Women show a stronger preference for fiction a quarter of “elders” (people born before 1945) (63 percent), while men give a slight edge to Hardbacks and paperbacks are still the favorite, read more than 15 books per year, and another non-fiction. though 15 percent of books are now read in an 14 percent read 10-15 books. The biggest surprise to me is where read- e-reader format. Just 10 percent of millennials (born 1984- ers obtain their books. I would have thought The article notes that reading expands 2002) read more than 15 books per year, and online booksellers would dominate by now, the mind, not only with new ideas, but also by many of those are for school. but only 10 percent of books are bought actually increasing our intellectual abilities Economic status plays a role as well: online, while 33 percent come from brick-and- and giving us insight to understand oth- more than half of the people Barna classifies mortar bookstores. ers. We may enjoy the social interaction of as “upscale” (income of $70,000 or more plus Eleven percent of books are borrowed Facebook, but for personal development, a four-year degree) read five or more books from friends, and 24 percent from libraries. there’s nothing like a real book. BT
Therefore, my skepticism is kicked up Legal issues and conflicting understand- God’s design a notch whenever someone claims to know ings of individual freedom arose. Those precisely “God’s design” for humanity. conflicts will likely continue for a while. But By John Pierce During the American Civil War (as one irony was unmistakable. noted in the feature story on page 32) it was According to the report, the Christian ears ago a congregation placed a common for leading Baptist preachers and owners of the wedding chapel — who mar- classified ad in a Baptist newspaper editors to claim with great assurance that ried several years ago after their first marriages Y to assist the church’s search for a new African slavery was not only a white right, but ended in divorce — sold the facilities to a pastor. Among the qualities and qualifica- also the fulfillment of God’s original design. church and started a non-profit organiza- tions they sought was someone with “the Male dominance, in many church tion called none other than “God’s Original mind of God.” circles — past and present — has been pro- Design.” My guess (and hope!) is that the ad moted as God’s design clearly expressed in Its sole purpose is to promote writer meant that the congregation wanted a the biblical revelation. The racial superior- “traditional marriage.” spiritual leader with a “heart for God.” Too ity of whites has been sold as God’s original It may take a bit of head scratching to often, however, there are those who assume intent as well as European settlers forcing figure this one out: Divorcees are erecting and proclaim to know the mind of God. Native Americans off of their land. billboards in the name of “God’s Original Such claims should come with a loud A recent and extensive report from CNN Design” to promote “traditional (biblical) warning. While we may seek to know God told of the ongoing challenges coming out of marriage” in opposition to same-sex couples and to know God’s will, it is a humble expe- the Supreme Court decision regarding same- being allowed to marry. rience that should acknowledge our great sex marriage. A focus of the story was on an And the Bible (or parts of it) is the back- capacity to see God as we want God to be Iowa couple who shut down their wedding ing for this understanding of God’s original rather than to move toward becoming the chapel after receiving negative responses to design. It must be hard to see those billboards persons God desires us to be. their denying a gay couple use of the facilities. with such a large log in one’s eye. BT
38 Nurturing Faith Experiences 2016
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December 2015 Information | 39 Religion News Service Fewer, firmer
mericans as a whole are growing less religious, but those who still consider A themselves to belong to a religion are, on average, just as committed to their faiths as they were in the past — in certain respects even more so. The 2014 U.S. Religious Landscape Study, released in November by the Pew Research Center, also shows that nearly all major religious groups have become more accepting of homosexuality since the first land- scape study in 2007. The new study may provide some solace to those who bemoan the undeniable rise in America of the “nones” — people who claim no religious affiliation. “People who say they have a religion — which is still the vast majority of the popu- lation — show no discernible dip in levels of observance,” said Alan Cooperman, director of religion research at Pew. “They report attending religious services as often as they did a few years ago. They pray as often as they did before, and they are just as likely to say that religion plays a very impor- tant role in their lives,” he continued. “On some measures there are even small increases in their levels of religious practice.” More religiously affiliated adults, for example, read Scripture regularly and partici- pate in small religious groups than did so seven years ago, according to the survey. And 88 percent of religiously affiliated adults said they prayed daily, weekly or monthly — the same percentage that reported such regular prayer in the 2007 study. 2007 compared to 76 percent in 2014. spiritual peace and well-being,” up 7 percent- “We should remember that the United And now 77 percent of adults surveyed age points since 2007. States remains a nation of believers,” said describe themselves as religiously affiliated, Also increasing: the number of people Gregory A. Smith, Pew’s associate director of a decline from the 83 percent who did so in who experienced a “deep sense of wonder” research, “with nearly 9 in 10 adults saying Pew’s 2007 landscape study. about the universe, which also jumped they believe in God.” Pew researchers attribute these drops to the 7 percentage points. That said, overall, belief in God has ticked dying off of older believers, and a growing num- These trends make sense, said Andrew down by about 3 percentage points in recent ber of millennials — those born between 1981 Walsh, a historian of American religion years, driven mainly by growth in the share of and 1996 — who claim no religious affiliation. at Trinity College in Hartford, Conn., in “nones” who say they don’t believe in God. The researchers also found that as reli- that religious affiliation in America today is But even among Christians — 98 percent giosity in America wanes, a more general “increasingly shaped by individual choice of whom say they believe in God — fewer spirituality is on the rise, with 6 in 10 adults and less by inheritance from a family or believe with absolute certainty: 80 percent in saying they regularly feel a “deep sense of community.”
40 | Information December 2015 Though the current social climate, espe- for example, who said they agreed that “homo- majority of Muslims — 90 percent — say they cially for young adults, allows Americans to sexuality should be accepted by society” jumped do not eat pork, the consumption of which is choose not to affiliate with a religious institu- 10 percentage points between the 2007 and forbidden by Jewish and Islamic law. Hinduism tion, Walsh said, many “are still spiritual in 2014 studies — from 26 percent to 36 percent. does not allow beef to be eaten, and nearly 7 in some ways.” The increase for Catholics was even steeper, 10 Hindus (67 percent) say they do not eat it. One sign: the proliferation of yoga studios from 58 percent to 70 percent. For historically Nearly 9 in 10 Americans say religious throughout the nation. Most enthusiasts of the black Protestant churches, acceptance jumped institutions bring people together and meditative practice, which combines breathing from 39 percent to 51 percent. strengthen community bonds, and 87 percent and physical postures, are not looking to convert “Despite attempts to paint religious peo- say they play an important role in helping the to Hinduism, Walsh said, but they may never- ple as monolithically opposed to LGBT rights, poor and needy. theless find the activity spiritually gratifying. that’s just not the case and these numbers Women are more prayerful than men, Cooperman cautioned, however, against prove that,” said Jay Brown, head of research with 64 percent saying they pray every day, concluding that such spirituality is replacing and education at the Human Rights Campaign compared with 46 percent of men. more traditional kinds of religious experiences, Foundation, the national gay rights group. On evolution, more than 62 percent of such as attending religious services. “There’s growing support of LGBT people Americans say humans have evolved over time, “On the contrary, the people in the survey and our families, often not in spite of people’s while about a third (34 percent) say humans who express the most spirituality are the peo- religions but because the very foundation of always existed in their present form. ple who are the most religious in conventional their faith encourages love, acceptance and sup- Six in 10 adults, and three-quarters of ways,” he said, “and the respondents who port for their fellow human beings,” he said. Christians, believe the Bible or other holy are the least attached to traditional religion, The religiously unaffiliated, however, Scripture is the Word of God. About 31 per- including the ‘nones,’ report much lower levels showed the highest rate of acceptance of gay cent — and 39 percent of Christians — believe of spiritual experiences.” Americans: 83 percent. it should be interpreted literally. More striking numbers in the study On abortion, attitudes held steady, as has The 2014 U.S. Religious Landscape describe changing Christian attitudes toward been the case since the Supreme Court made Study interviewed 35,071 Americans, and has gay Americans. Though the new landscape sur- abortion a constitutional right in 1973. The a margin of error of plus or minus less than 1 vey is not the first to document such change, it study shows that 53 percent of Americans percentage point. The portion of the survey shows in detail how dramatically members of believe abortion should be legal in all or most released in November, which focuses on beliefs a broad swath of denominations — even those cases, with views within denominations shift- and practices, is the second of two parts. The that officially oppose homosexuality — have ing little since the first landscape study. first part, released in May, found that the shifted in their views. Other findings from the study include: nation is significantly less Christian that it was The number of evangelical Protestants, A minority of Jews — 40 percent — and the vast seven years ago. BT A new release FROM Faith BOOKS
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December 2015 Information | 41 Religion News Service Do science and religion conflict? It’s all in how you ‘see’ it
ost Americans see a conflict between Funk said the analysis found “only a to perceptions of scientists. People were asked the findings of science and the handful of areas where people’s religious beliefs whether they saw scientists as divided or M teachings of religion. But “see” is and practices have a strong connection to their united on the creation of the universe. the operative word in a Pew Research Center views about science.” The nones were the only major group in report issued this fall The hot topics were views on the creation which a majority (61 percent) said scientists Examining perceptions leads to some of the universe, on evolution and on whether were unanimous that “the universe was created unexpected findings. religious congregations should take positions in a single, violent event.” While 59 percent of U.S. adults say they in debates over public policies on scientific That Big Bang theory doesn’t resound for saw science and religion in conflict, that drops issues. most others, however. to 30 percent when people are asked about Overall, half of Americans (50 percent) Overall, 42 percent of U.S. adults per- their own religious beliefs. said congregations should express their views ceived scientific consensus about the creation It turns out that the most highly religious on policy decisions about scientific issues and of the universe. were least likely to see conflict. 46 percent said they should not. Most (52 percent) see scientists as divided, And those who said they saw the most Catholics were the most divided, with 49 including nearly 7 in 10 (69 percent) of white conflict between the two worldviews in society percent saying churches should not express evangelicals and 62 percent of Hispanics are people who personally claimed no religious their views and 45 percent calling for churches Catholics. brand, the “nones,” according to the report. to speak up. Americans did come together on one “Our perceptions of others are often dif- The main survey relied on an August issue — strong public support for government ferent than our perceptions of ourselves and 2014 analysis, one year before Pope Francis investment in science. Overall, 71 percent of this plays out here. It’s the most striking find- issued a powerful teaching document on the adults said government investment in basic sci- ing,” said Cary Funk, associate director of environment citing scientific voices calling for ence research “pays off in the long run,” while research and co-author of the report. action on climate change. 24 percent said such investments are not worth The report is an analysis of several surveys About 2 in 3 white evangelicals (69 it, the report says. but chiefly relies on a 2014 survey of 2,002 percent) and black Protestants (66 percent) The AAAS, mindful of how attitudes U.S. adults conducted in collaboration with supported churches’ expressing views. But toward science can influence society, just the American Association for the Advancement most of those with no religious affiliation (66 finished a three-year “Perceptions Project” of Science. percent) were firmly against it. through its Dialogue on Science, Ethics and In that survey: On evolution, 31 percent of U.S. adults Religion to engage religious communities, * 40 percent of evangelical Protestants said said humans and other living things “have particularly evangelicals, in conversation with their personal religious beliefs conflicted with existed in their present form since the begin- scientists. science. ning of time.” Most (65 percent overall) said The perception gap highlighted by the * 50 percent of highly religious adults (people that “humans and other living things have Pew analysis can be addressed by building who said they attend religious services at evolved over time.” This includes: bridges between both groups so that they least weekly) saw science and religion often * 86 percent of the religiously unaffiliated don’t rely on “media stereotypes,” said Jennifer in conflict. * 73 percent of non-Hispanic white Catholics Wiseman, an astronomer and program director * 76 percent of religiously unaffiliated said they and 59 percent of Hispanic Catholics for DoSer. saw such conflict in society. But when asked * 71 percent of white mainline Protestants “We found that everyone from the least to about their personal beliefs, just 16 percent * 49 percent of black Protestants the most religious seems fundamentally inter- saw such conflict. * 36 percent of white evangelicals. ested and positive about science,” she said. The analysis looked at 20 science issues and The margin of error was plus or minus 3.1 per- Although there were “a few areas where found that on most — including climate centage points for overall findings but higher for people stand apart,” Wiseman said, “we found change, genetically modified foods and space subgroups, ruling out analysis of Jews, Muslims, a lot of shared desire to use science and tech- exploration — religious differences were part of Hindu and other small religious groups. nology for the betterment of the world and a matrix of influences that include age, gender, The Pew analysis found wide differences the human condition. There’s a lot of common education, political affiliation and ideology. among major religious groups when it came ground.” BT
“We found that everyone from the least to the most religious seems fundamentally interested and positive about science.”
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