This news is not news to anyone who’s been paying attention. But it is interesting to read a statement like the following in the Op-Ed pages of the New York Times. Melinda Henneberger writes: “Democrats are too unwilling to tolerate dissent on abortion. It is a point of orthodoxy no more open to debate within the party than the ordination of women is in Rome.”
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Dwight McKissic Resigns as Trustee of SWBTS
Sam Hodges of the Dallas Morning News reports that Pastor Dwight McKissic has resigned as a trustee of Southwestern Seminary. Pastor McKissic has released his letter of resignation in which he writes: “My involvement as a trustee has been a huge distraction from my ministry priorities for the past nine months. I’ve devoted too much mental, physical, emotional and even spiritual energy to matters resulting from the aftermath of my chapel sermon. I’ve been distracted and consumed with SBC/SWBTS matters the past nine months in a way that I haven’t been the past 24 years of pastoring an SBC church. It has taken a tremendous toll on my family and…
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Bush Does the Right Thing with Stem Cell Veto
There are many reasons that conservatives have become disenchanted with President George W. Bush. But there is yet one thing to be thankful for. He is standing firm in favor of life. The Associated Press is reporting that he intends to veto legislation that would ease restrictions on federal funding for stem cell research. This veto means that the President will be taking a very unpopular stand, despite the political reality that he doesn’t need to be giving people any other reasons to dislike him. I’m thankful that he’s chosen the right thing over the expedient thing. “Bush to Veto Stem Cell Bill” – Deb Riechmann (Associated Press)
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Reflections from an SBC Newbie
I have already written about some of the things that transpired at the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) last week, but I have not shared my overall impressions of the meeting or my opinion about the most significant thing that happened. First of all, full disclosure: I am a convention newbie. The San Antonio meeting of the SBC was my first time ever to attend the annual gathering. Travelling, lodging, and eating can bust the budget really quick without an expense account. So for me, going to the SBC has always been cost prohibitive. But this year I just decided to go anyway and to try to do so on the…
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Ruth Graham and End of Life Ethics
From Jeffrey Weiss at the Dallas Morning News: Shortly before she died, a family spokesman told the news media that Mrs. Graham had asked to no longer receive nutrition or liquids though a feeding tube. How she and her family reached that decision offers valuable lessons for others who will inevitably face similar situations, said professionals who work with the dying. . .
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SBC Debates on Tongues and Calvinism
The gift of tongues and Calvinistic theology are two hot topics in Southern Baptist life right now. Criswell College President, Dr. Jerry Johnson, moderated two fascinating debates on these topics at the Southern Baptist Convention just this week. Both debates are available for download from the “Jerry Johnson Live” podcast or from the podcast’s website.
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Ruth Bell Graham, RIP (1920-2007)
A family spokesperson has just announced that the Rev. Billy Graham’s wife Ruth has just passed into the presence of Jesus. She was married to Rev. Graham for 64 years. In a statement just released, Rev. Graham says:
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Did Baptist Moderates Win in San Antonio?
Did the Southern Baptist moderates win in San Antonio? I think that some of them think that they did, and at least one person at the Associated Press agrees. The headline to the AP story says, “In victory for moderates, Southern Baptists reaffirm faith statement.” Here’s the relevant excerpt which includes comments from both Wade Burleson and Ben Cole:
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Preview of forthcoming Article
My good friend Jim Hamilton and I working on an article for the Journal of Biblical Manhood and Womanhood, and we have sent out a survey as a part of our research. I have been somewhat surprised by the results and what those results reveal about evangelical opinions concerning women in ministry. The task that Jim and I have is to set out the state of the gender debate among younger evangelicals. Our work is still not finished, but we have identified four positions on the spectrum of evangelical opinion. We believe that the fundamental issue that differentiates opinions on this question is whether or not a principle of male…
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Steve Hayes Reviews New Caedmon’s Call Album
I’ve been talking a lot about Caedmon’s Call lately, and I’m happy to report that my good friend Steve Hayes has already listened to and reviewed their new album “Overdressed.” Steve has the inside track on all things Caedmon’s (I’m sorry, Steve, for outing you when you shared the first album back in ’96), so this is likely the first review you’ll read. One thing’s for sure. I can’t wait to buy “Overdressed.” I’ll probably write about it here when I do. In the meantime, go check out Steve’s review. “‘Overdressed’ Dresses up Nicely (A review of the new Caedmon’s Call release)” – Steve Hayes (Cajun Roast Beef)