December 15, 1999
COMMENTARY:
Mohler and Patterson united on Scripture
___ As someone who worked alongside Paige Patterson for nine years and now R. Albert Mohler, Jr. for over three years, I felt it both appropriate and necessary to respond to Kenneth Chafin's commentary, "A more broadminded Paige Patterson" (Dec. 8).
___I know both men to be committed to historic, orthodox, evangelical Christianity and the full truthfulness of God's word. While differing on some matters of interpretation (actually very few), they stand united in their affirmation of Scripture's inerrancy and sufficiency.
___I know both men to be committed to world missions, personal evangelism and the proposition that Jesus Christ saves all who come to Him in repentance and faith. I would point out that it was under Mohler that the Billy Graham School of Missions, Evangelism and Church Growth was founded at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Patterson's zeal in these areas is well known.
___I know both men affirm all the miracles in the Bible to be historical, factual events, questioning or doubting none.
___I know both men affirm that Jesus is the only Savior. I would like to know if Chafin still believes that his rabbi friend does not need Jesus, as he clearly stated on the "Donahue" show.
___I know both men believe all children dying in infancy are saved by God's grace and that they will spend eternity in heaven. Mohler and I addressed this in SBC Life (May 1998). Chafin was either ignorant of this or he ignored it.
___These are the type of convictions I have observed in these exemplary Baptist leaders. I am proud and grateful they lead two of our fine institutions. I believe the vast majority of Southern Baptists feel the same way.
___Daniel L. Akin
___Dean, School of Theology
___Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
___Louisville, Ky.
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