May 13, 2002
TEXAS BAPTIST FORUM:
Mirror image
___"For they have sown the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind" (Hosea 8:7).
___I do not feel comfortable in either Baptist camp. At times, I have great appreciation for the views and accomplishments of each. At other times, I am so disappointed in both.
___"Budget shortfall cutting into BGCT's ministries" (April 29) shares some of the tragic realities of the decrease in Baptist General Convention of Texas funding. It is truly a shame that money to these BGCT ministries has or may be cut.
___However, who is m
ainly responsible for the decrease in BGCT funds?
___This dramatic change came when the BGCT leadership and other moderates in their "wisdom" decided to reduce funding--especially to our Southern Baptist Convention seminaries.
___For many, this was wrong. Many of us chose to remedy this by redirecting money that had gone through the BGCT to the SBC or directly to the seminaries.
___The article speaks of the reduced funding leading to "reduce the number of young ministerial students receiving tuition assistance at Texas Baptist universities." While that is not good, it is even worse to reduce the number of young ministerial students receiving tuition assistance at Southern Baptist seminaries. That would be the result if Texas Baptist moderates had their way.
___What is happening is tragic.
___If the moderates want to know who is mainly responsible for the decline in giving to the BGCT, all they need do is look in any mirror.
___"Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap" (Galatians 6:7).
___
Liebert Armour
___
Waco
Catholics & Baptists
___For years I have heard nay-sayers complain that the SBC was becoming more and more like the Roman Catholic Church in seeking to control what its members are allowed to believe. Evidence of this includes requiring educators at SBC seminaries to sign every new and improved, revised and amended Baptist Faith & Message and acknowledge it as the basis for all instruction in these institutions. I have learned this fear is unfounded.
___In a New York Times article, "Is the Pope Catholic?" (May 4), Bill Keller notes current problems in the American Roman Catholic Church: "Next month, after years of resistance, the American church is supposed to begin requiring that theologians teaching in Catholic universities accept a 'mandatum' from their bishops, a pledge of allegiance to doctrinal orthodoxy. The American bishops fear this will stifle intellectual discussion, but the pope insists."
___So you see, the SBC is not becoming more like the Roman Catholic Church in enforcing doctrinal control through education. The Catholic Church is becoming more like us.
___
Ed I. Palmer
___
Sulphur Springs
Full circle
___A Catholic bishop in the United States recently remarked that non-Catholics are poor because they only have the Bible for their doctrine, whereas Catholics have the Bible, five extra books in the Bible, tradition, creeds and papal announcements. They maintain that the Bible is "not enough." So, Southern Baptists have taken this remark to heart (April 8).
___Now we have the SBC and the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention telling us the Bible is "not enough."
___Southern Baptists now need creeds and papal announcements from Nashville or Atlanta to enrich our walk with Christ. All we lack are traditions and the apocryphal books, and we will have come full circle--from Catholic to Baptist and return to Catholicism.
___The foolishness of men who believe they can improve upon the word of the One called Jahweh Adonai El Shaddii and the most precious name of all--Jesus.
___
Lee Neal
___
Guadalajara, Mexico
Campus revival
___Thanks for the great article on Bible studies on college campuses, including Breakaway Ministries at Texas A&M University (April 29). Four thousand students worshipping together is great. It was a great experience for our son, who is completing his master's program and looking for a career in missions.
___I hope Tom DeLay got to read about what is happening at A&M.
___
Howard L. Rhodes
___
Dimmitt
Faculty quality
___Questions have been raised concerning the newly elected faculty at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (April 29). These statements present half-truths and call into question the leadership of the seminary's president and provost.
___Let me speak to this issue, since I serve on the board at Southwestern.
___It was noted, "Five had no teaching experience at the graduate level," when, in fact, all have taught at the graduate level two years or more. It stated, "None were reported to have pastoral experience," when in fact three have served as pastors and three as associates. The letter questioned their education as Baptists, yet three have their undergraduate degrees from Baptist universities, and seven of the eight received their seminary training at Southern, Southeastern or Southwestern. The other is a graduate of Dallas Seminary and a recognized scholar in the evangelical world.
___These new faculty members are quality scholars who desire to serve within Southern Baptist life because of their commitment to the Scriptures and the longstanding tradition of missions and evangelism that Southwestern is known for. I am grateful that same legacy has continued under the leadership of President Ken Hemphill and will continue with the addition of Provost Craig Blaising.
___Southwestern is as strong an SBC school as ever. Oh, by the way, more than 54 percent of all SBC foreign missionaries were trained for missions at Southwestern. Glory!
___
Denny Autrey
___
Lindale
___Editor's note: Information for the original letter was taken from a news release provided by Southwestern Seminary.
Academy ministries
___The Baptist Student Union at the United States Air Force Academy would like to contact the men and women reporting to the academy June 26 and 27.
___This will be an opportunity for cadets to meet smiling faces and make new Christian friends before beginning training.
___If pastors, parents, relatives, friends or new cadets will contact us with name, address and telephone, we will contact them to secure flight arrival times and provide further information.
___The Air Force Academy Baptist Student Union is a widely recognized organization and is here to contribute to cadets' spiritual growth.
___Through the support of the North American Mission Board, Colorado Baptist General Convention, Pikes Peak Baptist Association and local churches, the BSU provides an active and effective ministry. We seek to minister to cadets through Bible study, discipleship and evangelism training, local church involvement, worship and fellowship, along with mission and ministry endeavors.
___Please contact Dwain Gregory, (719) 599-9094; e-mail: leedgreg@aol.com
___At West Point, contact Bill Blackwell, (845) 534-3944; e-mail: yb8731@usma.edu
___At the Naval Academy, contact Kirk Ritchey, (410) 263-0963; e-mail: ritchey@usna.edu
___At the Coast Guard Academy, contact Caci Clemmer, (860) 912-3126; e-mail: cacilou@yahoo.com.
___
Dwain Gregory
___
Colorado Springs
___What do you think? Submit letters for Texas Baptist Forum via e-mail to marvknox@baptiststandard.com or regular mail at Box 660267, Dallas 75266-0267. Letters must be no longer than 250 words. They may be edited to accommodate space.
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