Texas Baptist Forum_32204

Posted: 3/19/04

TEXAS BAPTIST FORUM
Jesus' sacrifice

Because of “The Passion of the Christ,” debate is raging about who killed Jesus. Again, as people, we put the focus on us.

Some blame others, and others blame themselves. We think the universe revolves around us.

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Jesus willingly gave his life, as the final ultimate sacrifice, to allow us to be made pure in our Father's eyes. It's not about us; it's about him. Praise his name!

If we believe we could kill Christ, then we don't know him. He created us and has total control over all creation. We may be able to disappoint him with a bad decision or break his heart by not accepting his free gift of salvation. But without his consent, we could not have caused him any physical harm.

I pray I can understand just how great his sacrifice was.

George W. Wilson

Irving

All about money

Democrats and Republicans are at it again. The name-calling and mud-slinging has begun.

It's election year and time for Americans to go into the “political party syndrome.” No holds are barred, and it's gonna get dirty!

The TV polls say the economy is issue No. 1. And considering that we all have to make a living, this has to be important.

But moral issues are surprisingly low on our totem pole of priorities. Party leaders are saying that matters of same-sex marriage and abortion are only marginally important.

And what does this say about America? It says we are more driven by money than morality. It says even though we claim to be Christians, Jesus' priorities aren't ours.

So, as usual, this year's big issue isn't Iraq. It's not abortion and gay marriage. It's not race or religion.

It'll still money.

Doug Fincher

San Augustine

Right vs. wrong

I disagree with Gilbert Thornton's letter opposing “political churches.” There most certainly should be a correlation between your religious views and your political views. That correlation is most certainly a legitimate topic to be addressed from the pulpit.

For example, the heinous infanticide procedure known as partial-birth abortion serves no legitimate medical purpose. Even the American Medical Association stated this truth. Its sole purpose is to kill a late-term viable baby.

One political party believes in “no child left behind.” Based on its legislative agenda, the other party seems to believe in “no fetus left behind.”

Does Thornton not see some moral difference between those viewpoints? Should a church ignore political opposition to every moral value they believe in? Do you not see some hypocrisy in voting for what you profess to oppose?

There are some parallels between the decline of the decadent ancient Roman Empire and the increasing decadence in our modern culture. You cannot profess to support your religious values and morality and then go into the voting booth and vote for political Romans.

Morality is not based on prejudices. It is based on what is right and what is wrong.

Donald Baker

Lampasas

Marriage amendment

I'm deeply concerned by J.D. Allen's letter against a constitutional amendment banning gay marriages. I respectfully disagree with his arguments, and I hope others share my concerns.

First, I'm concerned that the example of Jesus would be used to justify embracing the radical left- wing agenda. Let's not confuse the hurting homosexuals with the aggressive homosexual activist.

Second, I'm more concerned that we are becoming like Sodom than like Calvin's Geneva. Can we no longer fight against the aggression of sin without being right-winged?

Third, I'm concerned that anyone would think we were singling out homosexuals. If pedophiles or polygamists were trying to redefine marriage, would we be picking on them too?

Fourth, I'm concerned that trying to figure out the president's ulterior motives only confuses the real issue. The issue is if gay marriage is right or wrong. States will be able to refuse to perform gay marriages, but they ultimately will have to acknowledge them from other states. The constitution's full faith and credit clause will override all individual state laws.

The marriage amendment is the only way to ensure that gay marriage doesn't become the law of the land. As a father of two, I'm concerned that if we don't stand now against this aggression that our sins will visit the following generations.

Steve Trammell

Tyler

Educational value

At 40 years of age, I decided to go back to school for a doctor of ministry degree. To go back to school and have Scott Tatum, Jimmie Nelson, Boyd Hunt and a host of others was a great learning time, as was class participation.

Before I returned to school, a deacon asked, “Henry, when you get that degree, what are you going to do with it?” I stumbled in finding words; finally, I knew where he was going. I answered, “I will hang it on my wall and leave it there.” His answer? “Good.” And this question came from a man whose degree was in science and worked in the Lunar Lab at NASA!

I visited one night in the home of one of the most outstanding Christian men I have known. In his study, I saw a degree on the wall. My response was surprise at his Ph.D. He knew who he was and was secure in himself and Christ.

I value education, but we must never let it value us. Properly understand it and esteem it. I always wished to be taught by those who had achieved the proper preparation for their field. In our day, it is now possible to obtain one's education on the Internet. There is no excuse for not preparing oneself for the work of ministry, whether it be the classroom, on a campus or computer. Value it, but do not derive your value from it.

Henry Adrion III

Hilltop Lakes

New names

Southern Baptist Convention President Jack Graham is looking for a new name for the SBC, which is certainly appropriate in view of how much it has changed.

How about Non-Cooperative Baptist Convention to reflect the desire to withdraw from the Baptist World Alliance? Or maybe Signing Baptist Convention to signify making the Baptist Faith & Message a creed.

Mud-Slinging Baptist Convention would be appropriate to show how character assassination is a hallmark of the leadership, or Little Tent Baptist Convention to emphasize their exclusion of those with differing opinions.

But the name that sums it up would be My-Way-or-the-Highway Baptist Convention, which they have made their guiding principle for the last quarter-century.

Dolan McKnight

Richardson

Another name

My reaction to reading about Jack Graham's proposal to change the name of the Southern Baptist Convention: “Do what?” “Oh, no!”

Mike Midkiff

Marshall

Response on Marv Knox

This is in response to Helen Watson's letter severely critical of Marv Knox and his writings (Feb. 9). He needs no defense, as the truth he writes is its own defense. He speaks to the basics of Baptist beliefs I grew up with in the 1930s, '40s and '50s. I am so glad I have the Baptist General Convention of Texas to perpetuate these basic beliefs.

Jim Luscombe

Richardson

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