Christians & the death penalty
The state government of Arkansas hoped to kill seven inmates over an 11-day period.
It really bothers me that so many Christians support the death penalty. Jesus was executed by “the state.” He believed in forgiveness and the Golden Rule. Jesus believed in turning the other cheek, not casting stones. Jesus said, “Whatever you do to the least among men, you also do unto me.”
Prisoners on death row can certainly be considered the least among men. I am not saying that these men should be pardoned. They should remain behind bars.
Many Christians call themselves “pro-life.” Supporting executions is not pro-life.
Chuck Mann
Greensboro, N.C.
Profs & political sin
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Regarding “Texas Baptist professors denounce political sins and confess complicity,” God blesses those who confess their sin and turn toward Him in repentance as these have done regards their ‘pride of life.’
As an alumnus of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, I do not see any of those “conservative” scholars listed as participating in this public confession. The seminary was torn asunder by the politics of “inerrancy.” Bold Mission Thrust was cast aside by the politicians of inerrancy. The Southern Baptist Convention became a political creedal institution bowing at the altar of inerrant creed. Hundreds of the SBC’s career missionaries were denounced and called home and dismissed by the International Mission Board for their refusal to endorse the creed of “inerrancy”—the revised Baptist Faith and Message.
I doubt you will ever hear a confession of the pride of life from the leaders who led the SBC astray. Beginning in 1979, they worked to impose their narrow worldview on the convention at large. Thus did politics invade and divide the convention and the boards, and SWBTS in particular the 1980s.
Is it any wonder the SBC is in decline regards missions and baptisms, regards kingdom service and overall church growth?
It is why I long ago ceased to call myself a Southern Baptist, a convention like unto the church at Laodicea, saying “‘I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing,’ and you do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked?”
Lord, bless these humble leaders. May their tribe increase. If only the SBC leadership would see the humility of the Texas Baptist scholars, and look within themselves, and do likewise.
Maurice Harding
Corpus Christi
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