Compartmentalizing

I don’t mean this to be critical or judgmental, but only an expression of a concern: I believe a movement that has come into vogue in the last several years—namely “cowboy churches”—may not necessarily be a desirable phenomenon.

Could it be that those attracted to “cowboy churches” do not feel welcome or comfortable in other churches?

It concerns me that we may be in danger of compartmentalizing groups of people who attend churches. Taken to extreme, we could have plumbers’ churches, carpenters’ churches, doctors’ churches, lawyers’ churches and so on.

The bottom line should be that every person should be welcomed and made to feel wanted, loved and comfortable in every church.

Dale Person

Marshall

Baylor’s new Starr

Since the “give away” of Baylor University by Texas Baptists in fear that it “might” be turned into another Liberty University, Baylor has finally come back to its senses by hiring Kenneth Starr as president (March 1).

F.A. Taylor

Kempner

I’m shocked and appalled at the selection of Kenneth Starr—a partisan, right-wing Republican zealot who isn’t even a Baptist—to become president of Baylor. I can’t imagine a more divisive and destructive choice.

As a lifelong Baptist, I have always felt close to Baylor. Two of my three children earned degrees from Baylor, and I have had countless friends at Baylor. I was mayor of Waco when Herbert Reynolds worked to prevent this kind of ideological takeover at Baylor.

Kenneth Starr is one of the most divisive partisan political figures in American history. He led the partisan witch hunt to undo the results of the 1992 presidential election. Whitewater and Blackwater tell us everything we need to know about him.

Starr spent $52 million of taxpayer money on Whitewater to get President Clinton—twice the amount spent by the 9/11 Commission. That investigation was one long, unethical abuse of power. Starr’s only success was in trapping Clinton into lying about the Lewinsky matter.

Now, Starr is involved in defending the Blackwater mercenary corporation. Blackwater is responsible for the murder of countless innocent civilians in Iraq.

From what we know about Starr’s background, the board of regents is either completely out of touch or is trying to establish Baylor as a right-wing Republican university. Move over Liberty University and Regent University—Baylor is coming through.

Were the regents unable to locate a competent, ethical Baptist for president of Baylor?

Charles Reed

Waco

I am sure Kenneth Starr is a fine man and is well-educated, but his training has been in law. I doubt he has any idea how a Baptist university is operated, since he does not know what Baptists believe or why they do certain things the way they do them. The Baylor University regents, if they had put more time in their decision, could have found a Baptist with as much education and in the right field of study.

Baylor University is a Baptist university supported by Texas Baptists. I doubt very seriously many Texas Baptists agree with the decision the regents made in appointing Starr. I know I don’t.

The purpose of Baylor University is to educate men and women in a Christian atmosphere. Since it is a Baptist university, I would think that not only the president, but the entire faculty should be longstanding Baptists. To me, appointing Starr as president of Baylor would be like a Baptist mission board appointing a Methodist, Catholic or Church of Christ to go out on the mission field to witness for Baptists. It does not make sense to me.

I have no idea what the regents were thinking when they pulled such a stunt. I believe they should reconsider their decision in this matter.

Bob Logan

Weatherford

Muslim bias?

Regarding “Nearly half of Americans admit to anti-Muslim bias” (March 1): Americans are not biased against Muslims! Reality is not bias.

Just this morning, Muslim terrorists set off two car bombs; the dead haven’t been counted yet. Tens of thousands of men, women and children are hideously and indiscriminately murdered every year by Muslim terrorists. Show me the Muslim outcry over the murders. I read the above-mentioned article looking for a statement from a “good” Muslim who condemns terrorism. Such statements do not exist.

Islam is an evil religion. Am I biased? Bias is an unfounded belief. Are Christians or Jews setting off car bombs? Did Saudi Arabia or Pakistan go into Iraq or Afghanistan to stop the slaughters? Who stopped the slaughter of Muslims in Bosnia?

What is being called “bias” of Muslims is not a bias but an accurate perception. The silence of Muslims and ever-mounting mountain of dead are the testimony of reality.

Fred Rosenbaum

Gainesville

Baylor & Starr

My friends on the Baylor University board of regents are urging patient understanding from our Texas Baptist family concerning the appointment of Kenneth Starr as president of the university.

The call to reason and patience—two clear scriptural virtues—is timely for those of us who are confused and dismayed by this appointment. Because we all, as the Apostle Paul reminds us, “see through a glass darkly,” we must be open to perspectives different from our own and possibilities other than those we can imagine.

But given the consistent hijacking of Baptist soul freedom by the forces of conformity over the past 30 years, it seems to me that skepticism is the reasonable response to this decision.

Charles Foster Johnson

Desdemona

The biggest “tell” in your interview with Ken Starr, Baylor’s new president, (published online Feb. 16 and in this edition of the Standard) is his comment that “Baylor is particularly well suited to reflect on the growth of the central government.” Notice that he did not say the “role” but the “growth” of the central government. And this is to be Baylor’s focus in looking at the world?

This man comes with an unsurprising political agenda, which he already has broadcast in his interview with the Standard.

No one can say they weren’t warned.

Hal Wingo

Santa Fe, N.M.

Quality over quantity

Thanks for “Balancing quantity & quality of life” (Feb. 15). In October, the doctor said to me, “I can’t cure your cancer.” I pleaded, “Please, doctor, do chemotherapy or something.” He told me he could not cure it, and the chemo would end my quality of life. Of course, we shed our tears. But I have since thanked my doctor for his courage. Other doctors would have treated me.

Three days after my news, I was in Salado performing a wedding. I phoned my dear friend Chaplain Dale Moon and asked him to give a eulogy about my Army career at my funeral. He was so healthy, took no medication, and I knew he cared deeply for me. On Feb. 2, I gave Dale’s eulogy at First Baptist Church in McKinney and told of his tremendous Army career. Wearing the Army blue uniform again, I saluted that flag over his casket with pride and joy.

The last five months have been among the greatest days of my life. I eat well, sleep well and have not been sick in years. I am reminded daily of my swollen lymph nodes, but I still walk my dog, Daisy, 30 minutes down by Lake Lewisville bi-daily.

I may have days or years to live, but it really doesn’t matter. Today is the day that the Lord hath made.

Jack Milligan

Lewisville

Following God

I wonder if Joe Tom Poe, author of Life at 80 As I Have Lived It (Jan. 18) remembers everything about his youth. My family lived down the road from Paul and Mae Poe in Eastland County, about two miles from Long Branch Baptist Church. I remember Joe Tom had an inquiring mind when he was 2 and 3 years old. When his parents would call to tell us they were coming to visit, we got busy and put everything up beyond his reach and closed doors to rooms where we did not want all of the drawers opened. Joe Tom liked to look at anything in the drawers, pick up and look at anything that was in reach. I know because I was there, too.

I am so proud to have known someone who has been such a wonderful example of what God calls him to do. I will certainly buy the book and read it.

I will be 90 years old in June, and I remember things, too.

Nell Been Davis

Elgin

Worship music

I respectfully disagree with Richard Berry’s comparison of the ungodly behavior of the Israelites at the foot of Mount Sinai with contemporary worship (Feb. 1). The chosen people fell away in an orgy of corruption that displeased God, but it is unfair to equate that revelry with the worship of almighty God that happens in Baptist churches across Texas every week.

My church expresses worship with both traditional and contemporary styles, and they enable us to voice our devotion to God in meaningful ways. This past Sunday, the texts of the contemporary songs we sang included, “Today is the day you have made, I will rejoice and be glad in it,” “Worthy is the Lamb, worthy of our praise, worthy is the One Who has overcome the grave,” “Praise Adonai from the rising of the sun to the end of every day” and “Amazing love, how can it be that You, my King, would die for me?” Looks like pretty sound, biblically based theology.

The Bible says God delights in the praises of his people in different ways—some from centuries back and others written recently. Having led worship for more than 30 years, I thank God that young and not-so-young people are in our churches, expressing heartfelt devotion to God with many authentic styles! There is no golden calf—just a merciful, awesome God to whom I delight in giving my praises.

Jim Cleaveland

El Paso

Church’s voice

The church without voice has limited power. Many church members fear for their rights to worship, to have freedom of speech and to be free. It is like the government has put the church in a box, sealed it and has stored it away out of sight. As long as the church keeps to itself, the government won’t do anything to it. Can our rights survive without the church standing up for what is right?

During colonial times, the church was not quiet. Christians understood that without the church standing up for what is right, America would lose its freedom and people would lose their rights. Unlike the Pilgrims, we have allowed the government to hide us away, and many Christians are oblivious to what is happening! Without the church standing up and protecting our rights, the government will steal them from us. I believe this is one of the reasons why separation of church and state was so important to the colonists.

The church gaining back its rights will definitely not happen on its own. We need patriots who understand what the government is doing and who will fight for their rights. We need pastors, willing to step out of the box and preach vigorously about these issues. We need the people of the United States of America to stand up and take action.

Lilly Cool

Tyler

Pockets of prayer

The need is so great; it is far beyond any of us. Will you help organize pockets of prayer warriors across our nation? It will take time and a little money to send letters to churches and pastors.

Just think what 100,000 groups of four and five people meeting once a week to pray for revival could accomplish.

The one weapon we have against Satan is serious, God-anointed prayer. Every great revival was birthed in the prayer closet.

If you will help, please organize a prayer group of four or five in your church to pray together once a week.

We meet at our church on Tuesday morning each week to pray for revival. This has been going on for about four years. We have from four to eight who come each week. From four to six are pastors.

Please pray that God will lay it on the hearts of a group in your church to meet once a week to pray for revival.

Vaughn Denton

Olive Branch, Miss.

Robertson & Haiti

Millionaire evangelist/politician/businessman Pat Robertson believes the people of Haiti were successful in their slave revolt against the French because they made a deal with the devil (Jan. 18).

I remember when he warned our country about the “New World Order” George H. W. Bush was trying to start. Then, a few years later, he was supporting Bush’s son, George W., for president. I’ve always wondered if that meant he was wrong about the Bush family New World Order, or that he was right and decided to join it anyway.

I can’t believe there still are people who follow him and give him money. He has made millions of dollars from religion, politics and business. Maybe he should consider retirement.

Chuck Mann

Greensboro, N.C.

Thank you for your editorial that stands in disagreement with and opposition to opinions such as those expressed by Pat Robertson—that God punished Haiti for actions taken 200 years ago (Jan. 18).

For some to conclude, suggest or offer judgments that God brutalizes innocent children and Christians in Haiti leaves me bewildered and saddened.

They seem to know a different God than I know and worship.

Dale Person

Marshall

Worship & culture

Did you know there is an account of contemporary worship in the Bible? In Exodus 32, Moses came down from Mount Sinai after receiving the Ten Commandments, and came upon a worship service in progress.

Aaron, upon popular demand, had produced a golden calf to use in worship. Why a calf? It was straight from the popular culture of Egypt from whence they had only recently come. It was a symbol of fertility of the herds and a blessing of deity, but it was not without sexual innuendoes. Such a focus was relevant to the lives of the Israelite herdsmen and shepherds.

Aaron declared: “This is your god, O Israel, who brought you up from the land of Egypt” and “Tomorrow is a feast to the Lord” (Exodus 32:4-5). The people offered burnt offerings and brought peace offerings. It was a popular religious event. There were more than 3,000 present (Exodus 32:28).

The Bible says “the people rose up to play.” We do not know what they played, but it was loud, for as Moses and Joshua approached the camp, Joshua said there must be a battle going on (Exodus 32:17).

Moses was outraged, and his reaction was intemperate. Poor Moses, he just couldn’t be flexible about a worship style drawn from the popular culture of the day.

Richard Berry

Longview

Muslims & military

Do we need a debate on whether Muslims should serve in the U.S. armed forces?

My grandson Kirkland turned a year old a couple of months after 9-11. We have been at war in Muslim countries all of his life. Kirkland, like many other little boys, looks up to the U.S. armed forces. His No. 1 ambition is to fight for this United States of America when he is grown. That’s only nine years away, and I pray every day God will guard and guide Kirkland’s ambition. Every day, I ask God to give him a little bit of extra special attention for that day; wondering if I may have to pray that prayer someday when Kirkland actually fights in a foreign Muslim land.

There is no question in Kirkland’s 9-year-old mind that he will fight for freedom if needed. My family on my father’s side started fighting for freedom way back in the Revolutionary War and in the Civil War. My mother had three brothers who fought in World War II. She had an uncle who fought and died in World War I. I have a brother who went to Vietnam. We have family who served in Korea. One of my great nephews served two tours in Iraq.

Non-Muslim armies are fighting for the freedom of those Muslims who are busy debating what part they should play in fighting to keep this free America many of them call home! Is a debate really necessary?

Joyce M. Brumley

Grand Prairie

Foster transition gap

The article on foster teens (Dec. 7) recognizes a serious need to fill the transition gap. The initiative of Toby Owen, Bryans Fitzhugh and University Baptist Church in Fort Worth is most praiseworthy.

The current foster-care system, apparently based on historic norms, does not address the handicap and difficulty of foster teens in a world where transition to adulthood or independent living is 21 to 25 years of age. Reduction of vocational skills training at the high school level in Texas has contributed to the transition deficit.

Since more than 2,000 Texas teens age out of foster care per year, it seems this need could be met more completely by changes to the foster-care system. Transition benefits likely would be a small fraction of the current cost of homeless teens and issues that are borne by the state or others.

Since foster homes inherit much of the burden by default, such a program would be a strong encouragement to maintain the foster-care system.

Bill Fellers

Trent

Buried talent

Jesus taught that he would leave the 99 and go seek the one who was lost.

If a congregation loves one another, comes together to worship and preaches the word of God but fails to be out in their community looking for the hungry, naked and those in spiritual and physical need, are they not burying their talent? Is it not the same as Jesus taught in Matthew 25:14-30?

Daniel Younger

Itasca

What do you think? Write to: P.O. Box 660267, Dallas 75266-0267; or [email protected].

Pastoral expectations

Allen Reasons’ response to the request for resources for a pastor-search committee (Dec. 21) was excellent except for one issue.

In my experience as a committee chairman, I learned the committee needs to prepare a written resumé to define the candidate who would fulfill the church’s expectations. This resumé should go into great detail. Each candidate then is compared to that resumé. Never compare one candidate’s qualifications against the qualifications of another candidate.

Of course, even the Apostle Paul would not exactly match this hypothetical resumé. Prayer and communication will provide wisdom within the committee to identify the person God would have them present to the church.

This hypothetical resumé must remain confidential within the committee, just as the privacy of all candidates is kept confidential. Gossip always is harmful. Remember, the person recommended to the church will not meet every item in the hypothetical resumé. The church should never know about items not met by the recommended candidate.

Bill Osborne

Houston

Convention attendance

I don’t think people’s dislike for “petty politics and bickering,” as characterized by John Unger (Dec. 7 ), is the main reason for declining attendance at the Baptist General Convention of Texas’ annual meeting.

Rather, people will go out of their way to attend a convention or seminar that offers real opportunities for professional growth and personal renewal.

Conversely, people will stay away from statewide business meetings like they stay away from their own church’s meetings.

As a side note, the decline in participative decision-making has paralleled the rise of elder rule among Baptists. The attitude is summarized by letting someone trustworthy do the administration, because we have more important things to attend to. Those “other important things” must become the very substance of the annual meeting, or else we will continue to see a downward trend in attendance.

Ben Macklin

Vernon

Church planters

As a church planter myself, I feel a growing sense of concern for Texas Baptists’ church-planting program. Specifically, my fellow church planters consistently tell me:

• The planter is the only person with a vision from God, and everyone in that congregation must follow the planter.

• Asking questions and presenting any reasoned, logical arguments regarding sermons or teachings are forbidden.

• Leaders are selected based on their relationship with the lead planter.

• Education is bad.

• Seminary is bad.

• People who volunteer to help are suspect.

Given this predominant attitude among church planters whom I know, I wish to ask the following questions:

• What is it about educated church members that frightens planters?

• When planters dictate that people must follow and obey them without question, are they setting themselves up as mini-popes?

• Why do so many BGCT planters insist on claiming they are not Baptists? Do they not realize that by being part of the BGCT and lying about it, they engage in a bait-and-switch?

• Luke and Paul had more education than any church planter I've met. How can so many church planters justify saying education is bad?

• Why do church planters persist in preaching and practicing the idea that people who already are Chris-tians are not welcome in their church plants? Why do they stand in God's way when he decides to bring experienced Christians alongside them?

Mike Sacmary

Austin

Gift of salvation

That’s quite a stretch by Tom Hightower to equate Barack Obama’s Nobel Peace Prize with God’s free gift of salvation (Dec. 21 ).

God’s free gift of salvation requires acceptance first, but it must be earned afterward. Repentance is required. In that sense, it is not free but requires a return from the life we live. The free gift of salvation from God was Jesus Christ.

Fred Rosenbaum

Gainesville

Needs of Foster Teens

The article on foster teens (Dec. 7) recognizes a serious need to fill the transition gap. The initiative of Toby Owen, Bryans Fitzhugh and University Baptist Church in Fort Worth is most praiseworthy.

The current foster-care system, apparently based on historic norms, does not address the handicap and difficulty of foster teens in a world where transition to adulthood or independent living is 21 to 25 years of age. Reduction of vocational skills training at the high school level in Texas has contributed to the transition deficit. Since more than 2,000 Texas teens age out of foster care per year, it seems this need could be met more completely by changes to the foster-care system. Transition benefits likely would be a small fraction of the current cost of homeless teens and issues that are borne by the state or others.

Since foster homes inherit much of the burden by default, such a program would be a strong encouragement to maintain the foster-care system.

Bill Fellers

Trent

Jon Randles' work outstanding

What an outstanding ministry Jon Randles has given our Lord and this state with his work as director of the Texas Baptist evangelism team.  His enthusiasm—both for our Lord Jesus and seeing the lost saved—has been powerful and effective! 

His service has not been due to a title or position he held. His service came from his heart and desire to impact the kingdom of God in an evangelistic way! 

As he has asked before, “What do you ooze?”  Jon Randles “oozes” an evangelistic fervor and positive encouragement for folks in our pews as well as church staff members to get outside the church and practice the evangelism we hear and preach! 

Frank Teat

Henderson

Muslims in the military

Do we need a debate on whether Muslims should serve in the U.S. armed forces?

My grandson Kirkland turned a year old a couple of months after 9-11. We have been at war in Muslim countries all of his life. Kirkland, like many other little boys, looks up to the U.S. armed forces. His No. 1 ambition is to fight for this United States of America when he is grown. That’s only 9 years away, and I pray everyday God will guard and guide Kirkland’s ambition. Every day, I ask God to give him a little bit of extra special attention for that day; wondering if I may have to pray that prayer someday when Kirkland actually fights in a foreign Muslim land.

There is no question in Kirkland’s 9-year-old mind that he will fight for freedom if needed. My family on my father’s side started fighting for freedom way back in the Revolutionary War and in the Civil War. My mother had three brothers who fought in World War II. She had an uncle who fought and died in World War I. I have a brother who went to Vietnam. We have family who served in Korea. One of my great nephews served two tours in Iraq.

Non-Muslim armies are fighting for the freedom of those Muslims who are busy debating what part they should play in fighting to keep this free America many of them call home! Is a debate really necessary?

Joyce M. Brumley

Grand Prairie

What do you think? Send letters to Editor Marv Knox by mail: P.O. Box 660267, Dallas 75266-0267; or by e-mail: [email protected]. Due to space considerations, limit letters to 250 words, and only one letter per writer per quarter.

Always a Christmas

There’ll always be a Christmas

So long as truth remains in trust,

Conceived with promise held inviolate;

So long as faith confirms the birth

Of Day Spring’s glad arriving;

So long as Wise Men find the star,

And Shepherds know where angels are;

So long as gifts are brought with care,

And joyful laughter fills the air;

So long as hope responds in kind,

To share till breathless news divine;

So long as children dream their dreams,

Of lions and lambs in single ring;

So long as streets are free from hate,

Where young and old can congregate;

So long as fields awake to green,

Long Winter’s wind still welcomes Spring,

So long as angels anthem sing,

And Virgin’s child is crowned the King –

There’ll always be a Christmas.

BO Baker

Editor’s Note: BO Baker, a longtime Texas Baptist pastor and evangelist, has written a Christmas reflection for the Baptist Standard 34 consecutive years.

Unmerited favor

Thanks to the beneficence of a committee in Oslo, another American president has received perhaps one of the greatest honors that man can bestow—the Nobel Peace Prize. In awarding the prize, the committee praised Barack Obama for “his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples.”

Although I disagree with many of our president’s policies, I believe we can draw inspiration from this event in his life.

He was offered a free gift of great value, having done nothing to earn it, and would have been foolish to turn it down.

All he had to do to receive it was to accept it.

There is a greater gift offered not by wise men, but given freely by God. Of course, that would be his Son, the Prince of Peace.

Much like Obama’s Nobel Prize, the gift God offers is free. We’ve done nothing to earn it, and we’d be exceedingly foolish to reject it. To receive it, all we need do is accept it.

Obama’s award is paper, parchment, metal and the lauding of men. The gift God offers is eternal salvation and the right to be in the company of the true saints.

Perhaps we should thank the Nobel committee for demonstrating, however inadvertently, an aspect of God’s love and grace. And perhaps we should thank President Obama for showing us how to accept an undeserved, unmerited gift—with humility, thankfulness and an awareness of his (and our) own shortcomings.

How appropriate for this Christmas time.

Tom Hightower

Amarillo

Taking sides

I was interested in reading George Mason’s Baptist General Convention of Texas annual sermon about “taking sides” in Baptist life (Nov. 23). The sermon, in a round-about way, reminded me of a sermon I preached about two months ago, as I supplied the pulpit in a church here in San Antonio.

The subject of my sermon was taken from a line in a song by the 1970s rock group Cheap Trick: “The Christian army is the only army in the world that shoots its wounded!”

This line fits in with the thrust of Mason’s sermon.

Bill Simpson

San Antonio

What a fresh breath of truth from George Mason. While there are many differences among Christians, in and outside of the Baptist denomination, are any of those points more significant than “doing great things for the Lord”?

We will never all be alike. We each have distinct personalities and opinions about how to worship, how to conduct missions, and numerous other methods of ministry.

Why must we “take sides” at every turn? Think of the kingdom work that could be accomplished with the energy we waste insisting our way is the only way.

Instead of eyeing one another with judgment and blame, let’s turn our eyes on Jesus.

Gail Cawley Showalter

Nederland

Convention involvement

I see a Baptist General Convention of Texas committee has been “asked to examine ways to increase involvement” (Nov. 23). I also note that “events prior to the (BGCT annual) meeting marked the greatest involvement … of any similar event in recent history.”

Judging from these comments, I suspect my motives for not attending are similar to many others’. I no longer wish to waste time on petty politics and bickering. I’d rather spend my time ministering to those God has placed before me to serve, disciple and grow in Christ.

By coincidence, I was going through my parents’ effects and found a 1970 edition of The Satellite published by the Memorial Baptist Hospital System. It recounted how, in 1907, Baptists in Houston worked together to organize a hospital “where the highest form of Christian good cheer and ideals prevailed.” To help in the hospital, they established “the fledgling Baptist Sanitarium School.”

A century ago, Baptists in Texas worked together to meet the needs of society. Now, they bicker over control … and wonder why folks aren’t interested in their conventions.

Except there are still those concerned to fulfill their high calling in Christ. We just are not interested in convention meetings, programs, emphases, etc. We just want to serve Christ.

John Unger

Huntsville

Church awakening

Regarding your editorial, “Awakening versus cultural captivity” (Nov. 9): As a growth consultant, it is my privilege to work with many churches within the Christian community of faith. I can echo your remarks with a resounding “Amen!”

While government and educational programs, together with the efforts of countless individuals, groups and agencies, have long sought to eliminate the ills of our culture, it is time to recognize that true awakening, one which celebrates and respects diversity, cannot be achieved apart from the establishment of churches which intentionally and joyfully reflect the passion of Christ for all people of the world, regardless of their station, economic or racial, in our society.

Don Emmitte

Murfreesboro, Tenn.

What do you think? Send letters to Editor Marv Knox by mail: P.O. Box 660267, Dallas 75266-0267; or by e-mail: [email protected].

Church & state

Due to the recent government bail-outs—with taxpayer money—the government is now telling companies how much they can pay their top executives and employees. What greater example do we as Baptists need to never accept government money?

F.A. Taylor

Kempner

Christians & rumors

I enjoyed and appreciated your piece about rumor-mongering among Christians (Oct. 19). You should consider another contributing factor to the picture you have drawn, however.

That is the role that some large evangelical groups are playing in fabricating a revisionist Christianity in which opponents are depicted as the anti-Christ and conspiracies abound.

Further, the isolated nature of these communities makes them vulnerable to manipulation because they are cut off from the rest of the world and from multiple sources of information.

Having just finished reading Jeff Sharlet’s The Family, I am sure that it plays a huge role in the phenomenon.

Ann Donaldson

Boston, Mass.

Your package of articles on rumor-mongering brings up a very good point that I have been thinking about for several years regarding Internet rumors, political beliefs and opinions based on inaccurate information.

But the most important thing about Christians spreading false rumors is this: If I can’t trust my Christian friends to realize Saddam Hussein and Iraq didn’t have anything to do with 9/11—something that happened in the last 10 years—how do they ever expect me to believe what they tell me about something that may have happened 2,000 years ago? If they are gullible about things that can be disproved in one decade, why would I expect them to do any serious study about something 20 centuries ago?

I have a friend who is a youth minister in Knoxville, Tenn. I am friends with his family. So, when his right-wing parents sent some falsehood to everyone on their e-mail list, I was pleased that he did a “reply-all” and told everybody: “The truth is good enough. You don’t need to spread false stories.”

I wish more Christian ministers and congregants had that attitude—that the truth is good enough.

Bob Reynolds

Phoenix, Ariz.

Need for NAMB

I was shocked when I read the letter regarding our North American Mission Board from Mick Tahaney (Oct. 19).

Who indeed needs NAMB? How many people living in Texas and our country have not heard of the love and forgiveness of our Lord and Savior? The number is mind-boggling. We are to take the gospel to all the world, beginning in our own neighborhoods and state and country. The Great Commission in Matthew 28:19 tells us that without any doubts.

It is our obligation to give everyone the opportunity to hear the gospel. Church planters start new churches to spread the gospel. The reason to offer meals to students is to give them the opportunity to learn about Jesus. Many students who come to those luncheons do not know the good news, and some are from foreign nations. We are not bribing them or forcing our beliefs on them, just giving them a chance to make Christian friends and learn about Jesus’ love and forgiveness.

I agree that once we share the gospel, we have done what Christ asked us to do, and the outcome is up to God and the person who received the witness.

My prayer is Baptists will understand the need of our NAMB. As director of our Women on Mission chapter, we see each month the many needs of people to hear the gospel and how we need to support all these efforts to reach these lost people in all areas of our world.

Melva Anderson

Tyler

Jesus told us to go make disciples of all nations, and that includes the United States. He does not desire that any should perish, but that all come to a saving knowledge of his love and grace.

Missions and missionaries are indeed supposed to share the gospel with those who have not heard. But living in America does not make anyone a Christian, nor does it mean they have heard about the love and grace of Jesus.

Vermont is the least-churched state in the nation. Less than 3 percent of its 650,000 residents know Jesus as Savior and Lord. We know this because we have served in Vermont for nine years as North American Mission Board Mission Service Corps missionaries. It is our joy and privilege to work alongside fellow believers in the Green Mountain Baptist Association and to share Jesus’ love with all and to help plant churches in communities where there is no evangelical witness.

People from every nation are coming to America and are joining those who have lived here all their lives but still have not heard the gospel. Who will tell them? NAMB missionaries are working under the leadership of the Holy Spirit to feed—both physically and spiritually—college students, the homeless, the fatherless and the elderly.

We cannot force anyone to believe in Jesus, but by sharing his love, many will want to know him. We praise God for being a part of NAMB.

Johnnie & Lahoma Loar

Montpelier, Vt.

All equal

With the terrorist event that occurred at Fort Hood, we are reminded the world is a dangerous place and there is much work to be done. Christians have been commanded by God to make disciples and thus make a difference.

When I opened the Nov. 9 Baptist Standard, headlines caught my attention: “Religious freedom requires Baptists to …” “… behind walls of Huntsville prison,” “musician’s crusade against human trafficking …” (the musician is a female), “Iranians celebrate Holy Spirit … .” I went back to page 13 and read past the headline, “Southwestern Seminary adopts statement asserting male headship.”

It seems to me some Christians get it. Meanwhile, seminary trustees have the time to meet and affirm the Danvers Statement on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood, essentially declaring women are second-class.

When these young ministers—males—go out into the mission field, they would be wise to follow the teachings of Jesus, that all are equal in the kingdom’s business.

Betty Westbrook

Allen

Monks & sympathy

I read with amusement about the Vietnamese Buddhist monks who are suffering civil rights violations at the hands of the communist government (Nov. 2). Would these be the same Buddhist monks who set themselves on fire in protest of the U.S. armed forces in South Vietnam fighting the North Vietnam communists’ attempt to take over South Vietnam?

Amusement is so unChristian of me, but I feel pain every day of my life from wounds of that war, as do many of my fellow comrades. We have to work real hard on sympathy.

Fred Rosenbaum

Gainesville

Saintly DOMs

I noted with sadness the deaths of two directors of missions, Harry Ball and Howard O. Marsh (Nov. 2). They were my directors of missions when I served as pastor in Hunt and Rehoboth associations. Seeing their obituaries caused me to reflect on the contributions they and other DOMs have made to my life and ministry over the last 37 years.

Harry was a pastor to pastors—good friend and mentor, trusted counselor, encouraging presence. I still was the new pastor at Floyd Baptist Church when Harry arrived just in time to help me move a washer and dryer into the little parsonage. He didn’t blink an eye. He stepped up and provided the assistance I needed.

Howard also was a good friend. We affectionately called him “HOM the DOM.” He encouraged us at First Baptist in Mount Vernon to expand our church-planting interests toward Lake Cypress Springs, and for the first time in my pastoral experience, a new church was born. When an opportunity arose that most advised against, Howard was one of the few encouragers who helped me see opportunity in a discouraging situation. His counsel shaped the last two decades of my ministry.

Both men were giants of the faith to me, and I’ve been blessed with a series of great men of God as DOMs. In fact, I’ve never had a DOM I didn’t love, appreciate and respect.

Thank God for the DOMs of the world.

Mike Milburn

Burleson

Cultural captivity

Thank you for the editorial titled “Awakening versus cultural captivity” (Nov. 9).

I’m old enough to remember the disgraceful ways we treated black people back in the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s. We Baptists—and I’m Baptist—were so racially biased that we often treated our domestic animals with more care, respect and dignity than we treated black people.

Even today, although things are much better, I still find unreasonable, unthinking racial bigotry in a considerable number of people of all ages. Even some Sunday school teachers and deacons are so bigoted that it sickens me.

Dale Person

Marshall

Gun-toting ministers

All Chuck Mann says against gun-toting ministers (Oct. 19) is true to a point. But a verse much overlooked is Luke 22:36, in which Jesus advocates carrying a sword.

Some people will not be helped, and there are times we must defend ourselves. All of the Bible is relevant and important.

John Winters

Amarillo

Internet rumors

Your package of articles on Internet rumors (Oct. 19 ) was excellent. You are correct in saying Christians should hold ourselves to the highest standards in truth-telling.

When we forward an e-mail, we are also forwarding our reputation. We are endorsing the content of the message. We are vouching for the authenticity of the message. We cannot hide by saying, “Oh, I was only forwarding a message I received.”

The Bible says we are not to bear false witness, and we will be held accountable for what we do and say. This includes electronic messages.

Before forwarding an e-mail, we should verify the accuracy of the message and do some honest soul-searching. We should ask ourselves: “What is my real motivation for sending this message? What does this say about my Christian faith?”

Also, if we learn that have forwarded an untrue e-mail, we should send a correction and an apology to everyone who received the original message. This is the ethical thing to do. I have great respect for a friend who does this consistently.

Having read your article on rumor-mongering, I pledge to be even more careful about e-mails that I write and, especially, those I forward.

Bill L. Campbell

Denton

I no longer have the faith I was raised with, but your article on Internet rumor-mongering (Oct. 19) was a powerful read.

Among other things, I very much remember hearing about the Proctor & Gamble rumors straight from the pulpit when I was a kid and wondering how that could possibly be true, and then, when I found out it wasn’t, what that said about the pastor’s credibility.

Would that more of us—of all faiths and political interests—could be as honest as this article.

Mark Blacknell

Arlington, Va.

Who needs NAMB?

I both agree and disagree with Mick Tahaney, who asked, “Who needs NAMB?”—the North American Mission Board (Oct. 19 ).

I agree that “people in far remote areas of this world” need to hear the gospel. It is shocking that only 1 cent out of every $100 given by Christians is used to reach the 27.9 percent of the world’s population who are classified as “unreached.”

I disagree that “once (we share) the gospel, our work is done.” In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus tells us to go and make disciples in every people group by teaching (training) them to obey all his commands.

Interestingly, on the same page, Bill O’Brien reports, “Students (in the Global Mission Leadership program at the Baylor School of Social Work) entered into a covenant agreement to become disciplers—trainers of trainers. The program is designed to reproduce itself continuously.” Apparently, they get it!

Larry Burner

McKinney

I would like to respond to Mick Tahaney’s question, “Who needs NAMB?” I did.

I grew up in a mainline denomination and had a wonderful religion—just no relationship with Jesus. I was one of those college kids who ate the meal provided by a church at the Texas Tech Baptist Student Ministry.

I also received more than a meal. As a result of being loved, I received Jesus as my Savior and Lord.

Thank God for the BSM, for the local churches and for NAMB. Lost people don’t just live across the ocean; they also can live across the street.

Donald J. Myers

Wills Point

In response to Mick Tahaney, I do agree that the North American Mission Board is based on a faulty premise, but not for the reasons he states.

I propose NAMB resources need to be solely focused on planting churches in regions with no convention strong enough to do the work on their own. The Northeast and Northwest United States and Canada are prime examples.

Likewise, since mission trips are some of the best growth opportunities for Christians, strong state conventions should make it logistically easy for their churches to send teams to support evangelism in these unreached areas.

Ben Macklin

Vernon

Jefferson’s ‘wall’

Thomas Jefferson’s “wall of separation” does not appear in the U.S. Constitution. However, the Supreme Court cited the metaphor in a unanimous decision in 1879 and again in 1947. Article 11 of the Treaty of Tripoli, ratified by the Senate in 1797, begins, “As the government of the United States of America is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion … .” The treaty was reaffirmed during the Spanish-American War.

President John Tyler wrote, “The United States have adventured upon a great and noble experiment … that of total separation of church and state.” Abraham Lincoln thwarted attempts to pass a constitutional amendment that would have established the United States as a Christian nation.

It’s not just distant history. When Iraq attempted to rewrite their constitution, the government wanted to declare the nation the “Islamic Republic of Iraq,” similar to the official names of Afghanistan, Iran and Pakistan. Arab nations have declared their willingness to recognize the “state of Israel” but not the “Jewish state of Israel” for fear that Muslims and Christians will be second-class citizens. American authorities vetoed the effort of the Iraqi government to declare itself an Islamic state for the same fear for the rights of minorities.

The attempt by some to declare the United States a Christian nation is not an idle gesture. It is an attempt to gain power and control over those with other or no belief.

Robert Flynn

San Antonio

Great things at DBU

I recently had an opportunity to speak at the chapel service for Dallas Baptist University. Although I had heard of the great things going on at DBU for some time, it was my first opportunity to see and experience the campus and people of DBU myself.

I cannot begin to express how impressed I was. The campus is beautiful and well maintained. I was overwhelmed by the new chapel, which housed over 1,000 students during the service. The students were sharp, respectful, receptive and friendly. President Gary Cook and the faculty were wonderful hosts as well.

As a current member and past chairman of the vocational theological education subcommittee of the Texas Baptist Executive Board, I have been impressed with the increasing number of students preparing for ministry at DBU. After my visit, I can certainly see why.

It is clearly and unapologetically a Christ-centered university that seeks to integrate excellence in service to Christ with excellence in academics.

I am so proud of what God is doing through the leadership of Dr. Cook and the faculty at Dallas Baptist University. I can’t wait to see how God is going to bless others through the students of DBU.

Bruce Webb

The Woodlands

Clergy infidelity

The best deterrent to clergy sexual infidelity is never to be alone with a congregant of the opposite sex. This means not meeting at the church office if an assistant or staff person is not there. I always had a home with a room where I could counsel in private when my wife was in the house.

I was a pastor who counseled, not a counselor. After two sessions, I usually referred the individual to a counselor.

When my congregation included women in upper management, I had to reassess where the dangers would be. When I had a luncheon meeting, I told the administrative assistant where I was going and when I expected to return. At lunch, we met at a restaurant well visited by the public. The subject was friendly, but the subject primarily was business. My wife also knew I had that meeting; this helped home relationships through understanding.

If I were building a church, I would reluctantly place a small glass pane on the office door. It would keep me honest because any one in the office could pass by and observe. Also, if a counselee accused the minister of sexual advances behind closed doors there is no defense except “he said/she said.” The typical church will dismiss the minister at the expense of truth because it values the institution more.

These are practical ways to avoid the temptation of trouble. If we avoid the temptation, there will be no trouble.

Gerard Howell

Lexington, Ky.

What do you think? Because we affirm the Baptist principle of the priesthood of all believers, we value hearing from our readers. Send letters to Editor Marv Knox by mail: P.O. Box 660267, Dallas 75266-0267; or by e-mail: [email protected]. Due to space considerations, limit letters to 250 words, and only one letter per writer per quarter.

Baylor & alumni

This fall, Baylor University’s interim president, David Garland, and regent chairman, Dary Stone, presented a recommendation to the Baylor Alumni Association, which they hoped would solve a longstanding dispute between the university and the independent association.

I am convinced it is both fair and a positive solution to the many conflicts between the two entities. As a former board member and officer of the BAA and a former regent of the university, I fully support this proposal.

I dislike controversy with a passion. It is totally out of place in a Christian institution where love and understanding should rule rather than anger and dissension. The Apostle Paul used the analogy of the human body in describing the ministry of the church. Heart, hands, feet all are different and have different purposes, but they must function in unison if the body does its job. Likewise, all parts of the church must function in unity if the church is successful in her ministry. Is that not true of a Christian university as well?

I can hardly imagine a family that does not experience tensions and differences of opinion. It is equally as difficult for me to envision a healthy family that cannot somehow accommodate differences and remain a productive unit in society. My plea is that we will come to that place as Baylor graduates where we demonstrate the best qualities of being a family.

Minette Drumwright Pratt

Fort Worth

An agreement between Baylor University and the Baylor Alumni Association gives the BAA independence, self-governance and protection in perpetuity as the university’s official alumni association.

The BAA’s independent voice is a counter-balance to regents and ensures the free flow of unbiased information from Baylor.

A regent representative recently attended BAA’s 150th anniversary celebration, called upon BAA to terminate its charter and surrender its assets. This “in-your-face” tactic is crude at best. Regents also have organized a new alumni organization, created a magazine to replace The Baylor Line, removed BAA from Baylor’s official website and disconnected BAA’s phone number, just to name a few abuses of power.

Regents have said BAA should be terminated because Baylor is the only private university with an independent alumni association, and BAA has spoken negatively about Baylor. You can’t compare Baylor with any university because of its religion and size. You can’t say BAA speaks negatively; it has impeccably served alumni for 150 years.

The real reason for the regents’ demand is to circumvent accountability and oversight.

The job of regents is to lead and to unite, not to divide and to destroy. Regents would see how they are hurting Baylor if they were more focused on Baylor than themselves.

Sheryn Jones

Highland Village