"Hey Preacher, What are we?"
| Editor's Note: The article below was actually printed in a church newsletter. We are printing it so people can read for themselves how far some pastors will go in misleading their congregations, and slandering the faith of others. |
Many pastors are hearing this question lately because of the current events in Baptist life. I am asked, "Are we SBC, CBF, BGCT, SBTC, TBC, or LMNOPQRSTUV? I feel so confused!"
I cannot answer, "What are we?" I can only answer, "What are you, Preacher?" What you are is based on what you believe in your heart. You and God are the only ones who know that.
We can sort these groups into two basic groups: The conservative-fundamentalist and the liberal-moderates. These questions may help you to decide what you are.
1. If you believe Adam and Eve were the first man and woman created in a literal garden. That is a conservative-fundamentalist theology.
2. If you believe the children of Israel left Egypt because the Red Sea opened for them to cross over. That is a conservative-fundamentalist theology.
3. If you believe the Stories of Jonah, Abraham's offering of Isaac, and Sodom and Gomorrah were all fables. That is a liberal-moderate theology.
4. If you believe the early church fathers made up the natural miracles of the New Testament. That is liberal-moderate theology.
5. If you believe the demoniac possessions recorded in the New Testament were only psychological. That is a liberal-moderate theology.
6. If you believe the early church created oral tradition that gave us a fallible New Testament. That is a liberal-moderate theology.
7. If you believe you should not support groups condoning same sex marriage and the ordination of homosexuals with your tithe dollars. That is a conservative-fundamentalist theology.
8. If you believe God calls gays and lesbians to the pastorate. That is a liberal-moderate theology.
9. If you believe the Bible is still just a book. That is a liberal-moderate theology.
10. If you believe the only difference between the Islamic Koran and the Holy Bible is the mention of Jesus name. That is a liberal-moderate theology.
11. If you believe the Bible is the Word of God and not merely a record of God's Word. That is a conservative-fundamentalist theology.
12. If you believe Faith in Jesus is the one and only, unique, singular way into heaven. That is a conservative-fundamentalist theology.
Now I ask you "Hey, what are you?"
Conservative-fundamentalist -Southern Baptist Convention (SBC), Southern Baptist of Texas Convention (SBTC), Liberal-moderate - Cooperative Baptist Fellowship CBF), Baptist General Convention of Texas (BGCT), Texas Baptists Committed (TBC)
August 2001