Posted on July 16, 2008, by Ken Coffee to his Strong Coffee blog at kennaco.blogspot.com
(EDITOR’S NOTE: Ken Coffee formerly served as executive director of the San Antonio Baptist Association and associate director of the State Missions Commission of the Baptist General Convention of Texas.)
There is a lot of discussion on other blogs about whether or not the conservative resurgence was worth it in the Southern Baptist Convention. Put me on the side of those who think it was not. Oh, if doctrine is your primary concern, then it was probably worth it. However, doctrine is not my primary concern. My concern is relationships.
Many of us feel that we in the SBC are morphing into a group of intolerant religious bigots, who are rapidly coming to believe no one else is going to be in heaven except us. We are becoming more “Campbellite” than Baptist. Alexander Campbell probably would never have left Baptists in 1827 if we had been then like we are becoming now (hyperbole…said in jest).
This resurgence everyone in SBC leadership is so proud of has become a huge, bigoted conglomeration that shows no tolerance of anyone who has a different point of view. First, they demanded we use the word “inerrant” when describing the Bible, “inerrancy” when describing our theology of the Bible, or “inerrantist” when describing ourselves. I actually had that conversation with a pastor when I served as executive director of San Antonio Baptist Association.
He wanted to know if I was an inerrantist. I replied, “I think God is a perfect God and as such could not have an imperfect word. I believe the Bible is without error.” He then asked, “But, are you an inerrantist?” See what I mean? If I didn’t use his word he was not going to recognize me as part of his fellowship of Baptists.
Then, when all was well in Smallville, er uh, Nashville, they decided to rewrite the Confession of Faith that had stood for almost four decades. They then began to exert not-so-subtle pressure on employees, missionaries, and churches by making them choose to adhere to, and even affix their signature to, the 2000 Baptist Faith and Message.
People who would not sign were terminated or exiled to the purgatory of Baptist opinion. Again…”Use our language or step aside. Teach what we say or step aside.” When entire state conventions decided to step aside, they all of a sudden became “liberal conventions,” even though made up of the same churches.
In any discussion of liberals, people always rush to point to Baylor University. Baylor University is not and never has been an SBC university. Taking over the SBC could not affect Baylor. It is true that efforts by regents to effect change at Baylor were rebuffed. No conservative is pleased at some of the things we heard about that were being taught at Baylor.
I will readily admit the presence of some liberal professors at the seminaries. But, how many was it? How many babies did we have to throw out to get rid of that bath water?
My conservative credentials will match up with anyone out there, but these credentials stop at drinking the Kool Aid and giving up my right to think for myself. When I need to know what to believe, I do not have to ask someone on the SBC Executive Committee. I can find it for myself, in the Word of God.
People in my state will tell you I have been one of the voices that have encouraged reconciliation between the SBC and my state convention. I would love to see us working together. I would love to continue to call myself a Southern Baptist.
The big question in my mind is, do Southern Baptists still want me? Frankly, I am not sure I am welcome in the SBC anymore. And it’s not because I’ve changed.