IS THERE A MIDDLE? YES!

Let us be very clear. Is there a position “in the middle?” YES! In fact, the middle is what we are advocating when it comes to BGCT relationships and the Cooperative Program.

We do not think there is a middle in regards to fundamentalism and our Baptist heritage and principles. You either support the takeover, the firing of Russell Dilday, Dan Martin, Al Shackleford, the treatment of Lloyd Elder, Keith Parks, Foy Valentine, Larry Baker, and others, or you do not. You either want the fundamentalists to take over the BGCT or you do not.

And the fundamentalist are right in regards to scripture. There is not a middle on the trustworthiness of scripture. They just go too far with “political words,” like inerrancy, that have many meanings. The Bible is the final authority in matters of faith and practice — period. Individual Christians and churches have the right to interpret it differently, which fundamentalists do not want to allow. And fundamentalist will look you in the eye and tell you that if your “interpretation” differs from theirs, you do not believe the Bible. That is ridiculous.

You may say you are in the middle because you just want it to all stop, but that is not the middle, that is naive! Fundamentalism, by its nature, cannot do that. Like legalism, it can only be opposed, stopped, not allowed to succeed.

There is NO MIDDLE in the battle against fundamentalism. They will not allow it. It is “my way or the highway” with them.

BUT THERE IS A HUGE MIDDLE IN RELATION TO HOW TO RELATE TO THE SBC SINCE THE FUNDAMENTALISTS HAVE CONTROL OF IT. IN FACT, MOST TEXAS BAPTISTS ARE IN THE MIDDLE.

Many of our strongest Texas Baptists Committed supporters are in the middle. They do not support fundamentalism. They do not like what the fundamentalist leadership has done to the SBC. They wish it would miraculously straighten out, but they know it will not. They want to support missions. They are not sure how.

Many support CBF but do not want to be another denomination. And many that support CBF still want to support programs of the SBC.

This is why we are advocating a “middle” position. Cut official ties with all national bodies and get the state convention out of national convention politics. Respect every local church’s right to give mission gifts as they choose. Count all gifts the same. Cooperate where you agree and respect each other where there is disagreement. Respect each church’s and each individual’s freedom to choose the SBC, CBF, or both. Respect churches that support the BGCT and CBF, as good Texas Baptists.

Respect churches that support the BGCT and the SBC as good Texas Baptists. Respect churches that support the BGCT and parts of the SBC and parts of CBF as good Texas Baptists. And above all, keep including everyone in Texas Baptist life who is willing to cooperate.

In the midst of chaos, this seems like a solid “middle” position to us. Make “official and approved” what the local church decides to do. No one is imposed on. No has to designate around something. Everyone is free to cooperate as they choose and be respected for it.

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