A major cause of conflict for Baptists today is both the interpretation of Scripture and the right to interpret Scripture. Words can be tricky, confusing and convey different messages to different people in certain situations.

My words have gotten me in trouble recently, or at least, the way some have interpreted them.

About the "false God of fundamentalism..."

One Texas pastor wrote me after the last newsletter where I spoke of the "false God of fundamentalism" and said he was shocked I was saying the leadership of the SBC was not saved. I never meant to imply that at all, only that the conflict we have today is similar to the one found in Scripture, Jesus and the religious leaders of his day had a very different understanding of the character and nature of God.

About the SBC deserting every single historic Baptist principle

I gave an unfortunate response when asked if I was attending the SBC meeting in New Orleans. I was quoted in several secular papers in an article written by Associated Press saying, "I only attend Baptist meetings." A few people wrote or emailed me questioning that statement as well.

This was a bad choice of words on my part. Honestly I am a very ecumenical person. I do feel that the modern SBC has deserted every single historic Baptist principle, but, if the current leadership of the SBC is indeed Baptist, they are certainly an aberrant sort of Baptist.

Nevertheless, I should have given a more serious answer.

About "Intelligent people and Fundamentalism???"

Finally, I was quoted in the Dallas Morning News in regards to Richard Land holding a degree from Oxford. I said I was surprised at Lands' intelligence because to me, "being intelligent and being a fundamentalist was an oxymoron."

Now to be honest, I like that quote. I do find it hard to believe an intelligent person can buy into the fundamentalist system because it is so closed, so narrow, so sure of truth that it is even afraid to ask good questions. Fundamentalism, as a worldview, I find very strange and very anti-truth and anti-spiritual growth.

About Fundamentalist Mindset vs. Fundamentals of the Faith

One pastor totally misunderstood I was speaking about the fundamentalist mind-set and wrote me "outraged that I was attacking the fundamentals of the faith and men who believed the fundamentals of the faith like Billy Graham, Herschel Hobbs and Paul Powell."

I can assure you Billy Graham, the late Herschel Hobbs, and my good friend, Paul Powell do not believe the fundamentals of the faith any less than I do.

I was speaking of the fundamentalist mindset, not the fundamentals of the faith most of us agree upon and believe strongly.

I Promise...

Words can be tricky. I promise to work harder to make sure I communicate more clearly. I urge our readers to reread quotes and articles before becoming outraged. You might be reading something into what I said that says more about you than it does about me.

Speaking of misspeaking, I bet James Merritt wishes he had not said, "the Bible alone is the word of God," but being a nice guy, I want to ask him who Jesus was. I bet he is a little more careful the next time also.

  August 2001