Coffee Break
by Ken Coffee

“God is great! God is Great!”

Those are the words and the sentiments we tried to project in the special prayer time we had following the tragic attacks on America. Those are also the words jubilant Palestinians shouted as they gathered in the streets of Nablus at almost the same time we were meeting at the church.

The difference is that the Palestinians felt God is great because he allowed America to be devastated by some of their brothers who were willing to give their lives to damage America. In our gathering we felt God is great because he will sustain us, provide for us, help us through this terrible ordeal.

There rarely has been a more cogent demonstration of the fundamentalist mindset than what has happened this week. It would be a mistake to believe that all Muslims are radical fundamentalists, just as it is a mistake to feel that all Christians are radical fundamentalists.

However, those who feel their God seeks retribution toward those who are their enemies, and that they serve him best by causing great anguish and creating havoc demonstrate fundamentalism.

Fundamentalism is hateful, whether it is Muslim, Jewish or Christian. What happened in our country that fateful Tuesday was a result of hate in the minds of those who felt that because they hate America, God must hate America, too. Christian fundamentalists, even Baptists, demonstrate the same mentality. It is a mentality guided more by hate than by love and is the opposite of what Jesus taught.

Whether that hate is directed toward homosexuals, moderates, liberals, women preachers, America-“The Great Satan,” or whatever, it is still hate. America this week saw a demonstration of what hate can do.

I loved what Dr. Buckner Fanning said recently when interviewed about this tragedy. He said, “Hate will not change the world. Love will.”

He is so right. God is still in charge, and he will not be manipulated by twisted thinking. Trust him. He will, see us through.

Coffee Break
by Ken Coffee

In a recent “Break” immediately following the tragedies of September 11, I wrote about fundamentalism in all its forms being driven by hate. In so doing I unintentionally indicted a large group of Bible believing Christians whom I did not intend to injure. I would like to set the record straight.

In the broad spectrum of theological thought, most of us who read this material would be considered fundamentalists, in that we believe in the fundamental truths of God’s Word. I consider myself theologically fundamental. What I was trying to cast aspersions on is a brand of fundamentalism that is intolerant, disdaining fellowship with anyone who disagrees with them, or radical in the sense that they pervert the teaching of God’s Word.

We have seen what radical Islamic fundamentalists can do in God’s name. In spite of mainstream Islam’s statements that these terrorists will not go to heaven, many fundamentalist Muslims continue to preach that the killing of Americans is a sure way to get to heaven. This teaching is adamant, vociferously preached, and yet wrong, according to Islamic leaders. Osama bin Laden, who is not a clergyman, teaches this brand of Islam, and radical Islamic clergymen back him up.

What I was trying to say in my previous “Break” is that radical fundamentalists are much the same, whether they are Muslims, Jews, or Christians. In the radical’s mind he is right and those who do not agree with him do not deserve consideration, or toleration.

In recent years we have seen in our own denomination a brand of radical fundamentalism that in its end excludes anyone from fellowship unless they agree with those who lead. It is a brand of radical fundamentalism that preaches guilt by association. If you associate with a sinner, you must be a sinner. That is demonstrated no more effectively than in the attitude of SBC leaders and their followers toward the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship.

I am not a member of CBF. I have never been to one of their meetings. I cannot speak for their beliefs, beyond the fact that they are Baptists. However, I never thought I would live to see the day that responsible Baptist leaders would vilify and scandalize any Baptist group the way they have the CBF.

The attitudes of some Baptists toward the CBF borders on hate. The actions of the SBC toward churches that permit members to contribute to CBF is hateful, spiteful, and in my opinion, unchristian. Frankly, I don’t care what they believe, so long as they believe and confess that Jesus is their Saviour.

The manner in which Muslim radical fundamentalists wreaked havoc on our country is certainly the pinnacle of radicalism, so far. Yet, the havoc wreaked by radical fundamentalists on the greatest missionary sending denomination in the history of the world cannot be ignored. In an effort to get us all to believe exactly as they believe, these people have split this denomination, probably irreparably.

But, even with all that—when people ask me what kind of Baptist I am, I respond, “I am a Southern Baptist.” I say it with pride, not because of those who lead our convention, but because of the hundreds, even thousands, of people who continue to believe that carrying out the Great Commission is still our mandate, and our mission-sending agencies still provide us the best opportunity to carry it out.

So, I apologize to those who were offended by my insensitive, all-inclusive remarks. All fundamentalists are not radical.

Have a great day.

October 2001