|
|
TBC Newsletter | |
| January 2008 |
A MEETING ABOUT UNITY AND HOPE AND CHANGE |
I write this at the start of presidential primary season. The primaries have started and I am noticing something similar happening in both major political parties (which may or may not continue, time will tell). It appears that the persons who are the least partisan in their language, in the vision they are laying out for people, are having the most success.
While I will not endorse any candidate from any party, I will endorse the concept of unity and non-partisan cooperation. I have always hated partisan politics. I admire states-persons. I like people who try to understand the viewpoint of those who disagree with them.
It was not easy for me personally to be a leader in the fight against fundamentalism because by nature, I do not like black and white confrontations. The problem was the fundamentalists who took control of the SBC would not allow any real discussion on differences and simply took control by any means possible, fired good professors and other SBC leaders and made clear by their actions that they believed in “scorched earth” politics. Sadly, it seems little is changing there though I admire the several “bloggers” who are working for hope and change.
One of the reasons I am so excited about the New Baptist Covenant meeting in Atlanta, January 30–February 1, is that I believe this meeting truly can be about unity and hope and change.
Yes, some politicians are speaking. They could blow it but I hope they do not do so. I hope they get the NBC meeting some tremendous press coverage and the focus of the meeting truly remains unity and ministry in the spirit of Luke 4.
It is time we all move beyond partisan bickering to what is good for America; what is good for Baptists and the Kingdom of God; what is good for our families, our local churches and a lost world that needs to experience the love of God personally.
See you in Atlanta.