Quotes from Bill Harrell and Malcolm Yarnell give indication of the likely response of Fundamentalist leaders to the convention's decision:
But the Rev. Bill Harrell, chairman of the SBC executive committee, countered that the Baptist Faith and Message "has always been our guide," and trustees will "still be able to answer the questions about whether to hire somebody or not."Burleson has already responded to the "mass confusion" charge on his latest blog.
"I don't think it will have a lot of significance, and I really don't think it is going to change much," he said.
Malcolm Yarnell, a professor at Southwestern Baptist Seminary in Fort Worth, called the motion confusing and unclear. Yarnell said he interpreted the vote as a vindication of the Baptist Faith and Message as setting the minimal standard for Baptist beliefs, and rejected the argument that it will restrict trustees of Baptist groups from laying down additional rules.
He said most people walking out of the hall after Tuesday's vote were "good conservative pastors" who thought they were affirming the Baptist Faith and Message and reaffirming trustees' discretion in setting standards for hiring people.
"Ultimately, what you've got here is mass confusion," Yarnell said. "I think we have this year to try to discuss this theologically to try to clarify how we're going to respond to this."
6 comments:
Dr. Prescott,
This is really hilarious. Did you mean it to be? If so, you succeeded. I rolled and rolled...
On a more serious note, to suggest, as do you, that Fundamentalists were "faced down" may reveal more your not-so-secret desire than a semi-objective observation.
But even more disconcerting is your link to Wade's mangled post that must be the most incoherent publication to date, coming from their keyboards. "Burleson has already responded." :^) I hope every reader you possess connects up and absorbs every word of it.
I trust your evening well, Dr. Prescott. With that, I am...
Peter
Oh Peter,
You laugh and laugh but never add much to the conversation. At least Wade offers analysis of current SBC issues. You, on the other hand, merely analyze others and not the subject at hand.
With that, I am...
The way I see it, the SBC has become a giant cult. It cannot be reformed, only abandoned and isolated. Real Baptists have no hope of being heard in this Southern Fascist Convention.
The most interesting thing to me is that the "younger conservatives," like Burleson and Cole, are essentially making the same arguments that we Moderates made in the 1980s and they either don't recognize it or they are not willing to admit it. It is much more fun to watch from a distance than from the perspective of the losers. CBF is a great place to be!
Glenn Jonas
Dr. Jonas, as a progressive Baptist who has never liked the term "moderate" (sounds like "lukewarm"), I certainly agree that it is easier to watch these things from a distance. And the Alliance of Baptists is a great place to be, too!
Dear BDW,
You write "Wade offers analysis ...You...merely analyze others and not the subject." It may very well be true that I contribute no analysis to issues but merely analyze others.
My question is, Big Daddy Weave, how is your analyzing me contributing to the discussion?
Michael,
Your commentary usually is, for the most part, a welcome sight. However, your remark that SBs are a giant cult is damning slander that speaks not so well of one such as yourself, who drivels repeatedly of being a part of a wonderful, loving conglomeration of wonderful, loving Baptists of all theological shapes and sizes. Indeed.
Grace, all. With that,
I am...
Peter
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