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Keeping Christ central in the world of Southern Baptists

Jun 13

3

What is an Affirmation?–Report from Calvinism Committee–by Tim Rogers

Posted by Tim Rogers on June 3, 2013
Posted in #SBC2013 • Calvinism • SBC Executive Committee  | No Comments yet, please leave one

We had an Interim Pastor, a professor from the local SBC Seminary, that would speak on a regularly basis for us when we were between pastors in my childhood church.  One talent this particular interim pastor had was speaking about something without really saying anything about it.  I remember on numerous occasions my father confronting this interim pastor about something he said but he would debate how he had not said it.  Upon further investigation the nuanced words revealed that the pastor did not say what my father thought he heard him say. It wasn’t that my father did not understand words and their meanings but it was the fact the interim would say things in such a way to make one believe he was saying something different.

As a result of this experience I have been very careful to read statements and books making certain they say what we are told they say. Also, I am not alone in examining endorsement statements in particular. Dr. Timothy George, one of the signers below, examined the Billy Graham endorsement of Presidential Candidate Mitt Romney and came away with anything but Graham endorsing Romney.  His explanation was that Graham was endorsing a stand for three things; a Christian world view, the sacredness of life, and the dignity of marriage as God intended. Thus, according to Dr. Timothy George, Dr. Graham was not endorsing Mitt Romney he was endorsing the three things he held dear while meeting with Mitt Romney.

The Calvinism Advisory Group (CAG) report is one such document I want to examine in the same way Dr. George examined Dr. Graham’s “endorsment” of Mitt Romney.   As Dr. George, I have noted unless some say exact words their statements are more what they believe than what they are endorsing. Thus, while we as Southern Baptists believe these signers are saying they agree with and believe the statement they placed their names on, we really do not know that is the fact unless they say so exactly.  With that in mind let’s examine the comments of the signatories on the CAG to determine if they truly affirm the statement.

Those who clearly state an affirmation (Emboldened):

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May 13

31

Truth, Trust, Testimony, Time, and Tension–My Response–By Tim Rogers

Posted by Tim Rogers on May 31, 2013
Posted in #SBC2013 • Calvinism • Theology  | No Comments yet, please leave one

SLA5There was a saying that I heard during my time of growing up that still is with me today.  This saying was; “Do not believe anything you read and half of what you see.” I imagine it is the reason I have a more cynical outlook on some things than others.  Reading statements is like getting grapes at the grocery store–one really doesn’t know whether it is practical or not until it is placed into action.

This, is my reaction to the statement released by the Calvinism Advisory Committee (CAC). On the surface it appears to be a statement that we should all be able to rally around in order to move forward together.  Only time holds the judgement for that future as we observe the reaction of our entity heads and those others who presented this document.

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Feb 13

9

It Appears Gerald Harris is Vindicated–The Alarm of Dr. Joe Aguillard at Louisiana College–By Tim Rogers

Posted by Tim Rogers on February 9, 2013
Posted in Calvinism • Christian Index • Louisana College • Louisiana Baptist State Convention  | 4 Comments

Last year, on February 9, 2012, Gerald Harris Editor of the Georgia Baptist state paper–The Christian Index–penned an article that Baptist Press (BP) used to allow various people to respond. The article at Baptist Press, along with those who responded, seemed to take issue with the Georgia Editor’s charge of New Calvinism being the focus in various entities of the SBC.

The BP journalist appears to have directly spoken with only, Dr. Al Mohler, Dr. Danny Akin, and Marty King.  The rest of her sources were from written statements sent to her or blogs on the Internet.

Dr. Ed Stetzer’s blog is quoted in the BP article and he charges Harris with falling into the trap of using Calvinism as “the new Baptist bogeyman”

Marty King is quoted concerning the Gospel Project when he charges that Harris gave “false accusations without offering any evidence of their truthfulness.”

Mike Ebert, Read more

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Nov 12

6

A Question–for Dr. Al Mohler during the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary Report in Houston–By Tim Rogers

Posted by Tim Rogers on November 6, 2012
Posted in Calvinism • Church • Southern Baptist Theological Seminary  | Tagged With: , , , | 5 Comments

While Sovereign Grace Ministries (SGM) is not part of the Southern Baptist Convention it seems by the way their issues are proceeding there are questions that need answers for Southern Baptists.  If the Trustees at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (SBTS) do not get answers and publicly assure Southern Baptists that our mother seminary has no affiliation with SGM then questions will come during Dr. Mohler’s report.  Why are answers needed?  Just a cursory glance at the moves made by SGM in the last year call into question the relationship with SBTS and if the lawsuits already in place will extend into SBTS and her faculty.

One thing, I am told, the legal system looks for is the deepest pockets.  Lawyers will identify those involved around various legal issues, not by looking at personal involvement, but looking at bank accounts.  If the bank account is deep enough then the personal involvement is looked at and determined if a link can be made. According to the following video Dr. Al Mohler is certainly involved with and supporting C.J. Mahaney.

Dr. Mohler is not just heaping praises but is in total support even after charges were leveled against C.J. Mahaney.  If it can be proven that Mahaney is making decisions based on counsel and the advice of Dr. Mohler then it is “Katie bar the door”.

If I were a trustee at SBTS I would start by bringing a motion before the trustees.  That motion would direct our President, through SBTS’s legal counsel, to contact Susan Burke informing her there was neither counsel nor connection with SGM. SBTS needs to get in front of this issue.  SGM moved its headquarters to Louisville, Kentucky in order to affiliate in some ways with SBTS. Notice the statement SGM made in their public announcement about their move:(link)

The proximity to Southern Seminary allows us to upgrade our academic offerings, including opportunities for collaboration and potential transfer credit toward a Masters degree….

As noted above, we are excited about opportunities this will afford us to collaborate with Southern Seminary, which will only enhance our program and facilitate further training for our students and pastors.  The Leadership Team will communicate more details in coming weeks…..

SGM has repeatedly denied the allegations being made but as the allegations continue to come forth it is time for SBTS to implement damage control.  SBTS needs to distance itself from Mahaney and SGM until this smoke settles. From the blog posts of former SGM board member and Covenant Life Church staff member, Brent Detwiler, the smoke will not settle because it it an indication of fire.  You can read the charges legally presented here.

If the allegations are proven true, then Dr. Mohler must be reprimanded by the Trustees for publicly defending Mahaney.  If the allegations are proven false, then we need to affirm Mahaney and publicly encourage him in his ministry.  However, until these charges are resolved, SBTS needs to do all she can to distance herself from SGM.

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Aug 12

17

Dr. Page’s Committee–What does it Say?—By Tim Rogers–UPDATED

Posted by Tim Rogers on August 17, 2012
Posted in Baptist • Baptist Faith and Message 2000 • Baptist Issues • Baptist Press • Calvinism • Dr. Frank Page  | Tagged With: , , | 4 Comments

After some searching I found out something very interesting.  Dr. Page sought the advice of Dr. Dockery in the formation of this “group of advisers”.  It is this very issue that Dr. Page seems to be overlooking and not getting.  Dr. Dockery is the President of Union University–the very place that Dr. Frank Page serves as Trustee and will be until 2015.  It is the “good ole boy” network that has kept us from dealing with the issues and Dr. Page’s reliance on Dr. Dockery’s assistance clearly pushes the envelope of open and transparent discourse.

Dr. Page has now formed his committee and it speaks volumes about the problem in the convention.  The problem, according to Dr. Page, is “practical in nature not doctrinal.” Thus, according to Dr. Page we do not have a disagreement over theology but our disagreement is over how we get along together with the different theological slants that drive us.  Dr. Page presented, in this edition of Baptist Press, a more in depth analysis of the task before the “group of advisers”.

With that in mind I want to explore two things the formation of this “group of advisers” says about the issue before us.  It is evident this “group of advisers” will have no authority in their outcome. Also, it is evident that the “group of advisers” is formed to present a top-down solution for the issues before the convention.

First, we have another official/unofficial group of people acting in a position that will bring about an official/unofficial solution for a problem.

Dr. Frank Page

“My goal is to develop a strategy whereby people of various theological persuasions can purposely work together in missions and evangelism,” Page told Baptist Press.

Page emphasized that the group is “not an official committee” of the convention. He also said additional names could be added to the group.

“It’s a group of helpers helping Frank Page come up with some sort of strategy document.”

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Jun 12

23

AN ENTITY PRESIDENT AND THE RESOLUTION ON UNITY. Another Charge of Tribalism by the Head of a Tribe–By Tim Rogers

Posted by Tim Rogers on June 23, 2012
Posted in #SBC2012 • Baptist Theology • Calvinism  | Tagged With: , | 3 Comments

Dr. Albert Mohler

In less than 48 hours after the concluding gavel of the 167th meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention an entity President has thumbed his nose at a resolution.  The messengers at the 2012 meeting in New Orleans, by an overwhelming majority, voted to “to continue in faithful cooperation as we deepen our commitment to equip the saints and reach the lost with the saving Gospel of Jesus Christ.” Dr. Al Mohler seems to have been absent when that resolution came to the floor as he has once again spoken negatively concerning “tribalism” although he heads up one of the biggest tribes in the SBC.  Dr. Mohler has penned his thoughts at his blog Conventional Thinking concerning the New Orleans convention of Southern Baptist.  I encourage you to read his opinion as it has some excellent insight into our past convention in New Orleans. However, he uses the excellent insights to couch language of disunity concerning a document that is within the parameters of the Baptist Faith and Message.  Dr. Mohler, on one hand states, “We will stand within the “Baptist Faith & Message” but on the other hand he uses a statement that is within the parameters of the “Baptist Faith & Message” to issue a call for marginalizing those who agree and speak publicly in agreement with the statement. I have only one question as I lay the foundation of my thesis.  Please Dr. Mohler, will you show me one place that anyone who has signed the statement levels a charge of heresy against someone else in the denomination?

Concerning Dr. Mohler’s Opinion Editorial, he is spot on about making history with the election of Dr. Fred Luter.  Dr. Luter will make us a fine president, not because he is a black man but because he is a Christian that loves Jesus with all of his heart.  I had the unique opportunity to meet Dr. Luter in the hallway on his way out of the convention center.  He stopped and spoke with me and made me feel like I was the one in a hurry to leave.  He was gracious and we had an enjoyable conversation.  Dr. Luter, because of the color of his skin, has made world news being the first black man to be elected President of the Southern Baptist convention.  We look forward to the doors that will open for Southern Baptists through Dr. Luter’s election. Dr. Luter’s election was the high-point of the convention and 2012 will forever be a year of prominence in Southern Baptist History.

With Dr. Mohler’s exceptional writing skills it amazes me that he couches between two excellent points the true mindset of Calvinism.  In using Calvinistic language he references past theological debates as “nothing less than determinative”. Dr. Mohler is calling for the committee being appointed by Dr. Frank Page to do its work in such a way that people will be marginalized.  I am amazed that such a scholar would think the best way to handle this, as he calls it “talking about talking about theology” is to “marginalize those whose influence should be marginalized.” Dr. Mohler, in this statement, reveals not only an arrogance concerning the theological debate, but also an elitist mindset.  Notice what he says about the weeks leading up to the convention along with what he believes needs to happen to those that brought us to this point.

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Jun 12

7

Dr. Jerry Vines the Jerry Rice of the SBC–By Tim Rogers

Posted by Tim Rogers on June 7, 2012
Posted in Baptist Faith and Message 2000 • Baptist Issues • Calvinism • Dr. Jerry Vines  | Tagged With: , ,

Jerry (Dr. Jerry Vines) Rice

Jerry Rice was one of the best wide receivers in the history of the NFL. When he played past the time that many men would be sidelined, Jerry Rice could still make amazing catches and take it into the end zone for a touch down. Jerry Rice was not only noted for his gentle hands in catching the ball but he was also noted for leaving the end zone dances to the younger up start receivers.

Well, we have our own Jerry Rice in the Southern Baptist Convention–Dr. Jerry Vines. Dr. Vines is no longer calling the plays, but he is still the “go to” guy when we need a statesman’s voice. Dr. Vines delivered such a statement yesterday on his Vines Lines blog.  Dr. Vines responded to Dr. Mohler and really called it what it is–an Elephant in the Room.  Dr. Vines expressed a statesmen like attitude and tone in his OP.  He never spoke down or condescending to Dr. Mohler or about Calvinists.

Dr. Vines expressed his concerns on two levels.  First, Dr. Vines senses that Dr. Mohler doesn’t believe those signing the document are astute enough to see Semi-Pelagianism when we read it.  The second concern Dr. Vines expressed is the different breed of Calvinism that is invading our ranks today.  Dr. Vines expressed that he has no desire and is hesitant to engage in a fight with friends. However, as he said, let the discussion begin.  I encourage you to read Dr. Vines words.

He is growing old and he doesn’t have three of the hairs he once had on top of his head, but the old man can still catch the pass and take it to the end zone. In his retirement years I am praying that he doesn’t accept an invitation to Dancing with the Stars.

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Jun 12

6

Dr. Al Mohler–Let Us Reason Together; Can Two Walk Together…? By Tim Rogers

Posted by Tim Rogers on June 6, 2012
Posted in Baptist Faith and Message 2000 • Baptist Issues • Calvinism • Doctrine • Dr. Al Mohler • Dr. Bailey Smith • Dr. Chuck Kelley • Dr. Paige Patterson • SBC President • SBC Seminaries  | Tagged With: | 1 Comment

Dr. Albert Mohler, President of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, has released a statement concerning the movement of a group of Southern Baptist Pastors.  On May 31, 2012 a statement entitled, “A Statement of the Traditional Southern Baptist Understanding of God’s Plan of Salvation” was released to the public.  This statement was formed by a group of pastors that were concerned the majority of Southern Baptists were not represented well with the term “non-Calvinist”. We desired to positively express our position and begin a convention-wide conversation where our viewpoint would be listened to and affirmed.  As Dr. Eric Hankins said to me in one specific conversation; “if we find out that it is only you and me then we step back acknowledging we are wrong and begging the forgiveness of the convention.”  We desire to have a conversation and see this conversation produce amenable ends that will move forward the Great Commission.

A few observations concerning Dr. Mohler’s statement seem to be in order at this time.  First, Dr. Mohler’s words certainly are music to my ears.  For many years we were told there was nothing to talk about because the BF&M says all we need to say on this issue. Dr. Mohler even states as much in his response when he says;

“This means that every single Southern Baptist should be ready to work gladly with every other Southern Baptist who stands within the Baptist Faith & Message.”

It is this type of response that we are used to.  However, Dr. Mohler goes further than just hinging everything on the BF&M.  He acknowledges our concerns and even affirms our position in expressing these concerns.

Second, Dr. Mohler appears to desire a sit down.  But, whom does he desire to sit down and discuss the differences?  Dr. Patterson? Dr. Moore? Dr. Akin?  This is a group of Pastors that began this movement.  If Dr. Mohler truly desires to sit down and discuss this issue, it needs to take place, at the least, with the pastors whose names are on the document.

Third, Dr. Mohler is very affirmative in his acknowledgment of the rights we posses as individual Baptists to place our convictions on paper.  Thank you Dr. Mohler because we have seen statements from others questioning our motives in placing this before the convention.  You have not questioned our motives and for that I do thank you.

As to my position on Dr. Mohler’s statement, I would affirm him in a positive way.  He truly seems to try and acknowledge our position.  However, it is that very issue that brings a halt in my spirit in his assessment.  I hesitate to heap too many accolades on his statement for three reasons.

First his warning against “theological tribalism”. Read more

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Jun 12

2

The Standard for Calvinist Theology in the Southern Baptist Convention–By Tim Rogers

Posted by Tim Rogers on June 2, 2012
Posted in Baptist Theology • Calvinism  | Tagged With: , , ,

Some have called into question the need for a statement by Dr. Eric Hankins concerning our soteriology.  Well after listening to the radio show of a professor that is paid by our Cooperative Program (CP) funds there should be no further questions.

James White, who teaches J-Terms at Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary, recently posted a radio show where he castigated the soteriology of the majority of Southern Baptist.  White publicly implied that the majority of Southern Baptists do not embrace Christianity. He also implies that his theology is the same as Dr. Al Mohler. White went as far to say the majority of Southern Baptists could not distinguish between Justification and Sanctification.

With that in mind, James White is espousing the Calvinism that is prevalent in the leadership of Southern Baptists.  We have a man that is being paid with CP funds castigating Southern Baptists that do not ascribe to Calvinism as Arminians.  It appears we, once again, have CP paid professors and seminaries teaching and promoting a theological position as a primary distinctive.  This primary distinctive is being paid for by Baptists that do not believe the teaching. If one wants to know the kind of Calvinism that is being promoted and taught by our professors and seminaries in the SBC one needs look no further than Alpha and Omega Ministries.

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