Back in September, Al Mohler was whining that he and the other Southern Baptist Seminary presidents are being criticized by fellow Southern Baptists. The quote from the Baptist Press article has it this way:
R. Albert Mohler Jr., president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, speaking on behalf of the presidents of the SBC's various entities, noted to the Executive Committee that "there is an unprecedented level of attack upon some of our own leaders ... in the form of innuendo and smear and caricature and character assassination." Mohler also noted, "Two of our own have suffered in particular along these lines," referencing Paige Patterson, president of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and his wife Dorothy.
Mohler stated that the SBC entity presidents have committed "that we will not ourselves tolerate personal attacks upon one of our colleagues," and Jerry Rankin, president of the International Mission Board, then led in a time of prayer for the Pattersons.
Well, yeah. Patterson wanted to add "Homemaking and Domestic" courses for the "Little Women" at SWBTS, while firing a wonderful prof name Dr. Klouda, who just happened to have been born --- gasp! --- a woman. I'd say that was reason to spank him a bit.
As for the rest of 'em, they have consolidated their power over all the seminaries, boards, colleges, etc., and they are whining that some of their fellow conservative Southern Baptists (e.g., young SBC bloggers who can't be ordered to hush) are criticizing them ... and they are not towing the line.
Oh, the irony of it all.
Now, the 2007 Resolution of the Year is for various conventions to take swipes at shutting down bloggers who disgree with The Others in control of the boards, the money, the power.
The problem here has nothing to do with blogging or with "personal attacks" but with the heavy handed tactics to stifle discussion. I was with the Conservative Resurgence and agreed there were some serious problems that needed to be corrected. I also saw the character assassination, misrepresentation and downright lies some of the current "leaders" used to destroy the good name of some good people, who simply had an honest disagreement on a minor doctrinal point. And I now see the Power Brokers want the SBC to become another Political Action Committee for the GOP, define the Creed we must profess, and tell everyone who disagrees that they are sinning against God.
Roger Williams, John Leland and Isaac Backus would be proud of those young SBC bloggers.
2 comments:
I agree. Something about when Conservatives (whether religous or political) gain power, they always seem to want to consolidate it in the name of "we are right." For Mohler and co. it's clearly "You're either with us, or you're against us," and they cry "conspiracy" if they're disagreed with. I get real tired of the attitude. Allow me to express my disagreement without characterizing me as an enemy , immoral, or saying that I'm "smearing" you.
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