Baptists Today Blogs: Southeastern tightens the screws
According to Tony Cartledge, Southeastern Seminary now requires its ministry supervisors to affirm the Baptist Faith & Message in their personal life. OK. I think that is a bit far but I can understand, somewhat, the rational.
But now, Southeastern requires these ministry supervisors to also sign the Abstract of Principles, the Chicago Statement on Inerrancy, and the "Danvers Statement on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood."
Godslingers. Modern day Pharisees. They insist on strict doctrinal adherence to their interpretation, as if they are infallible. These doctrinal standards are then used to court martial any dissent, while using those belief markers as evidence of their own pious standing before God.
Luke 18:10-14 --- New Living Translation
10 Two men went to the Temple to pray. One was a Pharisee, and the other was a dishonest tax collector. 11 The proud Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer: 'I thank you, God, that I am not a sinner like everyone else, especially like that tax collector over there! For I never cheat, I don't sin, I don't commit adultery, 12 I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income.' 13 "But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, 'O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.' 14 I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For the proud will be humbled, but the humble will be honored.
Beware of the Godslingers putting notches in their spiritual belt with pious sounding words but the end thereof is destruction, legalism & empty promises.
3 comments:
Or, maybe it is about accountability - not taking someone's money to fund a student's education who holds to BFM2000 and then giving them to an instructor who does not affirm it. If the student comes to a different position on their own, then the seminary is not complicit. It also helps ensure students will not end up with a mentor who has an axe to grind on doctrinal principles that the seminary affirms. Of course, there's still rrom for healthy debate even within the parameters of BFM2000 and Danvers, etc. It's not saying all others are heathen or stupid; it is a matter of wisdom, not legalism. If the student graduates and disagrees - he's free to do so. However, the seminary did it's best to honor the people who fund 1/2 a student's tuition. Call it taking stewardship seriously - not legalism.
No, Anonymous. It is legalism. Dress it up. Sanitaize it. Call it what you want. The end result is the Godslingers are making the tent smaller & smaller, by using doctrinal points outside the BFM as a test of fellowship. That is Creedalism. That is Legalism. And that is wrong. The SBC has not voted on those other statements as a test of fellowship & it would be wrong to impose it onto those who supervise the students.
In 2004, I refused to be r-endorsed by the Chaplains Commission of the NAMB (SBC). I saw that I would have to sign the BFM 2000, the Chicago Sttement on Inerrency and another one I can't remember. I went to CBF for endorsement and I have been happy ever since.
Post a Comment