The Southern Baptists are in Trouble

The Southern Baptist Convention is in trouble. They have denied, avoided and hidden sexual abuse by some Baptist clergy and Conventional leaders. It is now becoming known. I urge you to read Russell Moore’s article in Christianity Today. It is insightful. As a former, and recovering, Southern Baptist this grieves me. It grieves me for all the innocent and committed Southern Baptists who will now suffer the consequences of their leaders. It also grieves and angers me because of all who will now choose to stay away from Churches; not just Southern Baptist but all Churches. It angers me because Baptists, like the Catholic Church, in that the leadership chose to cover up their sex abuse scandals. The Apostle John opens his Gospel by stating of Jesus, “In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not (and will not, {Rick’s italics}) overcome it.” (JOHN 1:4-5, RSV). I identify myself as a Jesus-follower, rather than as a member of a specific denomination. Sometimes I even feel uncomfortable with the label of Christian because many who call themselves Christians are not Jesus followers.

Values

My primary values are derived from being a Jesus follower. If there is an issue I ask, “What did Jesus say about the issue?” If Jesus said nothing, then I believe the answer is to follow Jesus’ principal and I believe Jesus’ foundational principal is to love your neighbor as yourself. As a Jesus follower, I do not put the Old Testament writings nor Paul, Peter, John and/or James’s writings on the same level of significance as Jesus. So, “What did Jesus say?” is my standard. He said a great deal about poverty and sharing wealth; caring for the sick and imprisoned; caring for widows and children, especially those without adequate homes and food. I wish our leaders (both government and Church leaders) as well as citizenship would spend more of their energy and decisions about how to create affordable and universal health care; how to release from jails and prisons those who have minor infractions. I also wish our leaders were arguing about the need to build affordable housing and eliminate food deserts in our cities. Jesus was also concerned about the “stranger,” the refugee and immigrants because as a child he was a refugee. Jesus did not say anything about many of the contemporary issues that seem to take so much time and energy from our government and Church leaders. I often wonder if the present debates might not be a diversion so that we would not have to deal with the issues that Jesus said was important?

My "Politics"

It is time for a primary election in Lexington, Kentucky. I am not fond of political ads because I do not believe most of their marketing. If a candidate’s advertising turns negative about their opponent, then I vote for the opponent. If more of us would do that, negative adds would cease. My politics are simple. My generations have all been Democrats. In this day and time, I would be labeled as a liberal democrat. My generations would not have liked that “liberal” label but, they would be pleased that I am registered as a Democrat. I am also a fiscal conservative. They would have liked that. Nevertheless, I hope I am generous. I also inherited the philosophy that there are to be no “professional politicians.” So, if someone has been elected and served their elected time, then I do not vote for them; no “if’s” or “but’s.” Once a candidate has served his or her time in office, they need to go back home and make a living like the rest of us (my grandfather would say “an honest living.”) My politics are simple.

A Shoe and a Sleeping Device

I have an old pair of canvas shoes. My wife says those shoes are worn out. I say that they are only worn in. She says they need to be thrown away. I only wear them outside such as when I do yard work. A few days ago, the sole came off the left shoe while I was mowing. Thanks to Guerilla glue and an overnight setting, they are now working fine. My Physician recently said that I have moderate sleep apnea and I need a CPAP devise. I am not looking forward to adjusting to a sleep aid but, if that is what is required then “Okay, let’s do it.” The reality is that I like old things, especially myself. Some old things are not ready to be tossed; they only need a few repairs along the way. Remember that you are the Gift and you have gifts that all of us need.

The Need for Self-Discipline Continues

One of my least favorite aspects of this aging process relates to food. My metabolism rate seems to have slowed down significantly so that I cannot eat as in previous years without the scales reporting, “Ugh and Oh No.” My Physician says that I would do better if I significantly reduced carbs, sugars, red meat, and salt. Those limits create a significant handicap in my regular eating as well as my snacking, especially evening snacks. My Physician also says that I would do better with vegetables, fruits, fish, etc. and those need to be served in smaller portions. All of this reminds me that self-discipline is something that will be with me through all my life. It is not something that I learned once upon a time and, then I would no longer have to work at it. No, I must continue learning and re-learning self-discipline. I sure wish God would have created me so that my metabolism was such that I could eat what my eyes and mouth desire throughout all my life. But that is not how it is, so the Lord and I are still working on my self-discipline.

Separation of Church and State

I believe in the separation of Church and State. Unnecessary influence is not good for either. As I celebrate First Fruits, Jesus’ Resurrection or Easter I read the scriptures. It is obvious to any unbiased reader of any of the gospels that Jesus was condemned by a combination of both the religious leaders and the government. Pride of authority can easily destroy the quiet and relational leading of God’s Spirit. Hence, my fear of unnecessary relationship or influence between government and church. I am angered when a Church leader, even at the present time in Russia, endorses the military action of his government. I am frustrated when government leaders successfully legislate their religious ideas with the assistance of selected Church leaders. As a recovering Baptist, I know that my religious ancestors came to this country to get away of ‘State Religion.’ I fear that we may be moving closer toward an inappropriate relationship between church and State.

Go Slower, Cover Less Ground

“Go slow, cover less ground.” This is reported to be a quote from Thomas Merton, although I can’t find the reference source. Thomas Merton, or Father Louis as he was known at the Abbey of Gethsemane where he lived, was a Cistercian Monk. His writings were known for their social engagement as well as spiritual formation. I frequently go to the Abbey of Gethsemane for retreats and spiritual conversation. I often wonder where he would say about today’s issues of abortion, gun control, and homosexuality. I am alarmed by the government and Church leaders hurry to deny legitimate abortions, minimize gun controls as well as the rights of homosexuality and transgendered folks. It also bothers me that the government and Church leaders seem to be older, conservative, white and male. For honesty’s sake, “Yes, I am an older, white male.” These characteristics do not represent the make-up of USA citizens. We are a much more diverse population. I wish we had voces of folks like Thomas Merton today, perhaps if we did, we would proceed slower and, in my opinion make wiser decisions.