When Actions Speak Louder Than Words

Jim Burroway

June 25th, 2009

The Southern Baptist Convention has ousted Broadway Baptist Church of Fort Worth, Texas over the church’s acceptance of gays. Even though that church had sent their own gay-tolerant pastor packing over a controversy surrounding photos of same-sex couples in the church directory, it appears that what remained still wasn’t anti-gay enough to appease the powers that be.

Meanwhile, another Southern Baptist preacher, Rev. Wiley Drake of First Southern Baptist Church in Buena Park, California, has been practicing “imprecatory prayer” for President Barack Obama’s death. Drake and his church remain in good standing.

Newsweek reports that for the fourth year in a row, Southern Baptist Churches baptized fewer people than they did in each prior year. This is taken as a key indicator of church growth — or decline, as the case may be. Two years ago, then-SBC president Frank Page blamed the decline on the perception that Baptists are “mean-spirited, hurtful and angry people.” This year’s theme for the Southern Baptist Convention is “Love Loud: Actions Speak Louder Than Words.” I have no further comment beyond that.

GreenEyedLilo

June 25th, 2009

In other news, white is black, black is white, sand is wet, and water is dry. I’m sure everyone in that congregation can do just fine without the SBC’s support.

Richard in CA

June 25th, 2009

An incredible post. Nothing else needs be said.

cd

June 25th, 2009

Onwards and upwards.

Or not.

Mike Airhart

June 25th, 2009

In exorcism, Pentecostal extremists inflict their own personal demons upon innocent people.

In the SBC, pastors pray for the death of Obama.

Two sides of the same coin.

Alex

June 26th, 2009

Yes, this is sadly ironic. But I hope you’re not implying that all Southern Baptists are “mean-spirited, hurtful, and angry people.”

Christopher Waldrop

June 26th, 2009

Alex, assuming that comment was not facetious, legitimate criticism of a religious organization is not bashing religion. The fact that many people of faith take the attitude that it is, however, has undermined attempts to engage in constructive debate and discussion.

jim

June 27th, 2009

I remember my friend’s mother, a big old Baptist, when I told her my father was ill. She said, “Has he been saved!?”.

I told her my father was ill. Was she there to help me care for him? No. I don’t know what she wanted.

I hear their membership is dropping. I wonder why. Is is because they’re perceived as intolerant assh*les?

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