Billy Sunday - Good or Bad influence?

The thing that I did not like about Billy was that I read that none of his own children became Christians. I think he missed out on his most important mission field, his own children.

 

I have seen many godly parents whose children disappointed them, including ministers.

Billy Sunday was a man for the times. Theologically he was off base, in my mind, but the Lord did use him and his ministry. He had a unique preaching style and reached people that we might not otherwise have reached......as did Gypsy Smith, Finney, Moody, General Booth of the Salvation Army and others.

Billy Sunday often preached from the pitcher's mound and went round the bases with the simple gospel. He used ballplayer's lingo, where he pitched strikes and slid into home base safe in the arms of Jesus. Not my style, but he was effective.

Cheers,

Jim

 

Billy Sunday was from Nevada, Iowa. Being an Iowan already moves him up a lot! Seriously, he was a great preacher, evangelist and Christian worker. I vote thumbs up on Billy Sunday.

 

Is a great influence. Good ball player too...

GOD BLESS AMERICA

 

In seminary, his name was synonymous with "nut job." He was the paradigm for what not to be like as baptist ministers.

Joshua

 

What if he would have been gay? Would he line up in your eyes then?

 

What in the world? Who is it you are associating this with? "Rev Joshua"? I ask this because I found your post directly after his. Whose eyes? is what I'm asking. If you're asking me, I'd have to say I don't believe "gay" ministers are called of God.

To associate the word "gay" in the same post with some one like Billy Sunday doesn't make much sense.

I respect the zeal Mr. Sunday had, and any "cemetary" that teaches that you are to NOT be like him in any way, I would get out of it, and would never admit I ever attended it. Those types are never found preaching on the streets, witnessing in a crowd, or especially as Billy Sunday was known, busting a couple of barstools to get the attention of those in the bar, and then preaching like a wild man with the touch of God. I don't think for an instant Billy Sunday was ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, but I really wonder about those who never get out amonsgt the people to tell others about the Lord.

I don't know exactly what it is that needs "reforming" about Fundamental Baptists. It's those who stray from the fundamentals that I worry about,liberal comprimisers is what I call them. Whoops! There I go again! Standing up for what is RIGHT!

In Christ,

Brother Ricky

 

Rev Josh has no problem with homosexuality, but someone who tends to be a legalist draws his wrath.

 

I echo what Jude said!

As far as Billy Sunday's children not being Christians. Most evangelists travel a lot and are away from home. It was not easy back then to take your family with you. A Godly mother should have been the one who influenced them in this case.

Blessings,
Sue

 

Anyone who calls homosexuality a sin draws his wrath!

 

I couldn't have said it better myself. I agree wholeheartedly!

 

I know nothing about him, what I do know is if someone does not become saved you can not blame other people. The bible says each will give an account for themselves, not other people. Not all children from christian families is ever a christian themselves.

edited for some serious typos.

 

LOL, Sue, after 800 posts someone actually quotes me, but the quote is attributed to Jude!

 

Many people probably have their minds made up one way or another, but here is some information for those who would like to read more:

PRO
BillySunday.org/
Online Sermons

CON
Tale of 2 Gospels: Whitefield & Sunday
www.ralphmag.org/BU/billy-sunday.html

Billy Sunday, like all sinful human beings, had his good points and bad points. No doubt he preached truth and there were results from that. He also seems to have embraced error and that had its harvest, too. IMO, Sunday used and promoted evangelistic methods and trends that contributed to a weakening of the gospel message and widespread easy-believism common to famous evangelistic campaigns even to this day.

 

The unfortunate truth is that we could replace Billy Sunday with any prominant evangelist and have the same discussion. Some focus on the evangelist's results, some on his theological correctness, and some on his methods. No man measures up to everyone's standards in all three areas. In the minds of some, even Christ failed in at least one of those areas. Perhaps its best not to judge too harshly. I hope I'm never famous enough to have to be judged by future Christians, but perhaps the alternative is to be inconsequential and that doesn't sound any better.

 

No doubt some are famous or well-known because they are doing a great work for the Lord. Some are unknown because they do nothing. But I also suspect that God's judgment of who is/was famous and who is/was inconsequential will be quite at odds with men's opinions on the matter. Ultimately, though, our judgment of Billy Sunday or anyone else is quite inconsequential. Nevertheless, we can learn from the lives of those who have gone before.

 

I'd rather fall into the hands of God, than into the hands of angry men.

Since you seem to know "REV JOSHUA" so well, tell me your definition of a "legalist", my experience is most people use that term as a way of accusation instead of what it really means.


In Christ,

Brother Ricky

 

Oh Mark! I am SO sorry!

LOL. I must have been having a Senior Moment. I LOVE your posts!


Sue

 

Brother Ricky:

Click on the following link. It will take you to another thread titled: "What is legalism?". You will find some very interesting answers from the BB posters. The discussion is still active.

LINK

Blessings,
Sue