Originally posted by Dr. Bob Griffin:
My reaction would be, "Sadly said."
If I believed the way you describe it, I'd be afraid of Patterson and the entire return-to-the Bible mentality now gripping the SBC, too.
1.) Quite a few of us don’t see it as a “return” to anything because Southern Baptists have never been where they are now. The so-called “conservative resurgence” is neither conservative or a resurgence – it is merely a fundamentalist “surgence”.
2.) We also do not believe it is a “mentality” that adheres to the Bible. Theologically, we do not agree that the 2000 Baptist Faith and Message is biblically sound. Furthermore, we believe that character is important. Lying, hatred, name-calling, threats, deception, abuse, etc. are not fruit of the Spirit and reveal the true nature of many of the Southern Baptist leadership. I never cease to be amazed that some of these people will claim that I don’t believe the Bible and then lie to my face in the same breath!
3.) I’m not afraid of any of the SBC leaders, including Patterson. I feel bad for the guy because there is coming a day when God will judge all of us and I’m concerned that Patterson will have a lot to answer for…
And assume you pray that I am wrong!!
You are correct. I am a native Texan and have lived and ministered in the state all my life. Patterson’s father was the pastor of First Baptist Church in Beaumont, Texas, for many years (near where I was raised) and the Patterson’s were well known. T.A. Patterson was revered, but his son Paige is decidedly much less revered in this state.
As far as Patterson coming to Southwestern, everyone has known for years that Patterson wanted the job and that the only reason Hemphill got the job was because the Dilday firing brought out so much anger in Texas Baptists because everyone knew that the trustees were blatantly lying about what went on. That was the first shoe to drop. Patterson’s presidency will be the second.
[ June 23, 2003, 12:55 AM: Message edited by: Baptist Believer ]
