2003 Archives
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EDITORIAL: Speak biblically, clearly, lovingly about homosexuality_81103
Posted: 8/8/03
EDITORIAL:
Speak biblically, clearly, lovingly about homosexualityHomosexuality has leaped out of the closet and landed in America's living rooms.
This summer, significant issues revolving around homosexuality have grabbed headlines in national media. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled Texas' sodomy law unconstitutional, President Bush affirmed legal restriction against homosexual marriage and the Episcopal Church confirmed the election of its first openly gay bishop.
Many Americans–especially traditional Christians–find discussion of homosexuality embarrassing. It's like when parents talk about sex and their children want to put their fingers in their ears and chant, “Too much information; too much information …” until somebody changes the subject. But nobody's going to change this subject; not this time. Homosexuality is a fact of life in America, whether it's the orientation of the newest Episcopal bishop, the subject of constitutional amendments or a theme of seemingly every-other TV program.
The Bible speaks to behavior, not desire or even inclination. Homosexual behavior is prohibited. Even if we grant that homosexual orientation is inherited, we must acknowledge that acting on those impulses is sinful, according to God's word. 10/14/2003 - By John Rutledge
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EDITORIAL: Budgets reflect low priority of cooperative missions_82503
Posted: 8/22/03
EDITORIAL:
Budgets reflect low priority of cooperative missionsBudgets make the best barometers of priorities. Unfortunately, a study of Baptist budgets from the past 15 years reveals a decline that has produced a missions-and-ministry drought.
From 1987 to 2002, Southern Baptist missions expenditures grew by only half the rate of churches' total receipts. Meanwhile, the portion of undesignated receipts those churches contributed to the Cooperative Program unified budget dropped by 30 percent. (See the full story on these trends here) Now, Baptist conventions and institutions at state and national levels are struggling to freeze or reduce budgets to reflect economic realities.
Of course, some Baptists believe budget talk is impious. But in this world, ministry efforts depend upon dollars. Just behind faithful, willing believers empowered by the Spirit of God, money is crucial to fulfilling Christ's Great Commission.
Pastors need to preach courageous sermons on tithing, churches need to tithe their incomes and leaders need to demonstrate why cooperative giving is a divine investment in a glorious eternity. 10/14/2003 - By John Rutledge
