Critics: Doctrinal standard leaves evangelical society ‘exposed’

Posted: 11/30/07

Critics: Doctrinal standard
leaves evangelical society ‘exposed’

By Hannah Elliott

Associated Baptist Press

SAN DIEGO (ABP) – To its critics, the current doctrinal standard of the Evangelical Theological Society leaves the group indecently “exposed.”

And two of the society’s members have submitted a proposal to tighten the document into a more specifically evangelical declaration of theology—something a Catholic couldn’t sign in good conscience. But other society members worry it may signal the beginning of an inquisition at an already-turbulent period in the society’s life.

11/30/2007 - By John Rutledge

State resolutions focus on alcohol, gambling, homosexuality, abuse

Posted: 11/30/07

State resolutions focus on alcohol,
gambling, homosexuality, abuse

By Robert Marus

Associated Baptist Press

WASHINTON (ABP)— Sins of the flesh—specifically concerning liquor, gambling and sex—were among the most popular subjects of resolutions passed by Baptist state conventions this fall.

Although many state conventions avoided resolutions on controversial issues of any kind during their annual meetings, a handful addressed issues such as hate-crimes legislation involving protections for sexual orientation, the sexual abuse of minors, and the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages.

11/30/2007 - By John Rutledge

Storylist for 12/03/07 issue

Storylist for week of 12/03/07 TAKE ME TO: Top Story |  Texas |  Opinion |  Baptists |  Faith & Culture |  Book Reviews |  Classifieds  |  Departments  |  Bible Study • Preaching: Stand and Deliver •…

11/30/2007 - By John Rutledge

RIGHT or WRONG? The loudmouth

Posted: 11/30/07

RIGHT or WRONG?
The loudmouth

A member of our church consistently becomes rowdy—talking too much and loudly—during our business meetings. His behavior is extremely distracting, and some members have quit attending because they know he’ll be there. Something needs to change, but how?

11/30/2007 - By John Rutledge

Bible Studies for Life Series for December 2: Recognizing the Savior

Posted: 11/28/07

Bible Studies for Life Series for December 2

Recognizing the Savior

• Isaiah 53:1-12

British Baptists: ‘Sorry about slavery’

Posted: 11/28/07

British Baptists: ‘Sorry about slavery’

SWANWICK, England—Baptists in Britain have apologized for their role in the slave trade.

The Council of the Baptist Union of Great Britain, at its recent meeting in Swanwick, England, passed a resolution of apology.

“We offer our apology to God and to our brothers and sisters for all that have created and still perpetuate the hurt which originated from the horror of slavery,” the resolution said.

The council, which made the transatlantic slave trade the main focus of its meetings, further repented “of the hurt we have caused, the divisions we have created, our reluctance to face up to the sin of the past, our unwillingness to listen to the pain of our black sisters and brothers, and our silence in the face of racism and injustice today.”

11/28/2007 - By John Rutledge

BaptistWay Bible Series for December 2: Let me introduce Jesus

Posted: 11/16/07

BaptistWay Bible Series for December 2

Let me introduce Jesus

• Mark 1:1-20

Bible Studies for Life Series for December 9: Getting ready for the Savior

Posted: 11/28/07

Bible Studies for Life Series for December 9

Getting ready for the Savior

• Luke 1:5-25; 57-80

California Baptists adopt budget, reject measure related to Baptist Faith & Message

Posted: 11/27/07

California Baptists adopt budget, reject
measure related to Baptist Faith & Message

By Terry Barone

California Southern Baptist

WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. (ABP)—Messengers to the California Southern Baptist Convention’s annual meeting adopted an $11.6 million budget, turned down a constitutional amendment related to the Baptist Faith & Message and re-elected the body’s president.

“Connecting to Accomplish the Work” was the theme of the 67th annual meeting at Russian Baptist Church in West Sacramento, Calif., where 518 messengers and 270 guests registered.

11/27/2007 - By John Rutledge

Georgia Baptist resolution criticizes Baptist blogs

Posted: 11/27/07

Georgia Baptist resolution
criticizes Baptist blogs

By Hannah Elliott

Associated Baptist Press

AUGUSTA, Ga. (ABP)—Georgia Baptists at their annual meeting approved a record budget and a controversial resolution against using blogs to critique Baptist life.

Gathering in Augusta, more than 1,400 messengers attended the Georgia Baptist Convention meeting, themed “Back to the Basics.” They also approved a 2008 Cooperative Program budget, added 62 new churches and missions, and approved the distribution of money previously given to Mercer University. Mercer is no longer affiliated with the GBC.

11/27/2007 - By John Rutledge

Oklahoma Baptists vow to continue ministering to illegal immigrants

Posted: 11/27/07

Oklahoma Baptists vow to continue
ministering to illegal immigrants

By Hannah Elliott

Associated Baptist Press

MOORE, Okla. (ABP)—Messengers to the annual meeting of the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma passed a resolution emphasizing non-discriminating ministry to illegal immigrants and adopted a record budget of $24.6 million.

“Finishing the Task” was the theme of the convention, which brought almost 900 messengers to First Baptist Church of Moore.

11/27/2007 - By John Rutledge

South Carolina Baptists OK move toward 50-50 CP split

Posted: 11/27/07

South Carolina Baptists OK
move toward 50-50 CP split

By Robert Marus

Associated Baptist Press

FLORENCE, S.C. (ABP)—South Carolina Baptists have approved budget projections that will gradually result in the state convention forwarding 50 percent of all undesignated receipts to the Southern Baptist Convention.

Messengers at the South Carolina Baptist Convention meeting, held in Florence, S.C., also elected an Aiken, S.C., pastor president and passed resolutions addressing predatory lending, homosexuality and gambling.

11/27/2007 - By John Rutledge