The Southern Baptist Convention has just elected a new leader of the denomination, Willy Rice of Clearwater, Florida, a man who argues that the denomination had become too “woke,” focusing more on social justice and racism rather than the Gospel. Not surprising that Rice also stated sexual abuse issues had been “overblown.”
Claiming they read the Bible literally, they also came down hard on the issue of women pastors. So-called literal reading is also a form of interpretation. The SBC gets past the issue of stoning adulterers by noting the story of Jesus and the woman caught in adultery. It should also be noted that slavery was called a “past sin.”
The real issue is that SBC has a narrow view of what constitutes the Gospel. It still refuses to see social justice as central to the Gospel. That is not a culture issue. Jesus challenged the societal norms of his day, calling out injustice. Even from a so-called literal reading, racism and economic inequality cannot be justified. But what else would you expect from people who believe that dinosaurs and human beings cohabited on this earth?
Prayer for the Day
Light of our souls, help us to cast away the darkness
That holds us and contains us in its prison;
More than knowledge of the mind, we seek wisdom of the spirit
That frees us from our past and moves us into the future.
Illumine us with your presence and shape our response
So that we live with the radical equality the Gospel preached.
In the name of the One who is your Gospel,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
Those who place institution and platform above the vulnerable rallied to be sure that no abuse reform would move forward. They call us hoaxes and liars, few respond to call it evil and denounce their callousness, yet they still become your top respected leaders.
Tiffany Thigpen, an SBC abuse survivor and activist.
The Bible is universal truth, but our interpretations of it are always historically and culturally conditioned.
Paul D. Miller, historian, from The Religion of American Greatness
Happy are those who find wisdom, and those who get understanding,
For her income is better than silver, and her revenue better than gold.
Proverbs.3: 13-14