I had a busy week. I was involved in a very important conference early in the week, and tonight I will work my fifth basketball game in the last seven days.
So with the little energy I have to exert, I present my thoughts of six timely topics in the latest edition of Doyle’s Half Dozen.
- Notions about Norman
The University of Oklahoma had a busy week as well, but the results involving the university’s chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity will go beyond the past seven days.
So much can be debated from different aspects that came from the promotion of the video featuring the frat members, but here are some takeaways to consider:
Social media is a powerful tool. I don’t know what the timeframe was from when the video was posted until the wildfire of responses came, but it seems almost instantaneous. Be aware of how widely spread something posted on YouTube, Twitter, Facebook and other social media sources can occur throughout the world.
People unaffiliated with the subject of the video or message, etc. can quickly view this material, and if it is deemed offensive, controversial or misunderstood, unexpected penalties or consequences may result.
Racism is our society’s major offense. You may disagree with how OU handled the fraternity, but this is a fact. Racism will not be tolerated by those who are in a position of public leadership. Keep in mind, a longtime owner of an NBA team lost possession of his team last year after his racist remarks emerged that were made privately and were recorded illegally.
If former L.A. Clippers’ owner Donald Sterling can face an immediate punishment under those circumstances, college kids willingly promoting such through a video don’t have a chance. Be advised, it would be best if you put away any racist perspective and make it your ambition to live in such a way that even non-Christians respect you (I Thess. 4:11-12).
- Report from Gospel & Sexuality Conference
I’ve mentioned previously about “The Gospel, Sexuality and the Church” Conference, and the event occurred on Monday and Tuesday. The majority of the sessions will be available for viewing at bgco.org in the coming weeks.
Almost 600 people representing churches across the state attended this conference, which I thought was a major success. Russell Moore, president of the Southern Baptist Convention’s Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, and Albert Mohler, president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, were the lead speakers for the conference, and both gave some powerful perspectives and guidance.
Since I was involved in behind-the-scenes duties of the conference, I was able to watch the audience on the first night. It was evident by seeing expressions on everyone’s faces, they were attentively taking in what the speakers had to say about issues that, as Mohler said, are some of the most fundamental issues the Church has ever had to confront.
I believe this was a good start. Church leaders were able to come away with the advisement of being available and open to those among the homosexual community while also holding to biblical principles and yielding to the power of the Gospel.
- Meaningful moments with Mohler
As I mentioned, I was assigned some administrative responsibilities of this conference. My most important assignment was being Dr. Mohler’s “chauffeur,” providing him transportation to and from the airport, hotel and venue.
Spending time in the car with one of our great denominational leaders was a quality experience for me. On the way to the airport, Dr. Mohler shared what he was going to preach this coming Sunday, which is on the death of Abraham in Genesis. He shared some trivial aspects from the passages on Abraham, and I was just eating up this information.
I love discussions on the Bible, and I regret not having such discussions as often as I did in the days of my youth. I remember spending time at my friend Brent’s house and having lengthy Biblical discussions with his dad. Those are priceless moments.
Though it wasn’t lengthy, having that time discussing Abraham with Dr. Mohler reminded me I need to spend more time having similar discussions.
- Franklin speaking frankly
In previous DHDs I have commended Franklin Graham and the leadership he has been showing in sharing the Gospel and speaking to the masses on social issues. I appreciate this remark he made this week:
“Listen up–Blacks, Whites, Latinos, and everybody else. Most police shootings can be avoided. It comes down to respect for authority and obedience. If a police officer tells you to stop, you stop. If a police officer tells you to put your hands in the air, you put your hands in the air. If a police officer tells you to lay down face first with your hands behind your back, you lay down face first with your hands behind your back. It’s as simple as that. Even if you think the police officer is wrong – YOU OBEY. Parents, teach your children to respect and obey those in authority. Mr. President, this is a message our nation needs to hear, and they need to hear it from you. Some of the unnecessary shootings we have seen recently might have been avoided. The Bible says to submit to your leaders and those in authority ‘because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account.’”
- Trading Durant is foolish talk
I can’t believe people were talking earlier this week about the notion of the Thunder trading Kevin Durant. Someone asked me a few days ago what I thought about this trade possibly happening. I said it was the dumbest thing I heard all week.
I could elaborate, but I thought I would share the exceptional remarks by Thunder G.M. Sam Presti:
“It’s ludicrous to assert that we would trade Kevin. There’s no way to measure what he represents to our organization on and off the floor. He has helped build this organization from the ground up and personifies the Thunder: past, present and future. When he’s done playing there will be streets names after him throughout the state and younger generations of Oklahomans will learn about the role Kevin has played in elevating this community in ways beyond basketball.”
This should be great music to Thunder fans’ ears. It definitely was to mine.
- Enjoy Spring Break!
Spring Break will be observed by many next week. I won’t directly participate, but a great result of such school vacations is less traffic during peak commuting hours.
Those of you who will be spending next week with your kids, enjoy! And share some time discussing Biblical topics. You will be amazed how much your kids will appreciate these moments later in life.