by Chris Doyle | Jun 1, 2018
Greetings!
This week’s Doyle’s Half Dozen has four topics relating directly to Southern Baptist Convention issues. I’ll cover some other stuff too, but I wanted to give you a heads up.
Let’s get to it!
- Patterson postlude
Leadership of Southwestern Seminary made a major decision this week, which came a week after a major meeting of SWBTS board members. Last week, Paige Patterson was given a nice consolation prize as the board chose to make him president emeritus. This week, members of the board’s executive committee chose to take Patterson’s prize away, stripping him of the emeritus title, financial compensation and on-campus residence.
Unsurprisingly, this abrupt decision was made because of a news report of an incident involving Patterson advising a female student at Southeastern Seminary years ago, when he was president of the N.C. Baptist school. The Washington Post said Patterson told the student to refrain from reporting an alleged rape.
Southwestern’s leadership made the right decision. However, it also caused quite a stir among many Southern Baptists, especially SWBTS alumni and Patterson supporters. Baptist Press reported Patterson’s dismissal caused major plans to be cancelled that were in conjunction with the SBC Annual Meeting in Dallas June 12-13.
As far as I know, Patterson is still scheduled to deliver the annual sermon at the SBC meeting. However, it is expected for change to occur, whether it comes as a motion from the convention meeting floor or Patterson saves what little dignity he still has and resigns.
- Patterson postlude part 2
I know my commentary may sound harsh, but whether or not you believe Patterson is being treated fairly, from my observations, Patterson has not responded in a respectful manner. I think it would have been better if he initiated a retirement announcement when this news was breaking at the end of April.
I can see how he may think his accusers have wrongful intentions, but they would have to answer for their intentions. He would be in a better light had all the board meetings and social media commentary, especially from outside the SBC, not come to fruition or materialized.
I know I’m doing some “armchair quarterbacking,” but the best scenario – and I’ve even discussed this with respected leaders – for Patterson would have been for him to retire years ago. And I share this in a way of respect for him. None of these accusations and past remarks would have been breaking news, and he would have been in a much more gracious position among the SBC at this point.
- Postlude Scripture application
In regard to Patterson’s critics, and I know many of them have respect and Christ-like love for the SBC leader, I struggle with how this has become such a messy national issue.
I keep coming back to a passage in Paul’s instructions to the Corinthians in 1 Cor. 6:1-8. I am still trying to study this in order to best communicate the message Paul is sharing to see if it is applicable. Paul is directly talking about Christians should not be taking other Christians to court. The main focus appears to be on airing conflicts in front of unbelievers.
I welcome feedback from those who have insight from studying this passage, and let me know if you think I am in the right direction as far as applying Paul’s message to how those in the SBC are handling this Patterson issue, as well as other conflicts.
- SBC Resolutions
I wrote a news story about Midwestern Seminary President Jason Allen submitting a resolution to be considered by the SBC Resolutions Committee. You can read it here.
I applaud Allen’s work, and his resolution was endorsed by a lengthy list of SBC leaders. I will be curious to see how the Committee handles Allen’s submission at the SBC Meeting.
As far as other proposed resolutions, Nathan Crietz, a church planter in New York, offers his thoughts on a list of resolutions.
Crietz has good points, but I am skeptical on the resolution about gun control. There’s some vague language in one of the points involving the Second Amendment that I’m not sure I could fully support in a clear conscience. And I don’t believe Crietz is right when he said the proposed resolution is entirely free of a political message.
The other resolutions seem solid, though I could see some backlash on the one involving immigration.
- Spelling Bee snag
I enjoyed watching the final round of the Scripps Spelling Bee Thursday night. Congrats to Karthik Nemmani for winning the national competition by spelling correctly “koinonia.”
This is a great scenario to help many understand the powerful theological emphasis of what koinonia presents, which means “Christian fellowship.” Don’t be surprised if you hear it in a sermon or Bible study lesson in the future.
However, I feel bad for Naysa Modi who got a difficult draw when she was asked in the final round to spell “Bewusstseinslage.” Check out the USA Today story here, and you can see a video of Naysa’s challenge.
- Go see Solo
I end with sharing Michael Foust’s review from last week on the movie “Solo.” All of Michael’s movie reviews are great, but it’s a great prepper if you haven’t seen the movie yet.
If you have, check out the end of Michael’s review and answer his discussion questions.
by Chris Doyle | May 25, 2018
Greetings!
As Olive is getting groomed and my car is getting an oil change, I sit here ready to share my weekly thoughts on timely topics. Let’s get to it.
- SBC status
Lots of news happening this week that reflect badly upon the Southern Baptist Convention. The biggest news involves Paige Patterson at Southwestern Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas.
Southwestern Board members had quite a lengthy special session this week, beginning Tuesday afternoon, May 22, and ending at 3 a.m., Wednesday morning, May 23. The meeting concluded with the board removing Patterson as seminary president. The problem many have with this decision involves naming Patterson president emeritus, giving him a nice monetary compensation and an on-campus residence.
If you’re not up on the Patterson issues, check out Baptist Press’ story.
The Patterson story is the weightiest burden of the week, but it magnifies what has become a poor reputation of the country’s largest Christian denomination. Also, this is not a positive prelude for the SBC Annual Meeting, which begins in Dallas in a couple weeks.
To understand how great of a concern this is for the SBC, read Albert Mohler’s prophetic declaration, “The Wrath of God Poured Out – The Humiliation of the Southern Baptist Convention.”
“Judgment has now come to the house of the Southern Baptist Convention,” Mohler wrote. “The terrible swift sword of public humiliation has come with a vengeance. There can be no doubt that this story is not over.”
Mohler may be the most respected SBC leader right now, and for him to express such a grim evaluation should shake all SBC church members.
But I also want to share Trevin Wax’s blog, “On Peace and Progress in the Southern Baptist Convention.”
Wax’s analogy of a true peacemaker (Matt. 5:9) is worth pondering: “… there’s a wide gulf between ‘keeping the peace’ and ‘making peace.’ They’re not the same.”
I appreciate Wax’s prescription of putting the SBC “on the road to recovery.”
“There is no peacemaking without pain-taking,” he wrote. “We will not see peace in our convention apart from true repentance, a deep desire for revival, and clear-eyed honesty regarding our sins and failures. We’re in a season in which God is bringing to light sin and selfishness, scandal and sorrow. Our scandals are public. We are being humbled. But humbleness is the right place for the disciple of Jesus. Our heads must be bowed low before Jesus will lift them.”
I have many friends who have expressed their thoughts on social media about what’s happening in the SBC. All comments are valid. I even respect a piece written by Jonathan Merritt, whom I strongly oppose on multiple issues, but his point on this subject is hard to argue and shouldn’t be disregarded.
Fellow SBCers, pray for our convention, seek God’s guidance and grace and don’t abandon the important work of furthering God’s Kingdom. If you share grievance in a public manner, even when merited, remember this too shall pass, but what we say and do involves eternal results.
- Waxing again
Trevin Wax had another fascinating blog this week. Check out “How Joy Davidman Altered My View of C.S. Lewis.”
If you’re familiar with the movie “Shadowlands” starring Anthony Hopkins as Lewis, you’d know about Lewis’ relationship with Davidman. I saw the movie after my college years and found it rather boring, but I might consider giving it another shot.
What appealed to me about Wax’s piece is how he spotlights the marital relationships of well-known Christian leaders and how Lewis had an unconventional approach to dealing with the people in his life.
- Thunder stuff
I’m leery to write about the Oklahoma City Thunder. Disappointment seems to follow after my pennings.
But I’ll take the chance to point out the Thunder were one of three teams (Golden State & Minnesota) to have more than one player make All-NBA honors, which were released this week. Russell Westbrook made second team, and Paul George was a third-team member. That’s about where both should be.
As far as other stuff stirring on social media, Russ being traded and Sam Presti getting fired are both laughable. As much as my Thunder thoughts may hex the squad, I’m willing to go on record to say neither will happen.
- Bartering Babylon Bee
Are you a fan of Babylon Bee, the satirical conservative Christian website? I read the founder of the Bee sold the website.
Adam Ford gave a detailed explanation why he sold Babylon Bee, and I admire his reasoning. His description of Facebook and Google is profound and should not be surprising.
The Baptist Messenger has had similar difficulties, and though we have met with Facebook and seemingly resolved why many of the Messenger articles have been deleted from the site for no justifiable reason, it is apparent Facebook’s control of information is troublesome – and the same with Google.
- Shooting too close to home
You probably heard about or maybe experienced for yourself the shooting that happened Thursday night, May 24, at Louie’s at the Lake restaurant. KOCO Channel 5 provides a detailed video and information on the station’s website.
This is still fresh, especially with investigations continuing, but at this time, the suspect who was killed at the scene appears to be suffering from mental illness, claiming on personally submitted YouTube videos that he was experiencing demonic attacks.
This is a notice to be vigilant. I have been to Louie’s multiple times, as well as the other nearby restaurants there on the East Wharf of Lake Hefner. In fact, Karen and I were planning to go eat there this evening. This is a popular area, especially this time of year with nicer weather and longer days, with families, runners, dog walkers and general nature lovers. People go there often because it’s a beautiful setting at dusk with the sun setting on the lake.
Basically, this area has a long running reputation of being a safe place in the city, especially for families. Though vigilance is always important, I hope the reputation of Lake Hefner is not majorly hindered.
More will unfold in the days ahead about the suspect. I’m predicting more people speaking out on the concerns of mental illness.
I appreciate the two civilians who prevented further tragedy. I did learn that neither men who shot the suspect were carrying their weapons but had them stored in their respected vehicles before using them. Thankfully, they were able to act quickly and effectively.
Lastly, thank the Lord none of the victims lost their lives. All three are expected to recover.
- Happy Memorial Day!
I hope you enjoy this holiday weekend. I am planning to go visit the grave sites of my family members, including my father and my sister. Take time to remember those who went before and impacted our lives.
by Chris Doyle | May 18, 2018
Greetings!
I’ve got a great weekend planned, so this week’s DHD will be short – at least it should be because I’ve got a lot to do in the next couple hours.
Let’s get to it!
- Yanni or Laurel
So what do you hear? I’m strongly in the Laurel camp, but I understand how others can hear Yanni because I hear something in the background that sounds like the electronic voice is saying Yanni.
If you don’t know what I’m talking about, the hottest social media topic this week was about an audio clip, reportedly designed for vocabulary.com, that caused debate on whether or not the clip is saying Yanni or Laurel.
Baptist Press reported on the craze, asking if there’s “any spiritual relevance?” At first, I thought this is a silly notion, but guidance offered in the BP story is realizing many people can be strongly biased by suggestions or by first impressions. This is the effect social media can have, and Christian should be aware of its influence.
- Two Carter columns
At first I was planning to discuss Joe Carter’s piece “9 Things You Should Know About Jerusalem,” but when I went to retrieve it this morning, his latest article caught my eye – “Why the Decline of Protestantism May Be Good News for Christians.”
The Jerusalem article is an excellent refresher, especially since the Holy City was in the news this week. The U.S. Embassy, after 23 years, finally moved its location to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv. Carter gives a list of fascinating facts on Jerusalem and helped me appreciate the city’s significance.
On the Protestantism decline article, Carter helps readers understand what many Americans for years have misunderstood about Christianity. He quotes Russell Moore: “It may be that this land is filled with people who, though often Christ-haunted, have never known the power of the Gospel, yet.”
I think the key that Christians should use as a focal point is the Gospel. Though it has been consistently presented over the years, it seems the Gospel has not been consistently pondered or correctly perceived by many who claim to be Christians (Matt. 7:21-23).
- George steps down
In my May 5, 2017 DHD, I present a topic titled “Samford and stunned.” Samford University, a Southern Baptist university in Alabama, made the decision to approve an LGBT student club.
This week, Timothy George, the founding dean of the Beeson Divinity School at Samford, announced he is stepping down next year, as reported by Baptist Press. George does plan to continue teaching at Beeson.
Make your own conclusions, but a common assessment could be that George is relinquishing administrative duties in order to distance himself from questionable decisions that are being made at Samford. I do appreciate Dr. George’s willingness to stay at Beeson and continue having a godly influence on campus.
- Pondering Pentecost
I read a great commentary by Trevor Laurence called “Pentecost of First of the Last Days” I always enjoy new perspectives on Bible passages (or at least new to me), and Laurence pointing out Peter preaching at Pentecost in Acts 2 had the opposite occurrence that happened at the Tower of Babel in Gen. 11.
Laurence writes: “At Babel, God judged and restrained rebellion by confusing languages and dividing the people (Gen. 11:1–9).
“At Pentecost, God forgives rebellion, using various world languages to bring people together in Jesus. The effects of sin are being undone as the Spirit goes forth with the Gospel of God’s grace in Christ.”
Always be open to a fresh approach to God’s Word, especially in a popular passage to see how the Gospel is revealed.
- The Royal Wedding
Harry and Megan are tying the knot this weekend. I don’t have a major interest in the wedding, but I know the world will be watching, as it has been reported 3 billion people all over the world plan to tune in.
I appreciate both Prince Harry and Megan Markle. Both of them experienced hardship in their lives, especially at a young age, and Megan has been under recent scrutiny, especially with the British press.
Even in all the secular commentary, be mindful that this is a wedding, and whether the world wants to acknowledge it or not, marriage is a biblical institution, ordained by God, and is the original blueprint God gave for mankind to fill the earth and govern it (Gen. 1:28).
- 11 years of marriage
Speaking of marital bliss, Karen and I are celebrating our 11th anniversary on the same day as the Royal Wedding (good decision Harry and Megan!). As I pointed out in the opening, we have an exciting weekend planned down in the southeastern corner of Oklahoma. Therefore I need to wrap this up, so I can finish getting ready to head that way.
Enjoy your weekend!
by Chris Doyle | May 11, 2018
Greetings!
Happy Mother’s Day weekend to you! Here’s another edition of Doyle’s Half Dozen. I hope you enjoy!
- Collison concludes
Nick Collison announced he is retiring. He sent out a notice through Instagram on Thursday. No formal press conference or a big national sendoff. Some of you may not even know who he is.
Collison spent 15 years playing with the Seattle Supersonics/Oklahoma City Thunder – five seasons in Seattle, 10 in OKC but all 15 with one organization, which is a rare accomplishment these days.
He rarely started, but when he came off the bench, nobody ever got a louder cheer than Nick Collison. That was consistent all through his career. The former Kansas Jayhawk was truly beloved in Oklahoma.
He didn’t demand the spotlight, but his “blue collar” defensive-minded, floor-diving, charge-taking, backdoor-passing style of play was widely admired. He matched up well against some of the best NBA big men, including Dirk Nowitzki and Zach Randolph. Nick’s post defense was stellar.
One of his most memorable performances was against the Clippers in the 2014 semifinals in L.A. Serge Ibaka was injured, and Nick came in and basically led the Thunder to victory, starting with hitting a clutch three-pointer late in the third quarter, which was not his forte, but boy he was exciting to watch that night. The Thunder won the series that night and advanced to another Western Conference Finals appearance.
There’s a lot of reading material online that report on Collison’s retirement announcement, but the best would be a piece Nick wrote himself and shared with ESPN’s Royce Young. Read it here.
- Gov. Fallin and SB 1140
I wrote in last week’s DHD about an important Oklahoma state senate bill that focuses on private Christian adoption agencies’ right to discern clients based on sincere religious convictions. Passing both the Senate and the House, all that remains is for Governor Mary Fallin to sign it and make it law. The governor has yet to sign and has by the end of next week to do so.
This has made national news as David French with the National Review reported on the prolific religious liberty bill. I appreciate French making this clarification about State Bill 1140: “It does not prohibit or interfere with the right of any adoption agency to implement contrary policies. It does not ban same-sex adoption in the state.”
The Governor has made the right move on many social issues in Oklahoma. If she fails to demonstrate her support at this significant moment, especially with recent emphases made in our state on adoption and foster care and the importance of needing these adoption agencies to remain in operation, this could leave a major stain on her political career.
UPDATE: Governor Fallin did sign SB 1140, stating the bill “does not ban same-sex adoption or foster care in Oklahoma. Instead, the bill will help continue Oklahoma’s successful placement of children with a broad array of loving families and basically maintain the status quo by setting forth in statute practices which have successfully worked for the best interest of Oklahoma children.”
Fallin also pointed out a similar legislation in Virginia has been in place since 2012 “without any court challenges.” Five additional state have passed similar legislation.
Hance Dilbeck, executive director-treasurer of the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma, released a statement, regarding Gov. Fallin signing the bill:
“We are grateful to Gov. Fallin and the Oklahoma legislative members who approved Senate Bill 1140, the adoption protection measure. This much-needed bill not only protects and advances religious liberty, it ensures the strength and future of the faith-based adoption and foster care agencies who serve so many children and families in Oklahoma.”
- SBC President Gaines speaks on recent issues
Baptist Press reported on Steve Gaines, president of the Southern Baptist Convention, statement about recent SBC issues, specifically on racial diversity and comments made by Southwestern Seminary President Paige Patterson. You can read the BP report here.
I alluded to Patterson’s comments in last week’s DHD. The issue has grown and continues to be discussed. It was referenced in a sermon at my church last Sunday, even though many in attendance were not fully in the know.
I only address it now for the purpose of clarity and to point out President Gaines has officially addressed it. One item that Gaines mentioned is the process of sermon delivery at the SBC Annual Meeting in Dallas next month. Patterson was elected by messengers of the 2017 SBC Annual Meeting to deliver the sermon this year. As Gaines said, there are only two ways Patterson will not preach at the meeting: 1) Messengers vote for him not to deliver the sermon or 2) Patterson personally withdraws.
It’s going to be an interesting meeting in Dallas next month.
- What is a tithe?
Baptist Press also reported on the views of churchgoers and tithing this week. I’m rather surprised by the survey results.
Here’s my take. I learned this long ago. Tithing (which means 10 percent of a person’s earning wage) proves our obedience; offering demonstrates our love.
However you want, analyze that for yourself. Start there, and through prayer, consider how you should respond.
- Inside Mohler’s Library
My friend Johnny Crotts had the privilege of visiting Al Mohler’s personal library recently. Mohler, president of Southern Seminary in Louisville, Ky. and a great Southern Baptist leader, is someone I greatly admire. I had the privilege of being his host when he came to speak at a conference a couple of years ago, and the moments of “chauffeuring” Dr. Mohler were priceless for me.
So Johnny shared some photos he took inside Mohler’s liberty. I found this one quite fascinating:
Apparently, Dr. Mohler is quite the fan of Winston Churchill.
- Happy Mother’s Day
To all mothers, I hope you are shown appreciation this Sunday. I have said often that my mother is my hero, and I look forward to spending time with her Sunday. My family plans to treat her to a Johnnie’s burger and a coke, which if you mentioned this meal to my momma, she would beam with much delight. By the way, HMD could mean “Happy Mother’s Day” or “Hester McGill Doyle” 🙂
I also wanted to share an unorthodox reflection to mothers. I watched this video taken at a wedding, and hearing this stepmom-to-be share her thoughts and watching her young stepson-to-be respond, I thought it was a loving tribute to all moms.
https://www.facebook.com/humankindstories/videos/316208852242161/
by Chris Doyle | May 4, 2018
Greetings!
Thanks for reading my latest edition of Doyle’s Half Dozen. I’ve got a hodge-podge of topics this week. Let’s get to it.
- Listening and speaking
James 1:19 is a well-known verse: “Be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to get angry” (NLT). It’s one of those verses that can make you feel guilty or motivate you to improve your people skills.
One of the reasons this verse has been on my mind lately is due to issues among the Southern Baptist circles. People in leadership have made mistakes, poor decisions and said foolish remarks.
It saddens me to hear about these things happening and then to hear or read critics who offer their commentary. Much could be said and has been said. I don’t plan to contribute.
Instead, I’m doing the opposite. This is me commenting about not commenting – at least not through social media. I have had conversations with people, trying to get clarity about things and listening to those whose opinions I respect.
There are times when it can be best not to make declarations in the public forum – mainly Facebook and other social outlets. I think that’s the part of being slow to speak yet quick to listen (or read) that can be helpful.
It has been said that if you don’t speak up about a bad issue then you’re condoning it by being silent. I have a hard time believing that is always the case. Jesus stood in silence before Pilate when charges were brought against Him.
Treat people with respect. Do more listening than speaking. And maybe pray even more than either listening or speaking to people. Who would know more than God, and who values your voice more than He?
- More about Mangum
In this week’s Baptist Messenger is my article on Mangum, First. You can also read it here.
That was a fun trip and a long day when I traveled to western Oklahoma. It’s about a three-hour drive from Oklahoma City to Mangum, and my wife Karen and I left near the crack of dawn in order to be at Mangum, First for Sunday morning worship.
Special thanks to Pastor Casey Paxton for meeting with me. I enjoyed interviewing him and getting the story about what God is doing in a church that needed to go through a humbling stint in order for Him to do a great work.
A church that had a reputation of being difficult and critical is now loving people and letting God make Himself known through them. It’s a fun story, and I hope you will take the chance to read it.
- SB 1140 is making progress
Oklahoma State Senate Bill 1140 is being known as the “Adoption Bill.” This passed both the Senate, 33-7, and the House, 56-21, and is waiting for Gov. Fallin to sign.
The significance of this bill is it allows private adoption and foster care agencies to observe their religious freedom and moral convictions. This is important and has been misunderstood.
It is important because private Christian adoption and foster care agencies would not be required to have same-sex couples as potential clients. It has been misunderstood because the bill does NOT prevent same-sex couples from adopting, through other adoption agencies.
Those who say they are against the bill because they believe it will prevent children from being adopted should reconsider their viewpoint. If this bill doesn’t pass and Christian adoption agencies are forced to practice against their moral convictions, then there would be FEWER adoption opportunities. Such agencies would have to close which actually happened in the state of Massachusetts.
Again, SB 1140 does NOT prevent adoption. It DOES help Christian agencies remain open.
- What moms want for Mother’s Day
I read a fascinating survey. With Mother’s Day happening soon, a survey of 1,135 mothers featured the following result:
What Mom Really Wants on Her Special Day:
- Spending quality time with the kids (55 percent)
- Breakfast, lunch and/or dinner (47 percent)
- Gift card (43 percent)
- Participating in a family activity (41 percent)
- Something homemade (37 percent)
Hope this helps if you haven’t already made plans to honor Mom on May 13.
- Alcorn’s advice for graduates
One of my all-time favorite DHDs I wrote a couple of years ago. Check out DHD: My Advice for High School and College Graduates.
Randy Alcorn recently offered his advice for upcoming graduates. Check it out here.
- Go fourth on May 4
People love celebrating Star Wars Day – May 4, which is today. I think it’s a fun day to commemorate those beloved episodes that happen in a galaxy far, far away.
Let me conclude with another way to observe 5/4 with sharing Matt. 5:4 from the Beatitudes in Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount:
“Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted”
Take joy in knowing when you are in a season of sorrow that God offers comfort. Seek Him today!
