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"conservative baptist image" to be replaced with "more liberal baptist agenda". the sbc has been bashed forever for their literal scriptural interpretations. political correctness, feminist movement, gay agendas, general erosion of Christian values etc. now leads some baptists to want to present a softer more liberal image ? the narrower road is more difficult to navigate (my own paraphrasing here) and while traveling that road of righteousness some are bound to weary of the sacrifice and others will find it easier to move over to the wide lane where there is much more latitude. society in general has become more accepting of a plethora of issues which God abhors and this acceptance has moved into our churches and our faith beliefs. the sheep and goats are slowly being separated and those with spiritual discernment (i.e., wisdom which comes from God) begin to differentiate apostasy from true adherence. humanity today is much like israel of old, both seem to easily fall into idolatry and false teachings. God offers reconciliation to those who accept His plan - not a plan fabricated by man (which seems right) - acceptance of His plan requires #1) obedience to His word and #2) sacrifice of self - two things which make many uncomfortable and unwilling to participate. personally i am daily working on both of those items, knowing that if i had to accomplish them by my own power or initiative, i would be a miserable failure - but Jesus promised us a Comforter, Amen

The effort being put forth is noble. I only hope that the end result will prove worthwhile.

I like the idea of working to bring people together. That is the coreness of Christianity; unity/uniting. Find the commonality's and work from there rather than disgruntlement over those areas where there is no agreement.

I see the God of Christianity as one who can and does work through any and all things. It is we humans who place the limits on where and how God can and will work.

Shalom

"I like the idea of working to bring people together. That is the coreness of Christianity; unity/uniting." Darryl

Of course it's nice when people can flow together and find unity and harmony and all that warm fuzzy stuff. I mean people "unite" around all kinds of cokcamamy ideas and causes. But it is most certainly NOT the "coreness" (I assume you mean essence) of Christianity. The core of Christianity is Truth, not unity! We become one Body only IN CHRIST, who IS the Truth. Truth Always trumps unity in the Scriptures.

Believers, from the OT prophets to the NT apostles are urged to separate from evil. Paul tells us in II Cor.: "Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you"

Furthermore we are told that divisions are necessary to show sin and error to be such. God does not want His people to unite around error and heresy: only the Truth. These moderates (liberals) have bought into a lot of the PC ideologies of the secular establishment, and decry the SBC's affirmation of biblical positions - as seen is this quote:

" . . . That shift ushered in a more conservative theology that focuses on issues like abortion and gay rights. Southern Baptists also assert that only men can be church pastors and leaders of the household, which was another issue that alienated some adherents."

Amen! Of course they did - if they are to be biblically true and God-fearing. Abortion and homosexuality are uequivocally sinful by biblical standards. And men, not women, are called in the Scriptures to be the heads of churches and homes. It is obvious that the Baptist liberals have abondoned the Scriptures for the acceptable and popular positions of the liberal humanist establishment.

Amen to the conservatives for having the chutzpah to stand for the Truth and the Gospel. These compromisers have nothing but their lifeless PC "causes" to offer. Real divine Life is only and always found by faith-filled conformity to the clear doctrines of the Faith as expressed in the Scriptures. Uniting around anything other that this is sheer folly.

"The effort being put forth is noble".......................
i can't say that i agree with that comment. i personally do not find it noble to present a more and moderate image of true scriptural teachings - in fact i find it unacceptable and an attempt to further secularize our faith. the noble cause is to adhere to scriptural teachings, live the Spirit filled life, submit to God and be not afraid of what man can do to you.
to answer nancy's question "Your advice for splintered Baptists?".... i say let the moderates take with them as many adherents of their secularized/humanized tenets - leaving behind the coreness (darryls word) of those who will try faithfully to adhere to Gods word and be the faithful witness of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
darryl i must commend you on your refrain from attacking the sbc - perhaps a new year , a new approach ?
nikos you are correct, Jesus said "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" - He didn't say unity was the answer but rather truth.

"And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" - He didn't say unity was the answer but rather truth..."

Amen.

"And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" - He didn't say unity was the answer but rather truth..."

Amen.

"And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" - He didn't say unity was the answer but rather truth..."

Amen.