Howie Luvzus

I cannot sit by and let my Baptist brothers be hurt!

I tried. I wanted to retire and get more work done. But when I see articles like the one I describe here. I cannot remain silent! An important Southern Baptist leader died on November 15th. Dr. Adrian Rogers was the former pastor of a very large Baptist church in Memphis, Tn. He also served as president of the Southern Baptist Convention. The Associated Baptist Press, which is an “independent” news source for Baptists that is usually critical of Southern Baptists, published an article about Rogers that included the following quote from moderate Baptist leader Cecil Sherman:

He was a man of enormous gifts, but I tell you what — I think they were put to a terrible cause,” Sherman, who served as the first coordinator of the moderate Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, said. “I take no pleasure in his dying, [but] the results of his efforts in other days caused me and many people great pain. [emphasis mine]

Here is a note I wrote to to Robert Marus, Washington Bureau Chief of Associated Baptist Press and writer of an article about the death of Dr. Adrian Rogers, former pastor of Bellevue Baptist Church in Cordova, Tn.

Mr. Marus,
I am writing you to let you know that I am disappointed and angry about your article in Associated Baptist Press yesterday about Dr. Adrian Rogers. I want you to know that I am not a fundamentalist Baptist with an axe to grind. In fact, I’ve been so hurt by Southern Baptists that I have been forced to find a community of faith elsewhere. I have also written many articles criticizing Southern Baptist leaders on my website. In fact, I criticized David Dockery’s Baptist Press article on Stan Grenz’s death. Here’s a brief quote:

That’s one of the real problems I have with evangelical Baptists, they are so concerned with “truth” that it distorts their understanding of what’s really important. This article almost came off as an apology by Dockery for having a “heretical” friend like Stanley. It seems that Dockery was afraid that if he just voiced his love for his friend, his evangelical brothers would have doubted his orthodoxy.

I wish your article had been so “diplomatic.” Cecil Sherman’s quote was not only inappropriate, it was downright mean. I’ve heard countless stories about Dr. Roger’s role in Southern Baptist life. At such a difficult time, I feel that however one feels about this role, one should demonstrate respect for Dr. Rogers, his family, and thousands who knew and loved him. Although, your article was primarily positive, Sherman’s statement that Rogers had caused him and many people “great pain” was disrespectful and is damaging to the cause of those of us who wish to speak out against harmful actions of Southern Baptists.

I am publishing this letter to you publicly at my website if you would like to respond.

Howie Luvzus died last night about 4 am after a long tiring struggle. It seems the very factors that led to his birth several months ago were the same factors that led to his death. He was born from a struggle with a Baptist “brother.” He had responded to a blog entry that asked what do you like most about being a Baptist. It was a post designed to add a little levity to a blog that at the time had become a pretty negative place. (These are my observations; of course I could be wrong.) After recounting his most blessed memory of being a member of a Baptist church, a fellow “brother” proceeded to critique the experience and explain why it wasn’t “biblical.” I don’t know what seminary the guy attended (although attending seminary is not necessary in order to be a Baptist minister), but they totally neglected to tell him that there are various models of church structure in the New Testament! Howie had been hurt by Baptists as a young child, and then again while attending seminary. He had had enough.

Thus, he began his quest to educate and rebuke those Christians who hurt others by misusing the Bible or by other means. Over the past several months, he noticed that there are many Baptists like Marty, Marty Duren, Joel Rainey, Joe Kennedy, and others who are intent on doing the same thing. Because of their loving spirits, Howie realized that they are much better at bringing about healing than he was. Keep up the good work folks!

Howie’s last few hours were painful. As you might expect, his last words were mixed with brilliance, bitterness, and many times incomprehensible. Here are some examples:

“Father forgive them, they are clueless.”
“My God, My God, what’s up with buttermilk?”
“I have a dream that some day we’ll be kingdom people.”
“There are so many rules around here I feel like I’m in a strip club!”
“Pull the plank out of MY eye. Pull the plank out of MY eye!”
“Looked at my kingdom I was finally there, To settle my throne as the prince of Bel-Air”
“It is NOT finished. Folks are getting their asses kicked down here!”
“Grace, grace, God’s grace!”
“I’m going to the mighty fortress.”

Well, maybe not brilliance. But certainly bitter and incomprehensible! Rest in peace Howie.

Holy Crap folks! I’ve found the coolest and most comprehensive site on the Reformation that I’ve ever seen! It’s by a couple of guys from Xavier University of Louisiana. Here’s a picture of Mark Gstohl at the Reformation Wall in Geneva. I’d sure like to meet that guy! Not only is he incredibly good looking, after looking through his site I’m convinced that he’s got to be some kind of a genius or idiot savant!

Anyway, the site is called Theological Perspectives of the Reformation. It has the coolest chronology section I’ve ever seen. You can compare what’s going on in particular movements such as the Magisterial Movement or the Catholic Movement.

Want to know information about the women of the Reformation? It’s here! Want to see a poem about Martin Luther written by a Catholic woman? It’s here!

Speaking of Luther. Want to read his 95 Theses? It’s here!

There are even hymns of the Reformation on this site! Not only classics like A Mighty Fortress by Luther, but also lesser known hymns like Jesus Christ Our Blessed Savior by Jan Hus.

There are over 270 links and over 100 images taken by Dr. Gstohl on his trip to Europe a few years ago.

Still not enough? You’re too picky! But, there is more! Information about over 100 people related to the Reformation. There are almost 30 works of the Reformation that are either supplied in their entirety or summarized. Want to know what John Calvin thought about Osiander? Who doesn’t? There are quite a few examples of Reformer’s critiques of each other. Some of them are quite amusing!

There’s also a comparative theology table that shows what Reformers thought about such issues as the Eucharist, Baptism, Justification, etc.

Not only is Joel Osteen the most excited person I’ve ever seen, he inspires a lot of others to be excited as well. (If I ever get a terminal illness, please send Joel to tell me.) Isaiah 53:3 “He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief.” may have been a reference to Jesus, but not Joel! What if Jesus had met Joel? Jesus may never have gone to the cross. He could have found Joel’s secret “to live in health, abundance, and victory.” Oh well.

I think Joel might be able to identify with Jesus about one thing. For years, people have been getting rich by marketing “Christian Merchandise” (get a cross draped with an American flag here!). Jesus rarely sees more that a tithe on these. Unfortunately, someone has done the same to Joel. Somebody is selling an “I Watch Joel Osteen” lapel pin!

HT: Big Chris

The following is from Sojourners:

Vice President Cheney is petitioning Republican leaders of the House to block a provision that would eliminate all forms of U.S.-sponsored torture, arguing more leeway is necessary to fight terrorism.

I disagree with the vice president. I think torture perpetuates terrorism; it doesn’t stop it.

Join me in doing something about it! I just e-mailed Speaker Hastert (R-Ill.) and my representative to ask them to join a broad bipartisan group of senators who oppose all forms of torture. The amendment, sponsored by Sen. McCain (R-Ariz.), was passed in the Senate with an overwhelming majority of 90-9 (including 46 Republicans), but now faces the threat of a White House veto. If the Senate vote was any indication, there could be enough support in the House and the Senate to pass the amendment and override a White House veto.

As people of faith, it is crucial that we stand up against the evil practice of torture. Make sure your voice is heard!

Click here to take action:

Read more here.

I’ve been troubled by the silence of Christian leaders about this issue.
I sent an inquiry to James Dobson and will share the reply with you.

I also emailed Dr. Richard Land (I call him “Dr. Richard Land” because that’s usually how he identifies himself) at For Faith & Family and Al Mohler, president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Interestingly, Land’s site listed only the following as “Critical Issues.”
Stem cell vote to be delayed in Senate
Hate crimes left out of Senate bill—so far
Suspension of off-reservation casinos urged
Land, others urge action on RU 486

Thanks Dr. Richard Land!

Oh, by the way…under the section “What Does the Bible Say About” you left out–torture and not surprisingly–the poor.

UPDATE: 9 Republicans voted against John McCain’s amendment to prohibit turture.

Is my memory fading or wasn’t it the Republican party that emphasized “moral values”?

From WWLTV:

A group of self organized volunteers that provides food and supplies to some people in need because of Katrina are being evicted from Washington Square Park.A spokesperson for New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin said the park was originally opened to provide medical aid but that now it needs to be closed because of complaints about unsanitary conditions.

Lynn Miesse, one of the organizers providing aid, said the group set up shop on October 10. She disagrees with the assessment that the park isn’t clean.

Miesse said the gates to the park are locked at night and that they limit the number of people who sleep in tents overnight.

She said that in light of the disaster, the decision to evict shows a lack of compassion.

“The need is definitely still there,” she said. “We have hundreds of people who come here everyday to use what we have to offer. Why would you need a permit to help your fellow man?”

The article also provided two more reasons for the group’s forced removal. Some neigbors said that there are areas in the city where relief is more needed. However, I think Connie Walker, an area business owner, was more honest in her assessment of the situation: “They’re attracting people to the square that we find offensive. They are vagrants and homeless people who were originally locked out of the park.”

Thanks for clearing that up for us Connie! If Katrina had really been God’s Judgment on New Orleans the French Quarter would have been destroyed rather than the Ninth Ward!

I’m so excited to see how Katrina is bringing all New Orleanians together so that we can help and support one another!

On my bus ride tonight I met a really nice guy. His name is Andy and he’s lived in Nashville most of his life. I started our conversation by commenting on his knee brace. I said that I know how difficult it is to get around with bad knees. I told him that I have had two knee surgeries in the past year. He said that his knee hurts really bad most of the time. I asked if he had seen a doctor and he said no. He has no health insurance. He can’t afford to go to the doctor. He’s a handy man at a local hotel and earns $8 an hour. He has an 11 year old daughter.
We talked for the whole ride. He taught me how to read the confusing bus schedule and was a very upbeat person. I probably laughed more on that brief ride than I have in the past two months.
When he asked why I am here, he listened intently to my story. He looked me straight in the eye and said, “Man, I am so sorry. You’ve got to go home though. You can’t stay here by yourself.” I said that I’m doing ok, and that it’s temporary. His eyes filled with tears and he said, “Listen, you don’t know how much time you have man. My wife died two years ago with cancer. Don’t miss out on a second of your time together.”
I had to move the conversation back to him or I knew I’d lose it. I said, “It’s just you and your daughter?”
“Yeah, she’s so special.”
I was still shaken by his looking in my eyes and telling me what I needed to do that I sat there in silence for what seemed like about a minute.
I blurted out, “Andy, you’ve got to get insurance man. What if you get sick?” I couldn’t believe I said it, but I felt so scared for him and his little girl. Unfortunately, he got scared too. “What can I do? I can barely pay my bills now.”
I gave him my number and told him I’d look up information on the internet. Then I remembered something. I remembered seeing the United Way of Nashville’s advertisement for their 211 help line. I told him to call. I hope they can help.

Andy works 40-50 hours a week and can’t afford to take care of his daughter’s health needs.

I’m grateful that I had insurance to pay for my surgeries, but I feel a bit guilty and even a bit ashamed. I wonder if Andy’s wife had the same quality of care Shirley had last year when she was diagnosed with cancer?

According to 2004 Census Bureau statistics, 8.4 million American children are uninsured.

Who Are the Uninsured Children?
Race and Ethnicity
* 40.3% are White
* 35.0% are Hispanic
* 17.9% are Black
* 4.0% are Asian or Pacific Islander
* 1.6% are of more than one race
* 1.2% are American Indian or Alaskan Native

Family Structure
* 87.3% have at least one working parent
* 66.8% have at least one parent who works full-time throughout the year
* 69.5% live in families with incomes above poverty
* 53.2% live in a 2-parent household

As I was listening to Shirley cry on the phone last night I was thinking about several things. Most of all, I was wanting to hug her. We’ve been together since we were 16. Never been apart for more than a week or so. This Nashville thing is a blessing financially, but it’s really hard for us.

I had to call my friend from North Carolina this morning who has been so generous and tell her that I couldn’t take her up on the offer to teach at her institution next year. I want Howie Jr to stay at his high school, but Shirley’s cancer last year taught me that time is precious and that being with her and the kids is my greatest blessing. After such a crappy Sunday evening, I had to count my blessings this morning so that I could get out of bed and go to work. You know, when someone is going through a difficult time, it’s hard to know what to do. I thought I’d list a few things so that if bad things happen to your friends, you can know what to do.

My oldest brother and his wife are the greatest source of strength for me other than Shirley. Last year, when Shirley’s chemo treatments were literally killing her, my sister-in-law Kathy came up with an incredible idea. She is one of the most caring persons I know. She and my brother provided a maid service for us! Life was very busy and I had no time to clean and Carol wasn’t able to. Imagine, clean sheets every week, floor mopped, dusting—WOW!
My brother calls me at least once a week to check on me. He knows I’m too depressed to call him. He always makes me feel better.
The morning that the levees broke, he called me and offered to buy a place for my family and me to live close to him!

Lessons: If someone is hurting call them, email them—let them know you are thinking about them. I was talking to my friend Toddie the other day and she said, “Wow, sometimes there’s nothing to say.” She was right, but the fact that she called me made me feel better. It made me realize how much I am loved. I get instant messages from students nearly every day. It’s unbelievable!

Do something. Last year, while Shirley was sick, our friend Carsie took Shirley Jr to choir every Wednesday night. That doesn’t sound like much, but it was two trips less a week that I had to take. It was great! Many folks brought meals. That was also great because we knew that they took time out of their week to think about us. Someone brought us food that they bought from Popeye’s Chicken. You know what? It was great! We got a hug and we got to blow off some steam too.

My friend Lyn has taken me shopping with her, bought lunch for me. I cannot explain how much that has meant to me. I cooked fish at my friend John’s house on Friday night. It was wonderful. He loaned me his car on Saturday and I was so excited that I couldn’t sleep Friday night! Freedom! I put my arm around him at church on Sunday and gave him a hug. I hadn’t had a hug or been touched since I left New Orleans last week. God I miss hugging and touching the people I love!
I’ll never forget my friends Angeles and Jerry taking the time out of their trip to NO to stop in and see me. I think I hurt Jerry during our last hug!

Things not to do:

Don’t expect someone who is hurting to reach out to you. It’s about them remember.

Don’t complain about how difficult your life is. It’s about them remember. I felt like choking the person who complained to me that he couldn’t afford to buy ANOTHER plane because he was so broke. Yeah, bud. That’s a real pain in the ass. Excuse me while I answer my phone. It’s my friend who lost everything in the flood!

Don’t ask the hurting person to do anything. Don’t say, “Call me if you need anything.” Say—“I’m going to call you tomorrow to see if there’s anything you can think of that I can do.” You can ask them to help you with something if they have the time. My friend Lyn has asked me to do several things for her and it makes me feel useful, like I’m not always the one who is receiving help.

Don’t say “I know how you feel.” Trust me. You don’t. My friend Marty, whose son is a soldier, is going through emotions that I can’t imagine. I love you Marty. I’m praying for you. Sorry about Harry.

This is old news. I haven’t commented on it because I’ve been busy and my Baptist brothers have done an excellent job commenting on it. Joel Rainey even wrote a parable about the incident. Great Job as usual! Marty Duren has kept up with the story and even emailed the reporter after the Alabama Baptist Convention released a statement declaring that no water was witheld from Katrina victims (see also here).
Here’s a brief summary from NBC2 News:

Hurricane victims who wanted water had some difficulty finding it at a relief station in Clewiston Friday. The volunteer group running a supply center doesn’t like the company that donated the water, so they decided not to give it to those in line for help.

Twenty-two pallets of the canned water, distributed free by beer company Anheuser-Busch, bears the company’s label – and members of the Southern Baptist Convention refused to hand it out to those in need.

Resident lined up for miles to receive food and water at the distribution point. But the water was left on the sidelines by the Alabama-based group.

Here’s my opinion–
As one whose family was kicked out of a Southern Baptist church in the 60’s because my dad went to work for Joseph Schlitz brewery, I’ll admit my bias!

I applaud my Southern Baptist brothers and sisters for having the convictions to stand up for things they believe in. However, I think that Southern Baptists need to take time to determine what is really important and then determine their convictions. The Southern Baptist Convention was formed because Baptists in the south supported slavery. OOOPS! Baptists did apologize for this though. In 1995! This resolution admitted to the lack of support for the civil rights movement as well.

What if Baptists chose to focus on the poor?

“My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don’t show favoritism. Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in. If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, ‘Here’s a good seat for you,’ but say to the poor man, ‘You stand there’ or ‘Sit on the floor by my feet,’ have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?

Listen, my dear brothers: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? But you have insulted the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court? Are they not the ones who are slandering the noble name of him to whom you belong?

If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself,’ you are doing right. But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers.”
–James 2:1-9 (NIV)

The following is from Katrina Information Network:

Stop eminent domain takeovers: Tell Congress to support Rep. Waters legislation (HR 3135) that prevents federal funds to take private property for economic development purposes. The vote is this week so call the Congressional Switchboard today: 1-202-225-3121.

Here’s more talking points from Bill Quigley, Loyola University New Orleans Law:

The New Orleans area and the Gulf Coast is now threatened with the possibility that state and local governments will use federal rebuilding funds to take private property like homes away from residents and use that property for economic development. The US Supreme Court recently ruled that economic development was a good enough reason for government to take property away from private owners by eminent domain.

Now, for example, state and local government can seize, by eminent domain, areas that include privately owned homes hit hardest by the hurricanes and floods in order to turn them into industrial zones.

Please support HR 3135, a bill in the US House of Representatives, cosponsored by Rep. Maxine Waters, which prohibits state and local governments from using any federal funds to take private property for economic development purposes.

More: The New Orleans area and the Gulf Coast is now threatened with the
possibility that state and local governments will use federal rebuilding
funds to take private property, like homes, away from residents and use that
property for industrial zones. The US Supreme Court recently ruled that
economic development was a good enough reason for government to take
property away from private owners by eminent domain.

Now, for example, state and local governments can seize, by eminent domain,
areas that include privately owned homes hit hardest by the hurricanes and
floods in order to turn them into industrial zones. We know that this may
have a disparate impact on communities of color and limits a just recovery.

Here’s the LA Times Story.

« Previous entries Next entries »