Howie Luvzus

I’ve been silent concerning the recent controversy about the International Mission Board (IMB) of the Southern Baptist Convention. I’ve stayed out of the mix primarily because I wanted to wait it out and see how it played out. It’s not over yet, but here’s my take so far. Let me begin with a brief description of the controversy. (Many SBC bloggers have spoken out about this issue. See Marty Duren’s blog and the Missional Baptist blog.)

On Nov. 15th, 2005 the IMB trustees adopted two new policies that would exclude persons from serving as missionaries. Anyone who engages in a “private prayer language” would be excluded from service. Additionally, if missionaries have been baptized by immersion in another denomination or non-denominational church, “it must be viewed as symbolic rather than sacramental or regenerative. Also, the church or denomination in which the baptism took place must adhere to the doctrine of the “security of the believer,” or the belief that one cannot lose one’s salvation.”

Many Baptists have viewed the first policy to be a direct attack on Jerry Rankin, the IMB’s president, because he has openly admitted to the practice of having a “private prayer language.” Several of the SBC leaders I have spoken with see this not as a doctrinal issue, but a political jab at Rankin. Three of the leaders I have discussed this issue with have claimed that the IMB trustees from Texas, under the direction of Paige Patterson, have led the charge because Patterson does not approve of Rankin being the IMB president. (For Patterson’s role in SBC life read this.)

Baptists also disagree with the second policy because it is “unbiblical” and seems to be too closely aligned with “Landmarkism,” a belief that “a “Baptist succession” may be traced from John the Baptist to modern Baptist churches in which believer’s baptism and Landmark principles have prevailed.”

Most recently, the IMB trustees have called for the removal of Wade Burleson, an IMB trustee from Oklahoma. His blog outlines his experience as an IMB trustee. Burleson seems to be a very humble, honest, and loving person. Unfortunately, his open opposition to these two policies have landed him in a “heap of trouble.” Southern Baptist bloggers have come to his defense and are organizing to oppose his ousting from the board. Their support is admirable and I hope they are successful.

But, a moderate Baptist leader recently asked a pointed question regarding this matter. Dr. Bruce Prescott, Executive Director of Mainstream Oklahoma Baptists, and President of the Oklahoma Chapter of Americans United for Separation of Church and State pointed out that the Baptists who are displaying their commitment to the SBC and the IMB missionaries were noticeably silent during an IMB “controversy” several years ago. In 2000, Southern Baptist missionaries were forced to sign the newly revamped Baptist Faith & Message (BF & M) or resign as missionaries. The BF & M has served as a guide for Southern Baptist agencies for years, but additions to the 2000 version excluded many (including me) Baptists from serving in SB agencies because of its narrowing scope. Many of us were devastated by the fact that our friends who had served faithfully for years were removed from their places of service and lost their “jobs.”

So, even though the attempts to thwart the IMB trustees from removing Burleson are admirable and warranted, this recent activity is not really a sign of hope for me and others who have been labeled and hurt by Southern Baptists.

Matthew 5:43-48″You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Burleson has argued that the current problems within the SBC are due to persons arguing over interpretation of scripture rather than arguing over the nature of scripture. OH REALLY?! DUH! It’s always been about that! Now, many of my Baptists brothers and sisters are experiencing what I and many others have been experiencing for years. It sucks doesn’t it? I wish you had been there for us. Wouldn’t that have been the Christian thing to do? Believe me, I’m not gloating. Welcome to my world! I’ll gladly welcome you and tell you that it’s a bit lonely here, but we’ll be OK. Trust me. I love you and so does God. The really frustrating part is that God loves them too. The best part, you can be yourself in front of me and I’ll still love you. You don’t need to be afraid any more.

There was a very civil protest in Jackson Square this morning. It was organized to draw attention to the fact that George W. made a speech there promising to rebuild New Orleans. He hasn’t really lived up to that promise yet.

I recently read about a Baptist pastor from Oklahoma who was arrested for propositioning a male undercover police officer. My readers might be surprised that I don’t see events like these as an opportunity to slam baptists or make “funny” comments. The situation is very sad and calls for all Christians to be in prayer for the pastor, his family, friends, and church members.

What I find most encouraging is that at this point none of the comments on a very popular Southern Baptist blog have been condemning. I am often frustrated as I read the comments on that blog because a few of those who comment on it are fundamentalists who seem to be looking for a fight. The moderator and many of the commentors do a great job of trying to keep it positive, but a few folks just can’t seem to be civil.

In regard to this situation, and many others on the blog I find hope for Southern Baptists. Keep up the good work!

Shirley Jr and I went to Mardi Gras World in Algiers today. We had a great time!

Here’s a pic of Shirley Jr with a Bill Clinton mask on. I had to take the pic very quickly. For some reason, when she put on the mask, she couldn’t inhale.

Unfortunately, the Reserves weren’t handing out water there any more. Two weeks ago we got two cases of water. I’ll try somewhere else tomorrow. I know I should feel guilty about taking the water, but I don’t.

I’ve loaded a few of the pics I took today on my Flickr account. Some of them are pretty funny.

I heard a few days ago that Barkus will roll in 2006! The theme is the Wizard of Paws: There’s No Place Like Home.

BTW: Anybody out there have a “Glenda the Good Witch” dress that I can borrow. I’m up to about 270 lbs right now. Shirley says she’s not going to make that outfit for me this year. That’s a heck of a lot of taffeta!

Last years’ Barkus parade had a Harry Potter theme! We hope that we can join the Homans and Keith again this year. We have such a great time! I promised Shirley that I wouldn’t go all out on the float this year. Chloe really doesn’t like the parade, but it’s really not about her.

Attention: Spoiler Alert!

I saw Munich with my sons last night. A friend of mine rightly advised me that this was not a movie you see if you want to go out and have a good time afterward. Editor B was right, it was very disturbing. Yet, after reflecting on the movie, it was really well-done and complex. It’s also a movie that’s very relevant to Americans today. I thought at first that the last scene, which included the twin towers was offensive. However, given the context of the movie and the fact many Americans (me included) are a bit too slow to understand the point of movies, I think the shot is not cliché or biased against terrorists. BTW—what was the significance of the elaborate meals that Avner (the leader of the Israeli assassins) provided for the members of his team?

I don’t think that Spielberg pulled off a totally neutral film that provided an unbiased view of the perspectives of both Palestinians and Israelis, but it was a lot better than I expected. Three scenes were most compelling to me. The first is an encounter between Avner and a Palestinian. My son pointed out that this scene wasn’t really neutral in that Avner “won the argument.” Avner argued that the Palestinian approach of attacking Israelis would never win. Unfortunately, Avner didn’t realize at that point that the Israeli approach of fighting back with violence wouldn’t end the conflict either. He does, at the end of the film, realize this though.

The next scene is a dialogue between Avner and Robert, the bomb-maker of his group. Robert becomes aware of how his violent acts have affected him. “We’re Jews, Avner. Jews don’t do wrong because our enemies do wrong…we’re supposed to be righteous. That’s a beautiful thing. That’s Jewish” he declares as he’s become aware of how his role in assassinating Palestinians involved in the killing of Israelis at the Olympics in Munich is destroying his faith.

The final scene, I believe, is the most applicable to our current context in America. Ephraim, Avner’s “boss” tries to convince him to return to Israel and continue his role as an assassin. Avner refuses, but invites Ephraim to his home to “break bread.” Ephraim declines and walks away. I find it interesting that while breaking bread with his team of assassins, arguments break out about the morality of their mission, but they continue to “fellowship.” However, Ephraim can’t fellowship with Avner. It’s so reflective of the current debate about terrorism in this country. It seems that those who want to engage terrorists with acts of violence can’t see those who view this approach as futile (hence the shot of the newly built twin towers) as faithful defenders of the homeland.

Hopefully, those who resist acts of violence will not experience the loss of their homeland like Avner did (he ends up living in New York city rather than Israel).

I had planned on returning to Nashville today, but my plans have changed. I just couldn’t handle Shirley Jr being in that awful school any longer. I enrolled her in Lusher and she’ll be back there on the 17th, but I really didn’t like her being in a school where bullies seem to go unchecked and teachers yell at kids. In fact, when she went to her room to turn in her books, her teacher was rude to her and didn’t even say goodbye, or we’ll miss you, or anything. I really don’t understand how a teacher could be like that. The saddest part is that Pittman is considered to be a good school. The walls are freshly painted, the office ladies are very nice and it appears to be a great place.

Oh, well. Lusher will be great and Shirley Jr is so looking forward to being back. I’ll head back to Nashville next weekend.

Happy Birthday Elvis wherever you are! We’re eating King Cake today in honor of you!

Here’s my friend Michael Homan contemplating….something. I’m not sure. Feel free to add your own description!

Reality struck today when I received a letter telling me how to sign up for COBRA. Damn.

Al Mohler didn’t clearly state his opinion on a recent court case where two high school girls in California are suing a Lutheran School for expelling them for allegedly being lesbians. The title of his article is “A Case to Watch — Another Challenge to Christian Schools.” My guess is that he supports the school’s right to exclude students based on sexual preference. If I’m wrong, I apologize ahead of time.

Should Christian schools exclude homosexuals from their student body? The lawyer’s argument in the case is that the school does not exclude non-Christians or Jews from attending, why would homosexuals be a problem? Good question.

My answer? I think a lot of Christians are “creeped out” by homosexuals. They see them as a particular “class” of sinners that are more unacceptable to God than other sinners. I find this disturbing for many reasons.

First, evangelicals usually affirm that all sins are equally “bad” in the eyes of God. I don’t hold this view (I think God would prefer that I slander my neighbor rather than kill him.), but most of my evangelical friends do.

Second, even if homosexuality is a sin, why aren’t other “sins” worthy of dismissal? According to The Christian Post:

On Sept. 7, the students were called into a meeting with the principal, the Rev. Greg Bork, who allegedly “interrogated” the students in a closed room and “coerced” one of the students to admit that she “‘loves’ the other,” the lawsuit stated.

What if Rev. Greg interrogated two heterosexuals and coerced them into admitting they had sexual intercourse? Would they be dismissed? My guess…no. What about the obese kids? They’ve got to be guilty of gluttony don’t they? Do any of the kids illegally download music? Any of them dance? Oh, yeah, that’s a Baptist thing! BTW Mohler “dances” around the issue of torture in another article!

Third, if homosexuality is a sin, wouldn’t you want these girls in a Christian school where they could hear the “truth” and be “converted” from their sin by experiencing grace and love from “true” Christians? Jesus was a “friend of sinners” shouldn’t Christians? Hope Jesus doesn’t show up at that school being followed by sinners. He might get expelled too!

Mohler closes the article with this statement:

At the same time, it is interesting that the school enrolls non-Christians. That part of the lawyer’s argument deserves a closer look — and it gets to the heart of the question about the nature of Christian education.

You’re right Dr. Mohler. This case does require us to take a closer look at Christian schools.

Wow! I just read a wonderful article in the local New Orleans paper about Magna Corporation Int. a Canadian company with a great track record of social responsibility.

The company, which “allocates a maximum of 2% of its pretax profits to support charitable and non-profit organizations in the areas of health, culture, social, community, education, sport and politics,” not only “brought a group of 270 people rescued from the flood-ravaged city to West Palm Beach, Fla., and put them up for two months at a race-horse training center owned by the company,” has also committed to building 49 houses for evacuees to stay in free for five years in the small town of Simmesport, LA!

Thanks Magna! Let’s pray that more corporations get involved in projects like these. It’s too bad that US oil companies like Exxon Mobil that earned $9.92 billion dollars during the quarter that Katrina hit don’t seem to be as involved in helping those hurt by this un-natural disaster.

Mike Tidwell, in his incredible book, Bayou Farewell explains how the canals created in the Louisiana wetlands by oil companies such as Exxon Mobile not only destroy the wetlands, but also make hurricanes such as Katrina more destructive.

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