Sunday, May 14, 2006

ABCUSA Leadership Seem To Not See Themselves

It is interesting how in one situation you will find two or more completely different viewpoints expressed by different people. Last night I watched Hoodwinked with my family. There were four different accounts of one event. As each person told their perspective the truth began to shine, but the stories individually were only met with confusion.

Some time ago I posted about the American Baptist Pacific SouthWest's intention to withdraw from the ABCUSA. Here is an announcement of their decision. Now read the WorldWide Faith News' perspective. Aside from the claim that just over 50% of churches were voting by ABCUSA verses 78% by ABCPSW, I have a problem with claims of unity. Note a portion of the article:

The Rev. Arlee Griffin, Jr., Ph.D., president of ABCUSA, added, "We regret the actions of some [Some churches????, I thought atleast 50% to 78% according to the articles they wrote.] of the churches in ABCPSW in breaking the unity of our denominational family. We consider it unfortunate that, at a time when secular society is merging and coming together [Is this guy reading anything in the news today??? Where is this happening?], there are those in our Christian family who seek to divide [Couldn't be you causing that division...right?] even in light of our Lord's request to remain one in unity. [This could only be said by a generation of people when words have no meaning.]

I would like to ask Dr. Griffin some simple questions. "Why?" Why would Jesus be upset? Is Jesus not upset when Christians unify on unBiblical grounds? Is Jesus upset when we do not follow secular society? Is Jesus not upset with the Elders of the church for embracing error and heresy? Why is it assumed that everyone who calls himself a Christian must be a Christian?

American Baptists who are liberal in their theology need to get a grip. Laying blame on conservatives for separation is to do exactly what liberals are claiming we should never do. That is judging others without looking at ourselves.

It is very clear that the ABCPSW spent many years attempting to call liberals back to sound doctrine. They spent many years trying to work through the difficult issues. It is liberal theologians that are following the patterns of this present evil age. Why should conservatives follow suit?

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