I’m not a fan of Barak Obama. I need to say that before going any farther with this post. I’m not endorsing him, not supporting him, and I’m not asking you to either. After I continue this post I know some may accuse me of that. Please understand, I have serious problems with his stances on abortion and homosexuality, among other things. I am not endorsing him today, but I am asking you to consider some of what he has said recently.

Having said that, I read an article on ABP today, about Obama, with great interest. I’ll admit that he could be trying to drum up the support of the religious right (if that’s possible) for the upcoming presidential election, but he does say some very interesting, and even encouraging, things in this article. I’d be interested to hear your opinion of it. You can read it here.

I have been too quiet, for too long, about the issue of anonymity. The blogging and internet world is well known for its anonymity. It is a place where you can communicate, and make opinions known, where you can build a person or idea up, and just as quickly kill someone or something without ever having to introduce yourself. The beauty of that is that it allows many who need anonymity to maintain communication with others. There are those whose positions mandate some sense of flying under the radar. The best example that I can think of would be missionaries who need to keep a low profile for the sake of their lives and ministry. These individuals have every right to maintain anonymity, and for them I’m happy to protect it. In addition there are, at times, those who must post anonymously because of job situations, family connections or other valid reason. The sad truth, however, is that these are generally the minority when it comes to anonymous contributors on the internet.

The vast majority of anonymous bloggers, in my experience, are those who have an axe to grind or who desire to tear others apart without having to reveal themselves. I have been increasingly frustrated by the venom, hatred and downright ungodliness of many bloggers who call themselves believers, Southern Baptists, and partners in the faith, and yet consistently use their voice to make unsupported claims and to use unsavory language to tear down others within the church as opposed to building up.

Friends, hear this today as a plea to come out from the fog of anonymity. For the vast majority of us there is no reason, no call at all, for anonymity other than to satisfy our own gutless pursuit of self-satisfaction. We are quickly taking a fantastic form of communication (blogging) and turning it into a battering ram for our own disgruntled attitudes with no real means for accountability. Our generation has become known as the group raising a call within the church for accountability, authenticity, etc. and yet we hide ourselves behind the cloak of a pseudonym. It is time for us to walk the walk. If you have to blog anonymously, do so with integrity. Blog as if the whole world knew your name. Don’t allow your unrevealed name to encourage you to say things you wouldn’t say to each others’ face, and judge what you would say as to whether it’s edifying or not.

In addition, do not hear this as a plea to stop the presses. We must continue to push for change, and we must continue to challenge old methodology and immoral, unethical behavior when we find it. We must continue to be bold, and at times confrontational, but we must do so with a heart of love and spirit of unity. Those who desire to tear others down are nothing more than careless, egocentric, Christ dis-honoring cancers. There is no room in the body of Christ for such.

Let’s pledge together to unite around the cross and not around the gossip hall. This has to stop if we are to be taken seriously and make a difference for the kingdom.

Yesterday my Mom and Dad celebrated their 31st wedding anniversary. My dad has written a great post about he and my mom. I’d encourage you to read it. I love my mom and dad and am very thankful for their marriage. It is a testament to longevity during a time when longevity is no longer even part of the discussion anymore. The best part of the post, however, is this picture that my dad posted of them from 1975. Here’s hoping I didn’t get my sense of style from my dad. (just kidding!)

Well, I’ve been getting responses about other people in ministry and their body art. I received an email today from Alan B. who I’ve just begun getting to know over the past couple of weeks. He shared a drawing of his tattoo. He was formerly a missionary in Asia and had this done to be “a constant reminder of Christ’s sacrifice for the people of Asia, and that I am a part of that mission.” I thought it was pretty powerful myself.

I’ll be honest. I’m ashamed tonight. Our world of faith within the Southern Baptist Convention has always involved a variety of opinions, generally grounded in scripture, and generally allowing for principled dissent. We have historically tried to veer away from ad hominem attacks, straw man construction, etc. Over the past 35 years, however, we have seen ourselves disintegrate into a series of personal attacks that dive at character as opposed to dealing with authentic problems.

Case in point, today James Smith editor of the Florida Baptist Witness writes an editorial dealing with a variety of issues proceeding from the annual meeting in Greensboro last week. He has every right to do so, and I respect his opinion concerning almost every area. In one area, however, he takes excessive license and allows himself to wallow in the mud of personal mischaracterization and in doing so damages the credibility and witness of two wonderful men. His statements in regards to Wiley Drake and Ben Cole are wholly out of line, in my opinion. Understand me, I have no problem with his opinions concerning both Drake and Cole. He has every right to state his opinions and I support his right to do so. Even I have, and do, disagree(d) with each of them on occasion and have even shared with them when I do. His right to an opinion, however, should not allow for the use of careless words that unfairly label both men, and worse, tries to explain motive - which no one but Drake and Cole can know. I hope and pray that he will consider retracting the tone of his comments.

Having said that, however, I’m sure many of you would expect me to critique someone (like Smith) who complained about people that I appreciate and have supported. I want you to know, however, that I am even more deeply disturbed tonight by some of our own bloggers. ArkansasRazorbaptist writes a rebuttal to Smith on their blog and unfortunately uses the same types of mischaracterizations that are not founded with any legitimate evidence. They have posted a picture that is simply saddening and have posted comments such as “Nope, he sits in front of his computer feeling self-important.” and ” please stop pimpin’ for the big boyz — we figure you’re aiming for a PR position at a major seminary.” which are, at best, personal convictions that seem to be held with little or no regard for actual viable support for the position. They are again attacking motive which is in almost every case, unknowable. It is a shame that any of these men will stoop to personal attacks to justify their position(s).

I’m afraid that the tendency within each of us, myself most of all, when we are convinced that we are right, is to defend that opinion with or without solid logic, evidence, or support. In this case all of these men have misapplied their ability to influence by tearing down other individuals rather than trying to edify them. We would all do well to heed Jimmy Draper’s words from the recent Younger Leaders Conference, “Keep blogging. Be nice. Don’t judge motives, and celebrate the diversity that we have.”

Please hear this post as a plea to all of us. We are not to treat this as a fight! This should not be an issue to drive a wedge in the unity of brothers and sisters in the faith! I am begging of all of us to stop attacking straw men, stop creating unfounded accusations, stop slinging mud, and let’s start dealing with the issues, not the personalities. People come and go, issues remain. We must deal with the issues if we want to be God honoring and make a difference for eternity.

Please stop the fighting!

I’ve received many comments and requests since I’ve posted about getting a tattoo from others who also have tattoos. They’ve asked that I share about mine and then give them an opportunity to share about their’s. Thankfully much of the stigma that has previously been associated with tattoos is falling away. Hopefully this post will be an encouragement to those who have not thought about it to consider that tattoos are like any other asthetic addition to one (i.e. makeup, earrings, etc.) albeit a more permanent addition.

I got my tattoo as a birthday present on my 25th birthday. I had wanted one for sometime and had carefully decided what I wanted it to look like. I wanted one that was simple, yet would also make a significant statement. So, I chose the Icthus. When one thinks about the Icthus and that it was THE symbol of the early, persecuted church and that it was the one physical symbol that identified them as a believer, you can’t help but be thankful for it. I wanted the Icthus on my arm as a physical reminder of my affiliation with Christ. I’ve included a picture of it for you to see.

So, what’s your story?

I was watching my oldest daughter tonight as she played on the living room floor. In the midst of the watching I began to think about how much I loved her. That led me to think one of those horrific thoughts that parents have, and that is about how horrible it would be if something tragic ever happened to Grace and she was taken from me. In that split second, before I could chase the thought from my mind, I hurt so strongly I could hardly stand it. The pain of loving her (and the thought of losing her) was almost more than I could humanly handle. Now, I’m not one to spiritualize everything, but as I was thinking about that pain, I was made to wonder what the disciples must have gone through after Jesus’ death? I then thought about the gut wrenching pain that God must have experienced at the death of His Son. Even if one would give their child over for the sake of many others, that in no way could ever lessen the pain of your own child’s death. In that moment I was overwhelmed with God’s love for us. It kind of put a lot of the struggles with the SBC in perspective.

The struggles were clarified in two separate ways for me. First, it helped remind me that I can’t allow these issues to become too important to me. That doesn’t mean they’re not important, they are extremely important. Of much greater importance, however, is for me to learn to live in God’s grace and love, and for me to communicate that grace and love to others.

The second clarification for me, however, was of the importance of our struggle. The issue of placing extra-biblical parameters on those who follow Christ is grounded in a love for legalism and not a love for God. A love for legalism is not an accurate portrayal of the love of God in one’s life and therefore I will struggle against this pharisaical madness for as long as I have breath.

So, if I could encourage you tonight, it would be to spend some time this evening meditating on the great love of God. Guys like me, who believe in the doctrines of grace, are often a little too guilty of majoring on the justice of God (for good reason) and minoring on the love and grace of God (to our detriment). I hope tonight you will take some time to be overwhelmed by God’s love. It will give you a wonderful new perspective on life.

that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Ephesians 3:17b-21

If you happen to be new to much of what is going on among SBC blogs, or if you want to read a good article that involves many within the denomination, including many of the bloggers, than I suggest you read this article that is in the Washington Post today.

I met Adelle, who wrote the article, through phone tag prior to the convention and then met with her two more times during the week. She seemed genuinely interested in understanding what was happening within convention life and I think she did a fantastic job in her reporting. Take a look when you get the chance.