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!