Joe and I attended the voting on some resolutions this morning. What a pile of waste. If anyone thought we had great changes happening in the SBC, I'm afraid they aren't as great as they might have appeared.
This first post is on a resolution against the "use" of alcohol. Shocking, I know. (UPDATE: Sorry I wasn't clearer. Yes, it passed with an overwhelming majority. A few spoke against it, all but one eloquently. A handful spoke for it.) Here it is thanks to Dorcas, and my very brief responses are in italics.
Whereas, Years of research confirm biblical warnings that alcohol use leads to physical, mental, and emotional damages (e.g., Proverbs 23:29-35); and
This passage is about the abuse, not the use, of alcohol. And this is dishonest by not facing the whole council of God in the Scriptures. There are many positive passages on alcohol, but Pharisees always miss them for their extra-biblical rules and desire to control the consciences of others.
Whereas, Alcohol use has led to countless injuries and deaths on our nation's highways; and
Not use, abuse.
Whereas, The breakup of families and homes can be directly and indirectly attributed to alcohol use by one or more members of a family; and
Not use, abuse.
Whereas, The use of alcohol as a recreational beverage has been shown to lead individuals down a path of addiction to alcohol and toward the use of other kinds of drugs, both legal and illegal; and
What? Yeah, and the use of Q-Tips has led to hearing loss in some too. And the use of cheeseburgers has led to the creation of widows and orphans. And the use of blogs has led to the accountability of SBC leaders (oh wait, that's different). PULEEZE! It's not use, but abuse that is the problem.
Whereas, There are some religious leaders who are now advocating consumption of alcoholic beverages based on a misinterpretation of the doctrine of "our freedom in Christ";
Oh, right. I'm sure "freedom in Christ" actually means to pass resolutions that would eliminate Christ from service in SBC churches. I'm sure that's what it means. Have we no clue?
now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the messengers to the Southern Baptist Convention meeting in Greensboro, North Carolina, June 13-24, 2006, express our total opposition to the manufacturing, advertising, distributing, and consuming of alcoholic beverages; and be it further
Jesus manufactured, advertised and distributed wine in John 2!
Resolved, [insert amendment from floor urging that potential Trustees and Entity Heads who don't adhere to this resolution not be chosen for service]; and be it further
"And the results for SBC President are in....Jesus receives 0% of the vote,and Johnny Hunt receives 100% of the vote."
Resolved, That we urge Southern Baptists to take an active role in supporting legislation that is intended to curb alcohol use in our commuities and nation; and be it further
Cool. Now Jesus gets SBC'rs actually encouraging Caesar to stop him from making wine, instituting the Lord's Supper, and so on.
Resolved, That we urge Southern Baptists to be actively involved in educating students and adults concerning the destructive nature of alcoholic beverages; and be it finally
"Let the children alone, and do not hinder them from coming to Me; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." Matthew 19:14
Resolved, That we commend organizations and ministries that treat alcohol-related problems from a biblical perspective and promote abstinence and encourage local churces to begin and/or support such biblically-based ministries."
Yes, let's help those who are alcohol abusers. We must help. And there are certainly times some
need to abstain (as I did for many years after abusing in college). But let's promote the Bible and not our abstinence rules.