Editor’s note: When Julian Pentecost penned his final editorial upon his retirement after 22 years as editor, I doubt that he imagined it would also serve as a kind of eulogy. But as I read through many of his editorials following his death on May 31, I was struck by how he stated, subtly yet poignantly, his hope to be remembered for having the same character and convictions for which his predecessors were known. I was also impressed by how effectively he expressed his gratitude for the past and summarized his hopes for the future—some of which have not yet been fulfilled. Those of you who have been around for a while remember well his core-level commitments to Baptist principles of freedom and truth in Christ. Even if you never knew him, you will sense something of his heart as you read this reprised “guest” editorial which he entitled, appropriately enough, “And now in conclusion.” —Jim White
In preparation for this editorial, my last as editor, I have been remembering and reflecting. On several occasions I have read and pondered my first editorial, published in the June 4, 1970 issue of the Religious Herald. I would like to share portions of it on this occasion.
Julian Pentecost
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“In Beginning: Retrospect and Prospect” was its title. I quoted from the first editorials of several of my predecessors, including Jeremiah Bell Jeter. He wrote (October 7, 1865) of the principles by which he would be guided and concluded: “We must, however, prefer truth to popularity and usefulness to profit.”
I observed that there were striking similarities which characterize those who have preceded me and stated: They have been men of keen intellect, strong character, deep conviction. They have been courageous men who analyzed issues and espoused causes without regard for majority opinion and more often than not their judgment has been vindicated with time.
Attention was given to the need of developing and nurturing a healthy denominationalism and I said:
… True democracy rests on the assumption that truth, truth alone, is liberating and that individuals and groups can be trusted to act responsibly when they know the truth.
… The denominationalism to which we are committed does not look to creedal affirmations as a test of fellowship; rather it confronts persons with the claims of God upon individual and corporate life.
Readers of this publication for any extended period of time will readily recognize in these quotations several recurring themes and emphases from 1970 to the present. Now the time has come for me to bring closure to my editorship and place at the end of this final editorial offering the journalistically time-honored -30- to denote “the end.” To what does one most appropriately address himself at such a propitious time?
My first word is one of gratitude. There are far too many heroes and heroines in my personal gallery of special people to begin mentioning names lest I unintentionally overlook one or more who should be included.
I do want, however, to record my deepest appreciation for committed, competent, loyal and caring staff with whom I have experienced both the peaks and the valleys of our common endeavors; the finest trustees to be found anywhere with an unreserved dedication to free and responsible journalism; and to a host of Virginia Baptist leaders, lay and ordained, elected and employed, with whom I have been privileged to share the journey.
The one person to whom and for whom I am most grateful is my wife, Mary, who has often been my confidant, counselor and spiritual mentor. She has been, is and, by the grace of God, will continue for many years to be my best friend and deepest joy.
My second word is one of encouragement. It is my hope and prayer Virginia Baptists will renew their commitment to learn, cherish, incarnate, share, enlarge and preserve the best of our heritage as it relates to both belief and practice.
Nothing is more needed among us at this critical time in Virginia and Southern Baptist life than a deeper love for our God and His world that ensures cooperation without compromise of conviction. The deepened compassion for God and neighbor will enable us to honor both the freedom and the sense of mission at the heart of our denominational consciousness since the early 1800s.
Virginia Baptists continue to be a basically conservative people with windows of mind and heart open to the future. Only those incapable or unwilling to really know us mistakenly equate our cautiousness with cowardice and fail to distinguish between thoughtful movement and no movement.
My third word is one of entreaty. This relates to our belief in the Bible as the inspired and authoritative word of God, a thoroughly sufficient guide in all matters of faith and practice when, in freedom, interpreted by persons committed to Him, under the guidance of His Spirit.
The place of centrality in our faith, however, is reserved for Jesus Christ and Him alone. Only He is Savior and Lord, the eternal Word who became flesh and “the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” In the providence of God, the Bible is a uniquely fine servant, but only Jesus Christ is worthy to be Master in the lives of individuals, churches and denominations.
It is long past time for us to cease claiming for the Bible that which the Bible does not claim for itself; to order our personal lives in keeping with its revealed truth; and to disavow all efforts to use theories of biblical interpretation as instruments of exclusion in denominational affairs.
We need to hear and heed these insightful words which conclude the section on “The Scriptures” in The Baptist Faith and Message statement: “The criterion by which the Bible is to be interpreted is Jesus Christ.” Continuing refusal to be guided by this sound wisdom will prolong the current controversy and delay that which God wants to do to us and through us.