By Bob Allen
Rather than speculating about end-times theology, directors of the Alliance of Baptists issued a statement Oct. 17 framing world events like ISIS, Ebola and protests in Ferguson, Mo., in a message of hope.
Meeting amid headlines including ongoing war in Syria, violence in Ukraine, non-combatant deaths in Gaza, mass protests in Hong Kong and the spread of HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa, the Alliance board of directors urged Christians to respond not by idle despair but to persevere and work together “to bring about the healing of the nations.”
For many Christians, Alliance leaders said, such events are seen as “signs of the times,” ushering in a catastrophic conclusion to the world predicted by studying Bible prophecy. “Idly awaiting their own removal and redemption” from the world, the statement said, such Christians leave behind ”biblical and faithful teachings of stewardship and commitment and love.”
As Baptists, however, Alliance leaders joined together “to witness to the hope we embrace.”
“Our faith in the redemptive power of God to heal the earth from its tragic wounds is biblical in its roots and resilient in times of crisis,” board members said a statement adopted at their fall meeting in Dayton, Ohio.
“We are reminded by our sacred texts of our core values of justice, reconciliation, compassion and mercy — to love our neighbors and our enemies alike,” the statement said. “We search for the presence of Christ, not in the thundering clouds of judgment and fear, but in the faithful heroism of those who heal, not harm.”
The statement called on Alliance members and churches “to remember that Christ took on the sufferings of our world and carried its sorrows.”
“Thus, we will continue to do so in his name by investing ourselves in effective ministries of peacemaking, racial justice, interfaith education and engagement, human rights advocacy, medical intervention, development and compassionate service with the intent to respond redemptively to what has been lost,” the statement said.
The Alliance of Baptists began in 1987 to defend moderate and progressive views perceived at the time as under attack by conservatives seeking to reform the Southern Baptist Convention. Today 123 churches, individual members and partner organizations partner in ministry and advocacy for social causes including gun control, immigration reform and LGBT equality.
The group’s 2015 annual gathering is scheduled April 17-19 at Northside Drive Baptist Church in Atlanta.
Previous story: