Cheers
As I read John Upton's article “The Necessity of Diversity” (Herald, Aug. 11) I felt like standing on a chair and cheering! If it was up to me, he would win the Nobel Peace Prize or some other equally prestigious award!
Yes, like Mr. Upton, I too, believe that we need “to listen to each other and work at making it a harmony!” We need to together “take the gospel to the darkest corners of the earth, while others join us in taking the love of Christ to the darkest corners of our communities.” As I study the apostles, I am amazed at how Jesus took such a diverse group of people-including the women who were with them-and blended them together into a group who served him and who helped reach us, even in this era, with the gospel of Jesus Christ! Jesus set the example for us and Mr. Upton carries on after him helping remind us of what Jesus did and of the wonderful example of his love!
It is time for Baptists and all Christians to work together, despite our differences, to reach the world with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Mr. Upton has given us an excellent modern day example and a wonderful encouragement to follow our Lord Jesus Christ together. Let us rise up and follow Christ together despite our differences in a wonderful, Christian harmony!
E. Marshall Buckles, Rockville
The Baptist World Alliance
Certainly I would be remiss if I did not express my gratitude to our Lord for the recent celebration of the Baptist World Alliance Centernary Congress in Birmingham, England. It was the first that Fay and I have attended in 45 years. What a genuine “taste of heaven!” Every time of praise and worship focused on our Lord Jesus. Seeing the people in their national dress and hearing them worshiping in their own language was a thrill. Not a single word of division was heard, no cynicism expressed, no gender put-downs, no “us versus them” suggested, no feeling of hostility at any time, no doubting of a brother or sister's faith-just a perfect unity under the Lordship of Christ.
How great it was to experience that again! Praise the Lord!
Charles A. Chilton Locust Grove
I have been reading the Religious Herald for 50 years and I have never read a more exciting edition than the one for Aug. 11, 2005, on the Baptist World Alliance centennial meeting. Every article was a joy to read. Never have I been prouder to call myself a Virginia Baptist. God is doing great things in the world and being part of the BWA, we are part of some of the great things God is doing upon this earth right now. Souls are being saved. Lives are being changed. People are finding new life in Christ. And the Baptist World Alliance is hugely responsible.
The only disagreement I had in reading the Aug. 11 edition was when I read that Rick Warren said that the SBC's leaving the BWA was “silly.” The word “silly” is far too weak. The SBC's leaving the BWA was shocking, sad and a terrible tragedy. But God's work goes on and we see it in the smiling faces of those from many parts of the world who attended the centennial celebration.
Thank you for the wonderful photos and fine articles.
Robert P. Wyatt, Emporia
As a subscriber of your paper and a member of Columbia Baptist Church in Falls Church, I read with interest and excitement the report of the BWA meeting in Birmingham, England, and reading of the familiar names. Keep up the good work.
Alma B. Lively, Alexandria
I see that you quote Rick Warren as saying, “It's not about creeds. It's about deeds. It's not about belief, it's about behavior.” I hope that he didn't mean that literally because stated that way gives the wrong impression.
Christianity is about creeds AND deeds, and beliefs AND behaviors. Any orthodox Christian knows that deeds and behavior will get you nowhere unless they are tied to proper creeds and beliefs. He needs to be more careful about what he says.
David Coburn, Ashland
In recent years, being a Baptist has forced many of us to develop a split personality. We didn't want to completely disavow those who gained control of the Southern Baptist Convention for fear we would lose old friends and divide otherwise peaceful congregations. So we suffered the SBC going from irrelevancies to foolishness and lately to absurdity. The SBC has tried many different ways to profit by dividing Virginia Baptists, but failed every time. Both Virginia Baptists and the BWA knew we could get along without the SBC-now we know we should!
Everything is becoming global today. To tell the world about Christianity is spelled out in the Great Commission. There is little doubt as to its meaning. Personally, I am more comfortable with this new development. We are now in a position to reach beyond the self-imposed and limited vision of the SBC and become “World Baptists” in every way as truly brothers and sisters in Christ!
Ken McFarlane Smith, Arlington