An act of self-sacrifice
First of all, congratulations on your new position in working for the Kingdom at the Religious Herald.
Second, thanks for writing a wonderful article on Weatherford Memorial Baptist Church [Herald, July 14]. Truly, it was an act of self-sacrifice for the sake of the Kingdom. I hope that the action by the church and the article will inspire others to place the Kingdom first in whatever path the Lord is leading them.
Dean Frazeur, Manakin-Sabot
Standing in the gap
Kudos to you on an excellent editorial, “What does Henry know?” [Herald, July 14]. I made some copies of it and will encourage my congregation to read it and take it to heart. I applaud your willingness to stand in the gap between factions in Baptist polity; many of us out here support you in that and stand by you when needed.
I have enjoyed your work at the Herald immensely so far, and look forward to future articles.
James Benson, Arvonia
Baptist confessions
In 2000, moderate Baptists criticized the Southern Baptist Convention for deleting from the Baptist Faith and Message a reference to Jesus Christ as the criterion for interpreting the Bible. In 2005, fundamentalist Baptists are criticizing the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship for deleting Christ's name from its revised purpose statement.
Perhaps a little history can help. The first English Baptist confession of faith, published in 1611, included 27 articles. Of those articles, one mentioned the “Word” (referring to Christ's role in the Trinity). Three mentioned “Jesus Christ.” Eleven mentioned “Christ” or “Christ's.” Thus, 55 percent of the articles referred to such theological convictions as Christ's role in creation, salvation, justification, incarnation, the church, the Bible, the Lord's Supper, worship and judgment. Article 9 designated Christ as mediator, king, priest, prophet and lawgiver.
The earliest Baptists made certain that they and the world knew that Christ was their Lord. They did not use the name Christ as some magic wand to wave about. Instead, they viewed Christ as the key to every phase of their existence and identity. Christ called the earliest Baptists to freedom, cooperation, and accountability, and they accepted the call. For them, Christ's name was important.
Charles W. Deweese, Executive Director-Treasurer
Baptist History and Heritage Society
Brentwood, TN