Mercer University...Baptist No More?

Dr. Bob Rogers has a sadly interesting post about what is going on over at Mercer University and their future as a Southern Baptist supported college. Apparently Mercer is "Baptist" in name only. A college that started by Christians as a Christian institution and over time completely removed itself from any semblence of Christianity, well that is just part of the American landscape. What college today over 150 years old does not fit that statement? Well, when we see this happening elsewhere we are not surprised, but in Macon, GA? And to a Southern Baptist school? The same convention that has done a yoemans job of purging itself of "moderates" apparently has some purging left to do...or does it?

According to Dr. Rogers the Georgia Baptists have voted to stop funding and cut all ties to the school. Now I can't argue with this decision one bit. Would I want my money going to support a "Christian" instituion that condones and encourages blatantly sinful activities? Of course not, and I agree with this decision. But a part of me says, should they give up that easily? I don't know all the details but I wonder what could be done to try and bring Mercer back to a institution that reflected Southern Baptists beliefs, not rejected them. Perhaps that is indeed an impossibility. I hate seeing Christians continue to seemingly back away from society and culture and instead confront it, or redeem it if you prefer that terminology. Instead of giving up on (fill in blank) lets get to work on redeeming (fill in blank).

Now let me reiterate, I am thinking out loud here and have no clue what the plans are for Mercer and I am not disagreeing with the decision to remove funding. I would just love to have a conservative, Baptist, missional college a couple of hundred miles away where my daughter could attend one day. I wonder if that is a realistic goal or am I just dreaming?

QOD

The Federalist Patriot
Founders' Quote Daily

"The house of representatives...can make no law which will not
have its full operation on themselves and their friends, as well
as the great mass of society. This has always been deemed one
of the strongest bonds by which human policy can connect the
rulers and the people together. It creates between them that
communion of interest, and sympathy of sentiments, of which few
governments have furnished examples; but without which every
government degenerates into tyranny."

-- James Madison (Federalist No. 57, 19 February 1788)

Reference: Madison, Federalist No. 57

The series continues...Birth Control

Dr. Moore has a link to a very thought provoking article over at Christianity Today. My favorite line from Dr. Moore's post is this one:

Still, there's something refreshing about Tennant pondering aloud what it means to apply a biblical worldview to her bedroom, and her medicine cabinet.

Man, I want to apply a biblical worldview to *EVERY SPHERE OF MY LIFE*. How about you? If so, you'll want to read his post, then the article.

Frightening Display

Over at Dr. White's blog he has a pretty frightening report of a conference gone bad, at least the protesting has gone bad. See here. These kind of things are becoming more and more normal it seems. We as Christians need to stand up against this kind of behavior and do our best to hold our elected officials and and law enforcement personnel to some kind of modicom of common sense. Yes, this starts with prayer. I am challenged to always remember our civil leaders in prayer. But in addition, we need to let our voices be heard, in a civil, humble, and truthful manner. Our challenge in the here and now is a two pronged attack. To redeem individuals through the proclamation of the gospel of Christ, and to encourage our Christian brothers & sisters to redeem our culture through intellectually and morally honest cultural engagement.

Russ

JOC: Redemption Songs

My awesome wife gave me Jars of Clay's latest CD "Redemption Songs". I am really enjoying this CD tremendously. Some of the tunes might throw you off if you are really used to these old hymns, but the words are incredibly God exalting and encouraging. If your interested in what this CD is all about, check out this interview with Jars of Clay bandmember Charlie Lowell entitled "Old Words, Vibrant Faith."

I give it two thumbs up.

Calvinism Debate

Well, it looks like Dr. Mohler and Dr. Patterson are going to debate Calvinism next year.

Can't wait to see how this plays out. I'll try to let you know when I hear more about it.