I'm an unlikely candidate to write a letter defending limited atonement. I would describe my position on the issue as a bit "schizophrenic" really: sometimes agreeing, sometimes not. (And, no, that is not an invitation for anybody to challenge me on the issue right now...from either side. I'm not interested at the moment.)
What I am certain of, though, is that shoddy thinking and a poor grasp of our history is inexcusable and ought to be challenged, especially when it's paraded in the state Baptist newspaper.
So when a pastor writes this to The Christian Index:
Call heresy heresy, no matter the speaker
By George Owens, pastor, First Baptist Church, Ellenwood
Published July 30, 2009
This letter is to give a hearty “amen” to Fred Gilder for his letter in The Index asking why there are so many Calvinists in SBC seminaries. We Southern Baptist leaders are quick to condemn doctrinal impurity when it comes from outside our camp. If a Catholic priest, Jehovah’s Witness leader, or Muslim cleric said that the blood of Jesus was not shed for all of mankind we would be shouting “heresy” from the roof-tops. Why then are we strangely quiet when it comes from those that carry the mantle “Baptist” in their name?
Heresy is heresy and it should matter not who the source is. Maybe that is why our church membership, baptisms, and world-wide effectiveness are on the decline. We need to stand for love and unity but not at the expense of doctrinal purity. Agape!
Then I'm going to write this...
(follow the link to the Index site or read it here by clicking below)