Podcasts about conservative resurgence

In this episode, we're talking about how America has real leadership again under Trump's administration, the importance of deporting illegal immigrants to restore law and order, and why we need to confirm RFK Jr. for the good of American health and wellbeing. We'll break down the policies that actually put America first, expose the chaos that's unfolded since, and discuss how we can push for real positive change for our country. We also need to focus on how we (desperately) need a separation of business and state.—https://noblegoldinvestments.com/invest/gold-ira/

In this episode of Uncommon Sense with Ginny Robinson, we explore how Trump's 2024 victory will spark a renewed era of American strength and prosperity. Could this be the beginning of a new Golden Age for our nation? We discuss Trump's big 2024 presidential win and its impact on the country's values, economy, and global standing, and why his win will set the stage for a brighter, more unified America. Tune in as we break down what this monumental moment means for our nation's future.--https://noblegoldinvestments.com/learn/gold-and-silver-guide/?utm_campaign=21243613394&utm_source=g&utm_medium=cpc&utm_content=&utm_term=noble%20gold%20investments&seg_aprod=&ad_id=698073353663&oid=2&affid=1&utm_source=google&affiliate_source=googleads_brand_bmbc&utm_term=noble%20gold%20investments&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADQ2DzKOxph5Uom1m3COg5w3zx05w&gclid=Cj0KCQiArby5BhCDARIsAIJvjIRxVP8kcQ9WWQfEPfNdh7_-sk6ZAZcJBNz5BlVDdTmkNtaqo8N8ah0aAo9SEALw_wcB

In this conversation, Tim and Blake Chastain discuss the origins and implications of the exvangelical movement, exploring how American Christianity has radicalized over the years. They delve into the role of social media in facilitating deconstruction, the historical context of evangelicalism, and the intersection of race and faith. Chapters 03:08 The Origins of Exvangelical Movement 05:53 The Role of Social Media in Deconstruction 09:14 Historical Context of American Christianity 12:04 The Radicalization of American Christianity 14:59 The Intersection of Race and Evangelicalism 17:49 The Conservative Resurgence in the SBC 21:09 Defining Evangelicalism and Fundamentalism 24:00 The Future of Exvangelicalism 27:13 Personal Reflections on Faith and Identity Blake's Book | Exvangelical and Beyond: How American Christianity Went Radical and the Movement That's Fighting Back Blake's Website | blakechastain.com _______________________________ REGISTER TO VOTE If you'd like to support our work, you can DONATE here! Get Tickets to Beer Camp (PROMO: TNEHOBBIT) Follow Us On Instagram @thenewevangelicals  Subscribe On YouTube @thenewevangelicals The New Evangelicals exists to support those who are tired of how evangelical church has been done before and want to see an authentic faith lived out with Jesus at the center. We are committed to building a caring community that emulates the ways of Jesus by reclaiming the evangelical tradition and embracing values that build a better way forward. If you've been marginalized by your faith, you are welcome here. We've built an empathetic and inclusive space that encourages authentic conversations, connections and faith. Whether you consider yourself a Christian, an exvangelical, someone who's questioning your faith, or someone who's left the faith entirely, you are welcome here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When the name W. A. Criswell is read or heard, certain thoughts come to mind. Many likely remember him as a president of the Southern Baptist Convention, or the founder of the Criswell College in Dallas, Texas, or the senior pastor for five decades of one of the largest Baptist churches in America, or even one of the key figures during the Conservative Resurgence. All of these are acknowledgments of the importance of the life of Criswell, but these do not necessarily capture who he was as a man, as a husband, as a father, as a friend and mentor.O.S. Hawkins was closely mentored by Criswell and was his pastoral successor.He joined us to share some great takeaways from Criswell’s life! https://www.amazon.com/Criswell-Life-Times-S-Hawkins/dp/1430086076 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Paul Pressler's Case Haunts Southern Baptist Abuse Reform: The downfall of a prominent leader of the Conservative Resurgence—a “dangerous predator” whose behavior was hidden for decades—symbolizes a wider failure to deal with sex abuse and coverup ... GUEST Bob Smietana ... Religion News Service. Go and Do Likewise: A Call to Follow Jesus in a Life of Mercy and Mission (new book) ... GUEST Amy DiMarcangelo ... author of “A Hunger for More: Finding Satisfaction in Jesus When the Good Life Doesn't Fill You”.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Paul Pressler's Case Haunts Southern Baptist Abuse Reform: The downfall of a prominent leader of the Conservative Resurgence—a “dangerous predator” whose behavior was hidden for decades—symbolizes a wider failure to deal with sex abuse and coverup ... GUEST Bob Smietana ... Religion News Service. Go and Do Likewise: A Call to Follow Jesus in a Life of Mercy and Mission (new book) ... GUEST Amy DiMarcangelo ... author of “A Hunger for More: Finding Satisfaction in Jesus When the Good Life Doesn't Fill You”.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andy Stanley embraced homosexuality as more than just an acceptable orientation for Christians in his Oct 1, 2023 sermon at North Point Church. Stanley is a well-known name in evangelicalism and his father, Charles Stanley, was a key leader during the Southern Baptist Convention's Conservative Resurgence. This new position marks a shift. Andy Stanley's Sermon Audio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dw05bu9T-ss&feature=youtu.beTo Support the Podcast: https://www.worldviewconversation.com/support/#andystanley #homosexuality #northpointchurch #romancatholicism #concupiscenceSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/conversations-that-matter8971/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Longtime political observers say the conditions are ripe for a conservative cultural resurgence. In this episode, we speak with Kimberly Strassell, author of The Biden Malaise, about the parallels between the Biden administration and that of President Jimmy Carter. She argues that the conditions that led to the Reagan revolution in the 80's could lead to a similar republican revolution today. Get the facts first on Morning Wire.

he annual meetings of the Southern Baptist Convention and Presbyterian Church in America were held last week. Josh and Ben discuss what took place, focusing on some very encouraging signs of conservative/confessional faithfulness in both denominations, as well as challenges that remain.     Show notes:   On the SBC annual meeting:   https://americanreformer.org/2023/06/breaking-sbc-decisively-approves-law-amendment-restores-male-only-pastorship/    https://americanreformer.org/2023/06/how-many-female-pastors-are-in-the-sbc/    https://americanreformer.org/2023/06/slippery-when-wet/    https://americanreformer.org/2023/04/mr-smith-goes-to-the-convention/      On the PCA general assembly:   https://rfbwcf.substack.com/p/a-plea-for-patience-in-the-pca-1    https://rfbwcf.substack.com/p/report-on-the-pcas-jubilee-assembly    https://irreverentreverend.org/2023/06/17/pca-ga-50-summary-of-20-key-events-highlights/  

On Today's Show: Prayers from the Book of Common Prayer (1552 and 2019) 2019 Book of Common Prayer downloadable here - https://bcp2019.anglicanchurch.net/  Reading from Daily Readings From the Life of Christ by John MacArthur A Friday Edition of Monday Meanderings! A Very Eclectic Ramble on discipleship, the state of the church, the SBC's Conservative Resurgence, GAFCON, Global Anglicanism, and beer marketing The Christian Podcast Community website - https://podcasts.strivingforeternity.org/  Five Day Bible Reading Plan - https://fivedaybiblereading.com/  The full LSB Bible, Old and New Testaments, are now available on the LSB app and on Accordance! http://accordancebible.com/LSB/  Theme music: Enfield's recording of “Crown Him With Many Crowns” © 2010 by Resolved Music. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations taken from the (LSB®) Legacy Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2021 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Managed in partnership with Three Sixteen Publishing Inc. LSBible.org and 316publishing.com

We don't need a Conservative Resurgence, we need a Christian Reformation. Getting America back to the 90's simply won't do, we must get all the way back to the Scripture. National repentance is the only way, and it must start with the Church.

Information may be freer, but truth—not so much. Barry describes how we can see the truth and cling to it, while also improving our Spidey sense to recognize when something is wrong with the words we have received.     Scripture: 1 Samuel 28 Philippians 1 John 8:31-32

Today on The Sword and The Trowel, Tom Ascol and Graham Gunden welcome Dr. Tom Nettles into the studio to talk about all things Baptist life. Dr. Nettles was a major influence in the Conservative Resurgence and has been heavily involved in Southern Baptist life for many decades. In this episode, Dr. Nettles gives his take and perspective on Baptist life today and the SBC. They discuss the SATF report, Abortion & the ERLC, Law & Gospel, engaging issues and staying in the fight. 2023 National Founders Conference: What is Man? | https://founders.org/2023conference/ Founders Ministries Hat: https://press.founders.org/shop/founders-ministries-patch-hat/ Apply at The Institute of Public Theology: https://www.instituteofpublictheology.org Support Founders Ministries and become a part of the F.A.M. https://press.founders.org/fam/ Founders Sermon Podcast Stream: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sermons-by-founders-ministries/id1613963681 Shop the Founders Press Store: https://press.founders.org/ Become a part of the F.A.M. https://press.founders.org/fam/ The Institute of Public Theology: https://www.instituteofpublictheology.org/ Wield The Sword: https://founders.org/wieldthesword/ Follow Founders Ministries: Website: https://founders.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FoundersMin/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/FoundersMin Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foundersministries/ All Founders Ministries resources are copyrighted and any use and distribution must be approved by Founders Ministries.

The following episode address the question, "Does the Conservative Resurgence Still Matter?" This question is part of Dr. Mark Ballard's new book, Does It Still Matter?, which is published by Northeastern Baptist Press. For more information about our ministries at Fellowship Church, you can visit our website: www.fellowshipchurch.co.

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Scott talks with Scott Camp about the SBC's Conservative Resurgence, politics and power, and the future of the Church.

Tom Ascol joins Jeff Wright to talk about his relationship to the Southern Baptist Convention, the Conservative Resurgence and what relevance it has for today's SBC, and the work of Founders Ministries. Visit Founders Ministries online and consider partnering with them through their F.A.M. Program. -------- Follow Tom Ascol on Twitter Follow Founders Ministries on Twitter Follower CR:V on Twitter

On this maiden voyage of the new CR:V Podcast site founder Chris Bolt sets down with Jeff Wright to talk about the doctrinal state of the Southern Baptist Convention, whether or not she needs another Conservative Resurgence, and what this new podcast is all about, anyway. ------ Give CR:V a follow on Twitter Follow Chris on Parler Follow Jeff on Twitter & Parler

Today on The Sword and The Trowel, Tom Ascol and Jared Longshore welcome Pastor Tom Buck onto the show to discuss the state of the SBC. They give helpful pastoral insight into the issues we face today vs the Conservative Resurgence in the 1980s. Are these issues more dangerous than anything we have seen before in the SBC? What is the responsibility of SBC Pastors and church members?  Wield The Sword: https://founders.org/wieldthesword/ WATCH NOW: Founders Cinedoc: By What Standard? https://founders.org/cinedoc/ The Sword & The Trowel: https://founders.org/the-sword-the-trowel/ Become a part of the F.A.M. | https://founders.org/give/ Follow Founders Ministries: Website: https://founders.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FoundersMin/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/FoundersMin Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foundersministries/

Ben has been writing about the history of the Conservative Resurgence in the Missouri Pathways, we discuss the importance of knowing this history.

Audio Lecture Period 9-1 - Conservative Resurgence (1980 - 2000) by Mr. Vasiliades/Mr. Koepplin

Kyle and Matt bring the train wreck all the way out to Wake Forest, North Carolina to interview Dr. Daniel Akin, president of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. You'll hear about what God is up to at one of the SBC's six seminaries, along with a downright heartbreaking story about pre-Conservative Resurgence days on campus with the late Rev. Billy Graham, which will well up within you a heart of gratitude for the work God did and continues to do on the other side of the Conservative Resurgence. Learn more about SEBTS at: https://www.sebts.edu Grab Dr. Akin's book at: https://www.lifeway.com/en/product/ten-who-changed-the-world-P005420530  Visit our digs at: http://notanotherbaptistpodcast.com   Like us on FB at: http://facebook.com/notanotherbaptistpodcast   Follow us on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/NAB_Podcast   RSS Feed: https://notanotherbaptistpodcast.podomatic.com/rss2.xml   We're grateful for our partnership with the Christian Standard Bible...find out more at: http://csbible.com 

Real News Channels: T.R.U Reporting, Conservative Resurgence

“The Conservative Resurgence of the SBC: 1960-1990” is the fifth message in a series called “BAPTISTS: Past and Present.” Senior Pastor Don Pucik helps the church to better understand who we are, as a group of believers, and where we came fro

Shocking news out of Texas this week as Judge Paul Pressler, one of the two main architects of the Conservative Resurgence, has been sued for sexual assault on a 14-year-old boy.

Dr. R. Albert Mohler, Jr., joins us today to discuss the 30th anniversary of the Peace Committee report, the Glorieta Statement, and the Conservative Resurgence. Also, a new open letter to President Trump has been released calling for him to denounce the "alt-right" movement.

Dr. Rick Patrick, Executive Director of Connect316 and local Pastor, joins Dr. Flowers on the program today to discuss the article below and how the Conservative Resurgence relates and affects today's conflict over Soteriology:   The Rise of Soteriological Traditionalism By: Rick Patrick , PastorFirst Baptist Church Sylacauga, AL This article was originally posted in Theological Matters and is used by permission. In 2012, hundreds of pastors, professors and laypersons affixed their signatures to the most attested confession of faith Southern Baptists have ever produced with the exception of The Baptist Faith and Message. Since that time, hundreds more have signed this document, which is available for signing today at the Connect 316 website. A Statement of the Traditional Southern Baptist Understanding of God’s Plan of Salvationwas written by Eric Hankins, pastor of the First Baptist Church of Oxford, Miss. This document generated significant discussion, prompting the formation of a Southern Baptist task force on soteriology, the branch of theology focusing on salvation doctrine. Today, looking back, we are better able to assess the significance of these efforts. What are the historic roots of Soteriological Traditionalism?First, we find theological similarities with the Anabaptists in Switzerland during the 16th century. Later, we trace our theological stream from the General Baptists in England in the 17th century to the Sandy Creek tradition in the American South during the 18th and 19th centuries. Ultimately, in the 20th century, the primary confessor of each version of The Baptist Faith and Message (E.Y. Mullins in 1925, Herschel Hobbs in 1963, and Adrian Rogers in 2000) uniformly held to the view of salvation doctrine that is described in the Traditional Statement. Where did Soteriological Traditionalism get its name?In 2001, Fisher Humphreys and Paul Robertson, who both served as professors at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, wrote God So Loved the World: Traditional Baptists and Calvinism. They used the term “traditional” for the basic view of salvation doctrine held by Herschel Hobbs, Adrian Rogers and Billy Graham. Eleven years later, this very same word was included in the title of the statement. Can we not find a better term for our position than “Traditionalism”?First, we must rule out partial terms or combinations of views we disaffirm. Thus, we are not “Moderate Calvinists,” “Calminians” or “Semi-Arminians.” Who really wants to be half-something? Second, we resist terms that negate. Thus, labels like “Anti-Calvinist” or “Non-Arminian” are off-limits. No Dallas Cowboy fan prefers the moniker “Anti-Redskin.” Third, the term must actually distinguish. Many claim for themselves the Baptist or Biblicist or Majoritarian position. Some who object to the term “Traditionalist” believe it must refer to the earliest days of the SBC in 1845. But the term is not “Originalist.” Many churches offer a Traditional Worship Service featuring music that was popular in the mid-20th century. Theology popular in that period can also be called “Traditional.” While other options exist, such as “Savabilist,” “Extensivist,” “Decisionist,” “Conversionist” and “Volitionist,” no term has yet emerged that is as widely accepted as “Traditionalist.” What are the doctrinal beliefs affirmed in the statement?The statement affirms Traditionalism while disaffirming Calvinism, Arminianism, Semipelagianism and Amyraldism. To better understand these terms and your own view of salvation doctrine, consider completing this brief Soteriological Assessment.  In general, Traditionalists accept a small amount of Calvinism and a fair amount of Arminianism, while also disagreeing in important ways with both views. We also disagree with the Semipelagians and the Amyraldists. We are basically staking a position for Southern Baptist Traditionalists residing at a point that lies between the Arminianism of the Methodists and the Calvinism of the Presbyterians. What did we learn from the reaction to the Traditional statement?The initial reaction was unnecessarily polemical, as the signers (including many of our leading theologians and pastors) were charged variously with Semipelagian heresy or remedial reading comprehension skills. Looking back, I am amused by these charges. At the time, however, I was distraught that the Southern Baptist views I had learned, believed and preached all my life were suddenly suspect. This fact only served to establish the absolute necessity of the statement’s publication, for if one group of Southern Baptists could look at the convictions of another group and conclude they were practically heretical, we obviously had some important wrinkles to iron out. How was this a theologically defining moment for Southern Baptists?When the statement came out, an assumption had begun to take root that all Southern Baptists should be viewed as Calvinists to a certain degree. It was as though the course setting for our denominational ship was due Calvinist and the default Southern Baptist position was going to be theologically reformed. For many of us, our consciences would simply not allow us to be pulled in this direction any further. It was time for us to stand up and say, “We do not believe Calvinism should be seen as the optimal SBC position.” Is the goal of Connect 316 and Traditionalism to eradicate Calvinism in the SBC?Our aim is not to drive Calvinism from the convention, but rather to establish our own place at the denominational table. A few years ago, we counted six different Calvinist organizations influencing the SBC. We thought there should be at least one organization promoting our own theology. Why should one theological wing of our denomination sponsor all the conferences and give away all the t-shirts and invite all the speakers and publish all the books? Southern Baptists will fly much higher with two healthy wings. How does Connect 316 endeavor to promote Traditionalism in a positive manner?We sponsor an annual banquet at the Southern Baptist Convention. In Baltimore, we had 100 in attendance. In Columbus, we had 200. In St. Louis, we had 300. As our attendance grows, we will be better equipped to promote a more Traditionalist-friendly convention. We also sponsor a news blog, SBC Today, with more than 1,000 hits per day and readers from more than 170 countries. On social media, we have the 316 Roundtable, an open discussion forum on Facebook. Our Connect 316 website offers many helpful resources. We also assist ministries hosting regional conferences. What is the greatest challenge in promoting Soteriological Traditionalism?Most Southern Baptists probably identify with our understanding of salvation. They simply do not call it by the lofty term “Soteriological Traditionalism.” Believing it to be commonly held, they may see no need for the label or the movement. Frankly, they must first be apprised of the growing influence of Calvinism in order to explain how Traditionalism differs from it and why these differences matter. It is a rather complex assignment to teach people that what they have always believed is being seriously challenged today. They must first learn about the Calvinism they reject in order to fully appreciate the Traditionalism they affirm. How can Southern Baptists get involved in this growing movement?I often hear from young people who disaffirm Calvinism but are nevertheless assumed to wear such a label simply due to their youthfulness. They feel disconnected as their Calvinist friends attend conferences and events. They wonder where they can find a theological home offering like-minded fellowship and resources. I hear from former Calvinists who have converted to Traditionalism only to experience a loss of fellowship. Connect 316 is beginning to fill this void. You can get involved by attending our annual banquet this summer in Phoenix, by reading or writing at sbctoday.com, by checking out our website atconnect316.net, by hosting a regional conference, or by simply signing the Traditional Statement. The movement of Soteriological Traditionalism packages an old theology with a new label. Southern Baptists disenfranchised by New Calvinism will find a welcoming theological home among the like-minded Christians at Connect 316.   Show NOTES: Here is the link from the Disciple 6 Resource page: http://disciple6.com/ And here is the pdf for Dr. Lemke’s article on our Southern Baptist soteriological roots: http://swbts.edu/sites/default/files/images/content/docs/journal/57_2/57.2%20History%20or%20Revisionist%20History%20Lemke.pdf

**CORRECTION: Leighton mistakenly inversed the stats about Calvinistic pastors. 70-80% of pastors express concern over the rise of Calvinism while 20-30% support Calvinism according to the most recent studies. Dr. Flowers discusses his views on how Calvinism will affect the SBC and reads this article from Dr. Bill Hadley: Troublemakers in the SBC: Do We Want Unity or Division? Posted on July 13, 2016by sbcissues Only July 12, the New Orleans Baptist Association published a statement titled, Which Way Forward, Toward Unity or Division?” It can be read in its entirety by CLICKING HERE. I understand the need for unity and the desire for unity. As Christians, one would think that this would be a given. As the old saying goes, union is one thing; unity is another. Reference is made in the article to J.D. Greear’s move in stepping down in the SBC presidential race to help lay a foundation for unity in the convention. The article stated, “This act sparked surprise, relief, gladness, and even celebration.  We witnessed an act of grace motivated by a desire for unity.” Dr. Greear’s decision was a gracious one and was without question one that helped avoid other potential problems. It must also be stated, Dr. Gaines was prepared to do the same thing for the sake of unity. Both of these men are to be commended for their humble response to what was a very difficult position to have been placed in. The article acknowledges positive strides in their association toward racial reconciliation and then moves its focus to the divide related to the theological issues specifically tied to the rise of Calvinism in the SBC and the issues the state convention and its college, Lousiana College has faced in recent years. They acknowledge disappointment in attacks against certain agency heads in SBC entities: “we are troubled by the critical editorials in our state Baptist paper against SBC agency heads David Platt and Russell Moore.” The article asks a pointed question and then makes a definitive statement: “Do we want our Convention split in two? Do we want to continue to read editorials in our state Baptist paper critical of SBC agency presidents?  Do we want unity or division? Leaders lead.  What kind of qualities do we want our leaders to demonstrate?” I want to address the question, “Do we want unity or division?” How we answer that question certainly addresses the thrust of the article and the statement, “Leaders lead.” I will address the issue from the “other side of the tracks” and speak to the issue of Troublemakers in the SBC. The perception is that those who LEAD are going to do so for the sake of unity while those who do not work toward unity are not leaders but in fact troublemakers. There are two types of troublemakers. There are those who take the bull by the horns and seek to make tough changes to the status quo. This is what the reformed leaders of this Calvinist revival in the SBC have done and are continuing to do. While I do not agree with WHAT they have done, I applaud their successful efforts and even acknowledge that they have the RIGHT to do what they have done. I might argue rather successfully that their methods were underhanded as far as being forthright in their intentions from the onset… but that would have been horribly unsuccessful so if I were in their shoes I might have done the same thing. These guys are rightfully troublemakers. So were the reformers of the past. That is not being critical it is actually complimentary, even though I do not like what they have done. The other type troublemaker is the one who seeks to maintain the status quo. In the Conservative Resurgence both of these groups existed as well. The liberals did pretty much then what the Calvinists have done today with one exception; they were not as successful! The conservative camp did pretty much then what the non-calvinist camp is doing now with ONE KEY exception; they were successful while the non-calvinist camp today has not been. In the CR, there were LEADERS/Troublemakers who stood up and spoke out and the liberal faction in the seminaries was pushed back. There were two key factors that came into play there. First, the liberal faction did not manage to gain control of the larger group of entities and I am not sure that was ever their intention and so their influence was still rather limited. This group was not “bunkered down” as well as the Calvinists of today are. I believe this group today learned some important lessons from the CR and those lessons have proven effective in the new CR, Calvinist Resurgence today. There is one other issue that stands out as we compare the problems we face today as compared to the CR. Liberalism in Biblical theology was an easier topic to popularize than Calvinism is today. People could grasp it. 80% plus of the people in the pew in the SBC have no idea how to even spell Calvinism much less understand what it teaches. There is no sense of “urgency” in this struggle although those who understand the issues KNOW that this is every bit as important a theological issue as has ever existed in the SBC. While it is true that Calvinism has been in the SBC since its founding, it has never held the level of importance it has garnered in the last decade and its influence has never been more prevalent than what it holds today where the direction of the convention is concerned. There is a vacuum of leadership willing to stand up and speak out today against this Calvinist Resurgence. This is what is so surprising where this issue of Calvinism is concerned. Some have suggested that the CR of the 80’s and 90’s took a lot out of people and there is no “fight left in a lot of folks.” Well, to ask for “fight” in Christians is sort of a tough expectation in the first place but as Solomon said, “There is a time for everything under the sun.” There seems to be a move within the MEGA church pastors to not want to “rock the boat” and to stay in good graces so to speak with the new power brokers of the SBC. Calvinism is just not an issue that is garnering much attention among those who have the clout to do what it would take to stop its continued influence. It just is what it is. So who are the troublemakers in the SBC today? Are the troublemakers those who are working feverishly to change the SBC? Are the troublemakers those who are actively involved in reforming the SBC and moving it to a Calvinist Convention? Are the troublemakers those who have finally woke up and realized what has happened under their noses where this Calvinist Resurgence has been concerned? Are the troublemakers of today the unifiers of yesterday who had no clue what the reformers were doing until this “lady” was eight and a half months pregnant before anyone even noticed and realized that “she” was about to give birth? Calvinism is a real issue. It is a real issue for both sides. It is not going away. It is an issue for those seeking to move the SBC in that direction. It is not going away when the majority of the entities of the SBC are being led by men associated with the Mohler machine. This is not an idle cry; it is a bold faced fact. This has not simply “just happened” This is the “eight and a half month” reality that could not be hidden any longer. Now, let’s go back to the initial quesiton, “Do we want to continue to read editorials in our state Baptist paper critical of SBC agency presidents?  Do we want unity or division?” The answer to that quesion sadly is going to be this: it depends on which side of the Calvinist issue one is standing. If it is not a big issue then the answer is going to be “No; it is time to seek unity and let this Calvinist Resurgence continue.” Leaders will lead in that direction. Those who do not follow are the troublemakers. For those who see Calvinism as an indictment against the character of God because it contends God and God alone decides who does and does not get into heaven and they see it as a faulty philosophical theological system that is every bit as dangerous or even moreso as the liberal faction of the 80’s and 90’s then you can expect their leaders to lead and those who do not follow are the troublemakers. Do we want our Convention split in two? Do we want to continue to read editorials in our state Baptist paper critical of SBC agency presidents?  Do we want unity or division? Leaders lead.  What kind of qualities do we want our leaders to demonstrate? Do we want unity or division? The answer sadly depends on which side of the issue one is standing.

In this episode, Raymond explores the Southern Baptist Convention and the political, cultural, and demographic influence of the largest Protestant denomination in the United States.  Of interest in the 2015 Annual Church Profile, is the largest decline in membership ever recorded in the history of the Church.  Next he discusses the Conservative Resurgence and the rise to power of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary President, R. Albert Mohler, Jr.  Finally, he ponders the Religious Right's  implications for the Republican presidential candidates. On the next episode, Raymond will delve into the Southern Baptist Convention's theology.   Show Reference Notes: "As Church Plants Grow, Southern Baptists Disappear" on Christianity Today Recovering a Vision: The Presidency of R. Albert Mohler, Jr. on YouTube The Shadow of Ideas Website:  shadowofideas.com Email:  shadowofideas@gmail.com Become a Patron:  patreon.com/shadowofideas Like us on Facebook:  facebook.com/shadowofideas Follow us on Twitter:  @shadow_of_ideas Subscribe in iTunes:  itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/shadow-ideas-history-politics/id995813969 Listen on Stitcher:  stitcher.com/podcast/the-shadow-of-ideas