What Would Happen If...?

In 2 Corinthians 12:11 the apostle Paul expresses the personal feeling of foolishness he has over defending his apostleship. The Corinthians, knew, or should have known the things he is saying, but circumstances required him to say them and he feels like a fool to be embroiled in such a discussion. Carrying out the logic of the ABCUSA’s position regarding what the Bible calls sin to its rational conclusion might be deemed foolish in the sense in which Paul was speaking, but it certainly ought to be done, if for no other reason than to call attention to the long term potential of ABC’s rejection of scripture as its norm.

So, if a denomination affirms one behavior the Bible calls sin, isn’t it logical that eventually other movements will come along seeking acceptance of their practice or practices (whether the Bible speaks of them as sinful or not)? What would happen if there were a movement in the denomination to affirm people who were committing adultery, how would VF respond?

“I was born this way,” the wayward husband opines. “I was born needing more intimacy than my wife can give. My wife doesn’t understand me. I still love her and the kids, but I can’t help it that God made me this way? I’m a Christian. I believe in the authority of the Bible, but “Thou shalt not commit adultery” is just proof texting. And, for me, this is not a choice, I was born this way. I’m a real (sexy) man.”

Would our leaders be understanding and progressive, and refuse to condemn such behavior? After all, does ABCUSA want to be poking our noses into other people’s motel rooms? And besides adultery seems to be a significant (and expected) part of today’s modern society (if t.v. is any judge of societal norms). We wouldn’t want the words of the old Book to make us look judgmental, would we? Would our leaders feel that their friendship with the members of the “Endorse Adultery Now” fraternity required them to refuse to pronounce committing adultery a rejection of the Bible’s teaching? Would they recite the following as justification? “I am STILL traditional in matters of human sexuality AND I do not want to be separated from those who in Christian conscience differ from me on the issue of”…adultery…or whatever. Isn’t that soul freedom?

Would General Board advocate continued conversation on human sexuality and married sexual fidelity. Can’t we just put aside the behavior, and rejection of scripture, and work on mission together? Besides, who’s to say someone will not be able to come up with some obscure, or invented, historical facts to show that the adultery of the Bible was something different than the sincere, heartfelt, family values oriented, love driven adultery of the 21st century. Where’s Dan Brown when you need him?

Suppose a new affirmation movement affirmed thievery and the National Ministries endowments were being systematically looted. Or perhaps anti-Semitism, or the idolatry of false religion in some sort of a re-imagining of theology? Where would our Valley Forge leaders be? Would ABCUSA give the same approval to new “Inviting and Approving” groups that they now give the current “Welcoming & Affirming” faction?

Well, you say, that’s ludicrous it would never happen? Ummm, I suppose not…, but then, that’s what many American Baptists used to say before ABCUSA became so sensitive to and accepting of churches who are actually, as we speak, endorsing homosexual behavior.

What Should Valley Forge Have said?

How should ABCUSA have responded to the ABCPSW withdrawal? I think they should have said something like:

“Dear Friends,
We hate to see you leave. Your fellowship has been good throughout the years. You have been a major financial support to the denomination, and your people have provided significant leadership. You have been good for us.
We understand why you are leaving. Its because as ABCUSA we will not accept your understanding that what the Bible says must determine the theological and moral standards of the denomination. We know you are committed to such a faith, as are many others in ABCUSA, but we are not willing to limit our understanding of God’s working in the world to a strict acceptance of what the writers of scripture meant when they wrote so many years ago. Therefore, we realize the validity of your withdrawal. Amos 3:3 “Can two walk together unless they be agreed?”
So we wish you well. We have seen the wonderful growth of your ministries, and we recognize the strength of your fellowship. We will be glad for you if God allows you to have continued growth in local congregations as well as your corporate association. We will welcome any ministry opportunity you wish to share in with us. We love you and we will miss you.
Cordially, with faith in Christ,
ABCUSA Leadership”

That would have been an honest, loving reply.

Sadly, the impression that may be taken from correspondence and statements out of VF and other ABC enclaves is at best negative. Like: PSW shouldn’t have done what they did, they should have overlooked theological differences. Or: There are lots of PSW churches that will remain ABC. We’ll start fresh out there, and to heck with those transformational ministries, their withdrawal won’t matter. Or: Good riddance, who needs those conservatives anyway.

Hey, it's history, the separation happened. Instead of grousing, complaining, criticizing, and name calling ABCUSA should be assessing its theological and moral positions in an attempt to get to where the denomination wants to be. The problem is that when a Bible believing region like PSW understood where the denomination wants to be they felt they had no other choice but to withdraw, and it is likely that if other regions take seriously the Bible’s teaching and really understand where ABC wants to be they will feel constrained to leave as well. How many times can ABCUSA say good riddance?