Comments on: Al Mohler, FBC Decatur, and Julie Pennington-Russell http://www.thebigdaddyweave.com/2007/06/al-mohler-fbc-decatur-and-julie-pennington-russell.html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=al-mohler-fbc-decatur-and-julie-pennington-russell News & Commentary About All Things Baptist Sat, 04 Feb 2012 19:32:01 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.1 By: Landry Debussy http://www.thebigdaddyweave.com/2007/06/al-mohler-fbc-decatur-and-julie-pennington-russell.html#comment-42570 Landry Debussy Thu, 03 Dec 2009 08:26:34 +0000 http://www.thebigdaddyweave.com/?p=204#comment-42570 Did I see some comment on your website from a book called Isolation and Irrelevancy? I know nothing about that particular book. I do agree with the idea, however, that Baptists are increasingly isolated and irrelevant. I live and work in Decatur. I have been to two of JPR's churches and know her personally. I can't think of a kinder and more talented person. I also pity that she has to waste time on this so-called issue. So, she doesn't have a penis. Why T.F. does that matter? So what? I want nothing to do with religious people who give a sh*t about such petty things. Seriously, feed the poor and stop isolating yourselves out in the suburbs! The irony about her is, however, that she is against marriage equality. She works in the lesbianist of neighborhoods in a city where 10% of the voting population identifies as "queer." She has lived and worked in San Francisco. She should know better than to oppose equal rights. It is sad that JPR and FBCD are being disfellowshiped. Who knew preaching without a penis would be such a serious offense? Who knew preaching without a penis would make it okay in Big Gay Baby Curing Al to spew such ignorance (which gives rise to hate)? But let's be frank here: She is running the serious risk of being isolated and irrelevant like Big Gay Baby Curing Al. The only difference is that instead of being 80 years behind the times, she's 20. I realize that to (so-called) liberal Baptists who are progeny of the SBC (e.g., CBF, TBC, NBC) she's a hero. To those of us in Decatur--especially those of us who are not deeply steeped in religion--she's absolutely incoherent, taking a hateful stance not unlike the hateful stance that has been taken against her. She should do more preaching without a penis. Good riddance to irrelevant people like Big Gay Baby Curing Al (A seriously good title! Who'd want to have that man's baby? He's so gross!). But I hope that she'll grow up and start supporting civil rights in a manner that is more consistent with Christ and her own experience. Until she does, I'm going to have to say good riddance to her irrelevant religion, too. Did I see some comment on your website from a book called Isolation and Irrelevancy? I know nothing about that particular book. I do agree with the idea, however, that Baptists are increasingly isolated and irrelevant.

I live and work in Decatur. I have been to two of JPR’s churches and know her personally. I can’t think of a kinder and more talented person. I also pity that she has to waste time on this so-called issue.

So, she doesn’t have a penis. Why T.F. does that matter? So what? I want nothing to do with religious people who give a sh*t about such petty things. Seriously, feed the poor and stop isolating yourselves out in the suburbs!

The irony about her is, however, that she is against marriage equality. She works in the lesbianist of neighborhoods in a city where 10% of the voting population identifies as “queer.” She has lived and worked in San Francisco. She should know better than to oppose equal rights.

It is sad that JPR and FBCD are being disfellowshiped. Who knew preaching without a penis would be such a serious offense? Who knew preaching without a penis would make it okay in Big Gay Baby Curing Al to spew such ignorance (which gives rise to hate)?

But let’s be frank here: She is running the serious risk of being isolated and irrelevant like Big Gay Baby Curing Al. The only difference is that instead of being 80 years behind the times, she’s 20.

I realize that to (so-called) liberal Baptists who are progeny of the SBC (e.g., CBF, TBC, NBC) she’s a hero. To those of us in Decatur–especially those of us who are not deeply steeped in religion–she’s absolutely incoherent, taking a hateful stance not unlike the hateful stance that has been taken against her.

She should do more preaching without a penis. Good riddance to irrelevant people like Big Gay Baby Curing Al (A seriously good title! Who’d want to have that man’s baby? He’s so gross!). But I hope that she’ll grow up and start supporting civil rights in a manner that is more consistent with Christ and her own experience. Until she does, I’m going to have to say good riddance to her irrelevant religion, too.

]]> By: Jeanette http://www.thebigdaddyweave.com/2007/06/al-mohler-fbc-decatur-and-julie-pennington-russell.html#comment-1040 Jeanette Sun, 10 Jun 2007 00:46:00 +0000 http://www.thebigdaddyweave.com/?p=204#comment-1040 Has Al Mohler met Julie or talked to her? I have. I have known her for years and have the seen the fruit of her ministry. Doesn't the Bible also say we will know them by their fruit? There is no doubt that Julie's fruit is God blessed. I believe that opinions need to be based on personal experience as well. Has Al Mohler met Julie or talked to her? I have. I have known her for years and have the seen the fruit of her ministry. Doesn’t the Bible also say we will know them by their fruit? There is no doubt that Julie’s fruit is God blessed. I believe that opinions need to be based on personal experience as well.

]]> By: Phil K. http://www.thebigdaddyweave.com/2007/06/al-mohler-fbc-decatur-and-julie-pennington-russell.html#comment-1038 Phil K. Thu, 07 Jun 2007 18:44:00 +0000 http://www.thebigdaddyweave.com/?p=204#comment-1038 At the risk of drunk driving this thing right off the road, is there something to be said for Moderate BCs in Texas? A large chunk of progressively moderate-to-liberal BCs give their monies to not only AofB and CBF but also Bapt. Gen. Conv. of Texas. I'd say BGCT is still walking down the middle of road, taking money from anyone who'll let go of it. Does the SBC only acknowledge the SBTs of the world? Or..how hard-line do you have to be to stay in with the SBC? At the risk of drunk driving this thing right off the road, is there something to be said for Moderate BCs in Texas? A large chunk of progressively moderate-to-liberal BCs give their monies to not only AofB and CBF but also Bapt. Gen. Conv. of Texas. I’d say BGCT is still walking down the middle of road, taking money from anyone who’ll let go of it. Does the SBC only acknowledge the SBTs of the world? Or..how hard-line do you have to be to stay in with the SBC?

]]> By: Big Daddy Weave http://www.thebigdaddyweave.com/2007/06/al-mohler-fbc-decatur-and-julie-pennington-russell.html#comment-1036 Big Daddy Weave Thu, 07 Jun 2007 17:19:00 +0000 http://www.thebigdaddyweave.com/?p=204#comment-1036 Michael,<br/><br/>Yea, most mods haven't moved one iota.<br/><br/>Influential CBF congregations have moved slightly left, I guess. But look, JPR is leaving a church that doesn't give a penny to the SBC (I'm 99% sure about that) for a more influential CBF congregation that gives 20% to the SBC. If 20% goes to the SBC (by individual's choice) - how far to the left could an influential church like Decatur have moved?<br/><br/>More or less, CBF churches are stuck in the middle with the CBF trying to stay healthy - which isn't the easiest task.<br/><br/>Mohler's line...<br/><br/>A look at Julie Pennington-Russell's education, experience, and related qualifications would appear to qualify her for a major pulpit . . . except for the fact that she is a woman.<br/><br/>..just pisses me off. The way he says it - arrogance just drips from his elitist lips. I'm glad in my corner of Baptist life, this isn't an issue. Hopefully, other CBF churches will follow Decatur's lead and practice what they've been preaching. Because there is a generation of mid-20's MDiv grads from these new CBF-affiliated seminaries who are women that have been called to preach...<br/><br/>If churches doesn't open their doors, these women will leave the Baptist tradition or should leave to find a pulpit. Michael,

Yea, most mods haven’t moved one iota.

Influential CBF congregations have moved slightly left, I guess. But look, JPR is leaving a church that doesn’t give a penny to the SBC (I’m 99% sure about that) for a more influential CBF congregation that gives 20% to the SBC. If 20% goes to the SBC (by individual’s choice) – how far to the left could an influential church like Decatur have moved?

More or less, CBF churches are stuck in the middle with the CBF trying to stay healthy – which isn’t the easiest task.

Mohler’s line…

A look at Julie Pennington-Russell’s education, experience, and related qualifications would appear to qualify her for a major pulpit . . . except for the fact that she is a woman.

..just pisses me off. The way he says it – arrogance just drips from his elitist lips. I’m glad in my corner of Baptist life, this isn’t an issue. Hopefully, other CBF churches will follow Decatur’s lead and practice what they’ve been preaching. Because there is a generation of mid-20′s MDiv grads from these new CBF-affiliated seminaries who are women that have been called to preach…

If churches doesn’t open their doors, these women will leave the Baptist tradition or should leave to find a pulpit.

]]> By: Michael Westmoreland-White http://www.thebigdaddyweave.com/2007/06/al-mohler-fbc-decatur-and-julie-pennington-russell.html#comment-1034 Michael Westmoreland-White Thu, 07 Jun 2007 14:23:00 +0000 http://www.thebigdaddyweave.com/?p=204#comment-1034 Another thing occurs to me: Mohler says that FBC Decatur's hiring of Julie Pennington-Russell shows that "moderate" Baptists are growing farther apart from the SBC. I want to ask, "Who moved?" When I read blogs by Southern Baptists or news from the SBC, now, it seems to me that even the dissidents are MUCH more right wing than the center was in the '70s and '80s.<br/> CBF congregations may be moving slightly "left" and Alliance of Baptists congregations somewhat more so, but SBC congregations and the SBC bureacracy are moving "right" at a far quicker pace--and I think they are failing to take the nation with them. The SBC is still large, but it is greying and sentiments like Mohler is expressing show that it is in danger of becoming culturally isolated and, perhaps soon, even irrelevant. Another thing occurs to me: Mohler says that FBC Decatur’s hiring of Julie Pennington-Russell shows that “moderate” Baptists are growing farther apart from the SBC. I want to ask, “Who moved?” When I read blogs by Southern Baptists or news from the SBC, now, it seems to me that even the dissidents are MUCH more right wing than the center was in the ’70s and ’80s.
CBF congregations may be moving slightly “left” and Alliance of Baptists congregations somewhat more so, but SBC congregations and the SBC bureacracy are moving “right” at a far quicker pace–and I think they are failing to take the nation with them. The SBC is still large, but it is greying and sentiments like Mohler is expressing show that it is in danger of becoming culturally isolated and, perhaps soon, even irrelevant.

]]> By: texasinafrica http://www.thebigdaddyweave.com/2007/06/al-mohler-fbc-decatur-and-julie-pennington-russell.html#comment-1033 texasinafrica Thu, 07 Jun 2007 14:01:00 +0000 http://www.thebigdaddyweave.com/?p=204#comment-1033 How about "right Reverend," Nathan?<br/><br/>For the record, I don't want to be referred to as "Doctor" ever. Anyone who does that will be forced to read my dissertation. How about “right Reverend,” Nathan?

For the record, I don’t want to be referred to as “Doctor” ever. Anyone who does that will be forced to read my dissertation.

]]> By: Nathan Finn http://www.thebigdaddyweave.com/2007/06/al-mohler-fbc-decatur-and-julie-pennington-russell.html#comment-1031 Nathan Finn Wed, 06 Jun 2007 23:54:00 +0000 http://www.thebigdaddyweave.com/?p=204#comment-1031 Michael,<br/><br/>I am a Southern Baptist, so I was trying to show respect for one of my agency heads (and my former seminary president). I was raised right. :-)<br/><br/>But I don't care much for titles myself, especially "Rev." I would rather be a Mr. (even though I am way too young for that) than a Rev. any day of the week.<br/><br/>NAF Michael,

I am a Southern Baptist, so I was trying to show respect for one of my agency heads (and my former seminary president). I was raised right. :-)

But I don’t care much for titles myself, especially “Rev.” I would rather be a Mr. (even though I am way too young for that) than a Rev. any day of the week.

NAF

]]> By: Michael Westmoreland-White http://www.thebigdaddyweave.com/2007/06/al-mohler-fbc-decatur-and-julie-pennington-russell.html#comment-1030 Michael Westmoreland-White Wed, 06 Jun 2007 22:17:00 +0000 http://www.thebigdaddyweave.com/?p=204#comment-1030 Umm. I like Southern politeness, but I remember Baptists as being folk who disliked titles. My home pastor would not let himself be called "Rev." He was Mr. Rice or Brother Rice.<br/><br/>When I finished my dissertation, Frank Tupper, one of my teachers but not on my dissertation committee, said that everyone who makes it through the Ph.D. process ought to be called "Doctor" for a week--and then forget about it. I took that seriously. Umm. I like Southern politeness, but I remember Baptists as being folk who disliked titles. My home pastor would not let himself be called “Rev.” He was Mr. Rice or Brother Rice.

When I finished my dissertation, Frank Tupper, one of my teachers but not on my dissertation committee, said that everyone who makes it through the Ph.D. process ought to be called “Doctor” for a week–and then forget about it. I took that seriously.

]]> By: Big Daddy Weave http://www.thebigdaddyweave.com/2007/06/al-mohler-fbc-decatur-and-julie-pennington-russell.html#comment-1029 Big Daddy Weave Wed, 06 Jun 2007 20:47:00 +0000 http://www.thebigdaddyweave.com/?p=204#comment-1029 Well, if Mohler wasn't Mohler, I'd likely call him Doctor.<br/><br/>I typically refer to most folks with doctorates as Dr. Parham or Dr. Prescott, etc. Though if we chit chat often, I'll likely drop the Doctor. <br/><br/>Nathan and I are South Georgia boys - though Finn's getting old. It's my nature. Yes mam. No mam. Yes sir. No sir. Everyone is a Mr. or Mrs. or Dr. Well, if Mohler wasn’t Mohler, I’d likely call him Doctor.

I typically refer to most folks with doctorates as Dr. Parham or Dr. Prescott, etc. Though if we chit chat often, I’ll likely drop the Doctor.

Nathan and I are South Georgia boys – though Finn’s getting old. It’s my nature. Yes mam. No mam. Yes sir. No sir. Everyone is a Mr. or Mrs. or Dr.

]]> By: Michael Westmoreland-White http://www.thebigdaddyweave.com/2007/06/al-mohler-fbc-decatur-and-julie-pennington-russell.html#comment-1028 Michael Westmoreland-White Wed, 06 Jun 2007 19:04:00 +0000 http://www.thebigdaddyweave.com/?p=204#comment-1028 BTW, why is it that people feel compelled to refer to Al Mohler as "Dr. Mohler?" Yes, he has a Ph.D. (I wasn't impressed with his dissertation because it didn't make an original contribution to knowledge--just rehashed things already done.) So do I. So do many. But people don't go around referring to me as "Dr." and thinking this gives me some kind of magic spell on my opinions (thank God). BTW, why is it that people feel compelled to refer to Al Mohler as “Dr. Mohler?” Yes, he has a Ph.D. (I wasn’t impressed with his dissertation because it didn’t make an original contribution to knowledge–just rehashed things already done.) So do I. So do many. But people don’t go around referring to me as “Dr.” and thinking this gives me some kind of magic spell on my opinions (thank God).

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