Mr. Mendelbaum (played wonderfully by the late Lloyd Bridges), would, in some memorable episodes, challenge Jerry Seinfeld to feats of strength by goading him with the catchphrase, “It’s go time!” I’m reminded of that tonight, having driven all day from Dallas and thinking throughout the drive about the Nickname proposal put forth by an “unofficial” Task Force and given legitimacy tonight by most members of the SBC’s Executive Committee (thankfully there were a few who had the courage to stand against this proposal).
In several tweets by Dr. R. Albert Mohler, President of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, now known as a “Great Commission Baptists institution” (who needs the messengers to vote on this?), Dr. Mohler, who is no doubt a brilliant scholar and theologian, communicates a condescension unbecoming the President of one of our entities. Of course, I could be reading entirely too much into the tweets, much like others have read too much into Dr. Mohler’s use of the word “Reformed” in a Gospel Coalition interview. For those who don’t tweet or follow people on Twitter, I thought you might be interested in a few of Dr. Mohler’s tweets regarding the Executive Committee deliberations on the Nickname proposal:
“A member of the SBC/EC just voted against receiving information. It does tend to cut down on mental clutter.” (2/21/12 at 1:36 p.m.)
“SBC/EC member just argued against the name change proposal saying, “Southern Baptists are easily confused.” No argument on that point, huh?” (2/21/12 at 1:19 p.m.)
“Let the word go forth: THE Southern Baptist Theological Seminary proudly is a Great Commission Baptists institution.” (2/20/12 at 7:38 p.m.)
I am glad that Dr. Mohler felt comfortable enought to post these unrestrained comments on his Twitter feed, particular the one directed at a member of the Executive Committee (paging Dr. Page — hello). One can only imagine how he and others really view the unwashed masses who help pay his salary, but who are obviously an “easily confused” people (although I’m sure that’s not what he meant, even though that is the most reasonable interpretation of his words). As Mr. Mendelbaum would say, “It’s go time!”
As the good Sgt. Major said, “you can’t fix stupid”. Absolute non-sense, those who seem to think that we need a name change due to a “negative stigma” that comes with the name “Southern Baptist” surely understands that the word Baptist alone has its own baggage that goes along with it too. So are we to drop Baptist as well….oh I know let’s just change the name of all of our churches to just a symbol, it seemed to work so well for Prince. I do apologize for the sarcasm that is pouring out, but it is completely ridiculous.
Mike,
Don’t worry about the sarcasm. I have plenty that will be flowing forth in the days ahead. I think the end game for many is to drop Baptist, which is already happening. Wouldn’t surprise me if Great Commission Baptists, which is just an optional nickname, was shortened to Great Commission church or people and just leave off Baptist entirely. Thanks and God bless,
Howell
I am simply stunned at those tweets. Not only does he insult someone on the EC but he insults those, as you said, who pay his salary. He must feel very secure in his job.
Lydia,
I am no longer stunned by what any of the establishment elites say and do. The grassroots hav effetively been checked by this brilliant move of the nickname. If the messengers give their stamp of approval to the nickname, then it will be checkmate for the SBC. Most will not realize it until about 6-12 months later (if that long) when most, if not all, of the institutions will start using the GCB language in their communications and publications. Who would still want to use the name Southern Baptist, particularly when it is associated with all that’s bad. I must admit that I never saw this strategy coming. Most grassroots SBs have not either. If we wait until NO to figure it out, it will be too late, much like a church which has been taken over from within by a new pastor who brings in new families and runs off all the older, established (traditional) members. Sad indeed. Thanks and God bless,
Howell