ABP News Blog - Latest Comments

Re: My marriage fell apart the day the dog died

dkzody — Wed, 22 May 2013 20:10:32 -0000

>>but they sure do have a place of authority in their congregation and can control some things there.<< Ha ha ha ha ha ha.

Re: Fifty years from now

5thPew — Tue, 21 May 2013 08:53:36 -0000

It would be interesting for the author to indicate what he sees today that leads to each of his prediction. For instance, what are the forces and trends he sees that lead him to predict that "Baptist Christians will learn to value and embrace the role of a faithful minority in larger society" and that they "will rediscover the kind of spiritual power that comes with surrendering social position and power in favor of humility." Perhaps that can be a follow-up article.

Re: Have Christians become opportunistic omnivores?

Dusty Johnson — Mon, 20 May 2013 22:49:06 -0000

I don't understand why you would be a vegetarian. Not enough variety. What's the point of this story anyway?

Re: The best/worst graduation speech ever

Barrett Owen — Thu, 16 May 2013 08:33:21 -0000

Thanks for responding. It really was a moving speech.

Re: The best/worst graduation speech ever

Kent Kingston — Wed, 15 May 2013 17:39:21 -0000

Nice article. Pity you didn't name Dr Ben Carson as the speaker! And yes, I think he's right. Our wisdom and maturity are best seen when they're tested by failure.

Re: I do not identify with race

Carol Cooper — Mon, 06 May 2013 12:22:52 -0000

Very thought provoking, and I agree with you very much. In response to a comment from another reader, it seems to me more and more that worship styles seem to be determining the kinds of congregations people join and in some communities this will be reflected by diverse congregations.

Re: I do not identify with race

Cecelia Grant-Peters — Sun, 05 May 2013 16:18:34 -0000

I agree with you Jack, and of course the article is very good, but I was not talking about USA.

Re: I do not identify with race

Jack — Sun, 05 May 2013 15:41:10 -0000

Cecelia, her article was very good. If you want to find any behavior in society, you can. The overall consensus and behavior does not match what you speak of. It once did to be sure but that day is past. Some who will espouse that rhetoric do so because of personal need. People like Jesse Jackson must or they will be out of a job. America when compared to the rest of the world past or present looks very good. If you think a nation in the past or present has a better record on race, please name them.
I think her article was very good.

Re: I do not identify with race

Cecelia Grant-Peters — Sun, 05 May 2013 07:31:32 -0000

Very interesting piece Starlette, sadly, racial segregation is alive and well and living in the church. I personally do not go to church as much these days, but I do find that your race determines which congregation you attend. I keep reminding certain "Christians" that Christ was no respecter of persons, but it is ingrained in them, the "them" and "us" syndrome is definitely not what Jesus had in mind.

Re: Don’t call your next pastor. Draft your next pastor.

Cindi Knox — Sat, 04 May 2013 08:53:21 -0000

I see the pastor as more of a coach, and we don't draft coaches.

Can we see the available lay people coming out of college?

Re: I do not identify with race

Toussaint Hutchinson — Fri, 03 May 2013 22:05:12 -0000

No race. Know and follow Christ. Excellent commentary. Thank you Sister Starlette.

Re: I do not identify with race

Dan Webster — Fri, 03 May 2013 19:01:18 -0000

Starlette, thank you for your article. I have read the ones you have written in the past and you always do a great job and you are always on target. Again, thank you.

Re: Don’t call your next pastor. Draft your next pastor.

frjohn — Fri, 03 May 2013 17:48:22 -0000

Reading this makes me thank God that I am assigned by my Bishop. The ministry should not be treated as a job and the minister as an hired hand by the congregation. What if he or she has to preach something that is necessary according to the Gospel but will not be popular with the parish?

Re: Mom CBF, Dad SBC, I love you. Stop fighting.

Steave — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 08:47:22 -0000

nice stuff

Re: Breastfeeding in church?

Steve Stutzman — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 02:05:53 -0000

Nobody has really mentioned how covered she was. I think that takes a different view to it all together. If she was discreet, had one of those covers that allow her to nurse without being revealed, I don't really see how that should been a problem for anyone in the church.

But I have heard of cases, specifically comes to mind a responsive sit in by breast feeding mothers at a Target I believe in Texas, where the mother isn't really discreet at all. Under no cover or attempt at modesty, "everything" gets unpacked and gawkers are the ones with the problem. This is completely unnecessary and unthoughtful.

While some regard breast feeding as "beautiful" or "natural part of motherhood" which it is, it's not a good basis for it being acceptable for the public eye. Sexual relations between a husband and wife are both beautiful and nature but if a couple start shredding their clothes and clamoring over one another, I wouldn't sit there and think "well, it's beautiful, natural, and God-given... it's ok to watch." I could give other examples but you get the point. Whether I'm at church, at a football, school, wherever, breast feeding is a special kind of intimacy for a mother and child alone. If she has one of those "pop up hide-a-aways" great use that. Otherwise, she should either pump and use a bottle or find a secluded spot.

Yes, I had three children breast feed but for goodness sake's be thoughtful of other people. I'm sorry, the world doesn't revolve around you.

Re: Since it is not 1955, we have to do church different

Kris Swiatocho — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 00:45:05 -0000

I so enjoyed this article. Thanks for taking the time to do the research. I think so many churches are either stuck in the 1950's or caught up with the hollywood mentality of entertaining folks to get them in the door. Thanks for remind people that its about relationships. You discover the gifts of your people and empower them by the Lord to reach the people. Thanks again, Kris Swiatocho, www.TheSinglesNetwork.org Minstries

Re: Breastfeeding in church?

James Jones — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 23:23:17 -0000

Good for you!!
And thank you!
:D

Re: Christian theology and modern science

Robert Frank — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 21:02:53 -0000

Prof. Humphreys' post has been thoughtfully written. For more information about the Christianity-science relationship that supports his view, I hope you will visit www.christsteam.com and the slide presentation "A Review of the Involvement of Science in the Spread of the Gospel" there. With the aid of science, Christians throughout the world are creating a wonderful new civilization.

Re: Breastfeeding in church?

Adele Henderson — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 15:36:17 -0000

I don't see any problem with a woman breast feeding her child in church or anywhere outside her home. That fact that the word 'ick' was used leads me to think the writer may have their own issues with their body. It is purely an emotional response not cognitive in any capacity. It is truly a gift that God gives women the ability to give birth and then also be the source of life for this new creation. What better place for a woman to feed her child but in the church, the Lord's house.

Re: Breastfeeding in church?

MamaSaya — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 15:24:35 -0000

Well, I'm a chilean christian mom, i do breastfeed my son and my daughter (even in church), and i'm totally agree with you!

Re: When will SBC address clergy sex abuse?

John Sullivan — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 10:10:42 -0000

That is a good question. I think a little explanation would help a lot. It seems to be dictatorial. An explanation would help everyone understand. I like the interaction as well.

Re: Breastfeeding in church?

James Jones — Sat, 20 Apr 2013 13:44:37 -0000

I also agree with HULUGN.

However, being an athiest, I suppose I have a little of my own "outside" input, as well.

"Ick" seems to be a pretty strange response to a breast-feeding mother, given that a half-naked, half-starved gentleman nailed to a crucifix is front and center. Also, Christianity has led to some of the most beautiful artwork in the history of the world, and, to my knowledge, a decent portion of it includes nude/topless women.

Church attendance, to me, is supposed to be a celebration of humanity under God. There are few things that speak to that effect better than the miracle that is a new-born being fed by the body of its mother.

If Christ were reborn, would He be allowed to be breastfed in His house?

But, that's just an athiest's input, and I sincerely hope that I did not offend in my comment, nor by commenting in general, as it is arguably not at all my say.

--mister. jones

Re: Breastfeeding in church?

Ivan Schoen — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 19:19:18 -0000

What HULUGN said!

Re: Breastfeeding in church?

HULUGN — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 14:09:26 -0000

Anyone who has a problem with a breastfeeding mom is deeply disturbed. We live in a society where the human body is viewed as a vile and sinful vessel full of iniquity. From people who take issue with breastfeeding to others who think nudity is a hell worthy offense, narrow thinkers have permanently scarred impressionable young minds and turned them into bitter old ones-or worse yet, victims of self image disturbances.

It is thinking like this that turns off so many people toward church and inevitably, Christ.
As a Christian, I am appalled that these people are the ones who are heralded as the ambassadors of my faith. So to al you out there, if you moms want to breastfeed where ever and when ever your babies are hungry, have at it. And if you want to be naked in your backyard, do that as well. When did we get so uptight? We are born with no clothes, for Pete's sake.

Re: When will SBC address clergy sex abuse?

Jack — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 17:24:22 -0000

Why has the policy change? This limits interaction with those that post.