peterlumpkins.com

Church Discipline: The Old Way

Whereas, John Spencer, formerly a member of said Church [Sandy Creek Baptist Church] applied for a letter of dismission, which was granted him; and whereas, the said Spencer, after obtaining said letter became very wild in his deportment, and pursued a very disorderly course to the injury of the cause of Christ; he was notified that the Church would expect him to return his letter, which he promised to do but failed to do so, and left this section of the country, and has gone to parts unknown; the Church... Read more →

Cheap Truth: Advice to a Young Scientist

In this new series--in which I hope to post frequently--I am entitling it :Cheap Truth. Not cheap in the sense of qualitative but cheap in the sense of, well cheap! I am a sucker for rummaging through the book section in the Salvation Army and Goodwill stores. Most of the selection there, I have to admit possesses much to be desired. But if I am gut level honest, I'd have to say that most of the selection in Lifeway possesses much to be desired too! That said, for less than... Read more →

John L. Dagg: An Interview: Final part

This is the final installment of my "conversation" with Mr. Dagg. My previous parts of this series are here and here. Though not an original thinker or possessing an especially broad engagement with other theologies, nevertheless Professor Dagg rightly stands as a model theologian for Southern Baptists doing theology today. He unapologetically wed his belief system to Scripture, insisting that the "unerring Word" finally tips the scales in what we believe. Most of all, in contrast to those who believe the pursuit of theology is more or less a pursuit... Read more →

Ascol on Garrett on Calvinism in the Alabama Baptist, Pt. 3

In the third essay of a multi-part series Dr. Ascol of Founders Ministries is posting, he engages Professor Garrett’s treatise concerning Limited Atonement, or, as some prefer, Particular Redemption. Dr. Garrett writes: “Those who teach limited atonement are prone to cite five New Testament passages in support of their position” >>> And, the texts he offers as examples are five in number: Matthew 1.21; John 10.15b; John 15.13; Acts 20.28c; Ephesians 5.25. Afterward, Dr. Garrett concludes: “The accumulated references to "His people," "the sheep," "his friends" and "the church" are... Read more →

Ascol on Garrett on Calvinism in The Alabama Baptist, Pt. 2

James Leo Garrett Jr. is distinguished professor of theology, emeritus, at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. Recently, he penned a six-part series in the paper of the Alabama Baptist Convention >>> Several have already weighed in on Professor Garrett's series--Timmy Brister as well as historian Dr. Michael Haykin. I chose to follow Tom Ascol at Founders Ministries, since Founders is the flagship for the Calvinist resurgence in the Southern Baptist Convention. Dr. Haykin offers a mild but scholarly primer, worthy of spawning healthy dialog, definitely worth your... Read more →

Ascol on Garrett on Calvinism in the Alabama Baptist, Pt. 1

Bob Terry, Editor of The Alabama Baptist, writes: " This week, The Alabama Baptist attempts what many believe impossible. We offer our readers an in-depth look into the theological understandings often called Calvinism." Not surprising is that Dr. Tom Ascol of Founders Ministries decided to offer his critique of Dr. Garrett's series. Hence, since Dr. Ascol's current post is on Garrett on Calvinism in the Alabama Baptist, I thought it worth my time to post a short piece on Ascol on Garrett on Calvinism in the Alabama Baptist. Read more →

SBCOutpost: Gender Issues in the SBC

"Well, the nerve of them! How dare they delete my well-thought-out comment! Who do they think they are, anyway? Censorship, censorship, censorship!" For those of you who know me, I hope you clearly read through the apparent emotionalism of the above statement. I am really not upset even though they really did delete my comment. And, understand: they have every right to do so if they choose. Nor may I legitimately charge "Censorship", as in the facetious remark above. That's one of the more positive advantages of blogdom. One may... Read more →

J. L. Dagg: Interview Continued

My regrets offered to those who regularly read SBCTomorrow. I meant to post the "interview" with Mr. Dagg at closer intervals. Below is part two (first one here). I trust you enjoy... Peter: Ahhh...There is nothing like a great cup of coffee in the evening as far as I'm concerned. Mr. Dagg: I've been in Georgia since 1844, but I've never eaten an Ellijay fried apple pie. I now shall eat them till I meet my Maker in Glory. Peter: I'd like to move on in our conversation to the... Read more →