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One Funny Commercial by Peter Lumpkins

Below is a great video. Very entertaining. Enjoy the weekend. With that, I am... Peter Read more →

Calvinism, Monergism, and Southern Baptists by Peter Lumpkins

One cannot get along very far in understanding the Reformed Resurgence in the Southern Baptist Convention without also understanding the significance of certain theological "buzz" words. One non-negotiable term I've run across in various contexts is "monergism." Plainly put, monergism is the view that the Holy Spirit is the exclusive agent who affects the regeneration of Christians.* Mostly, the term is used to contrast synergism which obviously means the Holy Spirit "works with" at least one other agent (i.e. human will) to affect regeneration. At least, that's how it's supposed... Read more →

Calvinists Critique Morris Chapman's Clarification: Part II by Peter Lumpkins

Morris Chapman offered a clarification of intent on his controversial statements concerning Calvinism at this year’s SBC in Louisville, KY (//link). And, while one should be glad Dr. Chapman clarified his comments, the predictable moans amounting to too little, too late came pouring in. SBC Voices, James Galyon, and Founders’ chief scribe, Timmy Brister offered critiques of Chapman’s comments. In Part I, I gave a few initial comments to Todd Burus’ response on SBC Voices (//link). Because Brister spends an exceedingly generous amount of time on Chapman’s brief commentary, this... Read more →

Greg Boyd Concerning Professor Gates's Arrest & the President's Comments by Peter Lumpkins

Greg Boyd is sympathetic toward President Obama's scourge on a local Connecticut police officer (//link). Boyd writes: "This arrest of an African American man in his own home raised the charge of racial profiling which quickly erupted into a national controversy when President Obama commented on the matter, saying the policeman acted “stupidly.”" No, Dr. Boyd. That's not hardly correct. You left out the three times President Obama explicitly said: "I don't know the facts of the case." And, then he went right ahead and publicly called the police action... Read more →

What Kind of Calvinist Are You? by Peter Lumpkins

I thought I'd have a little fun. Below is a rhyme I penned while allowing my fingers a much needed rest. If you can add to the fun, feel free. Maybe later a musician can add the music and we'll record it. Grace all. With that, I am... Peter If I Were a Calvinist If I were a Calvinist I'd be like Akin and Moore insist Jesus died for all--each and everyone The problem is for Calvinists if less than five they resist if you're really Reformed, none you'll deny... Read more →

Calvinists Critique Morris Chapman's Clarification: Part I by Peter Lumpkins

I wondered how long it would take until Calvinists generally and Founders advocates particularly fired back at their new nemesis, Morris Chapman, President of the Executive Committee (//link). I'll limit my own thoughts to two examples. While the first example shows no signs of "pay-back" toward Dr. Chapman, one gets the impression from the pedantic nature of the second... that "pay-back" may very well serve as an underlying layer to the critique. Todd Burus posted at SBC Voices his lament that Dr. Chapman unwisely used his time during the Executive... Read more →

Losing Religion For Equality: A Former Southern Baptist Tells Why by Peter Lumpkins

While we routinely hear from a small but influential cluster in Southern Baptist circles about dumping our Baptist heritage for a more congenial, affable ecumenism with the larger Christianosphere, we have a former Southern Baptist, who also happens to be the former President of the United States, telling the people down under the reason he lost his religion after six decades. Jimmy Carter writes in the Australian based web news source, theage.com, of his sacrifice to leave Southern Baptists: "...my decision to sever my ties with the Southern Baptist Convention,... Read more →

Mark Driscoll Vindicated: Latest Neuro Research Indicates by Peter Lumpkins

With the temperatures nicely leveled off concerning some Southern Baptists' odd infatuation with the ministry methodology of Seattle pastor, Mark Driscoll, it may just be Driscoll has been scientifically vindicated pertaining to what some continue to dub potty-mouth preaching.** Top of Form Bottom of Form A recent study released in the August, 2009 edition of NeuroReport, appears to affirm "swearing" is good for us. According to the report, the findings show cussin' "increased pain tolerance" on the one hand, while it "decreased perceived pain compared with not swearing" on the... Read more →

Is Gaming Bad for You? Take a Look by Peter Lumpkins

Below is a documentary. Perhaps we parents need to take this seriously*. With that, I am... Peter *just kidding... Read more →

B21 Panel Discussion: A Brief Commentary by Peter Lumpkins

I just got enough time to listen to the panel discussion held at the Sojourn Community Church, Louisville, KY during the SBC (//link; all that is presently available is the first half). A few comments. Allow me to begin with some positives. I thought the forum format lent itself well to good communication. All the participants appeared relaxed. Dr. Mohler came across perhaps as a bit too relaxed, fiddling around with his Blackberry in the opening moments (twittering?). All in all, however, the panel atmosphere worked. Second, I thought the... Read more →

Southern Baptists and Racial Diversity by Peter Lumpkins

Here is something rarely heard, and concerning which mainline church leaders may struggle to accept. The most ethnically diverse churches in America are found in these three bodies---the Roman Catholic Church, the Assemblies of God and... The Southern Baptist Convention Hence, when it comes to racial diversity, Southern Baptists are seeing a healthy amount of success. From 1998 to 2007, racial diversity doubled in the SBC (//link). It goes without saying, there is more to do. Nonetheless, we thank God for what He's done and doing in ethnic diversity in... Read more →

Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and Mark Driscoll: Straining Gnats but Swallowing Camels by Peter Lumpkins

SEBTS is my seminary. Not because I graduated from there. I am a NOBTS graduate. My wife and I visited Wake Forest and toured the campus. Alas, it just wasn’t us. What was us at that point in our journey was the whisper of God in a strange new tongue--Cajun! So we packed a U-haul with what we could carry, and she and I, with our three little ones, took the long, hot journey to a foreign land. Looking back, oh yeah…it was God’s will. Back to Southeastern. Southeastern is... Read more →