All Not Rosy in Liberal Land

                                                                                                                     Vol. III, No. 7, November 1990

Too often conservatives in Virginia develop a sense of discouragement derived from their feeling of isolation combined with the steady drumbeat of moderate-liberal comments we constantly hear and read. Consequently it is very important for us to keep things in perspective. This article addresses some of the difficulties faced by moderate-liberals.

The Richmond Seminary: As you know, efforts have been underway for some time now to establish a liberal seminary, the Baptist Theological Seminary in Richmond (BTSR). Of course none of us are privy to everything that is happening, but it is clear that BTSR faces severe problems. Initially BTSR was to open for classes in September 1990. Recently the opening was delayed a year because not enough money had been gathered. Dr. Morris Ashcraft, former dean at Southeastern, was named president but sometime back announced his resignation, although he is staying on pending the arrival of a replacement. Just recently we read that Dr. Vernon Davis of Midwestern Seminary had accepted the presidential post, but then after only a week or so he changed his mind and decided to remain at Midwestern. Whatever may finally happen, it is clear that BTSR faces major problems.

Atlanta: What Impact? The last Banner carried an account of the moderate-liberal meeting in Atlanta on 23-25 August. Probably all alert Southern Baptists are waiting with considerable interest to see how the recommendations of that convention are received in local churches. Herewith some straws in the wind. (By way of preface the Banner wants to make clear that these reports are verbal and may be imprecise.) One well-known leading pastor spoke at the final plenary session in Atlanta along these lines, "Ladies and gentlemen we can vote anything we wish here, but the payoff will be when we go home and try to sell this to our churches." That process is underway with something less than complete success. It is reported that Larry Baker, Richard Land's predecessor as executive director of the Christian Life Commission, has tried to sell his church on participating in the alternate funding plan set up in Atlanta and has been turned down. Similarly, Ken Chafin reputedly was interviewed by a reporter after returning home and was asked whether he would recommend participation to his church. Supposedly Chafin said that, if he did, his church would be looking for another pastor. Bill Sherman held a three hour discussion with his deacons on the subject at the end of which they voted 70% to 30% not to participate. Finally, we are told that Dr. Dan Vestal's church had a committee look at the matter. At their meeting the discussion was tending against the proposition, and Dr. Vestal said words to the effect that, "Please approve this. If you don't it will be very embarrassing for me." At that one of the men stood and replied, "Dr. Vestal you have been very embarrassing to this church since the day you got here because of your political activities." The subsequent vote was unanimously negative!

Virginia Budget: Virginia moderate-liberals have sought to lead the way with a different approach through the 1991 state budget proposal (see separate article). But increasing numbers of reports are coming in of Virginia churches, by no means all known to have previously stood with conservatives, which have voted to take the limited participation option and reduce significantly the money they contribute to the state. As of this writing no one knows how many churches will do so or what the net reduction will be in funds available to the state. But one thing seems clear: the authors of the 1991 budget proposal forgot that (1) the state proposes, but individual churches dispose, and (2) the great majority of Southern Baptists have a deep and abiding loyalty to their convention and to the Cooperative Program. For years moderate-liberals have trumpeted that Southern Baptists should loyally support the denomination and the CP. Now that they are attacking both, it should not surprise them that increasing numbers of loyal Southern Baptists not previously politically aligned finally see who really supports the SBC and the CP and are voting for their churches to act accordingly.