In the March 18 issue, you have presented so many issues and concerns that there is no way I can address all of them that interest me. But there are a couple I feel impelled to comment upon. All right, three.
First, I always enjoy the pictorial South Carolina Showcase, but this time I want to commend the youth of Bamberg First Baptist for the message of their play: “judgin’ each other by how we live, look, or talk ain’t God’s way.”
Second, an issue of particular interest is put forth in the letter by Mr. Ray Elder of Ridgeland concerning the autonomy of Southern Baptist churches. And it is very true – not only of Southern Baptist churches, but of each person or even churches of strict hierarchical structure – that we are all autonomous, at least to the extent that we are free to withdraw from whatever congregation, denomination or other organization as we desire. Mr. Elder, you have, without changing the subject matter of the passage, quoted only that portion of the Scripture which you feel supports your position. Why do you not include verse 8 of 1 Timothy 2, which admonishes us to “lift up holy hands” in praise of our God? At the age of 73, I do not recall ever witnessing this in a Southern Baptist church anywhere. Why do you not include verse 9, which admonishes women not to dress expensively or braid their hair or wear jewelry (“gold or pearls”)? And are you aware of Deborah, a prophetess (Judges 4:4 and on), who spoke the word of the Lord to Barak, the son of Abinoam?
Also in this issue of the Courier is an article about adoption. My son and his wife had two sons, both of whom died from a genetic condition. One day they received a call from their doctor, who told them he had a young unmarried couple expecting a child and that they did not want to abort their baby. He was putting my son and his wife at the top of the adoption list. When the baby was born, I called him our “miracle child.” Needless to say, we are all strong proponents of adoption.
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