Baptists and Child Abuse
“It seems to me that a more compelling story would focus on the bridge between faith and abuse. Of course, I am not claiming that faith inevitably leads to abuse. However, there is reason to explore the possibility of some connection.” [Link]
Not so much that people are claiming such, but that we as Christians are bringing such a negative thought pattern toward God, our Savior Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, and the Scriptures.
The world has a right to say, “You are supposed to be a Christian, why are you doing that?” Even Christ said, “Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.” [Matthew 7:20]
We as Christians can’t just sit back and say, “Well, non Christians do it too.” Dare we make the same claim as them, “You’re no better than I am.” Indeed we are not. Do we as Christians not have the Father, Christ, and the Spirit working in us to do that which is right? We are not strong in the flesh [Romans 7:18], but in the Spirit.
Sure there are those that claim to be Christian that may only be liars or lost in their on conceits, but the true Christians should be such a light to the world that the fakes are overshadowed to the point that even the lost knows them to be but false witnesses.
As Christians we should help each other and the world with regard to our local churches. I don’t think we need a security team from the SBC coming in and searching each individual church to see what is going on, but there must be accountability.
We must have communication with our children and be on guard, for the Lord has graciously given them to us as parents to “bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” [Ephesians 6:4]
I am not claiming that we need to be overly suspicious of everybody we are around, but we cannot be negligent in our thinking that those we consider more spiritual than ourselves are unable to sin either. Sometimes I wonder if it is simply selfishness on the part of the parent in that they send their kids off with others just so they can do as they please.
As a local church, especially of the SBC which do in fact have a Convention, we should record offences of serious type and if that individual leaves our church, I dare say, it should be made known to other churches so that they are not caught unaware. Before one stands up against such, we do have a “Letter” that is supposed to be used for such things already in place within our local churches. Is it being used correctly?
Friends we as Christians are losing the battle of winning lost souls to Christ as the world points its fingers at us saying, “If this is Christianity, I don’t need it.” God help us!
3 comments:
wow, read the article, see what you mean...as if the revelations made weren't damaging enough, those comments from the 'inside' are rough.
this ugliness is terrible in the light, but i am glad of its exposure; not for the sakes of the good people who will be tainted by the scandal, but for the wicked who may now be prevented from continuing on in this kind of evil.
i think this is a grand opportunity to take education in hand. bring in community educators who have good programs to do a presentation. or come up with strategies of one's own. this, i believe, shows that the congregation has a personal stake and interest. in these stories, there is as much a feeling of betrayal by the congregation as by the predator.
as arguing faith as a weapon. what about similar crimes outside the church? the tools are as simple as finding the right vulnerable button with an individual child. i doubt the 'ministers' used one standard threat. those quoted are fumbling to sound politic.
"Sure there are those that claim to be Christian that may only be liars or lost in their on conceits, but the true Christians should be such a light to the world that the fakes are overshadowed to the point that even the lost knows them to be but false witnesses." (i like this, can i borrow it?)
as to "if that is christianity i don't need it': i dare them to study the word to not only prove their point, but mine as well. Only God can redeem us, only can He hold us back from the pit.
leslie,
Your comments are always welcome, and sure you can borrow the quote. I just ask that you send me 10% of all the profits made off it. Hahaha
Thanks.
The Word says, 'judgement begins in the house of the Lord'. Surely it is time for the church to awake unto righteousness. Deeds done in secret will be brought to the light. Until the church gets right, how can we expect the world to know what right is?
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