Regarding your comment concerning conservatives who promote “faith-based initiatives” “vouchers” and other forms of governmental aid to religion.”

I can assure you, as an advocate for abused children in the courtroom, that the children I represent do not see the shoes, backpacks, food, tutoring, etc etc etc, that I supply them with through faith based programs, as some form of governmental aid to religion.

Likewise, the impoversished single mother who would be able to send their chidlren to a better academic environment doesnt view a voucher as a form of governmental aid to religion, but a chance at a better life for her children.

I would also add that in my humble opinion, gay mariage, like many “liberal” agendas is a direct afront upon God and His Kingdom.

Gay marriage attacks the family and its original intent and purpose of procreating (think about that, we actually assist God in the creation process) and subsequently passing down his Law and Word to further generations. Similarly, abortion directly attacks the sanctity of life set forth by our Father, envirenmentalism attacks the majesty of God and sets earth worship before Him.

While we are to follow the rule of government (Rom 13: 1-3), we are also obligated to “obey God rather than human beings.” (Acts 5:29). There are many examples in the NT and OT of Godly men and women opposing the rule of government when that rule opposed the Word of God, Peter and John in Acts probably being most prominent.

Having a degree in history from the Citadel and seeing the patterns of other past civilizations, I do not place my faith in the government as some do.

BTW, off-topic, your profile picture didn’t pop up on your blog today. It remained blank. I just thought you would like to know.

Quinn Hooks’s last blog post..What has Barack Obama Accomplished?

I think that the use of stories like these to scare Christians and other people of faith are just that – a fear tactic. Just as the government doesn’t tell a minister that he or she has to marry any heterosexual couple (if the minister has misgivings about their relationship, for example), it’s not going to force any institution to perform same-sex marriages. There’s no legal precedent for doing so, and the first amendment’s protection of free exercise holds pretty strongly in these cases, so long as federal money isn’t involved. Even in churches taking government money for faith-based initiative programs, those FBI’s are usually set up as a separate nonprofit institution to protect the church. The government has no interest in interfering in devotional matters. That’s the beauty of the principle of church-state separation.

Texas in Africa’s last blog post..dear professor – special thursday edition

The “tone” of the written word can certainly belie the “intent”.

Rick Boyne’s last blog post..Cool Invitation

BDW is a good guy who has a passionate faith. I respect him & consider him a friend. I don’t think he is angry- just passionate.

Big Daddy Weave’s last blog post..Fred Shuttlesworth To Be Honored At CBF

I haven’t been called “angry” in a long long long…never.

What exactly about my posts makes you think that I’m “angry” ?

Surprisingly, through the blogosphere I’ve developed more than a few friendships with those whose theology is much much much more conservative than mine.

I’m not sure any of those guys would call me angry. Maybe sarcastic at times but definitely not angry. Actually, I know they wouldn’t.

Now if you equate being angry with being right, well I guess we all strive to be “angry,” huh?

And apparently you think Mainstream Baptists are an “angry” bunch?

Honestly, that may say more about you and your thinking than about me. For what it’s worth, I’ve never described myself as a mainstream Baptist.

Perhaps you had some issues growing when it comes to thinking before speaking. I’m pretty sure that I don’t have those same issues. I write. I publish. I even speak on occasion. I’m a doctoral student – that’s what I do. I guess you’re a preacher? If so, I guess that helps me understand your unsolicited advice.

Big Daddy Weave’s last blog post..Fred Shuttlesworth To Be Honored At CBF

I’ve seen you comment on many different blogs before, but have never looked at your blog or even your profile until just now. I was wondering what it was about your posts that made you sound so angry.

Then, I found out that you’re a 25 year old kid who has thrown your lot in with Mainstream Baptists.

That helps explain it.

I remember how impulsive and quick to speak I was at 25 or even 35. Even at nearly 44, I don’t have it under control. I also remember how “right” I was about everything at 25. I haven’t quite got that one fixed yet, either.

I have nothing against 25 year olds, nor against you; please don’t get me wrong. But here’s some unsolicited advice; obviously you can take it or leave it: Just try to not sound so angry. (or so “right”)

Rick Boyne’s last blog post..Cool Invitation