Hardball Religion – Feeling the Fury of Wade Burleson

The book Hardball Religion is exactly that; hardball religion. This book is an example of the misrepresentations, exaggerations, and inflammatory rhetoric of the extremists on both sides of the Southern Baptist Convention’s conservative resurgence. Hardball religion is, itself, exactly what the author deplores. The publisher, Smyth & Helwys, provides an official legal disclaimer regarding the accuracy or completeness of the book.

Within the pages of Hardball Religion my words and actions are occasionally fabricated or rearranged to suit the author. Since his perception of my words and actions is so inaccurate; I put no confidence in his perception of the words and actions of others he references in the book.

Mr. Burleson and I were both trustees on the International Mission Board. My six years of service as a trustee included continual tenure on standing committees and sub-committees; on several occasions as chairman or vice-chairman. Toward the beginning of Mr. Burleson’s blog campaign against the Board of Trustees, I dared to publicly express (through blogging) a more accurate point of view on the actions of the trustees. I was never rebuked nor corrected by the trustees (individually or corporately), their elected officers, or IMB staff for my words or actions. I resigned when I moved out of state to minister in an environment that improved my wife’s health.

The trustees of the International Mission Board who served through these years are the witnesses to what occurred. I agree with Mr. Burleson when he calls them godly men and women who deserve respect. When called to seek our Lord Jesus’ will regarding decisions, they were faithful. Their decisions deserve the respect due to godly men and women. This includes a godly respect for their decisions and statements regarding Mr. Burleson.

Mr. Burleson’s actions while at board meetings were so combative that he was publicly refused assignment to any standing committee or sub-committee for the vast majority of his tenure. He was officially and publicly censured by the Board of Trustees several times. He resigned under public censure.

His initiation of gossip and Biblical slander against me over the years has caused me real harm. Hardball Religion continues his pattern of harassment toward me and others. Therefore, for my part, this minimal and factual response is appropriate.

An Autumn Update

When I first began this blog it was my intention to respond to readers of the book, “The Most Excellent Way”. It was also my intention to provide Southern Baptists with an avenue of information regarding the work of their International Mission Board of Trustees, from a trustee who was in harmony with the decisions of the Board. My goal was to provide another side of the story in a loving manner.

Dozens of articles were written, comments were posted, and the interactive exchange of information continued through the months and years. However, I became a lightning rod in an electrical storm of half-informed voices who interpreted patience, kindness and gentleness as an opportunity to attack. So I have ceased addressing convention political issues, deleted the vast majority of articles, and closed this blog to comments.

For those who have read “The Most Excellent Way”, a review of Chapter 13, and especially the first paragraph of page 151, explains my decisions quite accurately.

This blog will return, upgraded, to an interactive nature in the future. For now, if you wish to email me, you can reach me at corbaley@sbcglobal.net

Both Sides of the Aisle

Of all the distinctive SBC political jargon, I prefer “both sides of the aisle”. I want to believe we are Christians who are using blogs to encourage one another to think and re-think ideas. A lot of that is going on, and it is great. Once an idea is expressed it can be independent of individual personalities. Once an idea is expressed, it can stand or fall on its own merit. But I am probably done with inter-active political blogging. The spiritual consequences are too severe.

What I am about to describe can be found easily on both sides of the aisle. There is not a “side” that has taken a clear stand for virtue. So this article is written to all of us. Notice that I used the word “us”.

I want to address gossip and slander, and the initiation of gossip and slander on both sides of the aisle. When we post an article about an idea and attach that idea to a person, by name, the results are demonstrably predictable. Once the results are recognized to be “predictable”, the blog administrator’s “initiation” of the results is intentional. The comment streams begin to fill with gossip about the individual. Often, the gossip becomes slanderous, in that the person’s reputation is damaged. On occasion, those who comment launch accusations at one another. This is all sin. It is not the Holy Spirit at work. It is not Christian. Yet it is too acceptable on both sides of the aisle. And the consequences are severe.

Our Lord has some things to say about this kind of behavior. I will not even attempt to be exhaustive in reminding us about the Words of our God. Hopefully, we will spend some time in serious prayer, study and reflection about this issue. If we care to look, slander is listed, by the Holy Spirit, among such gross sins as murder, sexual immorality, swindling, and idolatry. Do we not know? Do we not care? Are slanderous sentences worthy or wicked?

Certainly the blog administrator is responsible for the sin that flows in the articles the administrator posts. Is the blog administrator responsible for the sin that flows in the comment stream? When gossip, slander, accusation and unloving words are predictable in response to the blog administrator’s article; is the administrator of the blog justified in believing that initiating such public interaction is holy before our God? If we initiate discussion about a person that we know will result in gossip, slander, accusation and unloving words, and then allow such wicked words to be posted in the comment stream, do we quench the Holy Spirit to do so?

Balaam advised the Midianites to entice the people of God to sin at Peor; and paid for it with his life (Numbers 31). Balaam initiated the temptation. Balaam gave the opportunity to sin to the people of faith. Perhaps he did so for money and personal acceptance by the local leadership. He certainly chose a side to do so.

Do we initiate the opportunity for the people of faith to sin by allowing the posting of comments that are gossip and slander? Do we enhance the spread of sin by allowing the sinful comments to stay? Do we allow such comments to stay so that the influence of those we disagree with will be damaged? Perhaps we do so for political persuasion? Do we do so for political influence? Do we conclude that we are building momentum for “our side” and not realize that the momentum we are building is toward divine opposition?

God has been rather clear on the nature of “sin” in this world. Have we become so “mature” in our faith that “sin” is no longer a useful term? Have we grown beyond the opinion of God?

On SBC political blogs, do we see a relationship between the size of a blog’s readership and the frequency of a blog’s initiation of gossip about personalities? Can we see that brothers and sisters in Christ are being villianized?

“Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to sin! Such things must come, but woe to the man through whom they come!” Matthew 18:7

“Things that cause people to sin are bound to come, but woe to that person through whom they come. It would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around his neck than for him to cause one of these little ones to sin.” Luke 17:1, 2

Is a blog article that insinuates slander (stopping just short) and provides the opportunity for the appearance of gossip and slander in the comment stream one of those things that cause people to sin? How about enabling the continuation of the gossip and slander through allowing sinful comments to remain and the commenter to “find a home”? When a commenter finds their comment posted (and not opposed by the blog administrator) are they not encouraged and emboldened to post similar comments in the future? Is that not causing people to sin?

We are inerrantists. Let’s not be angry about it. Let’s not be apathetic about it either. Do you think these passages of Scripture (above) apply to un-moderated comment streams? If you decide that they do; what confidence can you have that the blog administrator is in fellowship with the Holy Spirit?

If we find ourselves passionately participating in the gossip, slander, accusation and unloving words of a comment stream; what confidence can we have that we are in fellowship with the Holy Spirit?

The SBC blogs that delve into SBC politics are rather polarized. The aisle appears to be getting wider. So I ask my brothers and sisters on both sides of the aisle: “Is our loyalty to our political friends greater than our loyalty to our Lord Jesus Christ?” Are we going to continue to approve of those who are advocating “our side”, sinfully, as if that is what God wants us to do?

Loudly proclaiming ourselves to believe in inerrancy, do we ignore the inerrant word? Is not inerrancy the belief that every word in the Bible is true and as full of authority as if God breathed the words personally? How then can we ignore the spirit of gossip and slander?

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” James 1:22

Are we deceiving ourselves by ignoring what God says about gossip and slander? Will not such willful sin move us toward a depraved mind? What can we do if our thoughts no longer are blessed by the Holy Spirit’s influence? Is such a condition even possible?

What does it look like when God is giving people over to a depraved mind? How far down that road do you want to go? How far do you want to follow?

Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done. They have been filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; they are senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless. Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them. Romans 1:28-32

I know of no blogger, anywhere, who is practicing “all” of the sins listed above. For myself, I do not want to be guilty of any of the sins listed above. Yet, many of the above sins are found in the blogosphere, and please notice that gossip and slander are listed among the deeds of the wicked in this passage of Romans.

Please notice also that those who do such things, and approve of those who practice such things, deserve death. Do we care? Until an SBC political blog becomes holy, it is not really part of the kingdom of God, is it? The very nature of allowing a comment to stay in the comment stream is, of itself, a form of approval. Every blog administrator deletes the comments of which they do not approve.

It causes me a great deal of grief that such behavior, and the approval of such behavior, is found on both sides of the aisle. This wickedness is “ours” not “theirs”.

Slander is: to bring to ill repute, defamation by which another person is damaged; abusive speech that would injure the reputation of another; hurtful, injurious speech; verbal abuse intended to injure someone’s reputation; insulting and disparaging an opponent in political and social life; to say bad things about a person; to criticize, judge, backbite, gossip, condemn and grumble against another person. This definition is a compilation of the four (synonymous) Greek words translated as “slander” in the New International Version of the Bible. I plead with anyone who doubts the accuracy of this paragraph to study it on your own.

SBC political blogs on both sides of the aisle advocate the contemporary American values of “freedom of speech” and “transparency”. So do I. But gossip and slander, and the initiation and tolerance of gossip and slander, are devilish forms of transparency. We have a Constitutional guarantee of “freedom of speech” but God will oppose wicked speech whether the “Supreme Court” grants it or not. Are we culturally Christian, or are we Biblically Christian?

I am probably done with inter-active political blogging. Unless we are discussing ideas, apart from personalities, I don’t even want to know what the blogosphere thinks. I care much, much more about what our Lord and Savior thinks.

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Ephesians 4:29

I will not open this article for comments.

What Do the Endorsers of The Most Excellent Way have to say?

Jerry has blessed us all with a marvelous message resoundingly clear. This book is God-glorifying, Bible-centered, and people-focused. It should be read by any person who desires loving himself/herself and others as well as to be loved.
Dr. Simon Tsoi, Executive Director,
Chinese Baptist Fellowship of the U.S. and Canada

I am pleased that Dr. Corbaley’s writing follows his speaking style; that is, he presents some of his most insightful thoughts with a “twinkle in his word processor”. I encourage all who desire a deeper walk with the Lord Jesus Christ to read and reflect on The Most Excellent Way.
Dr. Lonnie Wascom, Director of Missions and Ministries
North Shore (Louisiana) Baptist Associations

Jerry’s book has challenged me at the deepest level. This is a book that needs to be taken in small bites and then allowed plenty of time to digest. I commend it to any believer serious about knowing and loving God.
Sam Morgan, Pastor
New Hope Baptist Church, Creswell, OR

In these times of turbulence, disagreements, and conflicts, Jerry Corbaley’s The Most Excellent Way reminds us that we will be measured by nothing more or less than the love that we live in and live out each day. Written with passion, urgency, and poetry Corbaley’s book brings us back to the greatest of the spiritual gifts and compels us, in light of this most excellent way, to redefine our sense of who we are.
Dr. David Garrison, Author, Church Planting Movements
Regional Leader for South Asia, International Mission Board, SBC

This generation seeks for the truth apart from the love of God. Thus this book helps us to find the truth in relationship to the Great Commandment of our Lord Jesus in His Holy Word that we are to implement in every area of life.
Dr. Paul Kim, Founding Pastor
Berkland Baptist Church, Cambridge, MA

Dr. Jerry Corbaley’s book, The Most Excellent Way, is an excellent biblical based devotional book that will help one focus on pleasing God. May the Lord use this book to be a blessing to the Body of Christ.
Rochelle Davis, Jr., Pastor
Temple of Faith Baptist Church, Detroit, MI

The Most Excellent Way lives up to its title. It challenges the reader to focus intentionally on the love of God and on loving God’s way. This focus, taken to heart, has the power to transform our churches, our families, our relationships, and our lives.
Wes Kenney, Pastor
Trinity Baptist Church, Valliant, OK

If success in life depends on keeping the main thing as the main thing, then Jerry Corbaley's book makes a real contribution. As God a millennium ago used St. Bernard’s book on the four levels of love to launch an awakening in France, may He bless your reading of this book toward a new millennium of obedience to the New Commandment.
Rick Durst, Professor of Historical Theology
Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary

The Most Excellent Way is a needed addition to Christian maturity and spiritual-growth literature and will be of special interest to any woman desiring to be more influential in others’ lives. His discussion of the Great Commandment is thought-provoking and challenging. It is indeed a book to give to someone who wants to be like Jesus.
Linda M. Clark
Women's Specialist for the California Southern Baptist Convention

Without any reservation, I encourage you to read carefully this book and allow the love of God to become your catalyst and motivation in the on purpose returning of His love toward Him and toward others.
Charles E. Smith, Jr., Global Evangelist
President of Charles Smith Ministries Sturgis, MS

Jerry Corbaley's book, The Most Excellent Way, returns us to the Master's focus in discipleship. By recovering the centrality of love in the Christian faith, Corbaley brings a much-needed correction to what is often marketed as “biblical Christianity” by the churches in America. Corbaley’s work has strengthened my walk with Christ. I trust the same will be true for you.
Paul H. Chitwood, Kentucky Baptist Convention President
Senior Pastor, First Baptist Church, Mt. Washington, KY

We live in times when people have many questions about life issues. The book gives the reader hope, answers, and a place to start to confront life’s challenges based solely on the Word of God and with the love of God.
Michael A. Gonzales, Hispanic Initiative Director
Southern Baptists of Texas Convention

I found The Most Excellent Way very interesting and informative. I so appreciate Jerry Corbaley’s approach and interpretation of the Great Commandment. This is a book that all Christians need to read.
Bill Sanderson, Pastor, Hephzibah Baptist Church, Wendell, NC
Carolina Conservative Baptist Convention President

If you think, as I did, that you know something about the love of God, read this book! It will change your entire concept of God’s love versus human love. Jerry Corbaley’s writing is revolutionary yet most biblical. This book is a must for your Christian library.
Bobbie Horton Caldwell
Sunday School Teacher (40 years), IMB Trustee
Temple Baptist Church, Simpsonville, SC

Reading The Most Excellent Way made me desire to apply the Great Commandment and the New Commandment in every area of my relationships and especially to my Lord. Paul’s statement that The love of Christ compels us (2 Cor. 5:14) takes on a new reality after reading this book.
John Floyd, Administrative Vice President, Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary
Chairman, Board of Trustees, International Mission Board, Emeritus Missionary

The Most Excellent Way is a gold mine of insight and wisdom where key elements of living and practicing the Christian life are concerned. Every Christian and seeker-after-God can find something helpful and applicable.
C. Preston North, Pastor
Mountain View Baptist Church, Lake Isabella, CA

Jerry Corbaley has articulated an important reminder for this generation of “Followers.” He takes the thesis, “to love God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind will take all your time,” and in a pithy, relevant treatise reminds us that “without love I am an annoying nobody who gains nothing!”
Gordon Fort, Vice President, Overseas Operations
International Mission Board, SBC