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Christianity Today, February (Web-only), 2008 |

Censured Southern Baptist Critic Resigns

Wade Burleson resigned Tuesday after International Mission Board suspended him over blog's criticism.

Interview by Sarah Pulliam | posted 2/01/2008 11:14AM

After a long battle over his blog, Wade Burleson resigned from the International Mission Board (IMB), the overseas mission wing of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC). The trustees had censured the ...

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Rich	Posted: February 15, 2008 9:37 AM

I couldn;t help but laugh as I reflect on my days as a Catholic when Protestants would badger us about the "hierarchy" and "secrecies" of the Vatican. When I left the catholic church I decided not to be pigeon holed and just called myself a Christian, politely, if asked. I have the utmost respect for Catholicism as the majority of my family is such. But the same afflictions that caused the split on the holy church, during the Time of Martin Luther, find its way into everything because we as people are by nature arrogant, prideful, and plain ol' stupid sometimes. I am committed to free speech, even if it offends me, as I know where I stand and the truths to which I hold my character and spirit to. If we choose to silence our critics then we become just as ignorant as those in 14th-17th Century. Constructive criticism can only improve the process. The fact he was asked back shows it was not destructive.

scotty

Posted: February 05, 2008 10:59 AM


I hope Mr. Burleson makes a decision to glorify God and leave denominationalism while seeking the New Testament Church. i agaree with Luther:"Away with these party names"! scotty

Alan Paul

Posted: February 02, 2008 3:16 PM

Harry- Those who usually question authority are attacked - even if it is in a passive aggressive way like you did to me. I consider it an honor when someone tries to keep me from expressing my opinions - especially when it seems to come from someone who doesn't see the value of questioning authority that is out of control like you seem to do. The time when lay people are lemmings is over. Funny how it seems that the lay people always lead the "leaders" when it comes to change - even if it is simply by lay people leaving the church in droves. Hopefully, there will be more pastors and leaders like Burleson who will question authority when it begins to make decisions that not only don't represent those who are part of their own organization, but are making decisions based on their own need to maintain and expand their power.

John Hale

Posted: February 02, 2008 2:57 PM


Let's see, he feels free to spill to the planet the private discussions of a board he sits on, but can't share his future plans. I guess when it comes to openness it's whose ox is getting gored.

Harry Pittman

Posted: February 02, 2008 7:41 AM


I'm so sorry that Alan Paul thinks he can be insightful when he does not know or is a part of the SBC. Burleson went on the board just to be a negative voice of the Texas liberal Baptist positions. He should have never been a part of the IMB board in the first place. His very nature is to be a trouble maker.

Alan Paul

Posted: February 01, 2008 4:41 PM


Campo- you have inside info or are you just commenting off the cuff because you disagree?

Alan Paul

Posted: February 01, 2008 1:01 PM

I think Wade was/is in conflict with the SBC and it's direction (the politics and power grabbing by a few, etc.) But most who love the SBC don't want to leave it - they are nostalgic about all the good it has done in the past so they try to ride the fence - they try to focus on what's good (missions, etc.). In the end, I would guess that Wade finally had enough - and I predict that he will leave the convention and lead his church to do the same. I predict also that it will be a long, slow painful ride to the bottom for the SBC unless they change. I don't really care one way or the other as I am not a Southern Baptist or really a Baptist at all (I don't care for religious tags - I am simply a Christian) but it is a sad day when all that money, power and influence is wasted by using it for selfish and political purposes. Reminds me of Washington D.C.

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