Jimmy Carter's Siren Song

Jimmy Carter's Siren Song

Excerpt:

Earlier this month, Mr. Carter went a step further. He announced the formation of a new coalition of "moderate" Baptists to counter the SBC image and to change the perception of Christians in public life. The Nice Baptists--let's call them--are to include several historically African-American Baptist denominations and some smaller Baptist groups that are mostly white, together amounting to, it is claimed, more than 20 million members.

"We hope . . . to emphasize the common commitments that bind us together rather than to concentrate on the divisive issues that separate us," the Washington Post quoted Mr. Carter as saying. "There's too much of an image in the Baptist world, and among non-Christians, that the main, permeating characteristic of Christian groups is animosity toward one another, and an absence of ability to cooperate in a spirit of brotherhood and sisterhood."

At first glance it seems strange to cast this "moderate" Baptist initiative--which patently seeks to establish a rival to the SBC--as a rebuke to divisiveness. Perhaps Mr. Carter is seeking to deflect charges that the proposed new group will be a vehicle for Democratic Party politics. Former President Bill Clinton--also raised a Southern Baptist--did join Mr. Carter at the Jan. 9 coalition announcement, which promised a convention to promote a "New Baptist Covenant" early in 2008. No doubt politics--the SBC is a Republican stronghold, so the Nice Baptists can be a Democratic counterweight--is part of the picture.

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1. Day begins bitterly cold at minus 12
   
2. Cat Emily begged at the back door to go out. I told Kathee to throw her out but Kathee was kind! (they (cats not wives) have pea brains!)
   
3. Worship today at 4th
   
4. Superbowl is today. I don't care who wins.