As an extremely lapsed Southern Baptist, I've been offended by their actions for years. Not only do they not think women (frankly the backbone of the church whether they realize it or not) are the lowest of the low, but their fund raising simply offends me. Money for new organs, new building, etc. but no money for local charities. The budget for my local First Baptist would choke a horse and I refuse to participate. Not only that, but after my mother died (and could no longer contribute to their fund raising) it was like I'd died too.
He is a good man, but I dare say there are countless others who think the same as he and have also made the decision to leave the 'church'. They are just not all former US Presidents, so their actions and words don't carry as much weight.
It is powerful that such a man is taking this action.
Jimmy is about 7 years behind me. If they change their position on lots of topics, I'll be back. What I never understood, and Gail will understand these statements,, why they could have a Lottie Moon and Annie Armstrong offering but not allow positions of power in local congregations (although down here, we did have women deacons). It's almost as if women are good enough to be missionaries, but not "run" domestic congregations. However, I am still a Southern Baptist and voice my displeasure by staying away and not supporting them financially (our church is very poor, not even remotely well off,, they struggle to pay bills). Just as an aside, Baptists have no corner on fundraising- it's done by every church. My husband is Catholic and they have their hand out for a new offering for something weekly- and I am so totally not kidding. I don't get calls much anymore from my Sunday school class, but that's OK,,, I pretty much indicated that until I felt change occurred, I wouldn't be back. If you want them to call on you Gail, I suspect that they will, although I also suspect that like me, you have sent the message by non- attendance that you just as leave they let you be.
I think Carter is a moral man, but he sucked as prez.
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As an extremely lapsed Southern Baptist, I've been offended by their actions for years. Not only do they not think women (frankly the backbone of the church whether they realize it or not) are the lowest of the low, but their fund raising simply offends me. Money for new organs, new building, etc. but no money for local charities. The budget for my local First Baptist would choke a horse and I refuse to participate. Not only that, but after my mother died (and could no longer contribute to their fund raising) it was like I'd died too.
Bitter? You betcha.
Oh, and I think Jesus thinks very little of them...and all organized religion for that matter.
What a wonderful man Jimmy Carter is! There will be a very special place in Heaven when his time comes
He is a good man, but I dare say there are countless others who think the same as he and have also made the decision to leave the 'church'. They are just not all former US Presidents, so their actions and words don't carry as much weight.
It is powerful that such a man is taking this action.
Jimmy is about 7 years behind me. If they change their position on lots of topics, I'll be back. What I never understood, and Gail will understand these statements,, why they could have a Lottie Moon and Annie Armstrong offering but not allow positions of power in local congregations (although down here, we did have women deacons). It's almost as if women are good enough to be missionaries, but not "run" domestic congregations. However, I am still a Southern Baptist and voice my displeasure by staying away and not supporting them financially (our church is very poor, not even remotely well off,, they struggle to pay bills). Just as an aside, Baptists have no corner on fundraising- it's done by every church. My husband is Catholic and they have their hand out for a new offering for something weekly- and I am so totally not kidding. I don't get calls much anymore from my Sunday school class, but that's OK,,, I pretty much indicated that until I felt change occurred, I wouldn't be back. If you want them to call on you Gail, I suspect that they will, although I also suspect that like me, you have sent the message by non- attendance that you just as leave they let you be.
I think Carter is a moral man, but he sucked as prez.
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