When you read the third paragraph, remember we are in a Sanderson Amendment era in our state convention's (BSCNC) history where the amendment is yet to be fleshed out. The Christian Higher Education committee needs to be aware that Gardner Webb and Campbell Divinity schools are affiliated with the schools noted in this policy.

If endorsement of homosexuality by a church would be evaluated from the institutions funded by the churches down to the churches, could it be said that with all four giving plans contributing to Campbell and Gardner Webb that no church would escape affirmation of homosexuality? It would appear to me that a crusade against the colleges and universities is well warranted. How many people on the committee evaluating these issues are even aware of this policy which has been around for years, and if the Sanderson Amendment committee's work does not interface the other committees's work what kind of quagmire could we find ourselves in? Our divinity schools have some explaining to do, I believe. Do you know anyone on the Council on Christian Higher Education committee, and do you know if they are aware of this policy? I would urge you to contact them. Don't let them run the excuse on you that was giving to me by the CBF when I first inquired about the policy. I was told, "We are funding the individual not the institution." This begs the question, "Isn't the individual going to give the money to the institution?" Catastrophe awaits if the committee wants to act like this policy doesn't exist. The CBF needs to change this policy. If not, I would hope that it's days as an "allowable entity" of the state convention will come to a quick end. There is a difference between diversity and perversity and those who cannot discern the difference need to leave the convention.

Paul Berry
Grainger Baptist Church
Kinston, NC

Why I am a Conservative Theologian
Beegee Brown, Pastor
Hope Baptist Fellowship
Youngsville, North Carolina

I was privileged to grow up hearing the Bible preached as the inspired word of God with passion and sincerity.  As a result, I accepted Christ during a high school retreat in 1973.  The speaker for the week was preaching the same messages I had heard for twelve years.  The clarity of this preaching allowed me to embrace the truth for myself.  I was off on my journey of enlightenment.  I enrolled in Asbury College in 1975 and the exposure to the whole counsel of God continued.  In class, I learned of the validity of the Scriptures from the Old and New Testaments.  In chapel, I heard more messages of hope and encouragement.  By graduation in 1979, the basis for my personal and ministry theology was firmly established.

As valuable as this teaching was in shaping my theological base, it is not the reason I am a conservative theologian.  I would like to share with you the reasons my ministry is based on the inerrant Scriptures as breathed by the Spirit of God.

Conservative theology allows the Scripture to be presented with integrity.  With inerrant Scripture, there are no passages that have to be avoided.  To preach from Scripture that is not accurate, the preacher must make decisions about certain passages.  It would be difficult to preach controversial passages if the words express the thoughts of man.  Solomon would be a manipulative tyrant if the story of splitting the baby is not inspired Scripture.  Jeremiah would be a ranting old fool if his prophesies are not orations initiated by God.  Jesus would be another angry rabbi if clearing the temple of corruption was not God’s will.  Humility would become a suggestion.  Evangelism would be reduced to being a marketing scheme.  Security of salvation could be no more than a wish.

Conservative theology transcends culture.  Frequently I hear that portions of the Bible are cultural and limited by history.  If that were true, there could never be any consistency in preaching.  When I was in college the young men liked to grow their hair long and wear it over the collar.  Asbury College had a dress code that required men’s hair to be cut above the ears and collar.  We argued there was reason to let our hair grow because Jesus and the disciples all had long hair.  Now the hair fad is for men to cut their hair very short.  Women’s hem lines go up and down every few years with little reason other than the whims of fashion designers.  Fashion and fad come and go like the wind.  Political attitudes change, causing different opinions about personal liberties.  Early in the eighteenth century slavery was defended by Christians as fair treatment of the uneducated.  The church was at best silent on the issue.  By the middle of the century slavery was questioned politically and by Christians in all parts of the country.  Culture can only serve to confuse theology and causes an ebb and flow of values.

Conservative theology provides continuity.  During the summer of 1968, I spent three weeks with my cousin in Florida.  I was twelve years old.  We went to the local farmers’ market to buy a watermelon for supper.  Through some shrewd bargaining we were able to buy a second watermelon, which we proceeded to eat before we went home.  During supper, I mentioned how good the watermelon was and how much it tasted like the one we had eaten earlier.  Later that night, my cousin got sick.  When quizzed if it might be from something we had eaten, we denied having any extras.  My grandmother reminded me of my comments at supper.  Then she said, “Son, you need to be sure you always tell the truth, because you are not smart enough to lie.”  She was right.  You have to remember what you tell if you tell a lie.  That is how I would feel if I was preaching from Scripture that was not accurate.  Because the Bible is true, it can be taught clearly every time.  There is no fear of contradiction or conflict between passages.  Sermons can be prepared without looking over your theological shoulder for a disputing verse.

I have offered three reasons why I am a conservative theologian.  There are many others.  For me, it boils down to the fact that the Bible claims to be inspired by God.  If it is God inspired, can it be less than accurate, authoritative, and inerrant?