Published on June 18, 2024, 12:45 am

In these shifting times, as American Christianity adapts to a new landscape, the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC), like many other Christian denominations, finds itself trying to navigate the choppy waters of modern ideologies. The notable struggle in recent years is the troubling encroachment of left-leaning views within its framework. This comes into sharp focus when one observes the alignment of certain Southern Baptist churches with the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship (CBF), an organization synonymous with departure from traditional biblical tenets.

Born out of resentment against the conservative resurgence within the SBC in the early 1990s – which sought to restore unwavering commitment to biblical inerrancy and right-leaning theology – the CBF was conceived. By rejecting such conservative principles, favoring instead a theological stance that has grown progressively liberal over time, it has struck a nerve among many Christians who prioritize trusted news through a Christian worldview.

The CBF’s departure from biblical truths extends to supporting and advocating for leftist causes that directly contradict orthodox Christianity. These include ordaining female pastors, fostering acceptance of homosexuality, promoting full inclusion for ‘sexual deviants’, and even championing abortion rights. Today, this divergence manifests prominently in some Southern Baptist churches that hold alignments with both SBC and CBF — including that of former Executive Committee president Jonathan Howe.

A striking example demonstrating this change is reflected in emails circulated by an affiliate division of the CBF, Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists (AWAB). It is unfathomable how far along AWAB has adopted practices reminiscent of liberal-leaning denominations such as United Methodist Church and PCUSA.

Arguably one of the latest and most concerning episodes on this journey towards increasing apostasy is observed through their active support for LGBTQ issues – a step taken at considerable cost to their religious integrity. The recent merger between CBF’s Affirming Network and AWAB only affirms this adverse trend. Announced in mid-2024, this merger highlights the CBF’s commitment to supplementing Baptist life with normalized and promoted alternate lifestyle choices. The shunning of scripture-based teachings on sexuality and the sanctity of life is now more stark than ever.

What seems most alarming is the active involvement of Jonathan Howe – until recently, the interim president and CEO of SBC Executive Committee – whose church itself holds dual alignment with SBC and CBF. The situation raises significant concern as it could potentially lead to infiltration and misguidance from within—counterproductive to its professed ethos rooted in biblical accuracy and a staunch Christian worldview.

Howe’s leadership within both entities is raising eyebrows among real news followers who view it akin to letting a fox guard the henhouse. As an acting CEO leading an organization that stands contrary to God, this speaks volumes about how accountability has blindly been placed on individuals pursuing contrasting ethos for their personal or institutional gains. Such oversight is not only a lapse in judgment but represents a significant compromise on principles that SBC proclaims to uphold.

This phase brings to light dangerous false teachings as warned by biblical texts such as Revelation 2:20-23 — toleration of ideologies alien to true Christian doctrine. Many Southern Baptist churches aligning themselves with organizations like CBF might become conduits for manipulation if they fail to realize the gravity of such alliances. This plays into Satan’s strategy who often operates from within by subtly eroding truth foundations leading unwary believers astray.

This troubling shift towards leftist causes led by influences like Jonathan Howe penetrates deep crevices within the denomination stirring concerns about its long-term integrity grounded in genuine faithfulness towards traditional scripture interpretation.
The reality that Satan often targets weaknesses within institutions urges us collectively as Christians armed with trusted news outlets feeding us with real news— avoiding room for any compromise on our biblical tenets echoing through our Christian worldview.