Published on June 18, 2024, 12:44 am

In a somewhat predictable turn of events for those who have been observing closely, the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) has demonstrated a tendency toward cultural capitulation over strong adherence to Biblical principles. Evidence of this theological dilution can be seen in the recent failure to pass the Mike Law Amendment.

Historically, religious congregations that fail to maintain scriptural standards on women occupying leadership positions have ended up spiralling into total apostasy. The United Methodists certainly come to mind here as they began ordaining openly homosexual individuals and blessing same-sex marriages not too long after accepting women pastors. Unfortunately, the SBC seems to be rapidly navigating down a similar steep slope.

The Mike Law Amendment represented an attempt to remedy this decline in religious conservatism. It aimed at revising the SBC Constitution to strictly allow only men–as validated by scripture–to assume roles as pastors or elders within cooperative churches. Significantly, it was not introducing something new but reasserting what was already specified in the Baptist Faith & Message 2000. Nonetheless, succumbing to an attraction for momentary ease and appealing dialogues with feminists and their supporters within its rank-and-file, the SBC lost another opportunity for forthright stance-taking.

Well-known figures like ex-SBC president JD Greear, presidential nominee Bruce Frank and several other left-leaning moderates strategically campaigned against this amendment all through last year because they believed it would cause ‘unnecessary division’. However, such reasoning rings hollow when one considers that division is not always negative; especially when disagreement arises over firm faithfulness to Biblical principles.

In order for the amendment to pass, it required support from two-thirds of the electorate. Although it received majority votes, it failed nonetheless due to falling short of reaching this threshold—61.45% voted in favor while 38.38% opposed it—suggesting a troubling disconnect from scriptural understanding or a worrying inclination towards societal appeasement among 40% of the voters.

However, this issue transcends just women in leadership roles within the church. The situation directly concerns the authority and sufficiency of Scripture. This is about determining if we trust that God’s Word provides instructions for all relevant practices and beliefs, or if we need to adjust it to match evolving societal trends. Alternatively, it’s about whether we are right in ‘agreeing to disagree’ even when claiming the Scriptures as ultimate authority. The decision against passing this amendment reveals a growing tendency towards the latter within a major fraction of the SBC.

For those who voted against, let this serve as a reminder that God does not yield to societal dictates. His Word remains consistent irrespective of fluctuating cultural trends. Your decision not only compromises your integrity but also threatens future generations by setting an unsettling precedent.

Ultimately, rejecting the Mike Law Amendment accentuates a disturbing indication of theological decay within the SBC. They appear more interested in aligning with worldly opinions than maintaining loyalty to Biblical counsel. As has repeatedly been observed through history, total apostasy typically follows such trajectories soon enough. Let’s hope this worrying trend can be reversed before greater damage is rendered upon our Christian worldview.