A Progressive Theo-Political Blog Bringing You The Best and Worst of Baptist Life.

Tuesday, October 10, 2006

The Thoughts and Adventures of Don Hinkle

Meet Don Hinkle.

Don Hinkle is the Editor of the Missouri Baptist Convention's publication, The Pathway.

In his latest post at Thoughts & Adventures, Hinkle in typical fashion misrepresents both Americans United and the Baptist Joint Committee as radical leftist organizations "committeed to the eradication of Christianity from the public square and the promotion of secular humanism as America's national religion."

Whew.

Here's a snippet...

Junk. I cannot think of a better description for the letter Missouri clergy are getting from Americans United for the Separation of Church and State (AU), a radical leftist organization committed to the eradication of Christianity from the public square and the promotion of secular humanism as America’s national religion.

In recent days, pastors throughout Missouri have received a letter reminding them not to endorse candidates in the Nov. 7 election, lest they become a target of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The letter, filled with ominous language, is nothing but an attempt to intimidate Christians from voting their values, including the rejection of the clone-to-kill initiative called Amendment 2. AU mailed 117,000 pieces of this junk mail in mid-September to clergy in 11 states, including Missouri, in response to evangelicals grassroots efforts to help advance pro-life, pro-family issues and candidates.

And more...
AU’s letter is nothing more than an attempt to intimidate conservative Christian values voters.

“Any activity designed to influence the outcome of a partisan election can be construed as intervention,” Lynn writes in the letter. “If the IRS determines that your house of worship has engaged in unlawful intervention, it can revoke the institution’s tax-exempt status or levy significant fines on the house of worship or its leaders.”

After several paragraphs with menacing language Lynn finally gets around to acknowledging what the law says: “Houses of worship and other non-profit groups may sponsor voter registration drives and candidate forums if they are truly non-partisan, and issue advocacy (like Amendment 2) is broadly protected.”

Why is AU so interested in harassing conservative evangelicals? Because it has its own partisan political agenda and a worldview that is antithetical to Scripture.

Hinkle fails to point out that Americans United sent letters warning against electioneering to EVERY House of Worship in Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and of course Missouri.

Harassment?? Don't make me laugh. You be the judge. Read the AU Letter.

Hinkle's portrayal of the BJC as a "leftist organization" comes as no surprise. Hinkle is no fan of the First Amendment. On numerous occasions, Hinkle has expressed his belief that the "Wall of Separation" is nothing but a mere myth. Like fellow Missouri Baptist Roger Moran, Hinkle is skilled at the game of guilt-by-association. Hinkle also seems to be obssessed with homosexuality and the so-called "homosexual agenda," but we'll leave that to another post....

6 Comments:

Blogger Dan Trabue said...

"pastors throughout Missouri have received a letter reminding them not to endorse candidates in the Nov. 7 election"

If our church were to receive this letter, we'd be inclined to think, "ok." Since we have no desire to endorse a candidate (although we'd love Bush and his supporters to be removed from office), we wouldn't perceive this to be a threat at all, but a much needed reminder.

10:18 AM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

11:00 AM

 
Blogger K. S. Holmes said...

Weave,

This is a pretty strong post considerating that you took such exception to my blog regarding a discussion I had with Charles Wade. There seems to be a double standard at work.

What was that comment about anyone "to [my] left"? Maybe you should look in the mirror and say "Oh wo is me."

By the way, I read your blog on ocassion. I don't usually agree, but I usually enjoy it.

6:51 PM

 
Blogger Big Daddy Weave said...

I'm consistent on my definition of fudamentalism. I'll offer it below. Wilkey is extreme. The BJC is a radical leftist organization? Come on.


Fundamentalists emphasized the importance of beliefs—doctrinal orthodoxy—and accountability usually through the use of creeds. Fundamentalism also refers to an attitude of no compromise and no toleration of dissent. In contrast to conservatives who often have similar doctrinal convictions but are willing to find unity of mission amidst diversity, fundamentalists adopt a “my way or no way” attitude toward cooperation. Or as some say it, the only way to cooperate with a fundamentalist is to obey him.

8:32 PM

 
Blogger foxofbama said...

BDDaddy: Good job. This Hinkle fellow has every appearance even down to the bow tie of being a glorified shallow person.
AU can be a little strident on occasion, but like our great friend and Hero James Dunn, when you are dealing with the half asses and charlatans they have to deal with daily, you are allowed a some signs of frustration often.
Ignorance is everywhere
I do wish you would engage my Collinsville friends there at Baylor in this discussion.
Sometimes I don't know how they sleep at night.
Looks like you and Prescott got together on this one, Hinkle. Hats off to both of you

1:40 PM

 
Blogger Big Daddy Weave said...

Mam,

Comments are not moderated at Mainstream Baptists nor am I the administrator of the blog.

My comment was not rude. You clearly demonstrated that you do not care the slightest bit about history. Unlike you, D.R. contributed to the substance of the post. Instead of offering intellectual criticisms, you chose to attack the salvation of an ordained minister and professor of Church History! Further, the discussion concerned Baptists and John Leland not the Democratic Party. Why such a cheap and uncalled for potshot???

I've read several of your comments before at Mainstream Baptist and Mainstream Baptists. Mam, you are a troll. Look it up.

You are welcome to join the discussions at Big Daddy Weave, but please contribute substance. All at Mainstream Baptists are committed Baptist Christians who are active in their local church. The questioning of one's salvation will never be tolerated.

10:37 AM

 

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