New SBC Blog Adopts Moderate Name
A group of five fundamentalist bloggers are launching a group blog similar to the "new" and struggling SBC Outpost.
And the name of this hot new blog?
SBC Today
Wes Kenney & Company clearly need to brush up on their Baptist history....
Apparently they forgot (or never knew) that SBC Today was the most staunchly MODERATE newspaper from 1983-1991 at the height of the Fundamentalist Takeover or so-called "Conservative Resurgence" of the Southern Baptist Convention!
Founded by Walker Knight in 1983, SBC Today was an autonomous news publication that informed moderate Baptists about events arising of the Fundamentalist Takeover within the Southern Baptist Convention. After the Takeover was essentially complete, SBC Today changed her name to Baptists Today and adopted a much broader mission.
And for more history fellas, let's revisit what the "Peace Committee" said about SBC Today back in 1987:
Despite these recommendations approved by the Southern Baptist Convention, the Peace Committee finds that some of the state Baptist papers and the autonomous journals--The Southern Baptist Advocate, SBC Today, Baptists United News and The Baptist Laity Journal-have continued to use intemperate, inflammatory language and have labeled individuals and impugned motives.I find it rather humorous that Establishment bloggers would choose to adopt the name of a moderate publication which your fundamentalist fathers accused of supposedly using "intemperate, inflammatory language" that "impugned" the motives of your fellow fundy brethren.
We renew again our request to these papers and journals to contribute to the process of reconciliation and the promotion of our cooperative work together as we seek to do the work of Christ. We again call upon all state Baptist papers and the independent autonomous journals to comply with the action taken at the Atlanta Convention and outlined above. We call upon individual Southern Baptists to use their influence to help stop these divisive actions.
What's the dealie, yo? No creativity?
Surely they didn't consult Papa Bear Paige on this poor name choice?
Anyways, click here for the SBC Today Press Release.
Labels: SBC Today
posted by Big Daddy Weave at 1:10 PM
7 Comments:
Actually, there are only four of us, but Robin is a pretty big guy.
As for the name, we are well aware of the history. But it has been nearly twenty years since it was in use, so we decided it was time to redeem it.
As to our similarity with that other site you mentioned, the letters "SBC" should about be the extent of it.
;-)
2:51 PM
They knew about the name. They asked me about it several days ago. Actually, Tim Guthrie already has a blogspot site with the same name (sbctoday.blogspot.com), under which title he has blogged for quite a while.
But I salute you for taking this occasion to teach a little Baptist history—always a good thing.
3:16 PM
I should point out that we chose this name with the full blessing of the aforementioned Tim Guthrie.
;-)
3:28 PM
Brother BDW,
Just came across your link to the New and Redeemed SBCToday. :>)
When you say; "I find it rather humorous that Establishment bloggers would choose to adopt the name of a moderate publication which your fundamentalist fathers accused of supposedly using "intemperate, inflammatory language" that "impugned" the motives of your fellow fundy brethren." I have to respond like the old Wendy's Commercial--Whar's th Humor? We are merely trying to do what the Peace Committee called on the original SBC Today to do. Mainly, "We renew again our request to these papers and journals to contribute to the process of reconciliation and the promotion of our cooperative work together as we seek to do the work of Christ."
And, "We call upon individual Southern Baptists to use their influence to help stop these divisive actions."
Therefore, the only concern I can truly acknowledge is not really a concern as much as it is irony. I believe it is ironic that bloggers, coming 20 years after the Peace Committee report, are taking on a name trying to carry out what the report called on SBC Today to implement. Also, another difference that you fail to note. We do not claim to be journalist, neither do we claim to be a news-gathering organization.
But, at any rate, thanks for the link. I am sure your moderate colleagues will visit in droves hoping to see another train wreck. :>)
Seriously, I do ask that you pray for us. We most certainly have stepped into something that only God will get us through.
Blessings,
Tim
5:53 AM
This is awesome! I LOVE it!
8:19 AM
For what it's worth fellas, Johnny Pierce, editor of Baptists Today, left a response at BL.com concerning your name choice. Funny.
BT Editor writes...
"I think we at BAPTISTS TODAY INC. still legally own the once-used name SBC TODAY, but will not sue because the infallible, inerrant Word of God says not to.
Unless, of course, Mo. entities seek autonomy, etc. You know, the fine print.
JDP"
12:24 PM
I almost posted about this one too. I wondered about ownership of the name myself. I don't expect it will become an issue unless the blog takes off at the level of CNN or MSNBC, then perhaps we'll see some litigation (because there will be money in it then). But that is a far fetched scenario and I rather doubt it will happen.
4:24 PM
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