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A thought-provoking examination of biblical authority versus cultural accommodation unfolds as we dive into the New Yorker's recent mini-documentary questioning whether the Southern Baptist Convention can survive without women pastors. We analyze how the video juxtaposes compassionate female leadership against supposedly rigid traditionalism while missing the fundamental theological principles at stake.

The heart of this conversation isn't about personalities or even church growth strategies. Rather, we examine how passages like 1 Timothy 2-3 and Titus 1 have historically informed Southern Baptist understanding of pastoral qualifications. Tom Askell's powerful statement from the documentary perfectly captures the conservative position: "It's God's world. He sets the rules. It's Christ's church. We can't make it up as we go."

We challenge the documentary's narrative by examining real growth numbers from churches committed to biblical authority. While mainline denominations embracing female ordination have experienced significant membership losses over decades, many theologically conservative SBC churches are thriving. Grace Baptist Church in Cape Coral, for example, has nearly doubled its attendance in just four years while maintaining traditional positions on pastoral leadership.

Baptist polity gets special attention as we clarify misconceptions about church autonomy and denominational boundaries. The SBC cannot "remove" churches—it can only determine which congregations maintain "friendly cooperation" with the convention's stated beliefs. This distinction matters tremendously in understanding what's actually happening when messengers from churches with female pastors are unseated.

Looking ahead to the upcoming Southern Baptist Convention annual meeting in Dallas-Fort Worth, we invite you to follow our coverage at baptistcourier.com, where we'll provide timely updates and thoughtful analysis of this ongoing conversation within America's largest Protestant denomination.

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The selection of Pope Leo XIV has captured global attention, prompting three Southern Baptist leaders to examine what this means for evangelicals in this thoughtful episode of Courier Conversations.

Jeff Robinson hosts Dr. Travis Kearns and Dr. Walter Johnson for a candid discussion about the theological implications of papal authority from an evangelical perspective. The conversation centers on a fundamental question: Should evangelicals celebrate the selection of a new Pope, or does the very office itself represent a theological problem?

The team dives deep into Matthew 16—the passage where Jesus tells Peter "on this rock I will build my church"—unpacking why evangelicals reject the Catholic interpretation that establishes papal authority. Dr. Kearns offers a compelling linguistic analysis of the Greek text, arguing that when Jesus says "this rock," he's referring to himself as the foundation, not establishing Peter as the first Pope. This distinction forms the cornerstone of evangelical objections to papal claims.

Historical challenges to papal succession receive equal attention, with the panel highlighting how the concept of papal supremacy developed gradually over centuries rather than existing from the beginning. They discuss problematic periods when multiple competing popes simultaneously claimed authority, raising questions about the Catholic notion of unbroken apostolic succession from Peter to the present day.

While maintaining clear theological boundaries, the conversation acknowledges the practical influence of the papacy on moral and political fronts. The panel reflects on Pope John Paul II's positive role in opposing communism alongside Western leaders and considers how Pope Leo XIV might influence contemporary moral issues where evangelicals and Catholics find common ground.

The discussion concludes with a powerful affirmation that Christ alone stands as the true head of His church—no earthly representative or vicar needed. Tune in to this thought-provoking episode for a balanced exploration of how evangelicals can thoughtfully engage with Catholic traditions while remaining grounded in biblical truth.

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Tired of hearing that theology is only for scholars or that doctrine divides people? This illuminating conversation with Dr. Walter Johnson, retired dean of Christian Studies at North Greenville University, makes a compelling case for why theological understanding matters deeply for every believer.

Dr. Johnson brilliantly distinguishes between merely knowing about God and truly knowing Him, explaining that while "you can know a lot about God without knowing him, I don't think you can know him very well without knowing a lot about him." This insight forms the foundation for a discussion about how theological understanding transforms our relationship with God and shapes faithful Christian living.

The hosts tackle practical challenges of teaching theology in local churches, acknowledging that many believers find the subject intimidating. Rather than announcing a "systematic theology" series that might draw only the pastor's spouse, they suggest creative approaches: teaching through a church's doctrinal statement, comparing Christianity with other religions, or working through theologically-rich books of the Bible. The goal isn't academic knowledge but spiritual transformation.

Perhaps most compelling is the protective function of sound doctrine. Just as Secret Service agents study genuine currency so thoroughly they immediately recognize counterfeits, Christians grounded in biblical truth can readily identify false teaching. As Hosea warned, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge"—a sobering reminder of what's at stake when believers neglect theological understanding.

The conversation concludes with each participant sharing books that sparked their theological journeys—from Packer's "Knowing God" to Calvin's "Institutes"—demonstrating how theological reading can transform not just understanding but devotion to God. These personal testimonies reinforce that theology isn't merely academic but deeply practical and spiritually enriching.

Want to deepen your own theological understanding? Subscribe to Courier Conversations on your favorite podcast platform, visit baptistcourier.com for daily content, and consider sharing this episode with someone who might benefit from seeing theology in a new light.

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