David, do you or don't you
now agree that Burleson was correct in "talking" about the secret backroom machinations of the IMB BoT, the private caucuses of small groups of Trustees conducted outside the BoT meeting room (in deliberate violation of BoT rules), and the BoT's tactic of quashing all dissent from Trustees after a measure had been adopted by the BoT (which required the BoT to completely revise its guidelines)
The criticism that Wade Burleson "talks too much" is a relatively petty complaint, compared to the great contribution Burleson has made in exposing the deeds of political power players, both inside and outside the IMB BoT. Admittedly, Burleson's course of action was not a particularly wise move, "politically", from his personal perspective. The pundits and political "old guard" types subsequently "let the dogs out" to assassinate Burleson's character with blatantly false charges (which, to this date, they have made no effort to specify or substantiate
). They complained that this BoT "newby" should have been sitting quietly, as a "new kid on the block", in his place as a freshman Trustee; and, had absolutely no business speaking out or criticising the deeds of more "experienced" BoT members. Yet,
if Burleson had not spoken out, the vast rank and file of SBC members would most likely still be in the dark about the collusive actions of several in SBC leadership positions.
Similarly, Burleson has been transparent in the position he has taken on the alcohol issue. No doubt, your remark is well taken that Burleson's point of view is not politically expedient in many, if not most, Southern Baptist circles. Nevertheless, his perspective is Biblically based on the principle that
drunkenness is a vile sin, destroys a Christian's witness, and should be severly addressed in disciplining church members who practice a drunkenness lifestyle. Contrary to what you imply, David,
Burleson is adamantly opposed to drunkenness.
However, the moderate consumption of alcoholic beverages is not generally prohibited in Scripture. Notwithstanding some legalistic claims to the contrary that Welch's (you remember. . .the first grape juice plant was established in Jerusalem, as recorded in the book. . .
Hezikiah ) grape juice was Jesus' drink of choice during the Last Supper Passover observance
, there is a plethora of evidence that Jesus and His disciples drank "wine"
on the occasion. Neither did Jesus turn the bottles of water into "grape juice" at the Cana wedding; nor, was Paul trying to say, in giving medical advice to his protege, Timothy, that "a little grape juice was good for the stomach".
Therefore, while Burleson's position on "alcohol" is not politically self-serving, he is, along with Tom Ascol, doctrinally sound on the issue.
In His Grace and Peace,
T. D. Webb
"The first to plead his case seems right, until another comes and examines him." (Proverbs 18:17)