Conflict of Interest

Paige Patterson caught my attention in his written response to Rabbi Eckstein’s decision to suspend cooperation with the Southern Baptist Convention when he said, “We are going to continue to share the glorious gospel.” I could not help but ask myself if we Baptists would not do well to keep in mind that sometimes the way we proclaim the gospel prevents it from being heard as glorious.

I fear that there are time when, ironically, we are insensitive and even arrogant in our proclamation and pronouncements. I believe that boldly carrying out the Great Commission does not negate the imperative of being sensitive and humble in our approach to persons, and more so to those of other religious persuasions.

Ruford B. Hodges, Jr.
Montgomery, Ala.