LifeWay’s values debated in social media — #the15

A recent tweet by LifeWay Research Executive Director Ed Stetzer sparked a social media campaign alleging the bookstore chain values profit more than doctrinal fidelity. Stetzer’s tweet characterized people concerned about a reference to Pope Francis by author John Piper as “the same 15 … who are outraged,” inspiring #the15.

Stetzer’s comment also stirred an increase of people using a highway marker with the number 15 as their Twitter profile picture to show anger against a denominational elite they say maintains power through bully tactics.

Southern Baptist pastor J.D. Hall said #the15 aren’t asking Baptist leaders to outright agree with them, only to show more respect for sincere beliefs of small church pastors and laity.