Theological language

Thank you for using healthy and intentional theological language in The Alabama Baptist.

In the issue dated June 12, 2003, you covered two stories of church buildings being lost to fire. In each story, you were intentional in not saying that a church was lost to fire. In each instance, sad though they were, you were careful to say, “Alabama-Crenshaw Association loses church building to fire,” (page 4) and “Fire destroys Blount County church building, not its spirit” (page 9). May all believers in Jesus Christ be reminded that the church is not a place; the church is a people. While we grieve with and pray for those who lost these facilities, we rejoice that these congregations realize their buildings are resources for ministry, as Dr. Terry referenced in his “Comment,” “What one believes does matter.”

Since our [Shades Crest Baptist Church] newsletter is printed on the back pages of each issue, reflecting our support and partnership with The Alabama Baptist, I read and peruse each issue. Your attentiveness to intentional theological language in a day when many people confuse theological language with political and Madison Avenue linguistics is refreshing. Thank you for affirming and supporting excellence by encouraging us to reclaim Christian depth in a shallow world.

Dennis W. Foust
Birmingham, Ala.