James A. Smith Sr. 2002
Editorial Archive
January
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Journal shows necessity of SBC reformation
Editorial
James A. Smith, Sr.
Executive Editor
Published January 3, 2002
"By the time we reach the 21st century, the R&E will
be a true Baptist journal – for the nation and beyond."
— Roy Honeycutt, former president of Southern Seminary, on
the occasion of the removal of Review & Expositor
from Southern Seminary, March 1996 -
It takes both wings to fly pro-life plane
Editorial
James A. Smith, Sr.
Executive Editor
Published January 17, 2002
Some who oppose abortion in America concentrate their efforts
on changing laws to protect human life. Others prefer to be
involved in hands-on mercy giving ministry to help women in
crisis pregnancies. The first might be called the public policy
wing of the movement, while the latter is often called the
compassionate wing. -
Remember the persecuted
Editorial
James A. Smith, Sr.
Executive Editor
Published January 24, 2002
Imagine that tomorrow as you are going about your regular
routine you come upon a man in your neighborhood collecting
donations "to kill Christians," as the sign on his
canister announced. Far-fetched, you might think. For some
Christians in Indonesia this incident is common. For other
Christians across the globe, persecution is a daily danger and
reality. And, most Christians in America seem not to know about
the plight of their fellow believers or, even worse, care about
them. -
Osama bin Laden, the Taliban and you
Editorial
James A. Smith, Sr.
Executive Editor
Published January 31, 2002
One of the most deplorable after-shocks of Sept. 11 has been
the growing and outrageously irresponsible practice of leading
journalists to casually equate evangelical Christians with the
murderous, totalitarian Taliban, and their hero, the heinous
Osama bin Laden. February
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‘Starter Marriage’: Buzzword for early divorce
Editorial
James A. Smith, Sr.
Executive Editor
Published February 14, 2002
Marriages between twentysomethings that fail in less than five
years and produce no children has gained a new, chic moniker
— "Starter Marriages" — which is also the
title of a new book, The Starter Marriage and The Future of
Matrimony. -
Don't edit God, reject the TNIV
Editorial
James A. Smith, Sr.
Executive Editor
Published February 21, 2002
The next time you purchase a new Bible, my advice is that you
not choose the soon-to-be-released Today’s New International
Version (TNIV) — that is, if you believe it’s important
to have a Bible translation that accurately renders God’s
Word. In spite of the claims of its proponents, it’s clear
to me that political correctness has trumped accuracy in the TNIV. -
Pediatricians who harm children
Editorial
James A. Smith, Sr.
Executive Editor
Published February 28, 2002
A recent policy recommendation by a committee of the American
Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is one time when we shouldn’t
follow our doctors’ advice, especially when the diagnosis
and prescription of these pediatricians on the matter of same-sex
parenting will actually harm children. March
-
Gambling with our future
Editorial
James A. Smith, Sr.
Executive Editor
Published March 7, 2002
Floridians are twice as likely as other Americans to be at
risk for developing gambling problems and our state has double
the percentage of problem and compulsive gamblers according to a
new study by the University of Florida. Even while such troubling
news was coming from Gainesville, hordes of gambling lobbyists
had descended on Tallahassee to push for the most aggressive
expansion of gambling in the Sunshine State since the lottery was
legalized more than a decade ago. -
Who will defend the sanctity of human life?
Editorial
James A. Smith, Sr.
Executive Editor
Published March 14, 2002
Those of us who believe in the sanctity of human life have
several opportunities to speak our convictions to those who make
our laws in Washington and Tallahassee over the next few weeks.
Both in the waning days of the Florida legislature and in the U.S.
Senate, critical legislation is under active consideration that
would do much to defend human life in the midst of a culture that
increasingly devalues human life. -
Rosie’s campaign against Florida’s children
Editorial
James A. Smith, Sr.
Executive Editor
Published March 21, 2002
It was impossible to miss talk show host Rosie O’Donnell’s
March 14 "coming out" celebration on Disney-owned ABC
television and the torrent of news media coverage that followed.
In a heavily promoted special two-hour "Primetime Thursday"
broadcast, as well as generous excerpts on "Good Morning
America" and "World News Tonight," O’Donnell
announced to an unsurprised world that she is "gay." April
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Mullins: SBC is not a 'free lance club'
Editorial
James A. Smith, Sr.
Executive Editor
Published April 11, 2002
Why reprint this essay?
While doing research for an editorial on the controversy
concerning the request of the International Mission Board and
North American Mission Board missionaries to affirm the latest
edition of the Baptist Faith and Message, I was captivated by an
essay by E.Y. Mullins titled, "Baptists and Creeds."
Although the writing style may seem a bit strange to our 21st
century ears, I urge you to take the trouble to read it fully and
consider what it may say to us today. -
Baptist confessional accountability
Editorial
James A. Smith, Sr.
Executive Editor
Published April 18, 2002
Sometimes the things we know to be true appear to be so simply
because we don't know enough. We have accepted without evaluation
what we have been told. -
A confession of faith worthy of support
Editorial
James A. Smith, Sr.
Executive Editor
Published April 25, 2002
May
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Life is a ‘creation, not a commodity’
Editorial
JAMES A. SMITH SR.
Executive Editor
Published May 2, 2002
The United States Senate will soon vote on legislation that
may mark a truly historic turning point in American history, as
well as the very notion of what it means to be human. The
question is: will history look kindly on the decision of our
senators? The answer will be yes only if the Senate joins the
House of Representatives in adopting a true, total ban on human
cloning. -
Leaving your mark: Support the Mother’s Day Offering
Editorial
JAMES A. SMITH SR.
Executive Editor
Published May 9, 2002
If we were to be honest with ourselves, we would all have to
admit that there are times in our lives when we wonder if we are
making a difference. Does what we do on a day-to-day basis have
eternal consequences that matter in the Kingdom of God? What is
the legacy that will remain when we leave this world? -
Parents: Turn off Nickelodeon
Editorial
JAMES A. SMITH SR.
Executive Editor
Published May 16, 2002
If anyone doubts the truly proselytizing nature of the
homosexual movement, one need only consider the case of "Nick
News" on the cable television network, Nickelodeon. -
Abercrombie & Fitch sinks to new low; Youth, will you lead us?
Editorial
JAMES A. SMITH SR.
Executive Editor
Published May 30, 2002
Abercrombie & Fitch has somehow found a way to sink to a
new low in its promotion of sexual promiscuity and deviance. The
trendy clothier that markets to teens and college students and
has been known for several years for its practically pornographic
quarterly catalogs recently attempted to introduce thongs for
children in its stores and on its online catalog. After national
media attention and a torrent of criticism, A&F quietly
pulled the product from its shelves. June
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The future of Texas Baptists and the SBC
Editorial
JAMES A. SMITH SR.
Executive Editor
Published June 6, 2002
The Baptist General Convention of Texas is leaving the
Southern Baptist Convention. It will not likely happen officially
this year or next year or maybe even the year after, but all the
signs of departure are present for anyone willing to face the
facts.
-
A tribute to my faithful father
Editorial
JAMES A. SMITH SR.
Executive Editor
Published June 13, 2002
Like most of our fathers, my dad is not well known; he is not
wealthy; and as the pastor of a small Baptist church in West
Virginia, he is not likely to gain either before his days are
done. However, my father is the most important man in my life -
period. -
SBC: A moral and theological minority
Editorial
JAMES A. SMITH SR.
Executive Editor
Published June 20, 2002
"Brother, we have arrived at a new level." Those
words were spoken to me by Jack Wilkerson of the Executive
Committee on the floor of the Southern Baptist Convention last
week as we witnessed the scene of homosexual protesters
attempting to disrupt SBC President James Merritt’s address.
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Nickelodeon: The ‘sliming’ of our kids
Editorial
JAMES A. SMITH SR.
Executive Editor
Published June 27, 2002
In a May 16 editorial I warned
readers about plans on the Nickelodeon cable network to air a
program aimed at children with the purpose of advocating the
homosexual lifestyle. Hosted and produced by liberal activist
Linda Ellerbee, the "Nick News" program "My Family
is Different" aired June 18 and was in fact everything I
feared it would be. July
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I pledge allegiance
Editorial
JAMES A. SMITH SR.
Executive Editor
Published July 4, 2002
The June 26 ruling declaring the Pledge of Allegiance
unconstitutional sent shockwaves of outrage across the nation.
The ruling written by Judge Alfred T. Goodwin and affirmed by a
three-judge panel of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals created a
torrent of overwhelmingly negative response resounding from the
nation’s capital as the president and virtually the entire U.S.
Senate and U.S. House of Representatives eagerly proclaimed their
anger and opposition to the ruling. August
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Will Florida’s senators help kill pro-life bill?
Editorial
JAMES A. SMITH SR.
Executive Editor
Published March 8, 2020
Here we go again.
Late last month the House of Representatives again passed the
Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act (H.R. 4965) by a wide and
bipartisan margin of 274-151. Twice before, in 1996 and 1997, the
Senate joined the House in passing this crucial, common sense
legislation only to have the bill rejected by President Bill
Clinton. Although the House was able muster the two-thirds vote
to override Clinton’s reprehensible vetoes, the Senate could
not. And so, the bill languished in Congress. -
Miami Baptists: Not ‘standing on the fence’
Editorial
JAMES A. SMITH SR.
Executive Editor
Published August 15, 2002
In a courageous and prophetic stand, Miami Baptists have
announced their support of an effort to repeal a Miami-Dade
ordinance which gives civil rights protections to homosexual
persons. The leadership of the Miami Baptist Association should
be commended for its Executive Board’s adoption of a
statement supporting the Sept. 10 referendum on the ordinance. (See
article on page one and statement on page 11 for more details.) September
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The ‘foolishness’ of the Gospel after 9/11
Editorial
JAMES A. SMITH SR.
Executive Editor
Published September 5, 2002
Sept. 11 — the day that many of us had hoped would ignite
a spiritual revival in America — did not result in spiritual
change for the better, it seems clear nearly one year later.
Further, there’s great irony in the fact that there is a
growing acceptance of Islam in America in spite of the undeniable
truth that it was indeed Muhammad’s religion that was the
prime motivator for the terrorists who attacked us on that
terrible day. -
Every Christian is a soldier in this war
Editorial
JAMES A. SMITH SR.
Executive Editor
Published September 12, 2002
Recent days in our country have been dominated by remembrances
of the 9/11 attacks, their aftermath and, especially, the heroes
who have emerged since one of the darkest days of American
history. It’s fitting that we remember these events and
recommit ourselves to our nation as our soldiers fight the war on
terrorism. -
‘Gay rights’: Don’t let Orlando ‘go there’
Editorial
JAMES A. SMITH SR.
Executive Editor
Published September 26, 2002
On the heels of a narrow victory in Miami in a Sept. 10
referendum where voters retained a pro-homosexual amendment, the
homosexual political lobby is now training its sights on Orlando
as the next major city in Florida to create civil rights
protections for its sexual promiscuity. And Orlando Christians
may be the deciding factor in whether the city approves a
proposed amendment to its anti-discrimination ordinance. October
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Florida Baptist Witness and your church
Editorial
JAMES A. SMITH SR.
Executive Editor
Published October 3, 2002
We all know this maxim to be true: "The best Baptists are
informed Baptists." For Florida Baptists, the best way to be
an informed Baptist is by subscribing to the Florida Baptist
Witness. -
Honor and love your pastor
Editorial
JAMES A. SMITH SR.
Executive Editor
Published October 10, 2002
Why would anyone want to be a pastor? It has got to be one of
the most thankless jobs around. Pastors are always on the firing
line, always "on call," subject sometimes to unruly
church members who are certain they know how to do the job
better, generally poorly compensated and live in a fishbowl under
constant scrutiny. And those are just Mondays! -
Pregnant pigs and unborn babies
Editorial
JAMES A. SMITH SR.
Executive Editor
Published October 24, 2002
Florida voters soon will have the opportunity to shape their
future through the ballot box. We will be asked to choose our
leaders for local, state and federal government. While a close
contest between Governor Jeb Bush and challenger Bill McBride has
garnered much attention, most voters are unaware that they will
be confronted with 10 ballot initiatives to decide public policy
on diverse issues from classroom size to protection for pregnant
pigs. -
It’s our Christian duty to vote on Nov. 5th
Editorial
JAMES A. SMITH SR.
Executive Editor
Published October 31, 2002
How many of you will sin on Nov. 5th by failing to
vote? Have you ever considered the idea that it is a sin to fail
to vote when you are qualified to do so? I believe it’s
clear from Scripture that Christians should be the best citizens
a nation has to offer. And in a nation such as ours, where the
citizens direct the course of our government, the failure to
participate in the most fundamental way we have to provide
direction to our government cannot be seen to be anything less
than a sin for qualified Christian citizens to fail to vote. November
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Pray for the persecuted church
Editorial
JAMES A. SMITH SR.
Executive Editor
Published November 7, 2002
If you’re really paying attention to the news (which
requires consulting the best news sources — including Florida
Baptist Witness), it’s impossible to miss. A week does
not pass without another notice about the persecution of
Christians around the globe. One day it’s Indonesia, the
next it’s Saudi Arabia. Christian martyrs in Sudan are all
too common, and now North Korea is back on the radar screen (see
article on page one).
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Publishing Good News since 1884
Editorial
James A. Smith, Sr.
Executive Editor
Published November 14, 2002
The ministry of Florida Baptist Witness has been
strengthened recently by the adoption of a new mission statement by our Board
of Commissioners. -
Florida Baptists focus on the family
Editorial
James A. Smith Sr
Executive Editor
Published November 21, 2002
Ten years ago, Vice President Dan Quayle sent shockwaves through the media elite when he had the temerity to criticize the CBS comedy "Murphy Brown" for its depiction of a single woman who intentionally chose to become pregnant out-of-wedlock and raise the child without a father. The nearly universal reaction from Hollywood and its fellow travelers in New York and Washington was to ridicule Quayle. Speaking at the Southern Baptist Convention in Indianapolis later that year, Quayle retorted, "I wear their scorn as a badge of honor." -
That all peoples may know Him
Editorial
James A. Smith, Sr.
Executive Editor
Published November 28, 2002
- COMMITMENT - With so many who want to go, the question remains, will Southern Baptists make the necessary commitment to provide the means by which they can go?
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