James A. Smith Sr. 2003
Editorial Archive
January
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Missionary martyrs: From devastation to resolution
Editorial
Published January 9, 2003
- "We are devastated by this news."
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Thirty years after Roe: Pro-choice America?
Editorial
Published January 16, 2003
- Brace yourself for the onslaught.
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Sanctity of human life and the death penalty
Editorial
JAMES A. SMITH SR.
Executive Editor
Published January 23, 2003
The sacredness and intrinsic value of human life demands that
a moral society protect the unborn and execute its most heinous
murderers. Opposition to abortion and support for the death
penalty are not only ethically consistent, they are both required
by a biblical worldview. -
Sen. King pushes the 'crack cocaine' of gambling
Editorial
Published January 30, 2003
In the wake of voters' adoption of an expensive class-size
reduction amendment in November, other social spending demands
and a struggling economy, state lawmakers will face the daunting
challenge of balancing the state's $50 billion budget in the new
legislative session. And one leading lawmaker has an idea for how
to make-up the projected $2 billion revenue shortfall - expansion
of gambling in the Sunshine State. February
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‘The Columbia is lost’: When tragedy strikes
Editorial
Published February 6, 2003
Tragedy, it seems, can become almost routine.
The nation watched in horror as the space shuttle Columbia hurtled to the earth, the latest in a series of nationally broadcast disasters. Tragedies, on a much smaller scale, happen every day, apart from the glare of the cameras. Someone says goodbye at the grave of a loved one. Another closes the door for the last time on a failed business. Someone else hears the doctor’s diagnosis: yes, it is cancer.
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Get the scoop - online every week
Editorial
Published February 13, 2003
- Starting Nov. 14, 2002, Florida Baptist Witness
introduced a new phase in our mission to serve Florida Baptists
by "publishing Good News about God's work" - now, by
means of the Internet. Launched in tandem with the first major
redesign of the print edition in seven years, the Witness
is now available every week online at our new, user-friendly Web
site: www.FloridaBaptistWitness.com.
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Providence and George W. Bush
Editorial
Published February 20, 2003
If you let it, the news these days can really set your nerves
on edge:
- Osama bin Laden speaks again;
- America's homeland security status is raised to high
alert;
- Iraqi President Sadaam Hussein continues a game of
deception regarding his weapons of mass destruction,
further increasing the likelihood of war;
- North Korea kicks out U.N. nuclear arms inspectors and
brags about violations of agreements requiring its
nuclear disarmament.
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Are you going to be 'salt' and 'light' to Tallahassee?
Editorial
Published February 27, 2003
I wish you could have been there. If you had, it wouldn't be
necessary to convince you of the urgency of the matter: If
Florida Baptists don't pray and act on our beliefs, the
Legislature may adopt a dramatic and harmful expansion of
gambling in our state.
March
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Anatomy of a media smear on the Gospel
Editorial
Published March 6, 2003
Bob Faw's Feb. 25 "NBC Nightly News" report on Jerry
Vines and religious rhetoric against Islam was intended, like
other media assaults on evangelicals since 9/11, as a cheap shot
against Baptists and our leaders for the purpose of ostracizing
and, therefore, marginalizing this politically incorrect segment
of the American populace. The national news media wish to
propagate its agenda of so-called tolerance in order to undermine
the core truth of the Christian Gospel, in Jesus' own words:
"I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to
the Father but through me" (John 14:6).
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Shame on Senators Graham and Nelson
Editorial
Published March 20, 2003
What should Florida Baptists have to say about our United
States Senators-Bob Graham and Bill Nelson-who voted with pro-abortion
minorities three times last week in an attempt to prevent the
passage of the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act of 2003? At the
very least, "Shame on you." -
War on Iraq: ‘Connecting the dots’
Editorial
Published March 27, 2003
After political pundits first began to
emerge from their rhetorical foxholes in the early weeks and
months following the 9/11 terrorist assaults on
America, these professional talkers – at first in tentative
suggestions and questions, and later in accusatory assertions and
demands – decried the failure of our government’s
intelligence agencies to “connect the dots.” Why, they
asked repeatedly, did we not see 9/11 coming? April
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Don't forget to pray for the other 'soldiers'
Editorial
Published April 3, 2003
- In the early weeks of America's war on Saddam Hussein's evil
regime in Iraq, our citizens have been urged to pray for those
who bravely serve our nation through the armed forces, as well as
to pray for family members left behind. This is fitting and
proper; those who have volunteered to defend the freedom we enjoy
indeed deserve the thanks and prayerful support of the rest of us.
We should pray for those who serve-especially those on the front
lines in the heat of battle.
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A ‘Gift of Love’ for Iraq
Editorial
Published April 10, 2003
Whatever your view of the ethics of the
war in Iraq, all of us can play a part in galvanizing support for
that beleaguered nation. As with previous crises around the
world, Southern Baptists are taking the lead to bring a “cup
of cold water” in Jesus’ name.
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The final weeks of the legislative session
Editorial
Published April 17, 2003
As we go to press April 14, the Florida Legislature is
furiously working on a torrent of legislation that needs the
attention of Florida Baptists. An article on page six highlights
a very positive development in a House committee-the adoption of
the Women's Health and Safety Act, as well as a very positive
development in a Senate committee-the tabling of a pro-homosexual
rights bill, the so-called "Dignity for All Students Act." May
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Who says homosexuality is 'antiethical' to the family?
Editorial
Published May 1, 2003
Nothing ignites the attack dogs of the liberal media elite and
their fellow travelers in government and the political lobbies
like a politician who has the audacity to defend the traditional
model of the family and criticize certain sexual lifestyles as
"antithetical to a healthy, stable, traditional family."
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Support the Mother's Day Offering to help children
Editorial
Published May 8, 2003
If God's people don't help children in need, they fail to
truly serve Christ in this world. In contrast, providing
assistance to abused, neglected and forgotten children is a clear
evidence of Christians who are determined to live according to
the missionary mandate of our Lord.
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What Gov. Bush should learn from Bill Bennett
Editorial
JAMES A. SMITH SR.
Executive Editor
Published May 15, 2003
As Governor Jeb Bush ponders whether to
sign HB 1059, a bill that would allow gambling card rooms at pari-mutuel
facilities, I hope he will consider the recent example of Bill
Bennett and realize that the Sunshine State should not do
anything that may result in others following his path.
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When Baptists don’t support Baptist resources
Editorial
Published May 22, 2003
Is it time to close Blue Springs Baptist
Assembly?
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‘J.D.S.’ and her baby: Defending the defenseless
Editorial
Published May 29, 2003
Governor Jeb Bush ignited a national debate
May 13 when he and Jerry Reiger, secretary of Florida’s
Department of Children & Families, issued a statement calling
for the appointment of a guardian for the unborn child of a 22-year-old
mentally disabled woman who was raped in her Orlando group home.
Within days, the story generated media coverage across the United
States and around the world. June
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A modest appeal to the open theists: Meet Job
Editorial
Published June 12, 2003
- Did God know 9/11 was going to happen? Was
the Creator and Sustainer of the universe and humanity, the God
who intervenes in the affairs of man throughout Holy Scripture
surprised by the plans and the deeds of evil men who brought
terror to America? Did God shift to Plan B in reaction to this
terrible assault on our nation?
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Petroglyphics and the creative greatness of God
Editorial
Published June 19, 2003
- Sometimes it takes a change of scenery to be
reminded of just how amazing God’s creation really is. Of
course, the Sunshine State has its own remarkable natural
displays–from its beautiful beaches, to its many lakes, to
its lovely forests. For those who will see it, the nature of
Florida is a clear testimony of God’s creation. Still, the
change of scenery my son, Andrew, and I were exposed to this week
in Arizona offered a striking reminder of the wonder of God’s
creation.
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Baptist ethics group trumps up SBC anti-Semitism
Editorial
Published June 26, 2003
- In spite of their best efforts, enemies of
the Southern Baptist Convention were unable to conjure up a
controversy out of this year’s annual meeting in Phoenix.
Yes, there were the homosexual “Christians,” anarchists
and Baptist peace activists who protested the SBC, doing their
best to glob onto us for free press. And reporters were poised
with their word processors warmed and ready for speakers to let
loose on Islam, homosexuality or some other hot topic. Although
the preaching and activities of this annual meeting were similar
to past meetings that have garnered more attention, the press
failed to find (or create) a spark of controversy.
July
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Re-arming for the Culture War after Lawrence
Editorial
Published July 3, 2003
- Last week’s Supreme Court ruling in Lawrence
v. Texas joins Roe v. Wade as the twin pillars of
America’s jurisprudential assault on biblical standards of
morality. Homosexuality now enjoys the same "right to
privacy" that gave America abortion on demand.
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The Witness cannot exist without subscriptions
Editorial
Published July 17, 2003
- On a fairly regular basis, I’m asked
why Florida Baptists must pay a subscription fee to receive Florida
Baptist Witness. The assumption, apparently held by some, is
that anyone who wishes to receive the Witness should be
able to do so without charge. Even more troubling is the notion
of a few that they have a "right" to get the Witness
for free.
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Expunging God from the Grand Canyon?
Editorial
Published July 24, 2003
- Thousands of Baptists descended on Phoenix
last month for the Southern Baptist Convention and many,
including my son and I, visited Arizona’s most stunning
attraction—the Grand Canyon. As I observed in a June 19
editorial, " Petroglyphics and the creative greatness of God " it was disappointing that there was very
limited recognition of the Creator at the Grand Canyon and
Arizona’s other natural attractions.
August
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‘Radical Response’ or simple obedience?
Editorial
Published August 7, 2003
Is there a spontaneous movement of God occurring among
Southern Baptists in response to recent news that our
International Mission Board was required recently to curtail
missionary appointments due to lack of support? -
Gov. Jeb Bush breaks a promise
Editorial
Published August 28, 2003
Although he doesn’t see it the way I do, I regret to
report that Gov. Jeb Bush has broken a promise. September
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Starving a woman to death in Clearwater
Editorial
Published September 4, 2003
A five-year legal battle to remove the feeding tube of Terri
Schindler Schiavo seems to be nearing its end-with the death of
the 39 year-old, brain-damaged woman seemingly imminent. The
determined effort of Michael Schiavo-acting as her legal guardian-to
starve his wife to death may be realized in just a few weeks.
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September 11, two years later
Editorial
Published September 11, 2003
Two years removed from the America’s newest "day of
infamy" is an appropriate time to reflect on our nation’s
spiritual condition. And it should ignite a greater evangelistic
and missionary passion in the hearts of Florida Baptists as we
conclude our annual season of prayer and giving for the Maguire
State Mission Offering. -
Date set: Starving a woman to death in Clearwater
Editorial
Published September 25, 2003
- Terri Schindler Schiavo’s execution date has been set.
Unlike criminals on death row who are given a last meal of their
choice before the state administers their punishment, Schiavo—guilty
of no crime but the misfortune of her marriage to a man
determined to end her life—will have no last meal; her means
of execution is starvation.
October
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‘Baptistipalians’ compromise biblical truth
Editorial
Published October 2, 2003
- As Anglican leaders meet later this month in London for an
emergency session to determine how they will respond to the
approval of the election of a homosexual bishop by the Episcopal
Church USA, Baptists would do well to pay careful attention. In
small, sometimes imperceptible ways some among us are taking the
same steps which have led to the Episcopalian crisis.
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Please help your Florida Baptist Witness
Editorial
JAMES A. SMITH SR.
Executive Editor
Published October 9, 2003
"The best Baptists are informed Baptists." -
Editor dialogs with a reader on homosexuality
Editorial
JAMES A. SMITH SR
Executive Editor
Published October 23, 2003
- What follows is an exchange of e-mails with a reader who
initially objected to my Oct. 2 editorial, "‘Baptistipalians’ compromise
biblical truth." It is published here—with
the permission of the reader—in the hope that it may
be helpful to other readers who may share the same
concerns about an important issue which increasingly
faces our churches. At my suggestion and with his
approval, I have changed the reader’s name in order
to protect his anonymity.
November
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More than one worldview at play in Schiavo debate
Editorial
JAMES A. SMITH SR.
Executive Editor
Published November 13, 2003
Reading the newspapers and watching the
cable news accounts of the now internationally known Terri
Schiavo controversy, one would assume that the passions and
motivations in this case are fueled solely by the religious
worldview of pro-life Catholics, conservative evangelicals and
other members of the so-called “Religious Right.” As
usual, the major media are missing an important part of this
story – there is another worldview in play in the Schiavo
debate advocated chiefly by the famous attorney of the case,
George Felos. -
Give thanks, Florida Baptists
Editorial
JAMES A. SMITH SR.
Executive Editor
Published November 20, 2003
Was that a Baptist meeting I just attended in Tampa? Whatever
happened to the maxim: Where there are two Baptists, there are
three opinions? Apparently this humorous aphorism doesn’t
apply in the Sunshine State; at least it did not for the 142nd
annual meeting of the Florida Baptist State Convention. -
Depression in missions commitment?
Editorial
JAMES A. SMITH SR.
Executive Editor
Published November 27, 2003
Are Southern Baptists experiencing a depression of missions
commitment?
This year — for the first time since the Great Depression
of the 1930s — the Southern Baptist International Mission
Board was forced to limit the number of missionaries that are
sent to help reach the world for Christ. And it’s not
because Southern Baptists are not willing to go. While the number
of missionaries desiring to serve across the globe has increased
nearly 9 percent in the last three years, giving to the Southern
Baptist Cooperative Program and the annual Lottie Moon Christmas
Offering — the IMB’s two main streams of financial
support — have increased by only 1.1 percent and 1.8
percent, respectively. December
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A&F: ‘Purveyor of perversity’ changes its ways?
Editorial
JAMES A. SMITH SR.
Executive Editor
Published December 4, 2003
Although the game is not yet over, score one for the good guys!
After more than three years of efforts, it appears that trendy
clothier Abercrombie & Fitch has knuckled under the pressure
and pulled its latest pornographic "magalog" which
regularly features naked and partially naked young people and
other pornographic material for the purpose of selling its
products. -
Defining indecency down at the FCC
Editorial
JAMES A. SMITH SR.
Executive Editor
Published December 11, 2003
(Parents, this editorial is not suitable for children)
Hollywood got an early Christmas present this year when the
Federal Communications Commission recently endorsed indecent
speech on the nation’s airwaves—something that seemed
impossible in our already terribly indecent television and radio
programming— and made the job of parenting just a little bit
harder in the process. -
Have yourself a theological Christmas
Editorial
JAMES A. SMITH SR.
Executive Editor
Published December 18, 2003
President George W. Bush is wrong about the "Almighty"
— that the God of Christianity is the same deity worshipped
by Muslims. And that truth is no more clear than during this time
of year when we celebrate the incarnation of God Himself in the
person of His Son, Jesus Christ — the very God rejected by
Muslims. -
A&F update: Catalog discontinued; keep boycotting
Editorial
JAMES A. SMITH SR.
Executive Editor
Published December 18, 2003
Abercrombie & Fitch, the popular youth clothier known in
recent years for its pornographic quarterly catalog, announced
Dec. 9 a change in marketing direction, including canceling
publication of the catalog. The previous week, A&F confirmed
that the company pulled the Christmas catalog from its stores,
while denying that the action was related to the growing
controversy or that it indicated any change in direction.
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