Rollin' Wit His HomiesJames A. Smith, Sr., is smakin' others for his boyz
We wonder why James A. Smith, Sr., felt the need to go after so many people in his latest editorial in the Florida Baptist Witness. He popped a cap on Wiley Drake, a man duly elected by a majority of Southern Baptist messengers on the first ballot. Here's how Smith busted Bro. Wiley:
"...it was sad that the Convention elected a man more known for his microphone-hogging, self-indulgent and almost always out-of-order motions than for his serious support for the work of the Convention through the Cooperative Program."Has Smith spent a day at Wiley's ministry to the downtrodden? Nope, he sits in front of his computer feeling self-important (that is what it reads like.) He also levels shots at the Bloggers, Burleson and Ben Cole that were uncalled for.
Smith, please stop smakin' others for the boyz -- we figure you're aiming for a PR position at a major seminary. :) And Smith, thanks for visiting the blog.
posted by Arkansas Razorbaptist at 6/20/2006 09:41:00 PM
10 Comments:
I agree with you. There is a definite connection with SWBTS.
The only statement from their President that I have seen came from James A Smith, Sr. It of course had to do with the alcohol resolution. They will try to get as much mileage from that as possible to "rally" their troops.
But Smith's statement on Wiley shows once again the philosophy of the "powers that be." If you are not in a "mega-church" you can't be doing ministry.
They are totally unfamiliar with the concept of servant ministry.
Their main problem with Wiley's motions and resolutions were that he came up with them on his own and was not delivering a mandate from those in charge.
And of course Wiley's motions were never as well thought out as one "to remove a trustees because he is questioning what we are wanting to do and our back room politics."
What he was saying is that we are all stupid! Love the pic!
If we would only listen to people like James and his homies we would be in better shape
It is funny how 4 out of 5 establishment leaders continue to fuss about how unimportant and unread the bloggers are. "Me thinks thou dost protest too much." It looks like SOMEONE is reading the blogs, especially since he quotes from them extensively.
This type of commentary is exactly why younger baptists are weary of the establishment. As they share their perspective, we are led to believe that there is only one view on every issue - theirs. His editorial is so condescending and riddled with attack, I am surprised it would make it into a state paper. But, we knew this was coming, didn't we?
It's a good thing none of us want any leadership positions. BTW, just about every major Baptist blog I see has registered tens of thousands of hits just in the past couple of months. I wonder how that compares to the Baptist papers?
Razor, thanks for making us aware of this. I think part of the issue is the same one that was felt by old line newspapers. I believe this dude resents the fact that he is no longer one of the primary gatekeepers of information. Could he have a mild case of blog envy?
I totally agree with Alan. Should we offer them some cheese to go with their whine?
While I agree with you that James's editorial was WAY out of line with the inflammatory strawman arguments and personal attacks, does it really justify the picture and language you've used in your post ("pimpin' for the big boyz")? Seems to me that these things detract from your message, and that you might want to consider revising the post a bit.
I've got to echo John Stickley's comment. I agree Smith's attack was well beyond acceptable, especially for "legitimate" press, but it seems you've kinda followed his lead on a personal attack. I appreciate your insight, but not the way you've chosen to convey it. Altering your method (clearly you are exTREMEly creative) might bolster your message.
There is no way helpful discussion can take place with comments like his. It was definitely over the top.
I decided to replace the word "pimpin'", which I was using in the context of Smith promoting someone else's agenda. I decided to use another term: "Smakin'."
This is the definition from Fred Lynch's The Source. It is a Christian resource for youth ministry.
smak -- 1. (v) to describe a negative, usually derogatory, comment or conversation about (or to) another person. "He be talkin' smak about you!"
There you go.
The article appears to be written to spit on the Baptists who love supporting missionaries through the Cooperative Program. I feel that he insulted me and my church that gives 10% through the CP. I would be ashamed to have my Baptist paper print such hateful attacks upon Wiley and others. I pray that God will bring conviction upon him so he will print a retraction of his sour attitude. We must pray that God will change hearts in our convention.
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