The running thought among many bloggers right now is that a split between the two primary architects of the Resurgence, Pressler and Patterson, seems to be an impossibility. No one can seem to believe that it could happen.
Here are a few items for you to roll around in your mind concerning this issue.
First, I have been hearing about this issue for a few weeks now. I heard, early on, that the Judge was immediately unhappy with the selection of Ronnie Floyd. I was unable to write that, because I was protecting my source of information. I now have multiple sources telling me that the difference of opinion is very real. These are tightly placed sources with key positions within the Inner Circle. I know that I am not naming names here, but my information is passed to me by folks who need anonymity. If that fact causes you to doubt the veracity of their information, then I perfectly understand. I would take it with a grain of salt, myself, if I didn’t know the sources. Ultimately, you have to decide whether or not I am making this up.
Hmmmmmm. Tough call? ;)
Secondly, nobody is saying that Patterson and Pressler are mad at each other. They are experiencing a difference of opinion concerning the leadership of the convention. When the Resurgence was in motion and conservative vs. moderate direction was in doubt, it was easy to be of one mind. The difference between the candidates was dramatic. At this point, every candidate at every position is a conservative. It’s easy to have divided minds on these issues when the candidates are so close together theologically that theology is no longer the dividing line – unsubstantiated accusations that Frank Page is a moderate aside. At this point, the divisive points have become CP giving, leadership recycling, inclusivity, the willingness to address all issues – current and future – and, honestly, personality.
Thirdly, Floyd is not going to back out. Why should he? He has already sustained the worst of the criticism. He does have the overt and tacit endorsement of three Seminary Presidents. The CP RECEIVING of a net $6,000 from the churches of the Arkansas State Convention’s CP structured retirement matching program has sealed what was an abysmal CP giving record. At this point, I think this is his last shot at the Presidency. Any increase in CP giving will be seen as an attempt to rehabilitate a candidacy to the office of President. It would be rank in the nostrils of most Southern Baptists. What more can happen to him? He might as well ride this out. I know, some of you will say that if he is a party guy, he will fall on his sword. I don’t think that has crossed his mind – I am told that it has not. Besides that, what would it do to Patterson, Mohler and Akin, who have now tied their reputations to Floyd? HE HAS TO RUN. These guys’ reputations are on the line with him and losing will be bad enough. Quitting on them will be catastrophic.
And please don’t say that Mohler and Akin didn’t publicly endorse Floyd. Southern Baptists just aren’t that stupid. Years of political maneuvering have taught us well.
In the end, there is a difference of opinion at the top. It is not the world falling apart, but maybe it will help those at the top understand that it is “OK” to be conservative and disagree about some things.
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Caddiechaplain
on Jun 6th, 2006
@ 8:18 am:
Spit? Banana? I am all for it! Are Patterson and Pressler the only incredients? Hope not!
No, seriously, myself along with some other bro’s and sis’s ministering here in CA have to just shake our heads in disbelief(probably because of an aftershock). Personally, I detest campaign ads. I hope we never start being asked to contribute part of CP gifts to the “Presidential Campaign Fund” like we do when we submit our taxes every year!
Why don’t we ever have representation from the west in this process. Man, I could think of several guys out here who could bring it to the office: Rick Warren, Rob Zinn, Roger Spradlin, Steve Davidson, etc. These are substantive people with growing churches. They give to CP, they bapist hundreds and even thousands (every year Saddleback baptizes over a thousand people). Combine CP and baptisms for Rob Zinn and you come up with $400,000 in CP and over 400 in baptisms (Frank Page can’t even top that! 66 baptisms?).
But your right brother, the circle doen’t extend far enough! Maybe we need to change to a grid.
Just a thought. See you at the SBC. Surf’s up dude, got to go!
Kevin Bussey
on Jun 6th, 2006
@ 9:16 am:
Great insight as usual! I always trust your sources because you have been right. I look forward to seeing you next week!
Tad Thompson
on Jun 6th, 2006
@ 2:51 pm:
Art – this is good stuff for our convention. It is forcing us out of nuetral and into engagement. I think great things are coming as more and more people get involved. The blogs have played a major role and will continue to play a role. Thanks for your report.
tim rogers
on Jun 6th, 2006
@ 3:08 pm:
Brother Art,
Just a comment from one that is outside looking in. The Dr. and the Judge did not lead in the conservative resurgence because they were two rednecks wanting to get the liberalism out of the SBC. These two men are politically savy and do not go into negotiations without knowing the outcome of their negotiable terms.
Judge Pressler has done the political thing in endorsing Jerry Sutton. I am not saying that he does not like Ronnie Floyd, I am saying that FBC Springfield does not carry a good record on CP Giving. This is the very thing that the “Liberals” threw at Dr. Rogers, Dr. Bailey and the others as conservatives kept winning the elections. As the conservatives began taking control they realized the necessity of the CP. Did the “inner circle” overlook anything? Yes! They honestly thought (JMO) that there was going to be a one person race and allowed Ronnie Floyd to be that person.
This is a Political move entirely. When was the last time that you heard about the IMB BoT’s treatment of Wade Burleson?
CW
on Jun 6th, 2006
@ 5:00 pm:
I think it is wonderful that we have more options this year. It can only be a good thing for there to be two or three or even more godly, conservative men to choose from for president. I wonder if some are stil happy that they endorsed Floyd? :)
art rogers
on Jun 6th, 2006
@ 9:42 pm:
Tim,
I thought the same thing. I have several sources who have confirmed to me several times today that the split is for real and that this is NOT a political move.
I agree they are saavy and I agree that they rarely make endorsements in elections that do not go the way they want.
I hate to say it like this, but you’re wrong. One of these two will lose. Maybe both of them. It will absolutely tear up the one or both who do[es] lose.
art
tim rogers
on Jun 6th, 2006
@ 10:49 pm:
Brother Art,
Lets play “what if”.
Dr. Floyd wins! Does Dr Patterson close the circle without the Judge?
Dr. Sutton wins! Does the Judge close the circle without Dr. Patterson?
Dr. Page wins! Does Dr. Patterson and the Judge circle the wagons and begin an all out campaign to regain the hill worth dying for?
No one wins because all of the messengers are tired of it all and go home refusing to vote.