It is interesting to me that with all the negative press and negative blogs about Baptists, that it is usually the Baptists that come to the rescue.  I am a member of the Southern Baptist Disaster Relief and I have seen how Baptists are the first ones on the scene to help in disasters and the last ones to leave.  Today I read an article that said the First Baptist Churches of El Dorado and the First Baptist Church of San Angelo are ministering to the women and children of the polygamist compound in Texas.

Many "emerging" church leaders are quick to point out how the traditional church is not "missional."  I just think they are blinded by their bias.  My experience with Baptists is that when they find out a need, they try to fill it.  Different churches have different ministries in the scope of Christian missions.  We can't all do everything, but we all can do something.

Here is the brief article: http://www.onenewsnow.com/Church/Default.aspx?id=75445

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Posted by earlyriser430

I completely agree * it's very frusterating. Our church is traditional and missional. When our area flooded our church was one of the first to open our doors to families.
We do not need or want a pat on the back. We serve for the glory of God, not man.
It would just be nice, personally speaking, if our faith was represented correctly. We are a proud Baptist family in WA ~ my husband was born and raised Southern Baptist, in OK.

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Posted by Anonymous

What I think you fine ladies may be missing is the attitude that often comes with the help provided from Baptists. I married into a Baptist family, and I cannot tell you all of the jibes, sermons, and condemnations I've endured at the hand of my new relatives because of my Catholic upbringing. They've sent the very clear message that their way is the only way, and if you don't agree entirely with their interpretation of the Bible, then you are not really a Christian. Are they extremely giving and helpful? Definitely! Are they judgmental and patronizing? Even more so. It's one thing to help. It's another when the help comes along with the message that the beliefs of Baptists are somehow superior to others.

Perhaps that is not the case with you and your church, but I think that may be where the bias against Baptists comes from in our culture. Unfortunately, in my experience, the help of many Baptists comes with a large dose of self-righteousness.

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Posted by humpty

Anonymous, I am sorry that your experience with your family has been negative. You cannot judge all Baptists by your in-laws. I do think that families tend to expose their feelings to each other and expect them to understand and forgive if needed. I think your in-laws have a belief about Catholics and they may not be as tactful as they ought toward family, but it may be out of love that they have approached your beliefs.

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