Alpha & Omega Ministries Apologetics Blog
|
|
Geron Davis and Kindred Souls Sing at Southern Baptist Convention
07/01/2005 - James White
Just got a note from someone pointing out that the group that "ministered in music" after the Johnny Hunt sermon in the Pastor's Conference prior to the opening of the full Southern Baptist Convention was Geron Davis and Kindred Souls (verified here). I was asked if Geron Davis was not a Oneness Pentecostal. I honestly had no idea, so I did a little looking around. Their website indicates that their home church is Christ Church, Nashville. A little bit of digging around here clearly shows they are not UPC. Instead, they seem to be a semi-Emergent, post-UPC conglomoration of beliefs. The church denies being modalistic, but leaves the nature of the godhead undefined! They do practice baptism in Jesus' name (a practice with clearly modalistic connections). This article on "one God" is a fascinating read. It starts with clear modalistic language, "WE BELIEVE IN ONE GOD WHO EXISTS AS FATHER, SON, AND HOLY SPIRIT." It then discusses the issue of "persons," and then honestly states, "In the Pentecostal movement, where many Christ Church leaders have their roots, it was felt by some that the word person created a serious misunderstanding of the very essence of the Godhead. These Pentecostal pioneers wanted to return to what they considered New Testament doctrine and practice. They truly believed that the word person could lead the Church toward a polytheistic concept of God." Evidently the Emergent element of this church kicks in here, allowing for ecumenism even on the level of the nature of God. They say "We are not modalists" but then they say "We are not likely to settle the issue in this century. We are finally left confessing the inadequacy of human language, indeed of human thought itself, to fully express 'the mystery of Godliness.'" There is surely no positive confession of the Trinity in this statement. Assuming the beliefs of Christ Church represent those of Geron Davis and Kindred Souls, this is troubling.I'm sure I will get myself in another pile of trouble by saying this, but having watched portions of that evening's program, I truly doubt the doctrinal accuracy of Geron Davis and Kindred Souls was ever considered in putting together the "ministry in music." If it has a beat and it gets toes to tap, what's the problem? Ironic, isn't it, that right after Johnny Hunt says "God has elected everyone," a possibly non-Trinitarian group "ministers in music." Ponder that one a while.
11:02:19 - Category: General Apologetics - Link to this article -
Lana from Nashville Writes:
06/19/2006 - James White
Dear Sir...I'm writing to inform you that, first off, you're a liar. Perhaps that is too strong a word. Maybe you are just too stupid to check your facts before publishing something so blatantly wrong and misdirected. Let me first correct you by saying Geron Davis & Kindred Souls were not the group that led in worship at the event you refer to in your article published on your website on 7/1/05. You say "after watching portions of that program..." referring to the Pastor's Conference at the SBC last June in Nashville, TN. Not real sure who you saw, but I can tell you it was not GD&KS. Their name was on the program (as you VERIFIED) but they were not at this event. I would like to say and think that had you actually seen Geron Davis & Kindred Souls lead in worship you MIGHT have been blessed. I'm not sure, however. After spending some time this evening perusing your website and your "beliefs" it seems that you have a veil over your eyes Mr. White. Let me tell you what I DO know. I DO know that Geron Davis is a man who loves the Lord and loves people. He is a man who is full of unconditional love for people from every walk of life. I've never known anyone who knows as many people as Geron Davis and no one who is loved by more people than he is. He has, personally, been an example to me of what it means to love people with the love of Christ. His ministry is a viable ministry that touches the lives and souls of people around this country. I work for his minsitry and happen to know of the countless people who have come to know the Lord, experienced miraculous healing, prodicals who have returned home, & lives restored to Christ through what he and Kindred Souls do on a weekly basis. I also KNOW that Geron Davis and Kindred Souls are good friends...and in good standing...with many Southern Baptist constituents around the country. Another thing I DO know is the Bible talks about those who cause dissention among the brethren...that those are men who lend themselves to the work of the devil. I've thought about what the purpose would be to publish something that is just, first...wrong and then why you would want to try and discredit someone's ministry? I can't wrap my mind around anything other than just evilness. What exactly is it you do Mr. White to promote the Kingdom of God? To help those who do not know Christ, come to know Him? To lend a hand of support to those in need of a spiritual boost? Honestly WHAT does your ministry do to glorify God? Fighting? Arguing? Stirring up dissension? Bullying? Lying? Where is THAT in the scripture? Mr. White, you clearly are knowledgeable about the Word of God, but it seems you lack wisdom and revelation about how to apply it to your life. I pray that you might consider a different approach in your ministry. Maybe consider taking a path that doesn't include attacking those in ministry that ARE making a difference for the Kingdom of God. Hey..I got it...go into any Lifeway Christian store and pick up some of Geron Davis and Kindred Souls music. You know...those are the ones affiliated with the SBC!!! If anything...at least you'll know what they LOOK LIKE!!!...
[Click Here to Continue Reading]
19:08:31 - Category: Mail Bag - Link to this article -
