(from “Problems of the Christian Life” series, Baptist Standard, March 27, 1968)
“Issues and Answers” is the title of a series of pamphlets by the Christian Life Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention. Their subjects are alcohol, communism, gambling, honesty, juvenile delinquency, mass media, peace, pornography, poverty, and race relations.
The pamphlets not only set forth the issues, but they also suggest answers.
In some cases, the suggested answers or solutions are more strictly practical; in other cases, they more idealistic. Whether primarily practical or idealistic or theoretical, they are challenging.
Under the direction of Foy Valentine, the Christian Life Commission seeks to lead Southern Baptists in applied Christianity. Many of us believe that our failure to apply consistently our Christian faith to social and moral issues is the weakest spot in Southern Baptist life. The gospel we preach and teach is much better than the gospel we practice.
The latter explains the fact that what the Commission says to Southern Baptists is sometimes resisted. Most of us do not like for our weaknesses and inconsistencies to be pointed out to us.
Increasingly, however, Southern Baptists have come to appreciate the contributions of the Commission to our Baptist life. Pamphlets such as the present series will add to the stature and ministry of the Commission.