Insider Gone Rogue? On The Supposed NON-Network of the Fundamentalists in 20/20

Here’s a little bit of a lighthearted reality check. 

On Whipping Your Children

Some with a narrow agenda against IFB would have you think that the only people in the world that promote spanking with words like “whipping” and “beating” are the Independent Fundamental Baptists that were the focus of Elizabeth Vargas’ 20/20 last week. This is a stereotype that is unfair. I’ve made myself clear about spanking. I do not endorse the “whip you kid” rhetoric whether it comes from the right or the left. It’s naive, however, to think it’s only a white evangelical problem. Interestingly, I preached a message on the topic the Sunday prior to the ABC 20/20, having no idea that spanking was going to be discussed nationally a few days later as if IFB are the only champions of spanking.

Grace in the Limelight – T. Anderson’s Year

You might be interested in reading this family update from Tim Anderson, Tina’s husband. He has given me permission to post it online. (Thanks, Laurie). I have posted the letter as it is, but I did delete a letter or put a space in the children’s names just to make them less searchable. 

Is the Victim Guilty?

My private email and comments both here and other places have repeatedly brought up the issue of the victim’s sin. In this post I would like to suggest some thoughts that I think are biblically sound and will clarify why I think the victim’s sin, particularly in this case, is a moot point.

The “Bitter Card” & Hebrews 12:15, Part One

Sigh.

After 22 years of interaction with this group, I should get used to it. The “Bitter Card” has trump power. Pop that baby out and you can dismiss the criticism. It’s played this way: person A has a grievance that he/she does not feel is being understood. Eventually Person A vents too often, too emotionally, or even sinfully, or gets too close to unsettling the happy delusion of the establishment and consequently in danger of getting too much influence. At this point, play the “Bitter Card.” This puts them on the defensive and in the minds of the clueless guts their argument, plus it has the added benefit in that you can say that their defensiveness is proof of the truth of your claim. Often people who play the “Bitter Card” employ Hebrews 12:15 and warn that the bitterness could result in the defilement of many.

So, let me explain. Biblically. 

A Former IFB Trinity Insider Comments

Laurie Moody is familiar with both the exact situation that sparked the 20/20 story and with the laws and issues related to juveniles. Her own work with DCYS and her husband’s current employment as a principal in the only prison in the state that houses juveniles tried as adults makes her statement more credible. I also appreciate the level-headed, charitable, and painfully transparent nature of the statement. Clearly, this is written to help clarify.

Brian Fuller’s Comments about the 20/20