An Inconvenient Truth

Is Al Gore Jr. an environmental evangelist or a savvy businessman? Will Baptists across the U.S. pick up the $175,000 tab for Gore Jr. to speak at the Atlanta meeting? If so, would this money not better be spent on feeding the poor or spreading the Gospel?

The former Vice President has had quite the financial windfall since leaving office in 2000. He turned his invention of the Internet into multi-million-dollar stock options at Google and Apple, and he makes even more speaking - for $175,000 a pop. It is ironic that the global warming guru flies around the country burning loads of fossil fuels to earn six-figure one-night stands. Already a millionaire many times over, if Gore Jr. cares so much about the environment, why not do it for free?

I do not begrudge the former veep for turning his fame, or infamy, into cash; but let's realize that next time he tells us how much he is concerned about the environment. Clearly he's green one way or the other.

New Baptist Covenant Celebration

This is one of those times where I wish someone actually read this blog because I really would like to have a meaningful conversation about the New Baptist Covenant next month in Atlanta.

This political-theological meeting - also known as the event of the year among trendy Baptist liberals - gives me pause. For three years in seminary I was taught the evils of mixing politics and religion - Civil Religion. Professors winced at the sight of President Bush or Sec. of State Condolezza Rice speaking at the SBC. Now those same professors cannot get to Atlanta quick enough to be exploited by a group of insidious left-wing politicians.

Now I know that is a little hard for my sensitive liberal friends, but let's call spade a spade. We can talk all we want about peace, love and justice, but this meeting is nothing if not the foundation of an organized Evangelical Left. And I am okay with that.

My concern is more with the seeming hypocrisy. I'll admit, I am no fan of most of the politicians invited. While decrying fair trade bananas or what not, Jimmy Carter wants people to forget that he made a fortune as a peanut broker and benefited from those agricultural subsidies that deny fair trade. Bill Clinton, well, need anyone say anything? And then poor Al Gore who wants a world where the poor suffer while the wealthy buy their way out of their responsibilities. And Bill Moyers, the Democratic operative who disguises himself as a journalist.

Now before anyone gets all riled up, I'm no Republican or Democrat. This is not a political position but a theological one. Must we really tie ourselves so closely with the political leaders
of this earth? Should we not proclaim the Gospel and leave the politicking to the politicians?