The original issue can be found at: http://www.baptistpress.com/issue-06/05/2013 DISCLAIMER: Baptist Press should be credited for any reprinted stories that originate with BP. Suggested credit line: Reprinted from Baptist Press (www.baptistpress.com), news service of the Southern Baptist Convention. Please note that Baptist Press periodically carries stories from other sources by permission. Individuals interested in reprinting non-BP stories should contact the entity where the story originated to seek reprint permission. -------------------------------------------------------------------- Churches increased in SBC in 2012; members, baptisms fell by Marty King Date: June 05, 2013 - Wednesday NASHVILLE (BP) -- Southern Baptists experienced growth in the number of churches affiliated with the convention in 2012 and the total amount given for denominational missions causes. However, according to the Annual Church Profile (ACP) compiled by LifeWay Christian Resources in cooperation with Baptist state conventions, most of the ACP metrics declined in 2012 including membership, average attendance, baptisms and total giving. The number of churches in the Southern Baptist Convention grew by 270 to 46,034, a 0.6 percent increase over the previous year. SBC churches also reported 4,992 church-type missions last year, 40 more than in 2011, although some state conventions no longer use that designation which may have impacted the total. Although the number of SBC-related congregations grew, reported membership of those churches declined more than 100,000, down 0.7 percent to 15.9 million members. Primary worship attendance declined 3.1 percent to 5.97 million Sunday worshippers. Although baptisms were a bright spot in last year's report, increasing 0.7 percent, this year's report shows a decline of 5.5 percent to 314,956 people. Reported baptisms have declined six of the last eight years, with 2012 the lowest since 1948. The ratio of baptisms to total members increased to one baptism for every 50 members. "While we celebrate every new baptized believer represented by these numbers, fewer reported baptisms is heartbreaking," said Thom S. Rainer, president and CEO of LifeWay. "Southern Baptists cannot rest on what God accomplished through us in prior years. The message of the Gospel is alive, relevant and powerful today, and the Great Commission task of sharing it should excite and embolden us as Christians." Frank Page, SBC Executive Committee president, said, "When I first heard the report of our ACP, I said, 'God forgive us and God help us.' We are thankful for every person won to Christ and every person enrolled in Bible study and discipleship and involved in missions. We are thankful for the millions who are a part of worship in our Southern Baptist churches. "However, my heart breaks when we realize the overall decline in our numbers," Page said. "Let's get perspective on this," he said. "Where are people won to Christ? Where do people go to church? Everything depends on the local level. It is where everything of significance occurs. "The questions that every Southern Baptist must answer are, 'What am I doing for the Lord? Am I winning more or less people to Christ? Am I giving more or less to missions? Am I being faithful in my support of my church?' "These are serious questions that I must ask myself. Will you join me? "By the way, Saturday [June 8], I will be sharing Christ with people in Houston during the Crossover Houston initiative," Page added. "Would you come go with me?" Giving & mission expenditures Changes in giving to Southern Baptist congregations are difficult to assess because not all Baptist state conventions gather the same data, however total and undesignated receipts reported through the ACP were down 2.4 percent and 1.5 percent respectively. Total mission expenditures reported by the churches declined 1 percent in 2012, although reported giving to Southern Baptist mission causes increased more than $48 million (7 percent) to $744 million. The "Great Commission Giving" category was added to the ACP reporting form in 2011 as a reflection of each church's financial gifts to local, state and national SBC missions causes. Although two more state conventions reported Great Commission Giving in 2012 than the previous year, two states have yet to add the statistic to their annual survey. Giving through the SBC's Cooperative Program (CP) mission initiative is not included in the ACP annual report because those totals are more accurately available through Baptist state conventions and the SBC Executive Committee which processes the mission gifts. However, giving through CP in fiscal year 2011 was virtually the same as the previous year. CP giving the first eight months of this year was reported June 3 to be 1.6 percent behind the same period the year before. Statistics for the national ACP are reported by individual churches to their local association and/or state convention, and national totals cannot be compiled and released until all cooperating state conventions have reported. Scott McConnell, LifeWay's director of research, said the files are due in February but some final data was not received this year until the last week of May. --30-- Marty King is director of communications for LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Get Baptist Press headlines and breaking news on Twitter (@BaptistPress), Facebook (Facebook.com/BaptistPress) and in your email (baptistpress.com/SubscribeBP.asp). -------------------------------------------------------------------- Anti-pornography initiative to begin national push at SBC; named 'Join One Million Men' by Kay Adkins Date: June 05, 2013 - Wednesday LAKELAND, Fla. (BP) -- "We're beginning a new sermon series that is scaring me to death," pastor Jay Dennis said on Sunday, Jan. 20, 2008, from the pulpit of First Baptist Church at the Mall. The series was titled "Sex and the Saint." For six Sundays, Dennis addressed what God says in His Word about sex. His goal: to combat a "stronghold" in the congregation that destroys Christian families and harms teenagers, singles and even children -- the stronghold of sexual sin. Dennis candidly conceded to the congregation that he would be criticized and misunderstood, that he would receive angry letters and emails, and that he fully expected to find himself in a spiritual battle. He indeed experienced a heavy spiritual attack on his physical health and, though he said he still has his critics, Dennis told Baptist Press, "The response was overwhelmingly positive and opened a door for our members to communicate their concerns about pornography use among Christian men. "I am convinced that God's people, for the most part, want clear, biblical teachings on sexual issues." That sermon series at the Lakeland, Fla., church, and other sermons Dennis has preached since, have laid the foundation for a nationwide movement: Join One Million Men (join1millionmen.org), to be introduced in conjunction with the Southern Baptist Convention's June 11-12 annual meeting in Houston. The movement calls Christian men to commit to sexual purity and, specifically, to protect themselves and their families from the devastation caused by pornography. In interviews with Baptist Press, Dennis recounted his journey and his resolve to expose and eradicate "the pink elephant in the pew." BAPTIST PRESS: Why did you decide in 2008 to address sexual issues from the pulpit? DENNIS: I remember being burdened that I had never, from the Sunday morning pulpit, addressed issues related to healthy biblical sex. It seemed that most of what even Christians were hearing was coming from a secular worldview. My heart was to raise up the biblical standard among the people I pastored regarding a subject that far too many pastors had, perhaps out of fear or awkwardness, simply chosen not to address. Later that year I began to see the need for addressing the issue of pornography specifically. The door had been opened that sexual issues would be discussed from the pulpit, but in a grace-filled and sensitive approach. I am burdened that until God's people understand what healthy biblical sex is, we won't see Satan's counterfeits. BP: You have asserted that 80 percent of men in churches struggle with pornography in some way. What led you to that conclusion? DENNIS: I reached the conclusion based on research, multiple discussions with those whose ministry focused on this issue, discussions with pastors, watching how the data is trending upwards, the prevalence of pornography, and understanding the secretive nature of Christians viewing pornography. Most experts I talk to believe that 80 percent is a conservative figure. BP: Have you ever been personally affected in your life by pornography? DENNIS: As an 11-year old boy a friend showed me a pornographic picture, and that one image opened the door of curiosity that from then on I had to guard against. I am 53 and most men my age were exposed in a similar manner. However, now it is almost entirely Internet pornography. Although not a daily struggle, it is an awareness that I must always be on guard for the enemy to attack. I have especially had to be careful as I conducted extensive research concerning the issue of pornography. Huge prayer support and accountability are essential for me. BP: How did you prepare your congregation for the series on pornography? DENNIS: I told our church that there would be moments when they would feel awkward and I assured them that their pastor would feel the same but that, if God's Word addressed an issue, we should be open to discussing it even in a Sunday morning setting. When I did the series on pornography there were sessions only for men, one for women and one for parents. Last year we even dedicated a Sunday where the men had a separate worship service from the women because of the subject matter. I didn't know how that would work but it was a great success. BP: You have mentioned that your wife Angie had teased you that she would be volunteering in the nursery during the entire six-week "Sex and the Saint" series. But in reality, what role has Angie played in your efforts to confront the issues of pornography and sexual addictions from the pulpit? DENNIS: Angie has been my chief cheerleader in encouraging me to stay the course in addressing this issue. She continued to pray for me and tell me the absolute necessity of addressing pornography in the church. She had counseled wives and moms who had been negatively impacted by husbands, dads and sons viewing pornography. She sensed early on in the process that God was calling me to focus on taking this to the churches. Angie has patiently understood the time it has taken for me to research, write and travel for the past three years. When I addressed the women of our church, Angie was instrumental in helping our women feel a level of comfort and security as they shared their stories. I simply could not have done this without her. BP: How did you prepare yourself to preach on the topics of pornography and sexual addictions? DENNIS: When researching the topic of sex and especially pornography, I had to pray for God's protection around my mind. I attended the Institute for Sexual Wholeness in Atlanta for the classroom portion of the certification on sexual addictions. This helped me immensely and gave me access to good, Christian resources. BP: Why did you sense the need to develop your own materials to address pornography and sexual sin? DENNIS: I read great parachurch, academic and counselor-written materials but as a pastor I needed something that was written by someone who had been on the front lines of daily ministry within the local church. The lack I saw in the materials was more of the approach than the content. For instance, as a pastor I am constantly aware of sensitivity that must be included when addressing the subject of sex within a broad-based audience. As a pastor I am aware that the same congregation I preach to on the issue of sex one Sunday will be the same congregation I will face the next week. There's something about that knowledge that brings an extra sensitivity to what is said and what is not said. One of the most difficult issues is for the pastor to overcome his feeling of awkwardness of addressing the subject of sex. When developing the Join One Million Men resources, I kept that at the forefront. BP: How would you counsel a pastor who senses the need to address sexual issues with his congregation? Where should he start? How should he proceed? DENNIS: First, I would encourage him to prepare himself spiritually through prayer, fasting and seeking a small group of people to pray for God's hedge of protection around him as he prepares and delivers messages on pornography. Then, let the Bible speak for itself on matters of sexual purity. I told the people of First Baptist Church at the Mall that we had heard from MTV, Jersey Shore and Dr. Drew but we needed to hear from God's Word. God's Word is so relevant. I would also recommend that he tell the people in advance what he will be discussing. He should assure them that he will be sensitive but that he will not hesitate to hit head-on the issues the Bible addresses. He should give practical principles on sexual issues and encourage accountability through resources such as support groups, professional Christian counseling for addictions, and installing filtering software on computers -- Covenant Eyes is fantastic. Last, providing ways for men and women to express questions, concerns and struggles is important. I found that those times were like old-fashioned revival meetings. We accomplished that through male-only and female-only sessions. BP: What are your hopes for the Join One Million Men rollout at the SBC annual meeting? DENNIS: My hope is that this launch would get the attention of pastors and help them see that the churches they serve are being adversely affected by pornography. I want the pastors to get burdened that they are the gatekeepers and if they bring this to the attention of the church, it becomes important to the people of the church. I also pray that women would see that they play a critical role through prayer and communication with the church leadership. If I had a tagline for Join One Million Men, it would be, "Let's start the conversation." BP: Human trafficking in the sex industry is currently a hot topic. Would you like to comment on what you believe the responsibility of Christians is to those exploited by the pornography industry? DENNIS: Our church has taken this issue very seriously through creating a room in our facility to educate people on human trafficking. We modeled this after what Woman's Missionary Union has so effectively done. In addition, we are looking at partnering with the Florida Baptist Children's Homes to specifically minister to those who are trapped as human slaves. We are in the planning stages now. I know this sounds dramatic, however, it is absolutely true: Any Christian man who is viewing pornography needs to understand that what he is viewing is associated with an industry that exploits women and children. Every Christian man needs to understand what the pornography industry and others are doing to ruin the lives of the least of these. Surely no Christian man would ever be associated with anything that hurts women and children. Join One Million Men, I pray, helps educate Christian men on this issue. As I have shared in our resources, pornography makes a man forget about God, his family and his character. If we can show the connection between pornography and human trafficking, it could be a huge deterrent to any Christian considering looking at pornography. BP: What can church members do to support their pastor in addressing these issues from the pulpit? DENNIS: The people in the pews can help by praying for their pastor, their church leaders, and that God would protect the men in the church from the temptation to view pornography. Then they can ask their pastor to publicly address the issue of pornography and encourage him to promote Join One Million Men. If a pastor knows that the people in the church are encouraging this, it will help him tremendously. In their homes, it is important for husbands, wives and children to together discuss the issue of pornography and how pervasive it is, even for Christians. No church is untouched by it. No family is untouched by it. It's time -- past time -- to start the discussion! --30-- Kay Adkins is a writer based in Mountain View, Ark. The Join One Million Men movement is on the Web at join1millionmen.org. Get Baptist Press headlines and breaking news on Twitter (@BaptistPress), Facebook (Facebook.com/BaptistPress) and in your email (baptistpress.com/SubscribeBP.asp). -------------------------------------------------------------------- Pew: Globally, nations split on homosexuality by Michael Foust Date: June 05, 2013 - Wednesday WASHINGTON (BP) -- Americans are divided over the issue of homosexuality, and the world is too, according to a new Pew study that examines attitudes about same-sex behavior in 39 countries. Majorities of adults in the United States, Canada, most of Europe and Latin America say society should accept homosexuality, while majorities of adults in African countries, the Middle East, Russia and much of Asia say it should not. The report was based on telephone and face-to-face interviews with 37,653 respondents. In the United States, adults say by a margin of 60-33 percent that society should accept homosexuality, while in Canada it is 80-14 percent. Those two are among the three countries that have seen support for homosexuality grow by double digits since 2007, when 49 percent of those in the U.S. (11-point difference) and 70 percent in Canada (10-point difference) expressed positive attitudes about homosexuality. For most of the world, attitudes about homosexuality have been relatively stable since 2007. Following is a look at the 39 countries, by region: -- In Europe, majorities in Spain (88 percent), Germany (87), the Czech Republic (80), France (77), Britain (76), Italy (74) and Greece (53) say homosexuality should be accepted. By contrast, a majority or plurality in Poland (46) and Russia (74) say homosexuality should be rejected. -- In the Middle East, homosexuality is widely rejected, with majorities in Jordan (97), Egypt (95), Tunisia (94), Palestinian Territory (93), Lebanon (80) and Turkey (78) saying society should not accept homosexuality. In Israel, by a 47-40 percent margin, most adults say society should not accept homosexuality. -- Asia is somewhat divided, with five of the countries surveyed saying homosexuality should not be accepted and three countries saying otherwise. A majority of adults in Indonesia (93), Pakistan (87), Malaysia (86), South Korea (59) and China (57) say homosexuality should be rejected. South Koreans, though, have seen a world-leading 21-point increase in their acceptance of homosexuality since 2007 (climbing from 18 to 39 percent). Majorities in Australia (79), the Philippines (73) and Japan (54) say society should accept it. -- Most Latin American countries surveyed say homosexuality should be accepted, led by Argentina (74), Chile (68), Mexico (61), Brazil (60) and Venezuela (51). The two Latin American countries that reject homosexuality are El Salvador (62) and Bolivia (a plurality of 49 percent). -- All six African countries surveyed say society should not accept homosexuality: Nigeria (98), Uganda (96), Ghana (96), Senegal (96), Kenya (90) and South Africa (61). With only a few exceptions, the importance of religion in a country plays a role in whether homosexuality is accepted, Pew found. "There is far less acceptance of homosexuality in countries where religion is central to people's lives -- measured by whether they consider religion to be very important, whether they believe it is necessary to believe in God in order to be moral, and whether they pray at least once a day," the Pew report said. There are two notable exceptions to the religiosity correlation. Russia and China receive low scores on the religiosity scale but nevertheless reject homosexuality. --30-- Michael Foust is associate editor of Baptist Press. Get Baptist Press headlines and breaking news on Twitter (@BaptistPress), Facebook (Facebook.com/BaptistPress ) and in your email ( baptistpress.com/SubscribeBP.asp). -------------------------------------------------------------------- Sri Lanka Christians facing more persecution by Staff Date: June 05, 2013 - Wednesday COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (BP) -- Christians in Sri Lanka, off the southern coast of India, are facing an increase in persecution at the hands of Buddhist fundamentalists who believe the country is a historic Buddhist land that should not be shared with anyone else, a watch group reported. Christianity is viewed in Sri Lanka as a product of Western colonialism that threatens Buddhists' identity, the Washington-based International Christian Concern said, adding that the practice of Christian evangelism is seen as an obstruction to Buddhists' vision for the country. Open Doors USA, which also closely monitors the persecuted church, corroborated the account in a report June 4, saying Sri Lanka has seen 30 incidents of persecution against Christian churches since January, and "the perpetrators of such acts were not brought to justice." A contributor to CNN, in a June 4 opinion piece, wrote that it is time for U.S. pressure on Sri Lanka, which ended a 30-year civil war four years ago but still oppresses people groups. The United Nations Human Rights Council has cited the continuation of "enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, torture, and violations of the rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly, as well as ... discrimination on the basis of religion or belief," the CNN writer stated. In late May, a 30-year-old monk set himself on fire to protest the spread of Christianity in Sri Lanka, and his supporters said they would make his dying wish a reality, ICC reported May 29, indicating persecution against Christians there could yet escalate. About 200 Sri Lankan Buddhists blocked traffic in the capital of Colombo to protest after authorities rejected a state funeral for the country's first monk to set himself on fire as a form of protest, Agence France-Presse reported May 27. ICC reported that 2012 and 2013 have seen a dramatic increase in Christian persecution in Sri Lanka, including Christians being attacked in more than 50 incidents in 2012 alone for practicing their faith. Reports of Christian pastors and their families being threatened and having their homes firebombed have almost become common, ICC said. Catholic World News cited a bishop May 1 in Sri Lanka who said the cause of the uptick in persecution is the growth of what he calls the "Buddhist Taliban." Sri Lanka, with 21.5 million people, is 69 percent Buddhist, 8 percent Muslim, 7 percent Hindu and 7 percent Christian, and many of the Christians are Catholic, according to the Catholic World News report cited by ICC. In March, a large mob attacked a pastor's home while the family was away and began damaging the property, demanding an end to the church services in the home, ICC said May 5. The same pastor had been accosted and threatened by a group of Buddhists telling him to close down the church late last year, the human rights organization said. The protesters returned the next day and attacked the building during a worship service, injuring the pastor. Also in March, more than 10 churches faced persecution in the form of threats, disturbances, harassment or attacks, mostly from Buddhist monks but sometimes with the assistance of the police or a mob, ICC said. Last summer, a 14-year-old boy, the only Christian in his class at school, reportedly was severely beaten and threatened with death if he did not stop spreading Christianity. "What is troubling today is the increase in the severity and frequency of the attacks, raising concerns over the motivations behind them and the safety of Christians," ICC said. "Although Buddhism is the national religion, the government has expressed its desire to provide religious freedom to all. This is a claim that is severely undermined by the apathy of the police, the courts and the judicial system when it comes to cases filed by Christians against their persecutors." Open Doors cited an April press release by the National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka, which expressed deep concern over the "prevalence ... of an organized campaign of hatred against adherents of non-majority faiths." "There are two alarming factors about the current situation," the evangelical group wrote. "The first is that the violence seems to be organized and orchestrated by two organizations. Hence the violence has sustainability. Secondly, and most alarmingly, both the extremist violent organizations seemingly have patronage and support from authorities and hence the impunity with which they operate." The evangelicals did not identify the two organizations. ICC believes the motivation for the use of violence by Sri Lankan Buddhists is rooted in politics and ethnic identity. "Without an urgent initiative to protect its religious minorities, Sri Lanka runs the risk of empowering an unhealthy nationalistic sentiment that will only subvert its earnest efforts to birth a better nation out of the ashes of war," ICC concluded. --30-- Compiled by Baptist Press assistant editor Erin Roach. Get Baptist Press headlines and breaking news on Twitter (@BaptistPress), Facebook (Facebook.com/BaptistPress ) and in your email ( baptistpress.com/SubscribeBP.asp). -------------------------------------------------------------------- Cedarville calls SWBTS' White as president by Staff Date: June 05, 2013 - Wednesday CEDARVILLE, Ohio (BP) -- Cedarville University in Ohio has called as its 10th president Thomas White, vice president for student services and communications at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. White will assume the post July 1, replacing William E. Brown who has transitioned to Cedarville's chancellor, the school's board of trustees has announced. Cedarville is endorsed by the State Convention of Baptists in Ohio, one of 42 state/regional conventions within the Southern Baptist Convention. Southwestern President Paige Patterson, who recently rejoined the Cedarville board of trustees, described White as a "precious friend" and a "humble, courageous, brilliant prophet of God." "Cedarville will expand its influence and impact under his leadership," Patterson said in announcing White's resignation from Southwestern, where he also was a systematic theology professor and held other posts. "Few have ever been more prepared for the task." White pledged to lead Cedarville "down the familiar path of standing faithfully for the Word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ." "Over the course of the selection process, it became evident that Cedarville and I are kindred spirits," White stated on Cedarville's website. "My administration will emulate many of the strengths of its notable past leaders, continuing the evangelism and missionary zeal of James T. Jeremiah, the administrative ingenuity and strong leadership of Paul Dixon, and the love for students of Bill Brown." Also leaving Southwestern for Cedarville will be Jason Lee, professor of historical theology and chair of the church history department, who has accepted the position as dean of Cedarville's new school of biblical and ministry studies. Concerning Lee, Patterson said he brings "academic insight, spiritual maturity and humor to an already great department of Bible." White is the co-author with Patterson of "Calling Out the Called"; co-author of "Franchising McChurch: Feeding Our Obsession with Easy Christianity"; and editor of "First Freedom: The Baptist Perspective on Religious Liberty," "Restoring Integrity in Baptist Churches" and "Upon This Rock." He has contributed to various other volumes, written numerous articles and is active in social media through Facebook, Twitter and his blog at jthomaswhite.com. White holds a Ph.D. in systematic theology and an M.Div. in pastoral track and languages from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, N.C., and a B.A. in English and an associate's degree from Anderson University in Indiana. White was the 1993 black belt middle weight world amateur karate champion and is a member of the World Martial Arts Hall of Fame. Early in his ministry, he owned four karate schools in South Carolina and used them as mission fields, leading students to Christ and encouraging them in ministry. He has long since sold the schools. White and his wife Joy have two young children, Rachel and Samuel. Joy White has authored a commentary on Acts and holds an M.Div. in women's studies and a master of theology degree in systematic theology from Southeastern. --30-- Compiled by Baptist Press staff writer Diana Chandler. Get Baptist Press headlines and breaking news on Twitter (@BaptistPress), Facebook (Facebook.com/BaptistPress) and in your email (baptistpress.com/SubscribeBP.asp). -------------------------------------------------------------------- TobyMac wins K-LOVE 'artist of the year' by Staff Date: June 05, 2013 - Wednesday NASHVILLE (BP) -- TobyMac won the "Artist of the Year" award June 1 at the first K-LOVE Fan Awards, held at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. Other Christian artists nominated for the award were Casting Crowns, MercyMe, Newsboys and Third Day. Casting Crowns, however, won the "Group/Duo of the Year" award. The group also received recognition for its involvement in the film "Courageous," which won the "Movie Impact" award. Alex Kendrick directed and co-wrote the film. Chris Tomlin was named "Male Artist of the Year" -- a category TobyMac was nominated for as well. The "Female Artist of the Year" went to Kari Jobe, with runners-up including Mandisa and Natalie Grant. The "Breakthrough Artist of the Year" winner was King & Country, and Big Daddy Weave took home the "Song of the Year" title for "Redeemed." The "Book Impact" winner went to "The Love Dare" written by Alex and Stephen Kendrick. Mike Fisher -- a hockey player for the Nashville Predators and the husband of Carrie Underwood -- won the "Sports Impact" award. Members of the TV show "Duck Dynasty" hosted the three-day event, which included performances from Stephen Curtis Chapman, Audio Adrenaline and MercyMe. The Christian radio network K-LOVE has more than 400 stations across the United States, reaching nearly 14 million listeners a week. To access interviews, pictures and a comprehensive list of all the runners up, go to K-LOVE's website. --30-- Compiled by Baptist Press staff writer Beth Byrd. Get Baptist Press headlines and breaking news on Twitter (@BaptistPress), Facebook (Facebook.com/BaptistPress ) and in your email (baptistpress.com/SubscribeBP.asp). -------------------------------------------------------------------- Former Baylor star says she's a lesbian by Tim Ellsworth Date: June 05, 2013 - Wednesday WACO, Texas (BP) -- Former Baylor University basketball star Brittney Griner has acknowledged she is a lesbian and said her coach at Baylor asked her not to discuss her sexuality. "It was a recruiting thing," Griner said in a recent interview with ESPN. "The coaches thought that if it seemed like they condoned it, people wouldn't let their kids come play for Baylor." Coach Kim Mulkey has declined to address Griner's remarks, but did release a statement saying, "Brittney Griner represented Baylor University proudly on and off the basketball court, and she leaves behind an incredible legacy. I cannot comment on personal matters surrounding any of our student-athletes, but I can tell you Brittney will always be a celebrated member of the Baylor family." Baylor's sexual misconduct policy lists "homosexual acts" along with sexual abuse, sexual harassment, sexual assault, incest, adultery and fornication as behaviors that are prohibited and abusive of God's gift of human sexuality within the context of heterosexual marriage. According to the ESPN The Magazine feature on Griner, when she chose to play at Baylor, she and her parents "knew nothing of the school's policy against homosexuality or of coach Kim Mukey's code of silence on the matter." Griner admits she told Mulkey during the recruiting process that she was a lesbian and said that Mulkey told her that wasn't a problem. But early in her time at Baylor, Griner said a school official asked her to delete a tweet to an ex-girlfriend, according to the ESPN story. Though Griner has expressed frustration with Mulkey and Baylor because she felt she wasn't allowed to be open about her homosexuality, some of Mulkey's former players have defended the coach against Griner's charges. "I've watched people destroy Brittney in the media about her looks, about her voice, about the way she talks, the way she walks -- and I've watched Kim lose sleep over defending and making statements and making sure she was respected," said Stasha Richards, who played at Baylor from 1999-2003, in an article on SB Nation. "In my opinion, she went out of her way to defend her." A recent New York Times article questioned what effect Griner's coming out would have on Baylor's overall approach to homosexuality. "Even so, if it is too soon to know with certainty whether Baylor's public acceptance of Ms. Griner's sexuality will extend to the John and Jane Queer of its rank-and-file student body, a more expansive kind of change seems possible thanks to what one might call the Griner Effect," wrote the Times' Samuel G. Freedman. Freedman quoted Baylor junior Erica Heath, described in the story as "the kind of garden-variety L.G.B.T. student at Baylor who may benefit from the opening Ms. Griner has created." "The fact that this celebrity comes out means that faculty and staff have to recognize that there are L.G.B.T. students on their campus," Heath said. "It can make teachers more aware of who they're speaking to. It's very easy to think you're in an all-straight, all-Christian community at Baylor. But you aren't." Griner, who ranks second in NCAA women's basketball history with 3,283 career points, was selected by the Phoenix Mercury with the first overall pick in the 2013 WNBA draft. In two games in the new WNBA season, Griner is averaging 17 points and 7.5 rebounds per game. --30-- Tim Ellsworth is editor of BP Sports and director of news and media relations for Union University in Jackson, Tenn. Get Baptist Press headlines and breaking news on Twitter (@BaptistPress), Facebook (Facebook.com/BaptistPress ) and in your email ( baptistpress.com/SubscribeBP.asp). -------------------------------------------------------------------- FIRST-PERSON: Another moral effect of pornography: a warped worldview by R. Albert Mohler Jr. Date: June 05, 2013 - Wednesday LOUISVILLE, Ky. (BP) -- The moral effects of pornography are, by now, well attested. The scourge of pornography has brought ruin and harm into the lives of millions of our friends and neighbors, destroying marriages, distorting sexuality and poisoning minds. Even so, the pornography industrial complex continues to grow, representing one of the most lucrative segments of the Internet economy. For the most part, previous research into the effects of pornography has focused on the psychological and physiological effects of pornography exposure. Among males, exposure to pornography is associated with addictive behaviors traced to the release of chemicals in the brain, stimulating arousal and excitement. In the larger context, pornography is also associated with an exaggerated masculinity, negative attitudes toward women, and relational breakdowns due to unrealistic sexual expectations. Pornography reduces women to objects of sexual attraction and the endless permutations of sexual behaviors available on the Internet are evidence of the insatiable desire for innovation and excitement that pornography produces. This, to a large extent, is what makes pornography such an expansive industry. Its product builds an apparently insatiable appetite for more, and then even more. More recently, research has emerged that points to another effect of pornography exposure -- it warps the worldview of the viewer. Late last year, Professor Mark Regnerus of the University of Texas argued that exposure to pornography may well influence views on the legalization of same-sex marriage. He suggested that viewing pornography leads men, in particular, to shift to more positive attitudes toward same-sex marriage. Regnerus cited the New Family Structures Survey and then reported that a majority of men who view pornographic material "every day or almost every day" agreed that same-sex marriage should be legal. "Statistical tests confirmed that porn use is a (very) significant predictor of men's support for same-sex marriage, even after controlling for other obvious factors that might influence one's perspective, such as political affiliation, religiosity, marital status, education, and sexual orientation," Regnerus explained. He concluded by stating: "In the end, contrary to what we might wish to think, young adult men's support for redefining marriage may not be entirely the product of ideals about expansive freedoms, rights, liberties, and a noble commitment to fairness. It may be, at least in part, a byproduct of regular exposure to diverse and graphic sex acts." In other words, "regular exposure to diverse and graphic sex acts" may well change a man's moral worldview. While, from a Christian perspective, this is hardly shocking, the fact that the larger world of the academy has taken notice is noteworthy. Even more recently, Paul J. Wright of Indiana University and Ashley K. Randall of the University of Arizona have published a research article in the journal "Communications Research." In "Pornography Consumption, Education, and Support for Same-Sex Marriage Among Adult U.S. Males," the two researchers consider an interesting question -- Why would the use of pornography by heterosexual males lead to an increased level of support for same-sex marriage? As they indicate, previous research had pointed to the influence of pornography exposure in developing sexual attitudes. Wright and Randall argue that exposure to pornography "activates a sexually 'liberal' mind-set." This mind-set "embraces non-judgment toward and even approval of nontraditional sexual behavior." They state: "For instance, studies have found that pornography consumption correlates positively with approval of and/or engagement in nontraditional sexual behaviors such as having multiple sexual partners, having ongoing relationships with multiple sexual partners, one night stands, premarital sex, extramarital sex, extrarelational sex, group sex, sex for pay, and casual sex." Further, use of pornography was associated in males with an increased support for a more libertarian worldview that would see sexual and intimate relationships as completely outside government regulation. Even more to the point, "present pornography consumption predicted subsequent permissive sexual attitudes." As Wright explained their findings: "Pornography adopts an individualistic, nonjudgmental stance on all kinds of nontraditional sexual behaviors and same-sex marriage attitudes are strongly linked to attitudes about same-sex sex. If people think individuals should be able to decide for themselves whether to have same-sex sex, they will also think that individuals should be able to decide for themselves whether to get married to a partner of the same sex." In sum, "Since a portion of individuals' sexual attitudes come from the media they consume, it makes sense that pornography viewers would have more positive attitudes towards same-sex marriage." Wright and Randall also found that the influence of pornography on attitudes toward same-sex marriage was especially pronounced among less educated males. More education was itself associated with an openness to more liberal sexual attitudes and support for same-sex marriage. This research, taken together, offers compelling proof that an individual's worldview is shaped by influences that are often not recognized. Therefore, the Christian thinker must be constantly aware that worldviews are not shaped only by arguments and cognitive engagements, but also by impressions and experiences. Put bluntly, our worldview is shaped by what we allow to enter our minds. Given the massive psychological and physiological effects of pornography on male users, we should hardly be surprised that exposure to porn is so closely associated with the development of a generally permissive sexual morality and, specifically, with increased support for same-sex marriage. Pornography is a scourge, and the magnitude of the pornography industry is a tragic commentary on the moral state of affairs in this nation. Furthermore, the pervasiveness of pornography, even among young males, indicates that the scope of the problem will only grow in years to come. Now, we can add yet another dangerous effect to the impact of pornography -- the development of a worldview that is pervasively non-judgmental and permissive about an entire range of sexual behaviors. As Mark Regnerus notes, users of pornography are "treated to a veritable fire-hose dousing of sex-act diversity." Now we know that this perverse diversity comes with an even greater cost -- the warping of the viewer's entire worldview. --30-- R. Albert Mohler Jr. is president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Ky. This column first appeared at his website, AlbertMohler.com. Get Baptist Press headlines and breaking news on Twitter (@BaptistPress), Facebook (Facebook.com/BaptistPress) and in your email (baptistpress.com/SubscribeBP.asp). -------------------------------------------------------------------- FIRST-PERSON: Re-gaining an appreciation of the Old Testament by Gregory Smith Date: June 05, 2013 - Wednesday FORT WORTH, Texas (BP) -- Marcion of Sinope lived in the second century during some of the most formative years of the early church. The son of a bishop, he was also active in the church as a teacher in the region of Asia Minor. In 144 A.D., Marcion parted ways with the Christian community by starting his own movement, and by doing so, encouraged thousands through his teachings to better appreciate the Bible. There was just one problem. In 144 A.D., Marcion was excommunicated from the Church for heresy. What was his crime? Marcion taught his followers to reject the Old Testament entirely. His reason? Marcion thought that the Old Testament represented a god different from the New Testament. One cannot have two gods. Thus, Marcion and his followers read only selective books from the Bible and rejected the 39 books of the Old Testament entirely! Is the cult of Marcionism still alive and active in our churches? It has become apparent to me over the last seven years of teaching Old Testament Survey that students come to my class with an under appreciation for the text and history of the Old Testament. This stems from the fact that most of their exposure to the Bible, through teaching and preaching, has come largely from the New Testament. For many of my students, the stories of the Old Testament have served as illustration material and have rarely been allowed to speak theologically. This situation falls dangerously close to what the followers of Marcion practiced in the second century. So what can pastors and teachers do to help their congregations and classrooms grow in their appreciation for the entire Bible? First, ground your people in the truth that all Scripture is under the inspiration of God and beneficial for preaching, teaching, correction and spiritual growth (2 Timothy 3:16). For Paul, and the other authors of the New Testament, the Bible of their day, the Bible that they read and used in the writing of the books of the New Testament, was the Old Testament. Second, preach and teach from an entire book of the Old Testament and cover every verse! Will this require a few good commentaries and other resources that assist with the understanding of the culture, background and history of Israel? Yes, most definitely! But as you preach and teach the text and incorporate that information into what you say, you will make the Scriptures come alive for your people. You will also give them a context for reading the Old Testament on their own, with confidence, and with the ability to draw appropriate application for their lives. Third, model life changing application from the Old Testament in your teaching and preaching. While it is true that some things have changed over salvation history, the Old Testament still contains timeless truths that need to be incorporated into the life of the faithful. Finally, inspire your flock with the simple, but profound truth that God is always the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8). The "old" of the Old Testament cannot mean that God is somehow "updated" in the pages of the New Testament. Help make the pages of the Old Testament come alive for your congregation as you focus on the gracious and loving God who has revealed Himself throughout the entire 66 books of the Bible! --30-- Gregory Smith is associate vice president for academic administration and assistant professor of Bible at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. Get Baptist Press headlines and breaking news on Twitter (@BaptistPress), Facebook (Facebook.com/BaptistPress ) and in your email ( baptistpress.com/SubscribeBP.asp).