Welcome to March!!
The month where Spring begins, baseball opens, and evangelicals who know their history celebrate the missionary efforts of Saint Patrick. For Christ Over All, March means a month devoted to the Southern Baptist Convention.
For the last two years, we have taken up topics relevant to the SBC. In 2023, we addressed biblical complementarianism and helped to bring biblical and theological arguments to support the Law Amendmennt. Then, in 2024, we continued that push for biblical complementarianism and what cooperation among Baptist churches mean. If you are newer to Christ Over All, you can find close to twenty essays and podcasts for each subject.
This year, we are continuing to engage with SBC issues, by looking at the Ethics and Religious Liberties Commission—its history, current ministry, and relationship with the convention. As I will explain below and outlined in detail in this month’s first longform essay, our aim is to initiate a conversation among Southern Baptists about the ERLC’s recent failures and its future correction. Yet, far more than moving Festivus to March, we do not intend to only list our grievances. We want to be equally constructive, even casting a vision of what Christian public engagement should look like when informed by biblical conservatism.
Still, before introducing that subject, it is worth answering a question: Why bother with the SBC? And why devote a month to conventional matters?
To those two questions, let me offer two answers.
First, devoting a month to the SBC is a matter of real life impact. As bothersome as it can be to engage in a convention whose doctrinal commitments are wider than our own, there is goodness is seeking to bring reform, health, and change to a denomination that has an oversized impact on all churches in America. As I argued last summer, working for reform in the SBC is worth the cost. And equally, if we flee the convention, it will continue to slide Left. But by working for biblical change, it can prevent churches, institutions, and missionaries from theological drift. And in fact, there is a renewed effort to bring the Law Amendment to the floor of the convention in Dallas, which promises to help stem the tide of egalitarianism.
Second, devoting a month to the SBC is a matter of proximal stewardship. Our current board is composed of Southern Baptist professors, pastors, and men trained by SBC institutions. In God’s providence he has put us in or near the SBC. Likewise, many of our authors and thousands of readers and listeners are in Southern Baptist schools and churches. So, instead of merely providing online resources that develop the mind and contemplate theology in the abstract, we also want to be a part of working for change. And that means addressing topics that are pertinent to the SBC.
For those remaining faithful in the SBC, even while experiencing various degrees of frustration, this month is for you. We pray it serves you well, as you lead your congregation and make your plans for Dallas. Equally, for those who are not in the SBC, thank you for your patience. I trust the resources this month will not be so parochial as to be of no value. And in fact, it is our aim to do more than simply talk about the Ethics and Religious Liberties Commission.
If you notice, the month’s title is “Ethics and Religious Liberty Conundrum.” Yes, this highlights the questions and concerns that swirl about the ERLC, but more than that, we want to posit constructive arguments for the best ways for Christians to support religious liberty and organize themselves to impact government. That’s the aim, and below I’ll share a few more thoughts.
For now, however, let me offer a look back at last month’s theme.
Whatever Happened to the Doctrine of Sin?
Going into last month, we argued that the doctrine of sin has gone missing. To be sure, sin has not been lost. And humans living in the age of unfettered transhumanism are finding radical new ways to enervate old idolatries, but the doctrine itself has fallen on hard times. And so for the last month, we focused on recovering this doctrine. And in God’s kindness, he gave us a series of articles from learned scholars, wise mothers, and expert evangelists. And here’s what we found.
Biblically, Steve Wellum explained the absolute necessity of understanding Genesis 3. Tom Schreiner gave us a rich exposition of Romans 5. And Ardel Caneday explained how the gospel announces God’s last day verdict for all who believe in Christ.
Theologically, David Dockery described the difference between the new and old natures, while Harrison Perkins outlined why talking about sin is hard and how the covenant of works requires moral and even legal speech. Terry Mortensen provided a critical argument for believing that Adam was a historical person. Likewise, Hans Madueme and Kyle Claunch both provided insights into the way in which sin is passed down from one generation to the next—Hans focusing on the biological question and Kyle honing in on the nature of traducianism.
Historically, Brad Green reflected on the debates between Augustine and Pelagius on the effects of original sin, while his friend, and ours, Leonardo De Chirico described the errors of Roman Catholicism and its doctrine of sin. Louis Markos added to the mix considering C. S. Lewis’s views on sin and punishment, while Brad Green offered a second article related to Herbert Marcuse. This comes from his forthcoming book on Critical Theory.
Then practically, Colin McCulloch counseled us to seek the means of grace to help us fight sin and seek holiness, while Abigail Dodds articulated particular ways that sin’s subtleties can target women. Similarly, Ginna Cross overturned the lie that women who intentionally kill their children can shelter behind a “second victim” narrative. And finally, Jared Moore explained what Tim Keller, Sam Allberry, and Preston Sprinkle got wrong with their descriptions of homosexual desire.
All in all, for those with eyes to see, this month brought into the light the darkness of sin. If this doctrine was missing before, these faithful friends have helped us to see it more clearly. And by that fresh illumination, I pray that all who read these articles would be better equipped to highlight the moral ugliness and spiritual deadliness of sin. May it lead us all to see the beauty of Christ and his cross, as well as the good news of justification by grace and through faith alone in Christ alone would bring hope to sinners.
For a full list of the articles, see below.
- Where Would We Be Without Genesis 3? Understanding the Significance of Sin by Stephen Wellum • Longform Essay • Genesis 3 alone gives us the only true explanation of our problem along with the Bible’s glorious solution in our Lord Jesus Christ.
- 4.6 “Where Would We Be Without Genesis 3? Understanding the Significance of Sin” by Stephen Wellum • Longform Reading • Genesis 3 alone gives us the only true explanation of our problem along with the Bible’s glorious solution in our Lord Jesus Christ.
- What is the New Nature and Old Nature? by David Dockery • Concise Article • How do we understand what happens when a person goes from the old man to the new man in Christ?
- Talking about Sin is Hard: Its Covenantal Background and the Challenge of Modernity by Harrison Perkins • Concise Article • We are not merely “broken”; we are “wicked.” The former language minimizes our culpability and takes away from the legal and covenantal responsibility.
- Minimized Corruption: A Roman Catholic Theology of Sin by Leonardo De Chirico • Concise Article • What happens when mercy, at the expense of sin, becomes ingrained as the central message of the Bible? We find out in Rome’s story.
- “Give What You Command, and Then Command Whatever You Will”: Augustine, Pelagius, and the Question of Original Sin by Brad Green • Concise Article • No debate in the history of the church has been more important for the doctrine of sin than the debate between Augustine and Pelagius
- 4.7 “Where Would We Be Without Genesis 3? Understanding the Significance of Sin” by Stephen Wellum, David Schrock, Trent Hunter • Interview • Listen in as David Schrock and Trent Hunter interview Stephen Wellum on his Christ Over All essay: “Where Would We Be Without Genesis 3? Understanding the Significance of Sin”
- C.S. Lewis on Sin & Punishment by Louis Markos • Concise Article • What would C.S. Lewis say if you asked him about sin? Can we “love the sinner but hate the sin? And should we punish sinners who break the law . . . or merely rehabilitate them?
- The Necessity of Believing in a Historical Adam by Terry Mortenson • Concise Article • Rejecting a historical Adam leads to an avalanche of theological problems. The creation account is inerrant history, not poetry, historical fiction, or mythology.
- Original Sin and Original Death: Romans 5:12–19 by Thomas R. Schreiner • Concise Article • To what extent is mankind born sinful? Any biblical attempt to answer this question must properly deal with Romans 5:12-19.
- Original Sin—Biological or Spiritual Problem? by Hans Madueme • Concise Article • Does our biology determine our behavior? If so, are we really responsible for our sin?
- 4.8 “Original Sin—Biological or Spiritual Problem?” by Hans Madueme • Longform Reading • Does our biology determine our behavior? If so, are we really responsible for our sin?
- True Practical Holiness: How the Means of Grace Keep us from Domesticating Sin by Colin McCulloch • Concise Article • We know we ought to be holy—but how?
- The Gospel Announces God’s Last Day Verdict for All Who Believe in Jesus Christ: Justified and Sins Forgiven by Ardel Caneday • Concise Article • There is a present and future dimension to salvation in Christ—it is already ours, but we have not yet received it exhaustively.
- Herbert Marcuse and the Reality of Sin by Brad Green • Concise Article • Getting the doctrine of sin wrong means our entire worldview falls apart. Herbert Marcuse is one such example.
- When Women Sin: Recognizing the Subtleties of Feminine Vice by Abigail Dodds • Concise Article • The Holy Spirit has given the church (and the women in the church) precisely what we need to hear so that we would be in good order and the Word of God would be revered.
- 4.9 “Original Sin—Biological or Spiritual Problem?” by Hans Madueme, David Schrock, Stephen Wellum • Interview • Listen in as David Shrock and Stephen Wellum interview Hans Madueme on his Christ Over All essay: “Original Sin—Biological or Spiritual Problem?”
- Are Women Morally Responsible for Their Abortions? by Ginna Cross • Concise Article • In a culture afraid to call anything sin, Christians must stand ready to lovingly confront those making choices that dishonor God.
- When Do We Get Our Souls? And How Does That Affect Original Sin? by Kyle Claunch • Concise Article • Learn more about two competing views of the origin of the soul held throughout church history—and their implications for important doctrines.
- Empty Rhetoric Cannot Save You From Your Sin: A Critique of Keller, Hill, Allberry, and Sprinkle by Jared Moore • Concise Article • Is mere homosexual desire in itself inherently sinful?
The Ethics and Religious Liberty Conundrum
Instead of re-introducing our month on the ERLC, let me encourage you to read my “Open Letter to Southern Baptists.” In that longform, I outline some of the concerns with the ERLC and ask eight questions that need to be answered. That essay also includes a short interview with Tom Ascol (Pastor of Grace Baptist Church and President of Founders Ministries). Last year, he made the motion to abolish the ERLC. In that interview, I ask him about that and why he made that motion.
Together, that interview and my open letter should help anyone catch up on the conundrum that is the ERLC. All month, we will offer analysis of the ways that the SBC, and Christians in general, can engage the public square. And along the way, Tom Nettles will provide a history of the ERLC and its precursors. Levi Secord will outline a biblical survey of Christian engagement in the public square. Jared Bridges will explain ways that Christian organizations can and should work to effect political change. David Mitzenmacher will outline what reform could look like with the ERLC. And Rhett Burns will offer ways in which financial transparency applies to the ERLC.
These and many other essays are forthcoming this month. And we would encourage you to join us for this conversation, share the pertinent resources with others, and pray for change.
Christ Over All News and Notes
Let me highlight three things as we close.
First, we are taking submissions for future months.
While the next two months have authors lined up, the rest of the year is open. If you or someone you know has an article idea, email us. We’d love to talk to you.
April 2025: The Cross in the Old Testament
May 2025: Speech: Sacred, Serrated, Simple, and Sanctified
June 2025: The Paterfamilias: Making Fatherhood Great Again
July 2025: The Nicene Creed: 1700 Years in the Making
August 2025: The Gospels
September 2025: The Doctrine of Vocation
October 2025: Biblical Theology in the Balance
November 2025: Do the Reading: Selections in Political Theology
December 2025: Christmas Medley, Part 2
Second, we are looking forward to visiting with you this year.
While we love providing resources online, it is a joy to meet readers and listeners face-to-face, too. To that end, we will be visiting the King’s Domain conference in Cincinnati, Ohio (May 8–10), as well as G3’s National Conference in Atlanta, Georgia (September 11–13). Please sign up for those conferences, and let us know if you do. We’d love to see you.
We will also be at the Southern Baptist Convention in Dallas, Texas (June 9–9) and at the Evangelical Theological Society in Boston (November 18–20). So, if you are there, please reach out to us.
Third, we continue to look for individuals and churches who will support Christ Over All.
The simplest way to support us is by sharing the content that we produce here. And this month, that means sharing it with others in the SBC. But in all months, we’d encourage you to forward this email to a friend who may benefit, or tell other pastors about the resources here. You can also follow us on X or Instagram, or give us a five-star review on your podcast player. All of these ‘shares’ help us put this content in front of others.
We are truly grateful to God for the way he has permitted Christ Over All to benefit from the seasoned scholars and earnest pastors (and mothers!) who write for us, and so we want to share their work as far as possible. So, sharing the articles and podcasts, helps us do that.
At the same time, if you or your church benefits from this ministry, please consider becoming a monthly supporter or giving a one-time gift? You can do that here. Your gifts help us continue to produce podcasts and publish articles for the church for free.
That’s it for this month. Until next time, let us all remember that Christ is Lord over all things, so in all things let us exalt Christ.
Soli Deo Gloria
