Is it fair to label a person based on 5% of what they write?

Seeing as Rat Poison is 99% grain and only 1% Poison… Your writing is quite toxic at 5% Calvinism for some in the SBC.

All,

I know something about “Angry Calvinist” and “Angry Arminians” and trust me Timmy is neither.

Grace Always,

In regards to Calvinism . . . . Passion can sometimes be hard to read in email or online postings. And I do not doubt that some could see you that way. However, I also think we often read into something what we think is there. If people come looking for an “angry, young Calvinist” they will find one. However, whenever I stop by P&P I find a brother who attends the same school I did, is close to my age, has similar views about biblical ministry, and is passionate about knowing God and understanding his word – in others words, a kindred spirit. Keep faithful, friend.

Blessings,
John

Mark

Thanks for your comment, and I think you make good points. May you have a wonderful and blessed Christmas season as well.

Todd,

I regret the fact you see me as someone who is an “angry Calvinist.” Bothered? Yes. Angry? No. But alas, that is your perception. In any case, thanks for your comment.

Scott,

Thanks for the kind words in your comment. You indeed are in the minority of people who know me from both the real world and internet world (the former prior to the latter). While I appreciate the critique of all my readers, I am much more concerned with what those who know me (personally) say about my character or disposition. It was great to hear from you, brother, and I hope you and your family have a great Christmas.

On a personal note, for anyone reading, I have known Timmy Brister since 1997. From the day that I met him, he has been one of the most passionate personal evangelists that I have known. He has been thinking and writing deeply about evangelism for a very long time.

I read this blog on an RSS feed everyday. I think that the interactions on Calvinism make a bigger splash, but Timmy’s writing on God, the church, and its mission is what you read here on a more regular basis. I often find myself challenged and encouraged in evangelistic endeavors from reading.

Another way of looking at the statistics: there are are a number of people who are keenly interested on the topic of Calvinism in the SBC. What percentage of the total posts on Calvinism in the SBC originate from and/or link to this blog? From a cursory view, I would say quite a lot. On days you post about Calvinism, you get a lot of hits from the group that looks for issues, googles them, or follows links from their favorite blogs. On other days, you get hits mostly from those who subscribe to your rss feed like myself. In other words, It’s not that people are seeing your posts and ignoring them so much as that they are not looking for them in the first place.

Another thought, I generally read blogs in a blog-reader, so you don’t get the “hits” unless you track subscribers as well as direct hits. So you may have many more readers than show up in site-reader – until you write a post that tempts them to write a comment. It is true on my blog also – it is a VERY small blog but when I write something a little more controversial I see more direct stats because the people who read in a blog-reader click through to comment.

Enjoy your vacation and have a blessed Christmas season.

I think those are helpful observations, but they do not alleviate the frustration I feel.

I know that I probably sound harsh, but I’m looking forward to the day that Jesus gets more coverage in the SBC as does His communion table or anything else we choose to bicker about. I will commit, by God’s grace, to do my part in redirecting the discussion away from ourselves and onto the mission.

Carl,

I am currently on vacation but will take a look at your request and try to get back with you via email since this is a personal request. For future reference, my email can be located in my about page (see “essentials” on the right side bar).

D.L.,

Great to hear from you brother. Always encouraging and gracious. Thanks for reading, commenting, and always having an edifying word!

David,

So did Dr. Thornbury attribute those words directly about me? If so, he and I will just have to talk! Just kidding. I have great respect for him, although I almost got him in trouble one time at a conference UU sponsored a couple of years ago. I do appreciate you taking the time to look around and consider the body of writing I have attempted to put together and allow the author and not his critics to define him. We’d go a long way if we took the time to get to know someone (and what they have said) before making hard and fast judgment calls. We’ve all done it (myself included), but that does not mean we have to continue to. Thanks for the comment and taking the time to read my blog.