Concerns about Dr. Page

I recived an e-mail recently written by one of the elders of our church. He has some interesting thoughts about the Presidents Page of the Southern Baptist Convention. I thought these were very insightful and he said I could post it here. --Dirk



As reported by Al Mohler, Frank Page has his own SBC web page. Note the "Important Issues" tab at:http://www.sbc.net/PresidentsPage/FrankPage/ImportantIssues.asp If you read the "Calvinism" section, several things become clear:
(1) he has no historical perspective on what the "doctrines of grace" mean (an old Mormon trick--use the same words as they have been recognized throughout history, but with a new meaning, therefore disguising the real intent--like others who use the term "Hypercalvinism");
(2) he does not know or understand that Calvinists believe in free will--which tells me he is unfamiliar with Jonathan Edwards, Spugeon, et.al., or worse, deliberately ignores what he knows to be true; and
(3) if "salvation.........is universally offered and atoned for by our Lord Jesus Christ" then all are saved and no one is condemned--thus no hell for any human being; therefore the Page formula is "universal offer and atonement equals universalism."
This is the result of a "no doctrine but the Bible" mentality; combine that with a "sweet spirit" and you have the recipe for lethargic, ignorant congregations (and preachers, teachers).

Note also his comments in the "Women in Ministry" section. When he says he supports the BF&M and specifically supports the statement that "the office of pastor is limited to men as qualified by Scripture," I assume that does not mean Assistant Pastors, as his own church has a female for "Minister for Adults." See http://www.taylorsfbc.org/templates/custaylorsfbc/details.asp?id=32297&PID=313167&mast= If the key to this is his adherence to Scripture (as he claims), is he applying 1 Cor. 14:34-35 and 1 Tim. 2:11-12? If so, how does he justify Kathy Dority's position in his church? Is it even credible or possible that a "Minister to Adults" does no teaching? Is the title of "minister" used to avoid the clear spirit and intent of the Scripture that Mr. Page so highly values? Evidently Scripture is to be obeyed except when it interfers with what he wants to do in his own church. But remember that the title of the section is "Women in Ministry"--I suppose there is an intention to relate "ministry" to "minister" and therefore avoid the"pastor" label--which I would see as a blatantly clear attempt to avoid the authorial intent of Paul in Scripture. These are troubling indicators.--Mike