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Righteous Intransigence, Regardless of Results
Bull-headed, obstinate, headstrong. Synonyms of intransigent, these words are generally communicated with a negative connotation. Intransigent is defined by Mirriam Webster as: “Characterized by refusal to compromise or to abandon an often extreme position or attitude: UNCOMPROMISING.” In certain regards, however, this stubborn, uncompromising attitude is not only good, but it is our duty. For…
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Affirmations and Denials Regarding Abolitionist Terms and Other Controversial Subjects
Doing what we do, false and sometimes strange accusations come with the territory. The vast majority are not worth addressing, but a handful of slanderous charges in recent weeks have risen to such a level that a response is necessary. Thus far, Free the States staff members have combatted these accusations using their personal social…
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Refuting Toby Sumpter’s “Eight Tenets of Smashmouth Incrementalism”
By James Silberman and Sam Riley The five tenets of abolitionism are the foundations of our movement’s practice and public theology. On Monday, Toby Sumpter of Christ Church and Cross Politic provided a brief, informal exposition of what he considers the eight tenets of “smashmouth incrementalism.” We are thankful for his most recent input into…
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The Holiness of God Destroys Pro-Life Incrementalism
“There’s no issue for debate between immediatism and incrementalism when God has already spoken. The issue is not clarity on the topic–the issue is the holiness of God, and whether or not you bow before the holiness of God.” So speaks Pastor Blake Gideon (former president of the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma, and former…
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Dang it, Doug.
As we’ve written previously, there are things to appreciate about Doug Wilson’s ministry and we take no joy in criticizing him. But we’re not going to pull punches here. Wilson consistently offers thoughtless input to an important discussion that he needs to take more seriously. On a February 2nd episode of his podcast, Wilson made…
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Refuting Your Legislators’ Excuses for Not Abolishing Abortion
As we prepare for another Oklahoma legislative session set to begin Monday, it is important to understand some of the excuses you are likely to hear from legislators that do not particularly want to deal with the controversy surrounding the abolition of abortion. But before we get into those, there are a few things you…
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On Repentance, Abolitionists Must Lead by Example: An Open Letter
Dear fellow abolitionists: I wish my wife and I could attend your Abolition Now Conference February 5th-8th. Unfortunately, the combination of age and health makes such a trip from North Carolina unfeasible. But our hearts will be with you! Your theme will be “Repent with us.” I’m in my seventies, so while I’m no expert…
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Incrementalism Versus Immediatism in a Nutshell
The Pro-Life Establishment often likes to say about abolitionists that “we all want the same thing.” This is actually untrue. Abolitionists want preborn children treated as our equals under the law; we want abortion treated as murder. The Pro-Life Establishment wants abortion classified as a lesser crime, and for preborn children to be denied the…
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Incremental Laws (of All Sorts) Undermine Repentance
The position of the Abolitionist Movement regarding which bills we support has long been “no bill but abolition.” Any other legislation is either intrinsically unjust or a distraction from the point. However, among some of those in and around the Abolitionist Movement, a debate has stirred regarding “righteous increments:” incremental bills that do not abolish…
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What the Still, Small Voice Said: A Parable for Churches Who Won’t Work For Abolition
It was Christmas, and the church was gathered for the candlelight service. The carols were sung, the prayers were said, the sermon was preached. But as the people bowed their heads for the benediction, there came from a dim corner the sound of one weeping, though no one could be seen. Presently the people ventured…
TODAY’S DATE