Don’t Forget Your Mother

Bill Leonard, scholar of American Christianity and of Baptists in particular, gives a wonderful “shout-out” to Highland Baptist Church in a video clip found on Duke Divinity School’s website.  It is hugely affirming to be noted by a scholar and churchman of Leonard’s stature. You can view it here.  

http://www.faithandleadership.com/multimedia/bill-leonard-hospitable-traditionalism

If you’re like me, I tend to look for ME in a photo or a yearbook, to see how I’ve been portrayed.  If that’s your habit, you’ll find our reference at about 2:20 into the video.

 But I hope you’ll take time to listen to Leonard’s larger point, of which Highland is simply an example.  In a culture increasingly “post-denominational” Leonard discerns strength in churches finding their unique niche within the larger and particular history that birthed them.

Highland is Baptist.  That name carries certain baggage these days.  At the same time it gives us unique values and visions for our work together.  No matter how “progressive” we are, we have been shaped by the mother’s milk that nurtured us in our formative years.  

We are Baptist.  Our denominational heritage anchors us, to use Leonard’s word, providing us a unique “hospitable traditionalism” that allows us bear witness to the mystery of Love that we experience as we worship God and follow Jesus.