I find myself having to defend B.O.

Bio on Dr. Richard Land.

My letter to the Southern Baptist Convention:

I recently read Dr. Land's quote on msn.com's Election Guide (June 11, 2008): "What I hear from people is … 'I would rather have a third-rate fireman than a first-class arsonist.' And they view Obama as a first-class arsonist."— Richard Land, president of the Southern Baptist Convention Ethics and Religious Liberties Commission, on what Southern Baptists think of Sen. John McCain".

As a lifelong Southern Baptist, the son of a Southern Baptist ministers (who now serve on the mission field), I find it disappointing that Dr. Land has allowed his standing in the SBC to be used in a way which serves to divide the church on the basis of politics and to denegrade a fellow Christian. All Southern Baptists do not espouse the views which Dr. Land has presented.

These days, the message I hear from Democrats seem more and more in line with the teachings of Christ, who called us all to love. While the message I hear from Republicans is more and more one of hatred and division. Being Christ-like does not necessitate being a Republican, nor voting for one.

The SBC Leadership should be careful not to allow its leaders to cause our demonition to be seen as bigots, racists and blind fools.

While I personally do not agree with all of Barack Obama's political beliefs, he is a Christian. Allowing the SBC's name to be used in connection with Dr. Land's characterization of Sen. Obama as a "first-class arsonist" is reprehensible and deserves an apology and retraction on behalf of Southern Baptists such as myself who do not share this view.