I think Mohler and Moore and others in the SBC are attracted to the "intellectualism" or "bookism" of the various conservative/orthodox reformed/presbyterian movements. The question is why are these movements growing? Why are so many families choosing to homeschool their children? Why have SBC leaders abandoned the best aspects of their Baptist heritage?

by Carlos on Wed Dec 21, 2005 at 11:51:53 AM EST

Those little "Prairie Muffins" are cute until they grow up, get elected as State Representatives, and start passing Dominionist legislation.

I wouldn't be surprised if some current state legislators in Texas and Oklahoma might have been a little "prairie muffins" once.

by Mainstream Baptist on Wed Dec 21, 2005 at 12:09:35 PM EST

Actually, I think Reconstructionists prefer simple stones.  

The "muffins" might be trained to use sling shots as young David wielded when slaying the Philistine Goliath.

I fear, however, that our sarcasm may not do much to further our dialogue with whatever Dominionists may be lurking on this site.

by Mainstream Baptist on Wed Dec 21, 2005 at 01:02:27 PM EST

Talk about a parallel universe... that manifesto is scary! Especially the part about being 'fiercely submissive' to God and hubby. What is this- a Dom/sub kind of thing?

I have an apron and know how to use it, too. (Great for flicking at miscreant felines!) And I have a brain, and definitely know how to use it!

I think that the main difference between me and a PM is that I keep my home for me, not for anyone else. If that makes me selfish, so be it.

There but for the grace of God, exceptionally good luck, and some very astute diversionary tactics, go I...

by Lorie Johnson on Wed Dec 21, 2005 at 03:26:19 PM EST

Witness the Prairie Muffin Manifesto

Meanwhile, here is one "Prairie Muffin" sympathizer's website. It is instructive for those who haven't much looked at this movement : the Christian ( full blown reconstructionist or at least in sympathy ) homeschooling movement is the farthest thing from shallow, humorless, or even overtly doctrinaire. "Prairie muffins" - take note - are parodying themselves. Consciously. There is strength in that - they're secure enough in their chosen lifestyles to do that - and I think those who value pluralist democracy would do well to contemplate this nightmare : well raised ( if occasionally beaten, but not all by any means would be - or even the majority ) children, loved, well cared for and tenderly instructed as to the evils of liberals, secularism, and religious pluralism and brought up to believe that it is their sacred duty to enter politics and the military in order to achieve Christian theocracy.

by Bruce Wilson on Wed Dec 21, 2005 at 03:57:04 PM EST

Dr. Prescott,

When I was a student at Baptist Bible College in the mid 50s, Dr. Noel Smith, editor of the Baptist Bible Tribune used to regularly rail against the post-millennialists and modernists in the SBC. It was my undestanding that men like J. Frank Norris, Chester Tulga, T. T. Shields and others left the American Baptists and the SBC in the 20s and 30s because of what they perceived as modernism in both associations. Their departure led to the formation of groups like the Baptist Bible Fellowship, Conservative Baptist and the General Association of Regular Baptists.

As to pre-millennialists, Gary North has said something to the effect that a politically active pre-millennialist is a pro forma post-millennialists.

Many pre-millennialists have been neutralized in their pre-millennial zeal for Christ's return by their political activities as exampled by Jerry Falwell who has said many times he does not want to argue about eschotology since no one really knows when Christ will return so he might as well do what he can to make the earth, in his view, a better place.


by JerrySloan on Wed Dec 21, 2005 at 04:32:40 PM EST

Hi, there. I am the owner of the blog linked above, decribed as an "instructive" one in "contemplate (ing) this nightmare : well raised (if occasionally beaten, but not all by any means would be - or even the majority ) children, loved, well cared for and tenderly instructed as to the evils of liberals, secularism, and religious pluralism and brought up to believe that it is their sacred duty to enter politics and the military in order to achieve Christian theocracy.)

I am a homeschooling mother, a Jew by birth who is now a reformed Presbyterian, and also an artist. I would not, I think, be considered a fundamentalist.

My children are not beaten, nor are they brought up to believe that it is their sacred duty to enter politics (I am a non-voting free-market libertarian and completely reject political solutions), nor are they encouraged to enter the military, because barring the most aggressive militaristic attack on our country, I am completely anti-war, and would actually be horrified if any of my children wanted to be in the military voluntarily.

Regarding the idea of theonomy and reconstructionism, Prairie-Muffinism and Patriarchy, I will be making a full entry about these things, plus more info, probably, about the issue of the military and politics. Hopefully I can do this by tomorrow evening.

Blessings to you.

Samantha

The Home Realm (My Blog)

Eclectic Domestic Emporium (My Art Site)

by sammycakes on Thu Dec 22, 2005 at 11:36:14 PM EST