Gore tackles biblical issues in monthly ‘Baptist Ask’ column
Arkansas Baptist News | Thursday, June 14, 2012 at 2:56PM WALNUT RIDGE – Should we forgive the devil? Should Christians cuss? Does the gift of tongues still exist?
These are just a few of the questions writer Ken Gore has answered through “Baptists Ask,” a monthly question and answer column found in the Arkansas Baptist News (ABN).
“People will let me know if they disagree,” said Gore, “and that’s OK.”
Gore
One such disagreement was over the question of whether or not Christians should forgive the devil.
“This question was asked by a 6-year-old girl, and my answer was, ‘Of course.’ We are supposed to forgive everyone,” said Gore.
As a result of his answer, he received some negative feedback. One letter, in particular, came from a subscriber that was very mad over his answer, according to Gore.
“I tried to explain to her that I understood her reasoning, but at the same time we are to be people of grace no matter who they are,” said Gore. “Even though this is what (the devil) does, and it is inherently what he does, … we need to move on.”
According to Gore, his goal is make sure each question is answered through prayer and much Scripture study.
When asked what makes him saying, ‘This is what the church says, and therefore we need to believe it,’ we (can) search the Scriptures and learn,” said Gore. “It doesn’t take a Ph.D. It takes someone who surrenders themselves to the Scriptures and prays to find the right answers.”
Gore started writing the column in 2001 following a request from Charlie Warren, former ABN editor.
“The column was started because some readers thought it would be helpful to receive a bit more information about what Baptists believe,” said Warren. “I thought the question/answer approach would be a good way to do this.”
“I have always been impressed by Ken Gore from first hearing him preach the convention sermon (in 2000). Since then, every visit with him and everything I heard about him reinforced that impression. So I asked him to do it, and he accepted,” Warren added.
Gore serves as chair of Christian ministries at Williams Baptist College. He said some questions for the column come from students.
“Most of the time, questions are generated in the classroom, and they are great questions that deserve a thorough answer. So I write about them in my column,” said Gore.
In addition, Gore regularly receives questions through email and church members.
Gore said he enjoys writing the column and is blessed to write for the ABN.
“For me, (writing the column) has been a great opportunity of Christian growth because it keeps me grounded in the Scriptures,” said Gore. “Trying to find the right thing to say in 305 words is not always easy, but it forces me to write a concise biblical answer.”