Merle Fulmer, the senior pastor at Lakeridge Baptist Church said:
"Nothing in his character would make me suspicious"
Of course, Fulmer knew about the 2004 sexual assault charge and kept it from the parents of children at his church. Let's see, "Nothing in his Character would make me suspicious", that sounds odd. Is Fulmer an idiot? At a minimum, duty of care for the members of his church dictates that Miler be kept away from children. I wonder if Pastor Fulmer knows the meaning of the word "culpability". Because, I am sure the parents of the most recently victim will be happy to explain it to him over some tasty tort action. Or perhaps the DA will take an interest.
Note to pastor Fulmer - culpability means the degree of blameworthiness in the commission of a crime. Sexual assault is a crime. You new Miller was a sexual predator. You let him work with children... Let's see, 2+2 = 4, or in your case 2+2 = 1.5, the rest falls on Miller. Texas prisons can be such fun places...
282 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 201 – 282 of 282It's called common sense. It's developed by reading history and learning from your mistakes.
If you have not figured it out by now, my guess is you never will.
I have lived through this experience at a church before. The person, and the way he was managed by the church resulted in shattered lives, bankruptcy, the slow death of a once healthy church, suicide, mental heath issues, drug abuse, and lawsuits that for those involved that have sucked the life out of people for years and years.
Did I mention the people who turned away from Jesus?
Everything that happened at my Church could have been avoided if the leadership had just acted in the best interest of the children. All the Pastor needed to do was keep the predator away from kids until his case cleared. Does that ring a bell? Our Pastor protected a man who had a child molestation charge pending in another county. He was a man of God too you know. It did not stop him from molesting his new charges.
Get it now? It is not about if Blaine Miller is guilty or innocent. Simply act to protect your kids until his name is cleared. How hard is that?
Why do you think I write about this stuff?
The snipit below came in from a post I wrote called: Baptist Confront sex offender in Texas:
This from Debbie
...I do not know the true heart of the BGCT but thus far they have proven to me that they really do not care or they just do not understand that their system does not work. Being a victim that can prove that this minister is the father of my child and has a tape recording that shows it started when I was 14 -- should be enough. And me telling them that this man is still the pastor of a Baptist Church and that I had concerns for another girl in that church -- should have prompted some sort of action -- at the very least to inform his church back in Feb of 06. I was told that they were sorry but could do nothing
I again informed them of the situation and again was told they are sorry but could do nothing. In fact the last e-mail I got from them told me to call to find out how to get the church to report him. THE PROBLEM is they are trying to protect him - or the few that are suppose to represnt the church and they have deemed it that the church body as whole do not need to know. They are not releasing to his church the whole truth. So what good does it do to say the church has to report him?...
Hiding from problems just creates more problems.
I do not go to LRBC. In fact, I do not go to a Baptist church, although I am a Christian. I am amazed at some of the posts here.
Have any of you considered the flip side of the coin? You are basically saying that a young girl conspired to ruin this man's life by bringing false allegations against him. I am not going to debate Mr. Miller's guilt or innocence, I am just saying that you should consider the victim and what could be the motivation for dragging a sexual assault case out for two years if nothing happened?
It seems to me that you people are so blinded by what you want that you can't see things in a true light. Did ANYONE ever stop to consider what the ramifications of hiring this man would be if he was indeed found guilty? How will you explain that to your children? I realize that innocent men are sometimes accused (and convicted) of crimes that they did not commit. However, there are also many guilty men who get off without punishment, only to commite their crimes again. Consider for a moment what it would do to your child's faith if he/she was hurt by someone that YOU entrusted with them just because he was a church employee.
I have read and re-read this blog. Mojoey seems to speak from experience. Did ANY of you who take the time to SCREAM at him that he needs God in his life stop to consider that the reason that Mojoey no longer is a believer is because he has been down this exact road? I can guarantee if I was molested by a preacher, I would NEVER step foot in church again. But I am guessing that some of you would argue that was "in God's plan" to quote another poster. If Blaine is guilty, what do you think that poor girl's relationship with the Lord is now? Of course you didn't consider any of this. That would require thought and consideration of something besides your own desires, and that is something that you obviously aren't capable of.
I can tell you now, that if I had teenagers (especially girls) and I went to LRBC, I would change churches. There is no way on earth that I would risk any harm coming to my children. If you people are actually sending your kids to youth group in support of someone who is facing charges on a sexual assault of a minor, I have to question your judgement. This is the craziest thing I have ever heard of.
There are some people in like that just don,t get it. a clue.There are those that would not admit that thay were wrong if it was stairing at them.then there are those that would lie like a dog to save there own skin.there are those that know the truth and are keeping there mouth shut.If you know the whole story about this then don,t worry about it.Now those that don,t know the real truth then you keep on makeing stuff up because we love all the bull that keeps things going.
Well, the illiterates are at it again...but let's see if we can sum this up...
TRUTH: Blaine Miller has been indicted on a FELONY sexual assault case.
TRUTH: Your pastor withheld this rather important information from the congregation as a whole before you decided to hire him as your youth pastor
TRUTH: Your pastor now tells anyone who disagrees with his decision to hire this supposed sex offender that they are "trying to destroy the church". This includes a woman who was concerned about the safety of her daughter who had previously been sexually abused.
So will someone please tell me what is being made up? Nobody here has said that Blaine Miller is guilty. That is probably because he is the only one at your church that knows the EXACT truth.
It seems to me that there are too many of you "Christians" who think that the truth is whatever YOU believe.
And you belive that he is guilty and that whats you belive.When he is proven not guilty you will have to eat your words and this blog.
Even if Miller were found not guilty, it would not change the fact that your church exposed its members to inappropriate risk. If he is found guilty that makes you and your church culpable in any crimes he may have committed while minding your children. The lack of common sense here is amazing.
Can I have ketchup with that?
It's foolish to consider that Mojoey's point is immaterial, or misguided. An accused pedophile enjoys few of the privacy rights given to others - those accused of simpler crimes like robbery, assault or murder.
Mojoey hasn't broken any law, hasn't violated any principle or even stooped to gossip: what he reports is news.
Believe me, I can empathize with the trauma Miller's family has to endure. But I'm quite sure that silence on any pedophile, and the continued manipulation of the Congregation are worse. One violation of trust is bad enough; two wrongs do not make any right. The Congregation has had its trust violated by both Miller - who (insofar as I can tell) continues to withhold any information, and Pastor Fulmer, who seems to think his actions above reproach, criticism and the law.
Which is the greater trust: that of the child to those supposedly protecting and teaching, or the Pastor lying to protect his own reputation?
It's not about this blog, or about Mojoey's faith being challenged by errant preachers. It's about something Mojoey is interested in, and his readers are, too. Whether "you" are or not, is immaterial. If Miller is found innocent of charges, I'm sure Mojoey will publish that; likewise, if he isn't, that warrants publication as well.
So, please decline from harping on so. All you do is amuse.
Carolyn Ann
APOLOGIES!!!
I said that lying to Congregation was worse than the crime Miller is accused of. I WAS WRONG.
The words came out all wrong. Morally, lying is bad: pedophilia is worse.
Pedophilia is worse than murder, because you continue to live with the horror, the innocence robbed.
My mind was elsewhere, is all I can say. My apologies.
Carolyn Ann
Did I SAY that I thought Blaine Miller was guilty? No, I think if you re-read my original post, I said that only Blaine knows the truth. Well, Blaine and the girl who has accused him.
You, my friend, need to get an education that teaches you to read and comprehend. At this point, Blaine Miller's guilt or innocence is not the main issue. The issue is that you have an emotionally and spiritually abusive pastor who has brain washed you into believing that hiring someone who is suspected of committing the ultimate crime against one of his charges is the right person to lead your youth. You and any other parent who continues to send their children to him on Sunday morning probably need to be reported to CPS.
And just so you know, if the grand jury found enough evidence to indict him of this crime, don't be so quick to say he will be found innocent. A trial has to occur first and a jury of his peers will make the ultimate decision. I can assure you that the jury won't be made up of your church members.
jerks like you people make church a bad name. crossdressing fools and the like are very foolish in there ways. your day will come with lots of bad taste in your mouth. ha ha ha ha
I used to think it took a lot of evidence for a grand jury indictment; however, having served on a Grand Jury I now know that is not the case sometimes the person bringing the accusation just has to be a good liar and tell a convincing story. There has been more than one case where someone got mad at someone else and made up a story that resulted in an indictment and trial only to find out that the accused lied.
The really sad thing is that if Miller is innocent there will be those people who won't let that be the end of it because they like to create drama.
It also is not uncommon for it to be a couple of years before a trial occurs following an indictment. In fact if there was strong evidence to support this accusation there probably would have been a trial before now. This whole thing has created so much drama and I'm sure satan is so happy with all that has transpired on this blog.
I too feel sorry for the alleged victim in this case because if she was truly molested she has a lot to deal with and I personally know what it is like to have to deal with that issue. However, if she was not molested she also has a lot to deal with and I hope that the Millers will pursue legal action against her and her family for defamation of character.
They say hind site is 20/20 and I believe that statement is true in so many things but especially in this situation. Things could have been handled differently but they weren't and now we all just need to go on and pray for God to have His perfect will in each of the lives involved in this messy situation.
That last statement is for those who profess to be Christians. I realize there are some who have written on this blog that are atheist so I am not directing it at them.
I continue to be amazed at the ignorance on display here. Probably the worst is the statement by your pastor "Nothing in his character would make me suspicious". How long had he known him when he decided he couldn't possibly be guilty and it was ok to risk hiring him to work with the youth.
When I was a kid, we knew our youth minister for 3 years before we found out he had molested some of the girls in our youth group. When all was said and done, we also found out that he had done the same thing in another town, but charges were never filed.
Believe me when I say we were shocked. No one, and I mean no one, thought he was capable of such a thing.
Fast forward a few years. I'm 17, a senior in high school and I start dating a youth director. He was 19 and not over my youth group, so it wasn't as bad as it sounds. Well, I guess it is because after we had been dating about two weeks he raped me. I didn't report it because I was too ashamed. Now, 10 years later he is still working with kids. The people in his church think he hung the moon. They would never dream that he would do that kind of thing.
What's the moral here? You can't always tell by spending a few hours a week with someone if they are capable of this kind of thing or not.
Also, there may be girls in your youth group who Blaine has hurt, but they are too ashamed to tell. Believe me when I tell you that someone who is capable of doing this kind of thing and hiding it is very persuasive with their victims.
Now before a lynch mob comes after me - I'M NOT SAYING BLAINE IS GUILTY. I'm just saying that there is no way for anyone there to know for sure. As previous posters have said, only he and his alleged victim know for sure.
Anonymous Grand Jury bigot Part I
I do not normally do this, but your post pissed me off because it is full of hate and ignorance. Let's start with your first paragraph.
I used to think it took a lot of evidence for a grand jury indictment; however, having served on a Grand Jury I now know that is not the case sometimes the person bringing the accusation just has to be a good liar and tell a convincing story. There has been more than one case where someone got mad at someone else and made up a story that resulted in an indictment and trial only to find out that the accused lied.
A Grand Jury's is charged with determining if there is enough evidence for a trail. Your anecdotal evidence would suggest that the process is flawed, and therefor the indictment of Miller is flawed. The flaw here is that the process is actually good at determining if a case has enough evidence to go to trial. Hearsay evidence, as in "the victim claimed rape" is seldom enough to move to trial. Circumstantial evidence, DNA, witness testimony, these all mean a great deal. Did Miller get a fair shake with the Grand Jury - we must assume he did. Is it really Christian to call the victim in this case a liar?
Anonymous Grand Jury bigot Part II
Of course, letting your bias show is another example of poor character.
The really sad thing is that if Miller is innocent there will be those people who won't let that be the end of it because they like to create drama.
Why are you looking to Millers innocence if he has not had his day in court. Your emphasis should be on protecting the truly innocent (your children), and not those who you wish to be innocent. And... I disagree. If Miller is found innocent, I would expect he fellow Christians to welcome him home after his trail by fire.
Anonymous Grand Jury bigot Part III
And then there are illogical comparisons.
It also is not uncommon for it to be a couple of years before a trial occurs following an indictment. In fact if there was strong evidence to support this accusation there probably would have been a trial before now. This whole thing has created so much drama and I'm sure satan is so happy with all that has transpired on this blog.
So... Trials can take a couple of years, but if they do it is because they lack strong evidence? Therefor Miller's trial is based on weak evidence? There are many reasons for a lengthy trail. From what I understand, in this case it is because of a political shake up in the DA's office. Now Miller is the number 1 priority. The length of time has no bearing on his guilt or innocence. I'll let the backhanded slap at the victim slide for now. But seriously, did you intend this to be fair and unbiased?
And... your Pastor brought this situation on himself. Satan had nothing to do with it. The notion is absurd.
Anonymous Grand Jury bigot Part IV
Now let's talk about hate.
I too feel sorry for the alleged victim in this case because if she was truly molested she has a lot to deal with and I personally know what it is like to have to deal with that issue. However, if she was not molested she also has a lot to deal with and I hope that the Millers will pursue legal action against her and her family for defamation of character.
Do you really feel sorry? How can you say you feel sorry in one sentence and then move into Punishing the lying harlot in the next? Your statement is completely disingenuous, transparently hateful, and about as far from the teachings of Jesus as I've ever read.
And... let's talk about reality. If Miller is found innocent. The only way he can win a judgement against his accuser is if she lied. Otherwise, win or lose, it is the Millers who will find themselves in court defending against a civil suit.
I realy don,t care what mojo or crossdressing fool has to say .who care about you .all you too think is your some kind of a reporter. well you to amuse me with your storys. you two don,t have a clue of anything.I,am talking about you to not about this blog. fools like you are large with storys of this and that. preaching to others like your some kind of holy person makes others sick.
This blog is so entertaining. All I can infer is that LRBC is full of uneducated morons. Can you spell? You certainly can't comprehend anything you read. On what planet do you live that you think that because someone posts the truth (Miller's indictment, your pastor's lying) is going to send someone to hell? I think you all have been brainwashed.
All I can advise any of you is DON'T DRINK THE KOOL-AID!!!!
Cross-dressing fool? So what are you saying? That because someone is a cross-dresser that anything that they say must be a lie? For someone who calls people, that I am assuming they don't even know, a fool, you certainly make yourself seem like an idiot by the way you write. You can't spell and from what I can tell, can't even put two coherent sentences together. If I was guessing, you are probably related to your lying pastor.
It is people like you that give free speech a bad name.
how would ya know if I even go there fool. mojoe fo joe with a girley dresser messer. ha ha ha whats funny is this site!this has nothing to do with a church or it,s people. it,s all a bout this stupid site.
People like mojoe and carroln give this place a bad name. I hope this sets your butt on fire mojoe and wiredo. I,am talking about the web master. you too should get married because you both belong to each other. this place is a disgrace to free speach and the weirdos that run it.
Anonymous - it is Mojoey. "This place" is my blog. You are a guest. The "web master" does not exists, or more accurately, the web master is me. (wow, if that is not a metaphor for my personal philosophy, I do not know what is.) I do not know Carolyn Ann. I would like too. He seems like a nice guy, unlike you. As for getting married to Carolyn Ann, well... I'm already taken, 27 years and going strong.
Deep Thoughts is all about free speech, otherwise logic challenged individuals like yourself would not be allowed to post here.
Wow the all knowing, better and smarter than anyone else moojey was pissed off. Too bad! I believe it was implied that if the accused lied then the Millers could bring suite. I don't think we needed that clarified. I think we also know what the grand jury is charged with. Not everybody is the idiot that Moojoey thinks they are.
I'm not so sure.
Sorry, Mojoey. I'm taken too: 17 years, and still going strong, too! :-)
I must admit that I 'kinda' liked being called a "wiredo", especially as I'm a qualified electrician. :-)
Hurrah for free speech, and the fact that no one has to hide who they are: at least here!
Oh, the Miller's can't bring any sort of suit against the girl: she's not the one bringing the charges against Miller. The State is, in the form of the local DA.
If she lied, and it's found out, then she can go to trial. And Miller can sue the State.
The Grand Jury found enough evidence to indict Miller; that simply means that the members of the Grand Jury think there's enough evidence to go to trial with. In layman's terms, it's as if the Grand Jury said "yeah, you've got enough evidence to convince us of his guilt." Don't forget: in a Grand Jury, only the prosecution gives evidence. The accused isn't even allowed any representation: they don't even have to be called to appear before the actual Jury.
This process can go awry: look at the Duke Lacrosse players. But I don't think this is the case with Miller; the DA's office has, apparently, made Miller their #1 priority. Which means he's going to get their full attention. But that doesn't mean very much to the Judge and the Court: if they're booked, Miller's trial will wait. If they aren't, it'll be scheduled.
After watching a close friend go through a trial (he was assuredly guilty), I can testify that any trial is not at the convenience of the accused. The defense attorney is sometimes given consideration, but it's not guaranteed. Just ask Scooter Libby!
If Miller is innocent, he can sue the State, as I said. But that's likely to take years, and he'd probably lose. The benefit of the doubt is with the DA's office; all they have to do is act in "good faith".
Never forget: the criminal justice system isn't designed around the accused. It's designed to ensure as fair a trial as possible. A speedy one is purely luck of the draw, or a high-profile case.
(And thanks, Mojoey! :-) )
Carolyn Ann
dear the all knowing mojoey you are so out in left fild. When will you learn to let things go. You just keep harping on the same old dead horse.you must be a pedophile your self because you can,t let it go. lets see if you come up on a pedophile site some where.
All I can say is that Mojoey must really hit a nerve with you since you keep calling him "the all knowing" and now you have stooped to accusing him of pedophilia.
I have to believe that you are posting so illogically to try and throw people off your scent. I find it hard to believe that anyone who knows how to turn on a computer, much less post a blog, is that stinking ignorant.
You for sure are close minded. You don't want to look at the facts, only downgrade anyone who doesn't sing your Blaine Miller's praises. Only someone who A) can't read or B) hasn't seen the Lubbock news doesn't know what Mojoey has stated. Blaine Miller was indicted for a FELONY SEXUAL ASSAULT against a minor. I guess it is easier for you to accuse some poor child of being a slut or a liar.
Free speech aside, you should probably quit posting. You sound like an complete retard. At least pass 8th grade English AND take a Civics class so that you can at a minimum pretend to know what you are talking about.
Mojoey has done his homework. Keep up the good work.
Someone needs to get their facts straight because the person who called Moojoey all knowing is not the same person who said he must be a pedophile. I have never called him a pedophile. I did however refer to him as the all knowing Moojoey because that is how he comes across to me. I also have never said that what his original report said was not factual. Yes Miller was indicted and charged. I think we all know that.
Maybe if names were attached to the posts, we'd all be able to tell whom said what. As it is, "anonymous" has had quite a raging argument with themselves.
Just a suggestion: no need to put your name up. But it does make any complaints about identity rather, er, moot, don't you think?
Carolyn Ann
You just don,t get it do ya.Me posting has nothing to do with this miller guy or LRBC .This post is for the smart mouth mojoe and his friends. now do ya got it.I,am tried of the bull crap and If it was me I would take this site down before more crap hits the fan.some people my not be as smart has you think but you don,t care anyway.
Truth is beautilul,without doubt but so are lies, nothing is at last sacred but the integrity of your own mind. every sweet has it,s sour,every evil it,s good.
I do not have trouble telling the anonymous posters apart. I have even names for them. Take our anonymous "it,s sour" poster. In my mind I have him pegged as the Texas Tech poster, because all of his posts originate from Texas Tech. Based on the way he rights, I figure he is the janitor.
The anonymous “Moojoey all knowing” poster – I call him the veiled hater. Everything he writes seems rooted in hatred. It’s like the mother who complements you in one breath, but tells her best friend you are a slut.
Wrong on one account.
The allknowing mojoey is a jerk and someday he will pay the price for all he has done.who gives a hoot of the anonymous poster.you mojoey think you know it all. the janitor says you need to clean up your act!
Wrong on two accounts.
I hate to, and probably shouldn't, say that an argument between a few "anonymous" posters has a certain, er, surreal air about it.
The insults are amusing and lead me to merely note that we should never feed the trolls. They enjoy the consumption of the output, and the rest of us have to put up with them.
Anyone from LRBC with any news?
Carolyn Ann
I had heard that Blaine was being kept out of the church during the hours of child care operations. Any truth to this?
Why don,t you ask the person that started this affair? Because thay know it all .
I am a part of the youth ministry leadership team at LRBC. I am a 16 year old male and I have known Blaine for about 2-3 years. I am sick and tired of people making accusations against this man. Honestly, those of you who are making comments about this man, besides the members of my church, have no idea what kind of hell he has had to endure. He is a devout chrsitian and has devoted his entire life to youth ministry. Sure, he may have his flaws, but don't we all? There is no way that you can judge Bro.Blaine by his past, I don't care if it was as terrible as people say it is, which I highly doubt. I feel absolutely 100 percent safe and secure around this man. It is very disheartening to me that he is being accused of being a pedophile. I don't know about the other members out there, but if our pastor backs this man 100 percent, then I believe we should to. His accomplishments within our youth group have been astounding and I don't think that a man who could be challenged as a sex offender could have the christian heart and love for God that Bro.Blaine does. This man has changed my life in ways that no one can understand, he has my full support and I hope and pray to God everyday that he will be rid of these humiliating accusations and have a normal life again. I think he deserves that.
Posted by: Kaleb Martin
Well, if we can't judge a man by his past, we'd better let everyone out of prison...
We can and do judge our fellows; it's the principle behind all judicial systems. We, as a society, have to punish those who commit crimes; if we didn't, anarchy would quickly take over. That's not simple rhetoric, either... If there were no consequences to our actions, do you honestly think that anyone would behave in accordance to laws? We'd all be scrambling to achieve safety, regardless of whomever else was hurt in the process.
Miller stands accused of a particularly heinous crime; it's irrelevant to society as a whole if any person feels "safe" in his presence. Part of the modus-operandi of a pedophile is for his victims to feel "safe", until his depravity is satisfied. If Miller is innocent, he'll do what he can to prove that. If he isn't, society will do what it can to incarcerate him. It's simple, really.
We really must not judge anyone by their accomplishments alone. Hitler did some incredible things with the German economy; he reigned in an economy that had basically gone bankrupt, and he laid a lot of roads. He also eagerly exterminated anyone who opposed him, and Jews simply because they were Jews. And gays, and gypsies and anyone who divorced once too often, anyone who objected to his policies and basically created a culture where ethnic cleansing was not only accepted, but was encouraged. Oh, and he was a Christian. (Despite the many protestations to the contrary, he was actually a Christian.)
You have to look at the whole person. My old scout master was regarded as a decent person; he was well-respected by just about everyone in the community. Except his victims: boys younger than you claim to be.
Do you engage in gossip? Do you compare notes on who's going out with whom? Do you chat about whom is having a quiet drink on the side, and which group is doing drugs? That's all gossip. When it gets to the level of someone being charged with a crime, it's no longer gossip: it's news. And as such, it is perfectly reasonable for individuals to talk about it. People talk about the news all the time; it's a perennial topic of conversation. Miller is, unfortunately for him, news.
I'll reveal something: I've been a news item. I didn't like it, but you know what: neither my parents nor I complained about it. Doing so would have been hypocritical, simply because we recognized that people like, and have a right, to be informed of what's going on around them.
Without the news, many parents would remain oblivious of the accusations against Miller. That's fine for Miller, but it's not only unfair to the parents, it's demeaning. "I know what's best for you" always means "I know what's best for me".
So, before anyone else rushes in with a plaintive cry to cease this idle chatter, consider this: It's news. Do you want to stop people knowing about their communities? Or talking about things of interest to them, simply because it makes someone - who is actually under indictment - uncomfortable? Where is the consideration for the victim in all of this compassion? Nowhere, as far as I can see.
Christian compassion? I think it more likely to be simple, old-fashioned manipulation. Done badly, at that. (For all the affect it's having!)
Thankfully we live in a nation that has freedom of speech. Be glad of it.
Carolyn Ann
Response for Carolyn Ann:
I understand what you are saying, though comparing Blaine to Hitler may be a little to much. But in the same respect, you must understand where I am coming from. From the outside looking in, I know that this problem looks as if Blaine has the potential to be ranked as a disgusting human being given what he has been indicted for. But, I bet you that, if you were to sit down and have a heart to heart conversation with the man, every idea or belief that you ever had about him will most likely disappear. I don't know what it is, but I just don't understand how you can honestly judge this man by what gossip you have heard about him. Have you seen him? Have you ever spoken with him? Until you have, then I will not take into consideration your beliefs about this man. Of course, there is also the fact that you do not have Jesus Christ as your personal savior. Perhaps that is the reason why we can't see eye to eye on this situation. Blaine is my brother in Christ and I know that my God would not want me to banish one of his own just because he is under fire because of what has transpired around him. I may be only 16 and I know that I have much to learn in this world, but I also know that it is my responsibility to support and stand up for my brother in Christ. Apart from Blaine, maybe if you were to know Jesus Christ like I do, you would understand where I am coming from. Everyday we come one day closer to our God's return, you don't want to be left behind to face certain death, do you? You should try reading God's word sometime. You would be surprised by what he has done for you so that you can actually have a life of freedom. You would also be surprised by the many things he has to offer you. I will pray for you so that you may know Jesus like I do. Thanks for your response to me.
Posted By: Kaleb Martin
You're welcome.
Miller stands accused of a heinous crime; that's enough for most. It's not about "knowing someone in Christ", it's about knowing what they're capable of - in a secular world. If excusing someone of misdeeds because they're very religious were permitted, I can be fairly certain a lot of criminals would be petitioning for their freedom. We, as a society, can't do that: those who stand accused of a crime must go through the judicial system. If they're innocent, fine. If they're guilty, then no amount of piety should excuse their behavior. (Should we excuse the Evangelical student who - earlier this year - wanted to bomb those who disagree with his beliefs? By your reasoning, yes. By my reasoning: treat him as the danger to society he is.)
Crime is crime. Piety has nothing to do with it. There's an old saying "if you can't do the time, don't do the crime". Miller is (supposedly) mature enough to understand the difference between right and wrong; he's also supposed to be intelligent enough that he shouldn't have placed himself in a situation where he could be accused of such a crime.
But, what of the victim? Does she deserve any consideration? Does her injury get pushed aside because her (alleged) attacker is pious?
It's all well and good claiming some sort of privilege for Miller - which so many seem to be doing - but it's quite another to trample over the rights and expectations of the victim.
What of the parents of other children? Do they not have a right to know what the true situation of the man they entrust their children to? Do the other children not have a right to be protected? Sex crimes, especially pedophilia, do not carry the same burden of privacy - for a very specific reason. Such persons, even accused, are considered to be more of a danger than a pickpocket or drunk. That's why we have those sex-offender lists; they're intended to prevent sex-offenders from being placed into situations where they pose a danger. Not for the offenders benefit, of course. It's for the benefit of society, and the protection of others.
And as I've explained: this isn't gossip. There's nothing being discussed that isn't news; gossip is different: it's full of invective, innuendo and conceit. This is a straightforward case of news: someone was accused, the indictment is moving forward. Participants of this discussion are also considering the implications of the situation at the LRBC. What's gossipy about that?
And a quick word to the wise: please be careful when you tell someone that they should know Christ as you do. Most won't take it in a kindly fashion. And please, be really careful whom you tell you're praying for. If there's one thing guaranteed to annoy someone like me, it's telling someone that you'll pray for them. You basically impose your ideas of theology upon my rejection of it; in other words, you dismiss any consideration of my atheism. It's astonishingly disrespectful, in my opinion. Others might not be so vocal in their opinion, though. It's one thing to believe in something as you do, it's quite another to tell someone else they should also believe as you do: I'm not going to tell you that you should become an atheist, for instance. So, please don't tell me I need to understand things from a "Christian" viewpoint; I understand pedophilia perfectly well.
Carolyn Ann
I am very sorry to have offended you so badly. My words are not meant to enrage you. You see, from my perspective, I am responsible to tell others about Christ because that is what my responsibility is as a christian. I am quite new at this and I have been a Christian since I was 10 years of age. Of course, you are also an adult figure of whom I must respect, whether I like it or not, as I have been raised in that manner. So, I respect your beliefs although I do not agree with them. But I am telling you, you can not call Blaine Miller a pedophile until he has been convicted of the heinous accusations against him. Which he will probably not be convicted, well I pray he won't be. As for you being angry with me for praying for you? That is ridiculous to me, I don't understand why you would get enraged for that reason, but whatever you say. It's time that I leave this blog because apparently I have not succeeded in explaining to you what has transpired at LRBC. I wish you did not believe what you do about Blaine, but as you are entitled to your beliefs, then I will say that I'm done trying to explain what is truly happening in my church. Of course, it is not up to me to judge anyone because that is God's place and only he has the ability to judge anyone in all honesty. Oh yeah, and I wanted to say that I find it very disrespectful that you would even consider comparing my reasoning with that of the insane Evangelical student. I would never consider taking someone's life just because they don't believe as I do. Might I deserve a little respect out of common courtesy? Again, I'm sorry to have offended you but it was all in a good hope. Thank you for responding to my comments.
I must take exception to two things: "enraged" and respect.
I haven't, I presume, earned your respect. Respecting me simply because I happen to be older is something I really don't understand. I was always told that I should respect my "elders", but no one ever said why. Such teaching aside, I consider respect to be earned, and never granted.
I wasn't "enraged"; I was mildly offended. Offended that you would presume to tell me what I should believe: as you would be if I told you what you should believe. But I was only mildly offended.
Oh, don't give up so easily! Heck, if I considered two attempts at persuasion more than sufficient, I'd have had a very short career in the Union! (I was a Union official for a few years, and I argued the same points 5 years into my membership as I did when I was elected to the position.)
I've managed to upset people - some of whom thought they needed to be accorded some respect, simply because of who they thought they were - because I have been so dogmatic, and stubborn. And you know what: I care not one whit. If you believe something is worth fighting for, leaving a discussion part-way through is not a way to show that conviction.
And you didn't answer my question about the victim.
:-)
Carolyn Ann
You should learn from the last poster and respect what thay said.It,s because you will not Listen to anybody butt your own side of the case right.I Hope the person that has blamed him is of legal age now and see,s there own fault in this.
Kaleb Martin
I was a Christian once a long time ago. In fact, I was on my way to becoming a pastor when I lost my faith. My lack of faith does not stop me from having compassion. However, my compassion rests with the victim until the accusers name is cleared. I do not know enough about this case to understand if Miller will be cleared or not. This is not my point. Miller should not be allowed around children until his name is cleared or he is sent to jail. Doing otherwise is irresponsible. That is my point.
Also, I understand that you love and respect Miller. I did the same with my pastor. I did not spot him from sexually abusing other children. Nor does it stop the hundreds of other pastors who have been convicted of the same crime in the last ten years.
If Blaine Miller is an honorable man he would understand this and stay away from kids. Asserting his innocence and continuing to work with children is simply baffling and teaches you the wrong message about personal responsibility.
I have kept up with this blog for a while now and it seems we are still in this same pattern of nothing really new happening, since Miller’s new strategy is to keep delaying the trial as long as possible hoping it will all go away. For the life of me I do not understand why his employer would tolerate this, I know if it were in the public school systems or other sectors of our society it would not be tolerated. Kaleb Martin’s post really hit a nerve with me, as it saddens me to believe that this young man would so whole heartedly defend Miller. Kaleb must realize that sometimes God uses someone in spite of them. That is even though they have these character flaws, God’s work will still be done and God will judge Blaine for his actions. If I were Miller, I would be fearful of God’s judgment, not man’s. As a minister Miller is to conduct himself beyond reproach, and I believe that went out the window when he was accused of an affair early in his ministry and divorced his first wife and abandoned the first 3 of his 5 children.
Miller is an arrogant, sick and disgusting excuse for a man and why Miller is still allowed to be a minster is beyond reason. I wish people could get past his charm and see the man for what he really is. I disagree with Kaleb; Miller is not a broken man over this at all. The attention this case has gotten locally just empowers him and it does not help matters that the church was silent and did nothing. Don’t think for a minute that Miller and his ego are not enjoying all of the attention. With Fulmer’s unconditional support, Miller is the most powerful man in the church and he knows it and loves it. It makes me want to puke that Miller and all of his followers headed off to camp. I just hope people keep a watchful eye on Miller and his followers stay away from the Kool-Aid.
You mr,mojoe was never a christian and never will be. you are very stupid to think christ in not going to through you in hell. There are people that do belive in god and ask for there sin,s to be forgiven. but when your time comes you will now that hell is real because your going there.you can,t leave this alone because you have nothing better to do with your non beleaving self. this freedoom of speech will haunt you from now on . mr martin is a very smart young man.
To the person who wants to puke Miller did not go to camp so you need to get your facts straight.
"Re: To the person who wants to puke Miller did not go to camp so you need to get your facts straight."
Miller is at the camp, I verified it this morning via the camp. Get your facts straight!!!
Not sure who you verified it with but I was standing at the bus when it left and saw Miller not on the bus. Also, he has been at work this week. Kind of hard to be in two places at once.
After reading these comments, I can only say that Satan is really having a hay-day with this situation.
Here is an idea: Instead of hurling insults at each other, and
tearing down the name of Christianity and Jesus Christ, by your behavior.....why not schedule a long and intense prayer session next Sunday morning? It seems to me that you are getting nowhere, right now. Jesus Christ is the only answer. Perhaps you all need to give the church and all that is happening in it back to God. He can work miracles and change lives.
LET GO AND LET GOD do what He desires to do. After all, He is suppose to be the head of the church. Is He not????? "They will know we are Christians by our Love" for one another............
Don't let Satan have the victory. Nothing is too big for God!!!!!!!!!!! I pray that LRBC will show that world that it can arise victorious from these problems and be the supreme example of God's healing power.
I think something more concrete is required...
Carolyn Ann
pFor you fools that beleave miller went to camp stand at the falg pole on sunday morning after sunday school and were red. that way we all know who ya are.now if to don,t go to this church then you don,t know nothing.so if it makes you puke and you think you know everything get a real life.
what is a "falg" pole and how does one "were" red?
You are the one that needs to get a real life....one where someone will teach you how to rise above your stupidity at least enough to learn how to spell and put sentences together.
If you are a representative sample of the people that go to that church, they should just call it a day.
Sorry for messing up your blog, Mo. Ignorant people suck.
I know this saga is being drug on and on and will never go away until a trial has been held and a verdict rendered. Even after all the above have taken place there will be those that will not let it die. Have some bad decisions been made? Yes it would seem so. Has the name of Christ and the reputation of LRBC been drug through the mud? YES. Have so called "Christian" people been guilty of most of the "dragging" on this site? Most definitely!!!
I tried to be the Youth Pastor at LRBC some years ago and failed miserably. No excuses. I accept that fact as my own fault. For some reason that church can be rough on staff people. It does have that history.
BUT, that is not the reason for my post. I was reading along and noticed all the anonymous posting, the name calling, slander, childish behavior and such. I noticed three things. 1) Mojoey and Carolyn Ann do not hide their identity and they have shared with us their stances on God and even very personal things about them and their history, We know who they are and where they stand. I may not agree with all they say but I respect them for not hiding behind a computer screen or anonymity. 2) A number of the posters on this site seem to be adults and members of LRBC. Membership that requires profession of faith in Christ and Scriptural Baptism as commanded by and exemplified by Christ. Most of the members of LRBC on this site have cowered in anonymity while carrying on like un-churched, ignorant of the scripture, lost and going to hell unsaved individuals. 3) Then recently someone , who truly is a leader, and does not cower, respectfully addressed the forum spoke his mind and SIGNED HIS NAME!!! Kaleb Martin, YOU ARE THE MAN!!! A 16 year old by his actions took the scripture that says "let no man look down upon you because you are young" and put most of us "Christian adults" in our place. He was respectful, took a stand and did not cower in the face of ridicule, childish behavior and anonymity.
If all this posting keeps up maybe the adults here will not cower anymore and follow the example of this young man.
Posted by Chuck Hensley
Well said Chuck. It is nice to hear another rational voice join the fray.
Is this blog closed? If not, I would like to make this comment: I understand the outrage at Pastor Fulmer's hiring of Blaine and Blaine accepting the position while under indictment. I, too, think that was unwise. I just question, is it only because you seem to have experienced abuse yourself, Mojoey and Carolyn Ann, that you are so quick to assume that Blaine is guilty? My heart goes out to the congregation that is struggling with this issue. IF it ever comes to trial, Blaine will be exonerated. My feeling is that an overzealous DA will eventually let the case drop.
Jacpac00 - I do not assume Blaine is guilty. I don't care. My rant is focused on Fulmer allowing him access to children while his case is pending.
Also - from what I understand. The DA is proceeding with a trial. Blaine has delayed his appearance through court actions.
His guilt or innocence will be established at by a jury of his peers. If is is innocent, I will not even feel obligated to apologize. He still should not have been allowed near children.
I've had friends go to prison. One for murdering another man with a hammer. Up until he was pronounced guilty I hoped he was innocent. It is a very common attitude. However, it would have been unwise to allow him back into our lives. He was accused of a heinous murder. The right thing to do was protect the community, not forget the charge.
Blaine should be on administrative leave until his name is cleared or he goes to prison.
Jacpac00: I can assure you that I'm not assuming Miller's guilt or innocence. I'm inclined to consider him guilty, merely because of the subterfuge, arrogance and lying, not because he's a supposedly decent Christian. However, like Mojoey, I'm not in a position to assert his innocence of guilt.
There's one poster who thinks that this is what I, and Mojoey (although I can't, and won't, speak for him) believe. Considering Mojoey's last post, I'd say we're in agreement on the salient points.
I also would not consider an apology if he's found innocent. If I made a reckless accusation, yes. But I haven't: what I've said of Miller and Fulmer is my considered opinion of their actions and reported words, and for that I don't need to apologize.
So, thanks for raising that as a point! I welcome the chance to clarify my objection to the unbridled support Miller apparently received, with very little consideration going to the victim. (The troll suggested that the victim played a role: she did. As the victim.)
I consider Miller and Fulmer to be reprehensible. I don't need to apologize for that, or justify it.
Carolyn Ann
My name is Paige Wright and i just got out of the youth. I have seen 5 different youth ministers go through these doors in the past 6 years and while all have done a great job, BroBlaine went the distance. He got to know all of us on a spiritual and individual basis. AND YES WE WERE ALL INFORMED. nobody needed to know about this except youth and parents. I am ashamed of the immature behavior that this blog shows! If you were a christian you'd know only God can judge him.
broblaine rox, PAIGE WRIGHT
Well, your testimony does contradict others. And it demonstrates that Miller had no regard for the laws of Texas. As I understand it, he's not supposed to be near the youth group. Maybe I'm wrong, but that would seem to be the case from previous postings.
As for being immature, I'd like you to sustain that charge. I don't see it, except for the odd troll or two.
And again, all the compassion goes to Miller; you express none for the victim of this alleged crime. This, frankly, appalls me. That such disdain could be spread for the victim of a crime is surely a sin all by itself?
So, while your God may judge the man, the State of Texas seems to desire a more immediate answer.
Carolyn Ann
PS Thank you for identifying yourself.
Hello
I ran across this blog while looking for information tonight about “Brother Blaine” I have not personally met him yet. I have heard nothing but good thing about him from my children who are in the youth group at LRB. I have only one question. Is he allowed to be around the kids or not?
Please don’t repeat everything from previous comments I have sat here tonight and read each and every one of them. I don’t really want to have to tell my children that we are going to attend a new church this Sunday. I will not allow them to be in the youth setting without me at least until this is all cleared up. My daughters came home tonight from church and told me all about Brother Blaine and what a great guy he was. My husband had heard the name of course from the media and looked it up. After I read a little I got scared. Do any of you have any first hand knowledge of any of this being true?
I read one comment from someone on here that said he went to talk to Fulmer. I believe what he commented about Fulmer not listening to his concerns. My Husband and I where shocked and felt violated last Sunday by the pastor himself he did in fact tell the entire congregation not to dare question him. To not bring questions to him. And that if we did not agree with something he said there where many churches around one right down the street in fact and to go to one of them. I really like the church the people are so sweet and are very good with my girls as far as I can tell. Any facts that anyone would be willing to share would be appreciated I am not jumping on a band wagon. I do however feel betrayed. This is information that should have been provided to us as parents before ever allowing our daughters to attend any class or activity without us present.
From
A Mommy
Hi, "A Mommy". I don't know when you left the comment; this subject sort of died down awhile ago. I sincerely hope no-one left you "hanging", so to speak. I only checked tonight because I was curious if anyone had left a message after my last one.
The only way anyone is going to know if the accusations against Miller are true is when his case goes to trial. If the State proves their case, he will probably go to jail - and the repercussions are something that Pastor Fulmer seems to be ignoring. If he's innocent, he's going to have a really horrible time, and the "stench" will never go away.
In the meantime, this church seems to be happy to ignore the law of Texas as its been explained on this blog. Insofar as I know, Miller shouldn't be around kids. If he is, the State's AG might be interested to know.
I will add that the Congregation seems to have the Pastor they want. Any protests seem to have been less than effective. As such, I can't imagine anyone actually standing up and holding Fulmer accountable for his actions, words and lying. (Usually by omission, as you seem to have found out.)
Good luck with any decision you make. Honesty, it appears, is not a valued quality in that church. (It might be, I just don't see any sign of it...)
whats going on now. kids were crying and upset last night at church.
My roommate's brother is a violent pedophile who sexually abused her from the ages of 3-5 (he is 13 years older than she is). Now he works for the Southern Baptist church. She is too afraid of him to come forward and she thinks the church will not listen. He's made a lot of threats but is smart enough to stay just inside the law. He has a blog (connected with the church) where he writes some very strange things-often attacking his parents for the most peculiar imagined offences (like saying they were in conspiricies or hate groups)His blog is so very weird I'd think the Baptists would notice he had problems.
Anybody have any ideas how she could inform the Church without having her brother come and kill her?
What been going on with this ? have not seen any updated info latey.
I googled the church's name and found this. I was checking the time to attend worship services this Sunday. But after reading this, I don't care when they are. Some people had better wake up, this thing is going to go down the tube and there will be a lot of Good Christians wondering what happened.
I remember reading about this guy in some past paper, but had forgotten about it. I thought to myself back then that I did not care to be associated with a church being lead like this.
WAKE UP PEOPLE.
It has been months since I have checked on this blog. Has anyone heard an update on Blaine Miller? Has this thing ever gone to trial or is a date even set? I have heard that the church has virtually fallen apart and that the membership has dwendled down tremendously. Does anyone have any updates? April 23,08
Just need to say the truth about that church.If you are not one of the big givers or one of the eleite few you don,t count on any thing. there have lots of people leaveing and never returning.I do have to say some of these people have there nose,s so high in the shy it ain,t funny. you don,t belive me go see for your selfs. the nice will wear off real soon.the truth will show it,s self.I don,t go there but have visted and wow what a crew.
Well it finally happened yesterday. Fulmer "retired" or "resigned",depends on which service you were in a.m or p.m. I wasn't there to see for myself,but I understand it was quite a circus. He has probably split the church completely now. We all knew he could'nt bow out gracefully,he would have to make a scene and of course take all the blame off of himself & put it on the congregation. He blamed people who are'nt even there anymore,and oh if the congregation only knew the truth to that story they would understand why the man needed to leave. I truely hope this poor church can now begin to heal from the past 2 1/2 years. But first they need to clean a little more house and still get rid of Blaine. Did anyone know he can't even drive the bus for First Steps anymore. Parents complained and so they had to hire an outside company and driver because no one else can drive the bus either. Lets go ahead and spend money we don't have and keep this guy on the payroll too.I hope the ones left can come together as a church family and get past this.
Fulmer resigned - this is great news and worthy of a front page post. More cause for joy. I got an email on this subject from a youth group member too.
I hope you are able to oust Miller now.
Good luck.
dear poster I have heard the new that mr fulmer quit on 6-22 2008 resigend what ever .
I'm guessing by the title "more good news" that the youth was ok with Fulmer leaving. But just to be sure I am curious about the kids feelings. Can you elaborate a little?
The news was delivered without emotion. Fulmer resigned, it looks like Miller will soon follow. It was short and sweet.
here it is aug-10 -08 miller still there like nothing has happened.sorry to say that for the most part you can,t change a leppards spots meaning this place will never change.
Has anyone considered the notion that the allegations came from a 17 yr. old? We all know what kind of crazy times and crazy thoughts go through the heads of young people, and not all of the time are they able to separate what is in their head and what is reality. Not knowing the situation, as I wasn't there, I cannot speak for what was said or done to provoke or initiate this terrible debacle. I can however state that beyond any shadow of a doubt that Blaine Miller is one of the nicest, kind hearted, and God loving people and mentors that I have ever had the pleasure to know. That's right I know this man, not as well now as I did when I was 15 & 16 yrs old and a faithful member of his youth group then. So as not compromise the objectivity of my point I will only say that this was 15 - 16 years ago as I am now 32. I went through a rough time as an adolescent and was greatly encouraged and physically cared for by Blaine and his family at the time. Now keep in mind that his mission all these years and apparently through any foreseeable future has been the ministry to young people. I was welcomed into his home to live for several weeks while my family was on vacation out of town. During this time there was NEVER and I mean Never any thought, comment, action, or other wise that would have even made me question the sincerity or morality of this individual as to lead me to be afraid or suspicious of his intent. After situations lead to the divorce of Blaine and his wife then, he left our church, and continued to seek guidance through the Lord and through the ministry. I have just today become aware of these allegations and all I can muster is (and I'm sorry) B.S.!!! If you think you know someone better than you do yourself or if you are unwilling to know the facts before you make a judgment call plainly stated you are a fool. I will try to post more if I have time, but just remember innocent until proven guilty.
Keep the faith Blaine.... we still love ya. WLW Lubbock Texas TBC
is,t a shame that somepeople in the church that should be setting a fine way to show people how it sould be . decones i know if you have lots of money and no scence you could be in there club too. what a place to worship a god . wow . now blain is gone and what excuess ya got now lakeridge . mmmmm
dear readers, I would like for everyone that has part in this blog to know and understand the main people that control this church are and allways will are the deacons and there personnel committiee. thay the wealthy people on these two committiee,s will and allways will control everyone that is a menber of this church .I speaking as a past member know and have learnd all of this .I could no longer take or put up with all the clicks that are in this place. I feel very sorry for those that go here that have never have had to deal with these people. what a shame this place has on people.this place has lots of mental issues and mind games thay play on there menbers. thay the rich folk do a awsome job of intimidateing others here and rule this place with a iron fist. so please be forwarned of all the things here befor thinking about joining there clicks. bye have a good day in the lord
I do not know when the last post was, but alot has happened at LRBC. I have been a member at LRBC for about 3 years. I arrived about the same time as Bro.Blaine and have the upmost respect for Blane and his family. Bro. Fulmer has resigned (mistake) and Blane has also resigned about 6 months ago. The church has fallen apart and I am scared it might be a goner. I no longer attend LRBC because of another issue. I learned a lot about Christ and Christian living from Bro. Fulmer. To all of you people out there that are so opinionated, open your eyes. God will forgive stupidity and ignorance. Ya'll need to think about it a little more before you express your stupidity to the world. Both Bro. Fulmer and Bro. Blane will come out of this. God Bless All!!!
can anyone tell me if Blaine has a gunshot wound to his upper left chest? If he does I wanna talk to him. And if he does I might be part of the problem. rev_rey@hotmail.com
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