The debate over Calvinism and what some refer to as "traditional Baptist" views on salvation, he added, is becoming more of a distraction in Southern Baptist life.

"We have a major, major issue with Calvinism," Luter said. "That issue can possibly, if we don't deal with it in a Christian manner, split this convention. Every city I go to, when I [meet] with pastors, [they] will ask what's going to happen with the Calvinism issue."

Pastors and church leaders need to take more of a stand, he said, against the pressures of today's politically correct culture. ...