I suppose few people remember that before Stanley took over, the SBC was widely regarded among conservative Evangelicals as too liberal, on a course toward dangerous modernization and moderation.

At the time, there wasn't a lot of difference socially and culturally between Southern Baptist churches and United Methodist churches.

The UMC, however, largely held to a course of adapting theology to contemporary times, focusing on Jesus's teachings of love and acceptance.

Stanley didn't just put the brakes on SBC modernization, he slammed the brakes and then went into high-speed reverse.

Today, the two denominations could not be more different. And the SBC, obviously, is no longer regarded as liberal, by pretty much anybody.