Bill, don't forget your Kilt, will you
yours, Jon.
Baptist relationships
Discussion in '2000-02 Archive' started by jonmagee, Nov 18, 2002.
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There are, at least, over 150 Baptist denominations. The US also has a an incredible number of denominations in general. This was not always so. Prior to the Declaration of Independence there were five major Protestant denominations in the US: Baptists (majority were "Regular" Baptists), Lutherans, Presbyterians, Congregationalists, and Anglicans (Methodists were still connected to them at this point). These groups were all Reformational in doctrine ("General" Baptists excluded), yet differed mainly over the issues of the ordinances / sacraments, church government and worship style (liturgy, etc.).
The War of Independence was won. One of the mightiest nations on the face of the nation (Great Britain) had been defeated and the Colonialists were no longer subject to a king. The Constitution was established in the late 1780s. Jackson wrote a lot on "democracy" and was very influential. Americans began adopting a new sense of identity, and all of these issues played a huge role in that identity.
The Second Great Awakening erupted around the turn of the century. Many began downplaying the role and importance of the clergy. "Personal interpretations" (rather than the "established" ones held for centuries) were held up as the norm. If one didn't like what was taught, they could reject it outright - after all, they were "independent" of authority over them. In this atmosphere many left long-established denominational heritages to begin their own groups. Schism was rampant. Denominational proliferation was astounding. While there had been schism during the Great Awakening ("Old Lights" vs. "New Lights"), it was not like anything that took place during and following the Second Great Awakening (1800s).
Unfortunately, Americans today have an even stronger sense of "independence" and "individuality" that often causes us to neglect the importance of community, heritage and authority. :(
Rev. G -
Jon, yes there can be large differences between the Baptists groups. Just as a clarification, SBC was concervative, then liberal theology crept into the leadership. Once that began to become public, the conservatives in the SBC took action, put feet and votes to their beliefs and retook control. The liberal thought was not how the SBC was historically.
The strong points of the SBC. We view Scripture as being inerrant and infalible. I don't have to explain my doctrine with thoughts and feelings, I can point to Scripture as my support.
The weaknesses, like many churches, the body needs to devote themselves to more biblical studies. The lack of biblical study can lead a person in the wrong direction since they aren't reading the directions they have been given by God. Also in the SBC as in many churches, not enough people offer to help the church out.
[ November 22, 2002, 10:07 PM: Message edited by: FearNot ] -
I guess we are running out of strengths/weaknesses to share. what about positive relating.
yours, Jon. -
Squire Robertsson AdministratorAdministrator
I affiliate myself and ministry with the Fundemental Baptist Fellowship International (yes, Brother Vaughn, it's the same org as the FBF. they changed the name last spring when they gained some members from the Carribean.) For strengths I would list:</font>
- It learned many lessons from its past relationships with the Northern Baptist Convention and the Conservative Baptist Association. The title of the organization pretty much tells where the FBFI stands on doctrinal and denominational issues.</font>
- The FBFI is strictly a fellowship of likeminded individuals. While it publishes Frontline Magazine, it is effectively only a mailing list/directory. The list exists to inform the individuals on it of the various annual regional fellowship meetings.</font>
- As a fellowship, the FBFI does not endorse colleges, schools or mission board. Though, it is an endorsing body for military chaplians for the US Armed Forces.</font>
- One of the lessons learned over its history is not to be an organization of churchs. While various churchs do contribute their support to the Fellowship, they are not "members" of the Fellowship.</font>
[ November 25, 2002, 06:20 PM: Message edited by: The Squire ] -
Joshua -
We seem to have come to a halt on the contributions. Thank you all for your help and information on this subject
yours, Jon.
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