I have heard of some IFBCs that have been dropping the name "Baptist," because of the generic sense of the word now. Historically, Baptist meant something. Does it have a distinct meaning now? Should an Independent Bible-believing church drop the name Baptist because it can mean so many different things now?
Has Baptist Lost It's Meaning?
Discussion in '2003 Archive' started by Refreshed, Dec 30, 2002.
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I can understand why many would drop the name Baptist, though I'm not sure that it is the best solution. There are now so many sects of Baptists it's hard to keep track. And so many who say they are Fundamental these days aren't. It's hard for many of the strict IFB churches to accurately describe themselves in just the name "Baptist".
AJL -
It's not just IFB churches. One of the newest SBC churches in town uses "community," not "Baptist," in its name.
I think there are several reasons, including leftover bitterness from the SBC situation and negative connotations about the name "Baptist," especially in areas that formerly had no or little Baptist influence. -
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A lot of churches eschew the neam "baptist" in favour of community simply becuase they are attempting to reach out to people who asociate denominational churches with parochial thinking. Theyu don't ignore their affiliation altogether, but they don't put it on the sign outside. Why do that if it will proe a barrier to outreach is the thinking.
As for the theological end of it, with the plethora of denomiations which are eenetially baptistic, even if not baptist in name, it may well be wise to drop the term. There is nothing about baptists that makes them so distinct anymore.
Maybe IFBCs should become Funadamental Churches which are baptistic rather than baptist churches which are fundamentalist. -
AJL -
It was primarily a Southern Baptist thing. The Baptist Foundation took a bunch of people's money on the pretext that it would be use for "church planting." It was used for "pocket lining" instead with the help of Arthur Anderson (anybody remember Enron?). Some Christians lost tens of thousands of dollars, mostly the elderly suckered in with a high interest return.
I'm out of there (referring to the SBC), but I am keeping my eye on this Cooperative Baptist Fellowship thing as well, as it could split the convention (I really don't know why I care anymore about the SBC).
[ January 07, 2003, 08:48 PM: Message edited by: Refreshed ] -
Not yet, but getting there!
Man's morality, WILL dictate his Theology! :D -
Baptist Believer Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
http://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/webextra/bfa/baptist3.html
When I was searching for this information, I ran across an editorial from a Virginia Baptist paper taking the SBC's Executive Committee and Lifeway to task for continuing to use Arthur Anderson for auditing:
http://www.erherald.org/41000020321.htm
:eek:
Does anyone know if the SBC and Lifeway continue to use Arthur Anderson?
[ January 07, 2003, 10:44 PM: Message edited by: Baptist Believer ] -
Excellent work, BB
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