Liberty Baptist is Back

Hi Martin,

Why do you think Baptist was put back into the name?

Do you really think it makes much difference either way?

 

I have to say as a layperson, I feel that God pretty much spells out (through Paul's letters to Timothy and Titus) how church leaders should behave and function. It is hard to misinterpret those epistles. But lots of denominations and yes, even within the Baptists, we seem to have people interpreting for their own agendas. So you have to pray and study and seek God's will and God's answers in your own life. Serve where God leads you to serve, and depart from those whom God points out as those who present false doctrine. What is your function as a leader? Do you pray and seek God's will?

It is farily simple, if you ask me.

 

Good to hear from you Rhet.

It is pure conjecture on my part. But the few times I have caught Caner on TV preaching in chapel, I have witnessed a combative position with regard to Calvinism.

My conjecture is that Caner wants to "reclaim" Baptist for the non-Calvinist position in the SBC. So Liberty "Baptist" Theological Seminary is where non-Calvinists and "true" Baptists will attend in SBC circles.

Again, this is pure conjecture.

The target, of course, is The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. More conjecture!

Jerry Falwell was a real uniter. I think he got along well with others, whether they be Al Mohler or John Hagee. I'm not saying he agreed with everyone, but he knew how to position himself within the mainstream of evangelical Christianity.

 

Caner isn't afraid to state the truth. He was a Muslim, and he is now a saved by grace Christian....and this miracle is something he celebrates in his class lectures. I loved his lectures.

Debbie Mc

 

Caner

I am a graduate of Liberty Seminary (M.A.R.) and I am currently working on the M.Div. through their online program. I recently finished a Baptist History class with Caner as the lecturer. In my estimation, Caner is passionate and sincere but much more aggressive than is necessary.

He routinely starts sentences saying, "For those I have not yet offended - listen to this!" I really enjoyed the class and I have a lot of respect for Caner. He is a great communicator and I love his passion. Is it really needed though to have "The Pit Bull of Christianity" thing?

Am I the only one who sees that as contrary to the nature, life, and example of Christ?

I am a little displeased that they returned the name to Liberty "Baptist" Theological Seminary, not that I have a problem with Baptist theology - I am among the more conservative Congregational Pastors around - but because my M.A.R. was earned while "Baptist" was out of the name so now my M.Div. will have a different school name on it than the M.A...

No big deal though, I love the school and would recommend it to any body who loves the Scriptures and wants to get a sound theological education. It is interesting seeing the historic crossover between Congregationalists of old and original Baptists.

Conservative Congregationalists and Conservative Baptists share much in common. Many early Congregationalists, in fact, went to the various Baptist movements as they felt compelled to take a high view of believer’s baptism.

Blessings!

 

Baptist heritage of soul liberty

Rhett, I really don't know if I am agreeing or disagreeing with you. You know your Baptist history well enough to realize that it has been the historical Baptist position of "soul liberty" and freedom of conscience that offset the more rigid dogmatic positions imposed and enforced by the Puritans. Baptist beliefs helped separate church and state. I would contend that Baptist belief in individual soul liberty was one of the major influences in producing religious liberty in our nation. Now, does the reclaiming of the Baptist name and its historic meaning restrict or promote thinking and thoughful inquiry? You tell me.

 

Right. But when does a combative spirit actualy misrepresent the truth? He can combatively and boldly state his position, but that doesn't necessarily make his statement true. He may be entertaining and he may be certain in his mind, but he can still be wrong no matter how unafraid he is in stating the truth.

 

A Question

Rhetoritician,

I have a question for you that I have been interested in having answered for a while. If I understand correctly - from a previous post - you are a Liberty Prof. As such, you are a good candidate to answer this question or at least give me your thoughts on it, as clearly it is not possible for a "University or Seminary" to open the front door as a mouth and speak for itself. I suspect their may be a diversity of opinions in regard to this question.

I am a Liberty Distance Learning Program Graduate (B.S. Religion in Bible, M.A. Religion in Ministry) and a current DLP M.Div. student. I found my way to Liberty primarily because of the DLP. When I was on Active Duty in the Marine Corps I found it nearly impossible to take traditional courses. I started with Global University (Assemblies of God) through their correspondence program but later looked for an alternative after coming to a deeper understanding of the Scriptures and formulating a personal understanding of Pneumatology.

While on Active Duty I preached in nursing homes and rescue shelters. After leaving the Marine Corps I served a Congregational Community Church as Associate Pastor and for the last year I have served a Congregational Church as Solo Pastor.

Enough background... here is my question and it is specifically in light of your above comment -- "Our SBC seminaries et al (include all 'Baptist' here of any hint or hue) must continue to put out "Baptist Preachers" who know what it means to be "Baptist" and "Baptistic."

How are students which are not "Baptist" by way of denominational affiliation viewed by the staff and faculty at Liberty? I know from interaction on classroom blackboard discussion boards that the DLP has attracted many who are not Baptist to pursue studies at Liberty.

Is having a Congregational Pastor such as myself as a student viewed as an unfortunate byproduct of the DLP or is the Liberty staff intentional about welcoming students to study from outside of the SBC or other denominations. I must say that if someone asked me about my experience at Liberty I would give them an unreserved recommendation to attend.

My theology, preaching style, and views on the local church have been largely shaped by Liberty professors. In practice and teaching I am a Baptist. I am a Congregational Pastor after the order of Historic Congregationalism, not the radical departure from fundamentals of the faith which is the hallmark of much of what is left of this once strong family of churches.

Am I "Baptist enough" for Liberty? Am I "Baptist enough" to be posting in the Baptist Only section of this message board? :laugh:

 

After reading this thread I began to wonder if anyone had heard the LBTS name is back. :laugh:

As for PilgrimPastor's last post, I can't comment on the seminary. But I can tell you that the university in general has been very inclusive for decades. A significant portion of the undergrad student body claim Assemblies, Pentecostal, Methodist, Anglican and others as their preference. But everyone comes to LU knowing the school is coming from a Baptist perspective. As has been stated in this thread, Jerry built the school looking to build bridges among Evangelicals & Fundamentalists. There are certain core doctrines where there is no budging at LU but even this much discussed Calvinism/Arminianism discussion is considered secondary.

I can assure you that Jerry Sr. would be thrilled to know he had helped prepare a Congregational pastor to serve His Kingdom. Of course he would probably wink with a joke about Baptist infiltration. :laugh:

 

Boldness is an attribute that more of us need in order to witness to a lost and dying world. I have not heard any wrong theology come from Dr Caner's lectures. He encourages his students to study the scriptures, to prepare, and to witness. I don't view him as combative at all. Perhaps the past death threats he has received from Muslims has "steeled him up" ??

Debbie Mc

 

Dr. Carl Diemer shoots, he scores!

 

Ut oh, the Trumpet has found this board. He's not for the weak-knee folks on here. :laugh:

And I agree wholeheartedly with Rhet's views. All comers have always been welcome at Liberty.