Traditional Baptist = Calvinism?

Well, there have always been Baptists who were not calvinistic; but the soteriology in some of the historic confessions is certainly calvinistic, and the founders of the SBC were calvinists.

 

There are no doubt a number of threads in the Baptist History forum which would help you understand the question.

If you'd care to explore those items, it would be helpful, and then you might come back with clairification questions.

Jeff

 

When Baptists were emerging as a primary denomination in Europe, two groups sprang up around the same time. The first were Particular Baptists who were the calvinists. The second were General Baptists who were at the very least, not as calvinistic.

The terms general and particular refer to the extent of the atonement.

 

Actually, the General Baptists came first. The first known General Baptist church was founded in Holland 1608 or 1609 by John Smyth. It wasn't "not as calvinistic" but rather believed that God's Grace is offered to all but only accepted by a few. (I don't know many Calvinists that would accept this belief as being Calvinist at all!)

The first Particular Baptist church was thought to have been founded around 1633 or 1638, according to some. The Particular Baptists were thought to have had the most influence on the early Baptist church, however.

http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/9285/PBAPT.HTM

 

One of my favorite Calvinistic Baptists is Charles Spurgeon.

For more biography of one of the greatest Baptists of all time:

Spurgeon's Biography

 

Perhaps the General Baptists preceded the Particular Baptists, but the reformation inspired by Luther preceded them both. IMO, Luther wrote more clearly and strongly on election vs. free will than anything I've read by Calvin.

So it seems to me that whether or not Baptist history started out "Calvinist" or "Arminian" depends on whether you trace it only as far back as General Baptists or as far back as the reformation. Or here's an even more radical idea - how about tracing it back to Christ? The question would then be whether or not Jesus taught free will or election.

 

37All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. 44"No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day. (John 6:37,44)

I see no reason for doubt!