I have read several descriptions of baptists in many of these threads. I want to clarify that not all baptists believe the same way. There are several different sects of baptists and to lump them all together, I think, does a disservice.
Here are the basics of the Baptist Church in which I identify.
1. American Baptist
The New Testament - Our Creed
As a people, Baptists have no creed but the Bible, and they hold that the New Testament is God's authority for all matters of faith and conduct.
Regenerate Membership
Baptists hold that all Christians are born from above - a new birth that comes through faith in God and His work of grace in our lives.
Believer's Baptism
Before joining a church, one should experience the presence of the Lord.
Priesthood of all Believers
We pray to God directly through Jesus Christ and all of us as Christians are witnesses of our faith.
Separation of Church and State
We agree with Roger Williams, an early Baptist and one of the founders of Rhode Island, that church and state to a large extent operate in separate spheres.
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Southern Baptists, Missionary Baptists, Primitive Baptists, Free will Baptists, Independent Baptists, Bible Baptists, etc. all believe a little differently.
I would invite members of those groups to list the basic tenents of their respective churches here.
BTW - This thread is not meant to start arguments over who is right and wrong. I just think it is important that people understand that there are many kinds of Baptists.
Here are the basics of the Baptist Church in which I identify.
1. American Baptist
The New Testament - Our Creed
As a people, Baptists have no creed but the Bible, and they hold that the New Testament is God's authority for all matters of faith and conduct.
Regenerate Membership
Baptists hold that all Christians are born from above - a new birth that comes through faith in God and His work of grace in our lives.
Believer's Baptism
Before joining a church, one should experience the presence of the Lord.
Priesthood of all Believers
We pray to God directly through Jesus Christ and all of us as Christians are witnesses of our faith.
Separation of Church and State
We agree with Roger Williams, an early Baptist and one of the founders of Rhode Island, that church and state to a large extent operate in separate spheres.
______________________
Southern Baptists, Missionary Baptists, Primitive Baptists, Free will Baptists, Independent Baptists, Bible Baptists, etc. all believe a little differently.
I would invite members of those groups to list the basic tenents of their respective churches here.
BTW - This thread is not meant to start arguments over who is right and wrong. I just think it is important that people understand that there are many kinds of Baptists.
