What unites Baptists?

[Carrye]

What is it that unites Baptists? And don't tell me Jesus Christ. If He were the case, there wouldn't be any division among any of us; I know we are all part of Christ's body, the Church, but that's not what I'm asking here.

Is it theology? Or common interpretation of scripture? Or just the fact that scripture alone is means through which a person can know God? Or is it a common disagreement with the teachings and practices of other denominations? Or is it something else entirely?

 

[FreeinChrist]

Is it theology? Or common interpretation of scripture? Or just the fact that scripture alone is means through which a person can know God? Or is it a common disagreement with the teachings and practices of other denominations? Or is it something else entirely?

Theology - like the priesthood of of believers, believers baptism, baptism by immersion, scripture vs. tradition for understanding the truth, interpretation via the Holy Spirit, the need to be born again via a decision made for Christ.

Organizationally - it is more of a democracy in that we do not have pastors assigned. Pastors, elders and deacons are chosen by the congregation.
In regards to the Baptist Faith and Message - it is not a statement of requirements that one must beleive (as compared to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, for instance). The 1963 committe had this to say about the Baptist Faith and Message and note what I make bold:


Furthermore, it concurs in the introductory "statement of the historic Baptist conception of the nature and function of confessions of faith in our religious and denominational life." It is, therefore, quoted in full as part of this report to the Convention.

1. "That they constitute a consensus of opinion of some Baptist body, large or small, for the general instruction and guidance of our own people and others concerning those articles of the Christian faith which are most surely held among us. They are not intended to add anything to the simple conditions of salvation revealed in the New Testament, viz., repentance towards God and faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.
2. "That we do not regard them as complete statements of our faith, having any quality of finality or infallibility. As in the past so in the future Baptists should hold themselves free to revise their statements of faith as may seem to them wise and expedient at any time.
3. "That any group of Baptists, large or small have the inherent right to draw up for themselves and publish to the world a confession of their faith whenever they may think it advisable to do so.
4. "That the sole authority for faith and practice among Baptists is the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments. Confessions are only guides in interpretation, having no authority over the conscience.
5. "That they are statements of religious convictions, drawn from the Scriptures, and are not to be used to hamper freedom of thought or investigation in other realms of life."

 

[theseed]

The Holy Spirit


Well . . if the truth be none, many times Baptist churches do split, especially the smaller ones.

But hopefully all Baptists, and all Christians for that matter strive for unity even though there is no uniformity.

 

[Frankie]

What is it that unites Baptists? And don't tell me Jesus Christ. If He were the case, there wouldn't be any division among any of us; I know we are all part of Christ's body, the Church, but that's not what I'm asking here.

Is it theology? Or common interpretation of scripture? Or just the fact that scripture alone is means through which a person can know God? Or is it a common disagreement with the teachings and practices of other denominations? Or is it something else entirely?

I would say our beliefs ABOUT Jesus and salvation unite us most of the time.

Frankie

 

[theseed]

The Holy Spirit


Well . . if the truth be none, many times Baptist churches do split, especially the smaller ones.

But hopefully all Baptists, and all Christians for that matter strive for unity even though there is no uniformity.

I will also add that when Baptist churches do split, its usually not over doctrine. Instead, it is usually over stupid stuff like the color of the carpet.

 

[@@Paul@@]

I will also add that when Baptist churches do split, its usually not over doctrine. Instead, it is usually over stupid stuff like the color of the carpet.

And when people steal my parking spot on Sunday morning or sit in my pew..

 

[Carrye]

"That they are statements of religious convictions, drawn from the Scriptures, and are not to be used to hamper freedom of thought or investigation in other realms of life."

This is all very interesting. I was especially interested in this one - can you explain it a little more? First, what is the "they" that is spoken of? I guess I should have an answer to that one before I can explain the rest of my question. Thanks!

 

[FreeinChrist]

This is all very interesting. I was especially interested in this one - can you explain it a little more? First, what is the "they" that is spoken of? I guess I should have an answer to that one before I can explain the rest of my question. Thanks!

The 'they' of the above quote (I doubt that is proper English....but who cares ) are the statements in the Baptist Faith and Message, found here:

http://www.sbc.net/bfm/bfmcomparison.asp


You will see, as you go farthur down, the scriptural backup for each statement.
But the BF&M is not intended to be a creed that one must agree with in its entirely to be a member of an SBC church.

 

[TexasCatholic]

I think as compared to other non-Catholic denominations of Christianity, Baptists are best known for their full immersion baptisms (I realize it is not exclusive to them), and even more so for their belief in Eternal Security (known somewhat incorrectly by non-Baptists as the "once saved always saved" concept).

-James

 

[Carrye]

"That they are statements of religious convictions, drawn from the Scriptures, and are not to be used to hamper freedom of thought or investigation in other realms of life."

Ok, your explanation about that made sense, and the rest of my question involves the part that I italicized above. What does that mean practically? Is it just that those things are not a creed to be professed and agreed upon? Or is it a statement of academic freedom? Or does it mean (though I doubt this is it) that religious conviction does not, nay should not, carry over into other parts of life. Maybe the words I'm caught up on are "not to be used to hamper."

 

[Carrye]

I think as compared to other non-Catholic denominations of Christianity, Baptists are best known for their full immersion baptisms (I realize it is not exclusive to them), and even more so for their belief in Eternal Security (known somewhat incorrectly by non-Baptists as the "once saved always saved" concept).

-James

Thanks, James. Did you know that there are actually some Catholic parishes who do full immersion?

 

[Frankie]

I think as compared to other non-Catholic denominations of Christianity, Baptists are best known for their full immersion baptisms (I realize it is not exclusive to them), and even more so for their belief in Eternal Security (known somewhat incorrectly by non-Baptists as the "once saved always saved" concept).

-James

Except that not all Baptist believe in "once saved-always saved". For me personally, I believe heart and soul that my salvation is sure but then again, I am a total "Jesus freak". It is completely beyond me how anyone could be indwelled with the Holy Spirit and then at some point, deny Him. I just don't understand it but the Bible teaches that it is possible and that it is the one sin that can not be forgiven. I have heard people say that when the Bible speaks of this, it is refferring to those who never accept Jesus but I don't know that I agree with that because for a person to deny the Holy Spirit, they would first have to know it, right? Anyway, just my thoughts on the whole thing.

Now, back to our regularly sceduled discussion...hehe

Frankie

 

[Bro. Gabriel]

Inconsistent Theology?

 

[BFWard]

I think what "unites" the Baptists is the Independent nature of their Churches. The very lack of a hierochy is the foundation of this denimination.

 

[Frankie]

I think what "unites" the Baptists is the Independent nature of their Churches. The very lack of a hierochy is the foundation of this denimination.

I don't think we lack hierochy at all, it is just that our hierochy is Jesus, not man.

God Bless,
Frankie

 

[BFWard]

Exactly.

 

[Tenorvoice]

WHat Unites Baptist's???? I think this:

Good Food, Good Friends, Good Fellowship.

 

[ksen]

What is it that unites Baptists?

Just a general cantankerousness.

 

[kayanne]

Just a general cantankerousness.

LOL!!!!

 

[Frankie]

One thing that I personally have noticed about Baptist (and one of the main reasons I decided to make the Baptist church, my church home) is that Baptist for the most part, are very firm in the Word of God and they consider the Bible to be a true treasure from God. I realize that other church groups do this also but with Baptist, as a whole, I think we take the Word of God very seriously and the Bible is not only important to us but it is VITAL in our everyday lives. Also, I think that Baptist as a whole,, have a very strong desire,, as a whole, to bring the lost to Christ. Once again, I realize that this is not exclusive to Baptist churches alone but it is something that we preach on and hear about a great deal in services.


God Bless,
Frankie