Is the SBC getting liberal?

[Reynolds]

I believe the convention is getting much more liberal as a southeren baptist. The problem lies in both the younger generation, which I am a part of, and reduced fidelity to the bible. I was taught when I became a southern baptist that we are the types to quote the bible all the time when we run into a real question or make an important decision. The bible is the rule of life for all southern baptists.

Nowadays I see all kinds of problems though:

1. Charismatic influence
2. Using reason and logic to answer a serious question or seek guidance for a serious problem instead of going to the bible
3. Growing acceptance of popular culture
4. Increased acceptance of divorce and divorcee culture
5. Some acceptance of the whole "relevance" church fad
6. More leadership roles for women
7. An "ecumenical spirit" especially towards Rome and other Protestants, despite our Anabaptist history

That induced mental stress. I may expand later.

I agree with 2-7.

 

[Revmitchell]

mischaracterization, it was not "rewarded" by any stretch of the definition of that word.

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

In another thread Reynolds stated :

In what ways do you think that the SBC is getting liberal?

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

Happy - and what does all this have to do with the SBC???

T Cassidy (in post #3) expounded on my OP with the definition of liberal for this thread

Yea Tom did that quite well....especially in mentioning the seminaries. He also stressed (in most areas). I am sure he mentioned that in a few ways.

 

[Steven Yeadon]

I agree with 2-7.

That surprises me in that charismatic influence seems to be a real problem in that the Pentecostal/Charismatic movements have defined the Holy Spirit to many people. Also, the gifts of a counterfeit Holy Spirit are becoming more taken for granted as just another way of doing business inside the faith given us by the bible.

 

[Revmitchell]

That surprises me in that charismatic influence seems to be a real problem in that the Pentecostal/Charismatic movements have defined the Holy Spirit to many people. Also, the gifts of a counterfeit Holy Spirit are becoming more taken for granted as just another way of doing business inside the faith given us by the bible.

If that is going on in SBC churches at all it is aberrant at best.

 

[Steven Yeadon]

If that is going on in SBC churches at all it is aberrant at best.

Oh, thank our Father in heaven in Jesus' name if that is true.

 

[JamesL]

How The Gospel Coalition is Killing The Gospel With “Social Justice”

 

[Reynolds]

That surprises me in that charismatic influence seems to be a real problem in that the Pentecostal/Charismatic movements have defined the Holy Spirit to many people. Also, the gifts of a counterfeit Holy Spirit are becoming more taken for granted as just another way of doing business inside the faith given us by the bible.

I do not think The Charismatic movement is in any way a problem to the SBC. I am much more Charismatic in doctrine than the average Southern Baptist. There are in fact quite a few SBC pastors in this area that fully embrace Charisma. Being a cesationalist is not a requirement for being a Baptist. Even though the mission board has tried to purge many charismatic missionaries, there is no official top down edict that says "you must be a cesationalist to be a Southern Baptist."

 

[JamesL]

I do not think The Charismatic movement is in any way a problem to the SBC. I am much more Charismatic in doctrine than the average Southern Baptist. There are in fact quite a few SBC pastors in this area that fully embrace Charisma. Being a cesationalist is not a requirement for being a Baptist. Even though the mission board has tried to purge many charismatic missionaries, there is no official top down edict that says "you must be a cesationalist to be a Southern Baptist."

Bapti-costal is what I've heard it called, and that is far away from being an eyebrow raiser where I'm at

 

[xlsdraw]

Bapti-costal is what I've heard it called, and that is far away from being an eyebrow raiser where I'm at

I got a buddy in Tennessee that fits that description. A very encouraging brother. I believe different gifts can leave different brothers on seemingly completely different wavelengths. We sure seem to be.

 

[Reynolds]

Bapti-costal is what I've heard it called, and that is far away from being an eyebrow raiser where I'm at

The only SBC churches in this geographic area that are showing significant growth are the "bapti-coastal" churches.

 

[Reynolds]

mischaracterization, it was not "rewarded" by any stretch of the definition of that word.

No mis characterization at all. An act of bad behavior was in fact rewarded. A "prominent black" pastor proposed a divisive, hateful motion. Did he get condemned? Ignored? No! He got his proposal reworded and passed. Bad behavior was rewarded. Shameful!!!

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

I believe the convention is getting much more liberal as a southeren baptist. The problem lies in both the younger generation, which I am a part of, and reduced fidelity to the bible. I was taught when I became a southern baptist that we are the types to quote the bible all the time when we run into a real question or make an important decision. The bible is the rule of life for all southern baptists.

Nowadays I see all kinds of problems though:

1. Charismatic influence
2. Using reason and logic to answer a serious question or seek guidance for a serious problem instead of going to the bible
3. Growing acceptance of popular culture
4. Increased acceptance of divorce and divorcee culture
5. Some acceptance of the whole "relevance" church fad
6. More leadership roles for women
7. An "ecumenical spirit" especially towards Rome and other Protestants, despite our Anabaptist history

That induced mental stress. I may expand later.

those points are exactly whats happening in these new 'Bible Churches'.....at least in my area.

 

[Salty]

No mis characterization at all. An act of bad behavior was in fact rewarded. A "prominent black" pastor proposed a divisive, hateful motion. Did he get condemned? Ignored? No! He got his proposal reworded and passed. Bad behavior was rewarded. Shameful!!!

So what new resolution to apologize will be brought up next year -

 

[Rob_BW]

How The Gospel Coalition is Killing The Gospel With “Social Justice”

Wow, that was a good article.

 

[Reynolds]

So what new resolution to apologize will be brought up next year -

Good question.

 

[Dr. Bob]

NOT an apologist for SBC, but as part of the Founder's Movement and attending some of their conferences and reading their materials, I am actually encouraged by the ANTI-liberal positions and return to the historic doctrinal roots of early Baptists in the USA - Calvinistic soteriology, authority of the Word of God, and "historic fundamentalism".

 

[Revmitchell]

I do believe with the "New Calvinists" they are more socially liberal.

 

[Dr. Bob]

I do believe with the "New Calvinists" they are more socially liberal.

Is this thread confused by using "liberal" in two different spheres? Liberalism in any denomination is a DOCTRINAL issue based on theological interpretations.

I do not equate this with social/political liberal views (like the wonderful push of the SBC against the alt-right hate crimes)