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SBC: An unregenerate Denomination by Jim Elliff

Salty

20,000 Posts Club
Administrator
I am a Baptist, and I am a Protestant. Protestantism is not a denomination nor a denominational structure, it is a theology.

When did I say Protestantism is a denomination?, though in a sense it is - based on the second definition of denomination.

For the sake of argument, what is you definitions of a Protestant?
 

gb93433

Active Member
Site Supporter
Goodness.


OF COURSE the SBC is a denomination.

I can not comprehend why our brothers and sisters in the SBC keep saying they are not a denomination. I have been involved in 3 SBC churches at different times as a christian, so I have experience with the SBC.
Too often "independent churches" is used as a scapegoat to do nothing when a church needs to be disciplined. Leaders in the SBC do not have to exercise any discipline and use the excuse that they are unable to. My question is this: What kind of discipline and claim to belief in the Bible is that? I would contend that it is nothing more than useless atheistic lip service.
 

Ruiz

New Member
Protestants are those who are not Catholic. Yes, I join the other early Baptists like those who studied under Calvin at Geneva. I do believe their view of Scriptures and salvation is not the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I believe in the 5 Solas of the Reformation, Faith Alone, Grace Alone, Christ Alone, Scripture Alone, and for the Glory of God Alone.

Aren't these truths enough to stand for and protest any supposed Christian group who are against these truths? I do!
 

Ruiz

New Member
When did I say Protestantism is a denomination?, though in a sense it is - based on the second definition of denomination.

For the sake of argument, what is you definitions of a Protestant?

Protestant are those who traditionally protested the Catholic view of Scripture and Salvation while advancing the theology known as the 5 Solas.
 

Jerome

Well-Known Member
Site Supporter
I am a Baptist, and I am a Protestant.
Maybe he is referring to his Evangelical Free home church?
EFCA allows for paedobaptism as well as real baptism.
 
Last edited by a moderator:

Ruiz

New Member
Jerome,

No, I was referring to what traditional particular Baptists refer to as being both Baptist and Protestant. I hold to the London Baptist Confession 1689. When I have been the Senior Pastor, I did not nor ever have endorsed paedoBaptism. Rather, I endorse reformation doctrine as outlined above.

Spurgeon referred to himself as a Protestant, recounting "We protestants" on June 15, 1860 in a letter to his congregation. Even Bunyan embraced Protestantism. I understand why some sects reject protestantism like the followers of Mennos and Church of Christ adherents. Particular Baptists, though, have generally embraced Protestantism (though there are exceptions, especially Landmarkists). I am neither a Landmark Baptist, a Mennonite, or a General Baptist. I am a Particular Baptist... Holding to 5 Solas, but also to a Credo-Baptist doctrine. Most of the theologian friends I have, no matter their position on this issue, could affirm, I am vocal proponent of Particular Baptist doctrines.
 

Jerome

Well-Known Member
Site Supporter
Interesting. So how is your vocal opposition to paedo-"baptism" received in your Evangelical Free church?
 

Ruiz

New Member
Jerome,

You obviously do not know my church. My church is credo-Baptist and would never allow for paedo-baptism. While our church enjoys a diversity in several other areas of theology (though we are all Baptistic), I think I am safe to say that that we are 100% credo-Baptist. I, as well, do not like speaking for my church and wish that to be done by an official proclamation of the Elders. For me to do so would be presumptuous upon them and dishonoring of the roles God has given to us. However, if you have a problem with our church, we have a solid process developed by Peacemakers that would address such inquiries. I believe we have had 1 graduate of Bible College, 2 Seminary Grads, and one former Evangelist. All of us are strongly Baptistic in our theology.

Thus, seeking to label us using a logical fallacy is not helpful. To be honest with you, of all the churches I have Pastored or been a member, my current church is the hardest to label... but there is great grace in our church on minor issues.
 

Jerome

Well-Known Member
Site Supporter
Oh.
Evangelical Free churches have traditionally countenanced paedo-"baptisms".
I am pleased to learn that the Evangelical Free church you attend does not.:thumbs:
 

Tom Butler

New Member
I am a Baptist, but not a Protestant. Baptists were around before Protestants started the Reformation.

In early America, Protestants persecuted Baptists.
 

Jerome

Well-Known Member
Site Supporter
A big difference is when a SBC church leaves the "denomination" they get to keep the building!
Really?

From the Kansas Nebraska Convention of Southern Baptists website [emphasis added]:

Constitution and Bylaws.pdf

It is suggested that a church consider including a “reversionary clause” in its constitution in order to protect the future usage of its property to make sure that such property remains in the hands of Southern Baptists.
Such a reversionary clause should read something like this:
Should this property ever cease to be used as an active and cooperating Southern Baptist Church in the (name of association to which the church is a member), a non-profit religious corporation, or the Kansas-Nebraska Convention of Southern Baptists, a non-profit religious corporation, then and in that event title and interest in this property shall revert to the (name of association to which the church is a member) or its successor in interest.
 

Ruiz

New Member
I am a Baptist, but not a Protestant. Baptists were around before Protestants started the Reformation.

In early America, Protestants persecuted Baptists.

No, certain sects of Christians persecuted Baptists. As well, some sects of Christians fought to not have them persecuted. It was not all Protestants (while Episcopals left the Catholic church, for instance, they did not leave due to theological reasons nor hold to what I believe Protestants hold to.)

I also agree with another person is curious about Baptists existing before the Reformation. Most of those trail of blood ideas go through heretics (at worst) or people with theology that you assume may have been Baptists.

I am a Protestant; I am a Baptist.
 

Alive in Christ

New Member
Too often "independent churches" is used as a scapegoat to do nothing when a church needs to be disciplined. Leaders in the SBC do not have to exercise any discipline and use the excuse that they are unable to.

What???

My church is not SBC, but the SBC churches I was involved with in years past did indeed practice discipline.
 
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