What does being a Baptist mean to you?

[Joseph M. Smith]

Back to the original posting .. what does it mean to be a Baptist ... this week I have been revising my syllabus and gearing up my heart and mind to teach Baptist Polity again at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC. I find myself hoping to use this course as a way of helping these students not only understand their heritage and how their tradition works, or is supposed to work, but also that they may become proud of being Baptist. I am not looking for arrogance, of course, but the capacity to wear that identity well.

But I have concerns, as Jack Matthews mentioned earlier in this post, about the image that is conjured by the term "Baptist". I am simply in prayer right now that I will be able to model intelligence, evangelical passion, understanding, and a love for people, all of which I think are hallmarks of a genuine Baptist identity.

 

[Heavenly Pilgrim]

Joseph Smith: But I have concerns, as Jack Matthews mentioned earlier in this post, about the image that is conjured by the term "Baptist". I am simply in prayer right now that I will be able to model intelligence, evangelical passion, understanding, and a love for people, all of which I think are hallmarks of a genuine Baptist identity.

HP: How about a love for truth and an open mind, always willing to allow God to use His Word or a message from another brother or sister in the Lord to challenge my thinking? Would it be unreasonable to place the truth and the pursuit of truth, on a higher priority than even the way I am perceived intellectually, denominationally, or by any hallmarks of “Baptist identity?”

 

[El_Guero]

Probably not . . . it is an achievable goal.

 

[Heavenly Pilgrim]

EG: it is an achievable goal.

HP: Onward and upward!:thumbs:

 

[Jim1999]

There was a time I believed that I would never drop the name Baptist. I wore that name for more than 50 years.

When I became an Anglican, because of circumstances, not conversion, I realized that I did not change my theology. I did not change who I am. All that changed was a name.

I cannot escape the designation as "Baptist". All my Anglican friends, including the local bishop, introduce me as a Baptist. So, in the final analysis, what does the name Baptist mean to me?
It is my identity, but the name is not all that important.

Cheers,

Jim

 

[Joseph M. Smith]

HP: How about a love for truth and an open mind, always willing to allow God to use His Word or a message from another brother or sister in the Lord to challenge my thinking? Would it be unreasonable to place the truth and the pursuit of truth, on a higher priority than even the way I am perceived intellectually, denominationally, or by any hallmarks of “Baptist identity?”

Unquestionably a high priority. I guess I thought that would go without saying, but it is good to say it. All I would add is that, therefore, my objective becomes helping these students "speak the truth in love."

 

[Heavenly Pilgrim]

Joseph Smith: Unquestionably a high priority. I guess I thought that would go without saying, but it is good to say it. All I would add is that, therefore, my objective becomes helping these students "speak the truth in love."

HP: Amen. May God help me to always strive to obtain that high goal. May God grant you wisdom as you address that group.

P.S. Be sure you invite them to all come and visit Baptist Board.Com for ‘one on one’ FREE interaction on all the issues you will be discussing.

 

[David Michael Harris]

For me it just means I believe in a believers confession and baptism.

Thats about it. I believed, I was saved, I confessed my faith I was baptised.

 

[Heavenly Pilgrim]

DMH: For me it just means I believe in a believers confession and baptism.
Thats about it. I believed, I was saved, I confessed my faith I was baptised.

HP: What does it mean to ‘believe in a believer’s confession?’

 

[Michael52]

What does being a Baptist mean to you?

- Believer's baptism
- Local Church autonomy
- Jesus Christ is the head of the Church through the power of the Holy Spirit
- The Bible is the only infallible rule and authority for the Church and the walk of a believer
- Priesthood of the believer
- "Soul Liberty" - I know this term may be passe, but I understand it to mean that we are individually responsible for our action and attitudes, and will stand alone before the judgement and give an account of our life. Thus, we cannot blame our sins or ignorance on others and must recognize we are compelled to be "Soul Responsible"

 

[Heavenly Pilgrim]

Michael52: "Soul Liberty" - I know this term may be passe, but I understand it to mean that we are individually responsible for our action and attitudes, and will stand alone before the judgement and give an account of our life. Thus, we cannot blame our sins or ignorance on others and must recognize we are compelled to be "Soul Responsible"

HP: I find this very interesting. I am wondering to whom does this apply? Are you making a universal statement concerning all moral agents?

 

[Michael52]

HP: I find this very interesting. I am wondering to whom does this apply? Are you making a universal statement concerning all moral agents?

Forgive me, I am not sure I totally understand the question.

However, if there is one God (and there is), then every human being is accountable to Him. All who are saved or who are to be saved, are saved through the atonement of Christ.

Most particularly, I guess I was responding to some of the previous posts where some had written that there were more specific doctrinal distinctives that Baptists would agree on if indeed they were Baptists. In my experience, however limited, the Baptists I know tend to have a wider range of personal beliefs, though will conform a little more narrowly in what they say publically.

Regardless of whether I would agree with them or they with me on every minor doctrinal point, the things that make us Baptist are the first items in the list of my original post (i.e. baptizing babies is simply NOT a "Baptist" thing, for instance).

I see being Baptist as a "big tent" thing. All are welcome. All can come fellowship and we'll learn from the Bible together as the Holy Spirit leads. Slowly, but surely, we'll all come around to the truth (i.e. my way). :saint: :laugh:

 

[Heavenly Pilgrim]

Michael52: Slowly, but surely, we'll all come around to the truth (i.e. my way).

HP: That is clearly a universal truth we can all agree on.:thumbs: :laugh:

 

[Heavenly Pilgrim]

Michael52: Thus, we cannot blame our sins or ignorance on others and must recognize we are compelled to be "Soul Responsible"

HP: I asked you about this being a universal truth to you on the account of the widespread belief in original sin. If in fact man is born a sinner at birth, and he is a sinner due to that inherited contagion, we could blame our sin directly on Adam, for he could be seen as the cause of our malady.

On the other hand, your statement suggests that we alone are indeed responsible for our sins, and that we cannot blame them on any other. I see this as in support of truth, and in direct opposition to the notion and implications of original sin. I just wondered if you had thought of it like this.

 

[hill]

Good question. What many Baptist churches in South Florida have done is to change their name since they see the word "Baptist" being a detriment to their mission.

They haven't changed their beliefs - only their name. As far as I know, they are the only denomination to have done this.

Most all the former Baptist churches in So. Oregon have changed their names also, but I don't think they have changed their beliefs any. The big one in our valley has said they did it to reach out to more people.

 

[hill]

My viewpoint on the Baptist church changed only after coming on this board a couple years ago. I lost almost all respect I had for the Baptists, after realizing they collectively stand for almost anything and almost nothing. At least they all agree on Christs finished work on the Cross.

 

[David Michael Harris]

HP: What does it mean to ‘believe in a believer’s confession?’

Basically, I am a sinner and Jesus died for my sins. That I fall short of the glory of God. That Jesus is my Saviour that God put forth (provided) for me.

David

 

[Heavenly Pilgrim]

DMH: Basically, I am a sinner and Jesus died for my sins. That I fall short of the glory of God. That Jesus is my Saviour that God put forth (provided) for me.

HP: Thanks David for the response. Belief entails many different things to different individuals. I can only speak for myself, but when I believed, I repented for all my sins that were past, and told the Lord that if he would allow me to live that I would live for Him from that day forward. It was, and continues to be, the desire of my heart to live a life from that day forward as a changed man. Those who knew me before can testify to the fact the indeed I was changed and live a changed life. To God be the glory, for He is worthy to be praised!