Not all Primitive Baptist churches fully agree with your understanding of the Black Rock Address. There are actually very few verses of scripture referenced in the address because many of the conclusions are interpretive in nature. It was largely an expression of the conclusions of those present on how they did or didn't want to do certain things. There purpose was sound in that they wanted to keep the Church pure and free of those things that detract from it. I respect that and find good in it! However, some people have used the address to advocate and support their own agenda which is often condemnation of the actions of other Christians including fellow Primitive Baptists. In that respect I completely disagree. I do not find inherent fault with Sunday school, Bible study, Bible college, or mission programs. I know some good Primitive Baptists who are involved in some of these activities. I know many Christians who have these things in their church and I don't consider them any more or less favored by the Lord for what they practice. I do believe these things are sometimes not properly handled and that leads to concerns such as those expressed in the address. The extreme seems to be a Church that operates like an entertainment center concerned with "marketing its products" based on the appeal to "consumers". That kind of thing really troubles me! However, I have the same concerns about other activities such as social meetings, singing camps, multi-church gatherings, etc. all of which are well intentioned and can serve the Lord but can just as likely be mishandled. In fact, plain old preaching can be just as bad if not truly from the word of God.
Firstly, it's not my understanding of what the authors of the Black Rock Address wrote...it is what they wrote.
Secondly, I know of no sound Primitive church that adheres to these practices.
I do not find inherent fault with Sunday school, Bible study, Bible college, or mission programs.
I don't know what to tell you other than Primitive Baptists have always stood against these things as they are not mentioned in scripture.
Bible study, I don't think, should be lumped into this same group, however. If done with the appropriate leader and outside of regular worship services, then studying our bible together is very good indeed.
As for singing schools, if they, or any other form of a church camp, are not sanctioned by a church, then there is absolutely nothing wrong with them.
Social gatherings...I have yet to see anyone come out against fellow churchmembers fellowshipping together. We are a church family, so there is no reason that we can't meet outside of church as well as in church.
The Black Rock Address is the founding document that set our modern-day churches apart from the world. Anyone who is a Primitive Baptist today has to trace their church's lineage back to those who supported this document. When that support is gone, then the church ceases to be Primitive Baptist.
It would be like saying, "I'm a Christian, but I don't believe in Christ."
(BTW, Bro. Dragoon, please check your email. I sent you a reply, but it said you have to add me to the list...or something like that.)
