Dale-c:
You have repeatedly said in this thread that you meant no insult to anyone -- and I believe you. Your dismissive reference to "synergist/aminians/freewillers/whatever they call themselves" came across to me [and apparently others] as contempt borne of conceit. I readily admit, however, that we can often overreact to a statement, just as we can unintentionally overstate a case. Please forgive my misjudgment of your initial post.
That said, I will agree with you on this much -- most in the SBC don't know what to call their position doctrinally. The Calvinists in the SBC are never at a lost for words as to how they see themselves and their theology, but the core and majority that has made up the Conservative Resurgence since 1979 have no comfortable term to describe themselves.
For instance, they don't like "Modified Calvinist," because, though they do agree with 2 pts of TULIP (T & P), they don't agree with the others, and they REALLY don't like the idea of Limited Atonement.
On the other hand, they run from the term "Arminian" because it has been so demonized by Calvinists, including many past SBCers and beyond. They see only one point of "Arminians," and that is (usually a misundertanding of) the "Falling from grace" part -- and they like their perseverance/Once Saved, Always Saved.
The going title right now is "non-Calvinists," though that DOES NOT describe what anyone actually believes, only what they do not.
Maybe these folks will clear up their confusion when the John 3:16 conference rolls around. In the meantime, I don't think it's all that difficult to figure out...
I will say that there are a few on this board who know proper terminology and what it represents. I am a "Reformation Arminian," largely in the mold of the earliest English General Baptists, particularly with regard to soteriology. I would also contend that most of the core/majority SBCers hold to a similar doctrinal position as RA's, with the notable exception on the issue of the Possibility of Final Apostasy vs. Perseverance/unconditional security. That they accept the Calvinist tenant of unconditional perseverance would make them, technically, "Modified Arminians." However, even Jacobus Arminius was apparently unconvinced on the matter of final perseverance vs. possibility of apostasy. Whether the majority of SBCer's will ever admit to or accept such terminology is questionable.
I've thrown around a lot of terms that may need to be unpacked to have a useful discussion. I can only assure my Calvinist Baptist Brethren that N
NE among Reformation Arminians OR "Modified Arminians" believe that Salvation is in ANYTHING other than by Grace Alone, through Faith Alone, in Christ Alone.
Blessings,
JDale
