I've been privy to hear a neat question. Before I pass it on, let me stress the point isn't that one kind of Baptist is better than the other--all 3 have their strong points and weaknesses. Also, I know there could be lots of other "kinds" of Baptist.
Here is what we were asked:
Are you a "soft raiment" Baptist? That is, do you prefer an "ivory tower" setting with soft carpet, softly played organ music with more than a sprinkling of classical music blended in? Do you like to wear expensive clothing of the non sturdy and highly uncomfortable variety? Do you believe only a relatively few highly educated people really understand the scripture? Do you love to chew on the deep meaning specific words? (Strengths--usually well educated and deep thinkers. Weakness--may tend toward a form of gnosticism. May miss the big picture matters while quibbling over obscure doctrines.)
Or are you a polyester Baptist? That is, would you prefer the above but cannot afford it, so go for a fake version of it? Do you ever think of modern translations (other than nasb or esv) as dumbed down? Do you prefer piano music softly playing the old hymns? Do you show up for church in polyester wash and wear versions of the more expensive "soft raiment"? Do you ever secretly judge others for how they dress for church (modesty excepted)? (Strengths--middle of the roaders who keep us from either deep end. Usually stable, long term workers. Weakness--can be hide bound defenders of traditions that should be tossed out.)
Or are you a blue jean Baptist? Ok, you may not actually wear blue jeans but generally dress in comfortable clothing....even for church. You probably trust the masses of working folks more than the "egghead elites." You believe the scripture should be in the hands of the people, and that leans you in favor of easy to understand translations. You like whatever music the working folks in your area like: bluegrass, country, rock, pop, whatever. If Baptists had a mantra yours would probably be "keep it real." (Strengths--extremely evangelistic, extremely good at experiencing God, not given to hypocrisy. Weakness--can be very judgemental of anyone they perceive as "putting on airs." Can be prone to follow fads.)
I used to be impressed by the soft raiment folks, and more polyester myself. But as I age I find myself more blue jean (or khaki's and polos so to speak). It isn't that I don't value high education--I certainly do. I am just getting where I want to see it blended with living in the real world of the average worker.
So what kind of Baptist are you?
Here is what we were asked:
Are you a "soft raiment" Baptist? That is, do you prefer an "ivory tower" setting with soft carpet, softly played organ music with more than a sprinkling of classical music blended in? Do you like to wear expensive clothing of the non sturdy and highly uncomfortable variety? Do you believe only a relatively few highly educated people really understand the scripture? Do you love to chew on the deep meaning specific words? (Strengths--usually well educated and deep thinkers. Weakness--may tend toward a form of gnosticism. May miss the big picture matters while quibbling over obscure doctrines.)
Or are you a polyester Baptist? That is, would you prefer the above but cannot afford it, so go for a fake version of it? Do you ever think of modern translations (other than nasb or esv) as dumbed down? Do you prefer piano music softly playing the old hymns? Do you show up for church in polyester wash and wear versions of the more expensive "soft raiment"? Do you ever secretly judge others for how they dress for church (modesty excepted)? (Strengths--middle of the roaders who keep us from either deep end. Usually stable, long term workers. Weakness--can be hide bound defenders of traditions that should be tossed out.)
Or are you a blue jean Baptist? Ok, you may not actually wear blue jeans but generally dress in comfortable clothing....even for church. You probably trust the masses of working folks more than the "egghead elites." You believe the scripture should be in the hands of the people, and that leans you in favor of easy to understand translations. You like whatever music the working folks in your area like: bluegrass, country, rock, pop, whatever. If Baptists had a mantra yours would probably be "keep it real." (Strengths--extremely evangelistic, extremely good at experiencing God, not given to hypocrisy. Weakness--can be very judgemental of anyone they perceive as "putting on airs." Can be prone to follow fads.)
I used to be impressed by the soft raiment folks, and more polyester myself. But as I age I find myself more blue jean (or khaki's and polos so to speak). It isn't that I don't value high education--I certainly do. I am just getting where I want to see it blended with living in the real world of the average worker.
So what kind of Baptist are you?
:laugh:
