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'''Baptists''' are a [[Christian]] denomination. Their largest association, the [[Southern Baptist Convention]], is an influential social and political organization.<ref>http://www.sbc.net/aboutus/default.asp</ref>

'''Baptist''' refers to any one of several [[Christian]] groups which, for the most part, hold to theologically and socially conservative positions (though there are notable exceptions).

 

The largest Baptist group is the '''[[Southern Baptist Convention]] (SBC)''', which despite its name has churches in all 50 states.  The SBC is also highly influential in the social and political arenas of American life.<ref>http://www.sbc.net/aboutus/default.asp</ref>

==History==

==History==

* Two ordinances (Believer's baptism and the Lord's Supper) (Acts 2:41–47; 1 Cor. 11:23-32)

* Two ordinances (Believer's baptism and the Lord's Supper) (Acts 2:41–47; 1 Cor. 11:23-32)

* Individual soul liberty (Romans 14:5–12)

* Individual soul liberty (Romans 14:5–12)

* Separation of Church and State (Matthew 22:15–22)

* [[Separation of church and state]] (Matthew 22:15–22)

* Two offices of the church (Pastor-elder and deacon) (1 Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1–2)

* Two offices of the church (Pastor-elder and deacon) (1 Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1–2)

Many Baptists consider the [[Bible]] to be inerrant and the literal word of God. Baptists are often opposed to [[gambling]] and the use of [[tobacco]] and [[Alcoholic drink|alcoholic beverages]].<ref>http://www.abpnews.com/2885.article</ref>   

Many Baptists consider the [[Bible]] to be inerrant and the literal word of God. Baptists are often opposed to [[gambling]] and the use of [[tobacco]] and [[Alcoholic drink|alcoholic beverages]].<ref>http://www.abpnews.com/2885.article</ref>   

With baptism, the individual acquires authority to determine matters of religion and [[faith]] for himself, or as part of a local congregation of believers. Although each Baptist is free to define his own beliefs, a revised collection of common principles held by Baptists was set forth by the Southern Baptist Convention in 2000.<ref>http://www.sbc.net/bfm/</ref>

With baptism, the individual acquires authority to determine matters of religion and [[faith]] for himself, or as part of a local congregation of believers. Although each Baptist is free to define his own beliefs, a revised collection of common principles held by Baptists was set forth by the Southern Baptist Convention in 2000.<ref>http://www.sbc.net/bfm/</ref>

Baptists differ from other Christian denominations doctrinally. The most obvious difference is that Baptists practice "Believer's Baptism," the belief that only born-again believers, not infants, can get baptized. In practice children are baptised at the age of 5 to 10.<ref>see Strategic Information and Planning Section, ''2001 Annual Church Profile Statistics:

Baptists differ from many Christian denominations doctrinally. The most obvious difference is that Baptists reject infant baptism, and instead practice "Believer's Baptism", the belief that only born-again believers, old enough to understand what it means to become a Christian, are eligible baptism candidates. In practice, children are baptized at the age of 5 to 10.<ref>see Strategic Information and Planning Section, ''2001 Annual Church Profile Statistics:

Number of Baptisms by Age Divisions'' (Nashville: LifeWay Christian Resources, April 22, 2002).</ref>  This belief in "adult" baptism is also held by some other prominent Protestant churches, although the baptism of infants is customary in such Protestant bodies as the Methodist, Presbyterian, Episcopalian, and Lutheran churches.  

Number of Baptisms by Age Divisions'' (Nashville: LifeWay Christian Resources, April 22, 2002).</ref>  This belief in "adult" baptism is also held by some other prominent Protestant churches (such as the Churches of Christ and Pentecostal denominations), although the baptism of infants is customary in such Protestant bodies as the Methodist, Presbyterian, Episcopalian, and Lutheran churches.  

Another distinguishing characteristic is to be found in the area of church government. Baptists believe that Christ and only Christ is the Head of the Church (Ephesians 5:23). There is no man who has the oversight of groups of Baptist churches. Baptists have no denomination in the sense of an organization that controls local congregations. Each local church is autonomous and accountable only to Christ, who is its Head. Finally, Baptists have always stood by the belief that the church should not be state controlled.<ref>[http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/Believer's%20Corner/why_baptists_are_not_protestants.htm  Why Baptists are not Protestants by Dr. Vernon C. Lyons]</ref>

Another distinguishing characteristic is to be found in the area of church government. Baptists believe that Christ and only Christ is the Head of the Church (Ephesians 5:23); there is no "Pope" or ruling board that has authority over any individual Baptist church.<ref>Although the various Baptist denominations, such as the SBC, may decide that it will or will not accept an individual church into its group, it has no authority to replace that church's leadership nor to force it to close down.</ref>  Each local church is autonomous and accountable only to Christ, who is its Head. Finally, Baptists have always stood by the belief that the church should not be state controlled.<ref>[http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/Believer's%20Corner/why_baptists_are_not_protestants.htm  Why Baptists are not Protestants by Dr. Vernon C. Lyons]</ref>

Some Baptists believe that the King James Version of the Bible is the only true word of God in the English language. This is because other versions, such as the New International Version, are based on corrupted manuscripts, and some verses are reworded in a way that changes the meaning or are omitted altogether.

Some Baptists believe that the King James Version of the Bible is the only true word of God in the English language. This is because they believe other versions, such as the New International Version, are based on corrupted manuscripts, and some verses are reworded in a way that changes the meaning or are omitted altogether.  This teaching is generally limited to the [[Independent Baptist]] movement.

== Baptist Denominations ==

== Baptist Denominations ==