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Line 19: − − ===Theology=== − Baptist theology has slowly changed since the formation of the SBC in 1845, but at no time was there ever a monolithic set of Baptist beliefs. Baptist theology has the primary goal of being faithful to the Bible, and it has been influenced by many trends in theology and general American culture. Race relations, for example, affected Baptist theology. − − Although the SBC has a doctrinal statement (the [[Baptist Faith and Message]], which has been revised on several occasions, most recently in 2000), since SBC churches are independent and autonomous congregations, they are not required to adhere to it for denominational membership. However, adherence is required for its missionaries and many key employees. − − Southern Baptist theology has been part of historic Christian orthodoxy, yet it has exhibited diversity on some issues, including Calvinism-Arminianism, conservatism-progressivism, and the millennium. In the theological conflicts of the 1980s and 1990s both sides have claimed historical foundations for their positions. Early Baptist theologians like James Boyce were heavily influenced by Princeton theologians and their theories of biblical inerrancy. In the twentieth century leaders like E. Y. Mullins did not speak of inerrancy but tended to emphasize the infallibility of the Bible's religious message.<ref>Paul Basden, ''Has Our Theology Changed? Southern Baptist Thought since 1845.'' (1994)</ref> − − Calvinist themes of predestination faded away as revivalism pushed Baptists in an [[Arminian]] direction. Anti-Catholicism—a powerful force in the 1920s—faded away after the election of [[John F. Kennedy]] in 1960 ended fears of a Vatican takeover of the U.S., and the emergence of the abortion issue in the 1970s saw prominent Baptists form an informal political alliance with the Catholic bishops. There have also been changes in the theology of such topics as the Bible, predestination, the atonement, perseverance and apostasy, the Christian life, the church, church leaders, the priesthood of all believers, the millennium, philosophy of religion, Christian ethics, and religious liberty. On the other hand, there had been little or no change regarding God, the Trinity, Jesus Christ, sin, and the ordinances.<ref>Paul Basden, ''Has Our Theology Changed? Southern Baptist Thought since 1845.'' (1994)</ref> Line 136:
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Southern Baptist Convention (view source)
Revision as of 02:52, March 15, 2018
, 02:52, March 15, 2018relocate theology subsection to Doctrine main section, remove duplicate info
#a gift for organizing and promoting programs and methods to share the gospel in a more effective way.
#a gift for organizing and promoting programs and methods to share the gospel in a more effective way.
By 1955 the SBC counted 8,200,000 members, and were baptising an average 1,000 new members a day. The 30,000 affiliated churches reached 24 states, but were still heavily concentrated in the South. Local churches were worth $1.2 billion, up from $276 million in 1945. Yearly contributions reached $305 million. Sunday school membership was 6,400,000. The denomination supported 30 colleges and universities, 22 junior colleges, six seminaries, eight academies and four Bible schools. Most were still small and the total enrollment was only 50,080. They ran 33 hospitals and 23 magazines.<ref>"The Oldtime Religion," [http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,893230,00.html ''Time'' Dec. 05, 1955]</ref>
By 1955 the SBC counted 8,200,000 members, and were baptising an average 1,000 new members a day. The 30,000 affiliated churches reached 24 states, but were still heavily concentrated in the South. Local churches were worth $1.2 billion, up from $276 million in 1945. Yearly contributions reached $305 million. Sunday school membership was 6,400,000. The denomination supported 30 colleges and universities, 22 junior colleges, six seminaries, eight academies and four Bible schools. Most were still small and the total enrollment was only 50,080. They ran 33 hospitals and 23 magazines.<ref>"The Oldtime Religion," [http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,893230,00.html ''Time'' Dec. 05, 1955]</ref>
===20th century===
===20th century===
==Doctrine==
==Doctrine==
The SBC generally holds a conservative worldview, though it is somewhat divided between the Calvinist and Armenian camps.
In all the major tenets of the faith ([[Biblical inerrancy]], the [[Virgin Birth]], the [[substitutionary atonement]] of [[Jesus Christ]], His bodily [[resurrection]], and his ultimate return to Earth to judge humanity), as well as on the view of the [[Trinity]], the SBC holds to traditional Christian views and generally has for most of its existence (notwithstanding arguments over Biblical inerrancy during the Conservative Resurgence).<ref>Paul Basden, ''Has Our Theology Changed? Southern Baptist Thought since 1845.'' (1994)</ref>
The SBC believes in the two ordinances of believers' [[baptism]] (though some churches hold baby dedication services, infant baptism is not practiced) and the Lord's Supper (traditionally holding the view that the "wine" is non-alcoholic; grape juice is used instead). It considers both to be symbolic, especially in regards to baptism (it does not hold to the view of baptismal regeneration); baptism has also been the historical means by which a person becomes a member of a local church for the first time (though in megachurches this practice is no longer the norm).
With the Conservative Resurgence the SBC has taken a more conservative stand on issues such as [[sanctity of life]], [[homosexuality]], and the limitation of the pastorate to males. However, it has always maintained a view of [[separation of church and state]] (believing that each has its role, but not to the extent of liberals who would push religion completely out of the public).
In nearly all other areas, the SBC is quite diverse. For example, there are fairly equal numbers of individuals holding to [[Calvinism]] as to [[Arminianism]], and although the SBC believes in Jesus' ultimate return, there is no majority viewpoint on [[eschatology]]. This is due in great part to the Baptist views of [[priesthood of all believers]] and [[autonomy]] of the local church.
Like other Baptist bodies the SBC does not have a formal confession of faith or creed. It publishes a doctrinal statement, the [[Baptist Faith and Message]] (BF&M), which summarizes its key beliefs. The SBC, being congregational in practice, cannot bind the BF&M on any supporting church; however, adherence to the BF&M is required for missionaries and faculty at SBC-supported universities. Most congregations, however, generally adopt the BF&M (in whole or in part) as their doctrinal statement.
Like other Baptist bodies the SBC does not have a formal confession of faith or creed. It publishes a doctrinal statement, the [[Baptist Faith and Message]] (BF&M), which summarizes its key beliefs. The SBC, nor any state convention or local association, cannot bind the BF&M on any supporting church; however, adherence to the BF&M is required for missionaries, key leadership, and faculty at SBC-supported universities. Most congregations, however, generally adopt the BF&M (in whole or in part) as their doctrinal statement.
==Organization==
==Organization==