Changes

==Doctrine==

==Doctrine==

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>

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>

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).

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.

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. Although Southern Baptists in general do not hold to Pentecostal or Charismatic practices such as [[glossolalia]] ("speaking in tongues"), Independent Baptist author [[David Cloud]] believes the practice within the SBC to be far greater than officially discussed.<ref>https://www.wayoflife.org/database/charismatic_southern_baptists.html</ref><ref>It should be noted that two persons mentioned in Cloud's report &ndash; noted charismatic televangelists [[James Robison]] and [[Pat Robertson]] &ndash; though at one time were Southern Baptist, have since left the denomination.</ref>

 

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.

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.