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[[File:Baptism-vladivostok333.jpg|thumbnail|300px|right|Baptists in Vladivostok, [[Russia]] ]]

[[File:Baptism-vladivostok333.jpg|thumbnail|300px|right|Baptists in Vladivostok, [[Russia]] ]]

'''Baptist''' refers to any one of several [[Christian]] groups that typically embrace theologically and socially conservative positions.  Baptists are strong in opposing [[gambling]], [[alcohol]], and other [[addiction]]s.

'''Baptist''' refers to any one of several [[Christian]] groups that typically embrace theologically and socially [[conservative]] positions.  Baptists strongly oppose [[alcohol]], [[gambling]], and other [[addiction]]s.

"Nationally, 31.9 percent of Protestants said they are Baptist. The figure in the South is 44 percent, but it drops down to 23 percent in the Northeast and Midwest and 19 percent in the West."<ref>https://www.al.com/news/2017/09/3_states_more_baptist_than_ala.html</ref>  Mississippi has the highest concentration in the U.S., while Nagaland, a state in India, has an even higher Baptist percentage of its population.<ref>https://www.britannica.com/place/Nagaland</ref>

"Nationally, 31.9 percent of Protestants said they are Baptist. The figure in the South is 44 percent, but it drops down to 23 percent in the Northeast and Midwest and 19 percent in the West."<ref>https://www.al.com/news/2017/09/3_states_more_baptist_than_ala.html</ref>  Mississippi has the highest concentration in the U.S., while Nagaland, a state in India, has an even higher Baptist percentage of its population.<ref>https://www.britannica.com/place/Nagaland</ref>

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

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

==History==

==History==

Baptists are descended primarily from the work of [[John Smyth]] (1554-1612) in [[England]]<ref>http://levellers.wordpress.com/2007/08/28/john-smyth-1570-1612-puritan-separatist-baptist-mennonite/</ref>  He fled to [[Holland]] due to persecution of the [[Anabaptists]], of which he was part.<ref>http://www.exlibris.org/nonconform/engdis/anabaptists.html</ref>  Baptists arrived in the American colonies and became especially numerous in New England and Virginia. After 1800, the denomination grew rapidly but split in 1845 over the issue of slavery. Many slaves were Baptists and at the end of the Civil War they withdrew from white churches and set up their own network of Baptist churches.

Baptists are descended primarily from the work of [[John Smyth]] (1554-1612) in [[England]].<ref>http://levellers.wordpress.com/2007/08/28/john-smyth-1570-1612-puritan-separatist-baptist-mennonite/</ref>  He fled to [[Holland]] due to persecution of the [[Anabaptists]], of which he was part.<ref>http://www.exlibris.org/nonconform/engdis/anabaptists.html</ref>  Baptists arrived in the American colonies and became especially numerous in New England and Virginia. After 1800, the denomination grew rapidly but split in 1845 over the issue of slavery. Many slaves were Baptists and at the end of the Civil War they withdrew from white churches and set up their own network of Baptist churches.

==Beliefs==

==Beliefs==

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> the latter to the point that the "wine" in [[The Lord's Supper]] will be grape juice. This is because ''wine'' in the Bible refers to grape juice, which may or may not be fermented.  

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> the latter to the point that the "wine" in [[The Lord's Supper]] will be grape juice. This is because ''wine'' in the Bible refers to grape juice, which may or may not be fermented.  

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, most denominations will have a "statement of faith" which generally agrees on major doctrines (e.g. the Virgin Birth) while allowing for differing views in other areas (e.g., how End Times prophecy will take place).  The [[Baptist Faith and Message]] of the Southern Baptist Convention is an example of such a statement; it was most recently revised 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, most denominations will have a "statement of faith" which generally agrees on major doctrines (e.g., the Virgin Birth of [[Jesus]]) while allowing for differing views in other areas (e.g., how End Times prophecy will take place).  The [[Baptist Faith and Message]] of the Southern Baptist Convention is an example of such a statement; it was most recently revised in 2000.<ref>http://www.sbc.net/bfm/</ref>

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:

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:

=== Southern Baptist Convention ===

=== Southern Baptist Convention ===

The most well known Baptist denomination is the [[Southern Baptist Convention]] (SBC), which despite its name has congregations in every state.  It is the largest Protestant denomination in the United States.  Since its founding in 1845, the SBC has grown to over 16 million members in more than 42,000 churches in the United States.  The SBC sponsors about 5,000 home missionaries serving the United States, Canada, Guam and the Caribbean, as well as another 5,000 foreign missionaries at work in 153 countries.  

The most well-known Baptist denomination is the [[Southern Baptist Convention]] (SBC) which, despite its name, has congregations in every state.  It is the largest Protestant denomination in the United States.  Since its founding in 1845, the SBC has grown to over 16 million members in more than 42,000 churches in the United States.  The SBC sponsors about 5,000 home missionaries serving the United States, Canada, Guam and the Caribbean, as well as another 5,000 foreign missionaries at work in 153 countries.  

In 1979, the beginnings of a theologically conservative resurgence in the Southern Baptist Convention as the result of a struggle for control of the denomination between moderates and conservatives.<ref>[https://www.baptistpress.com/resource-library/news/25-years-ago-conservative-resurgence-got-its-start/ 25 years ago, conservative resurgence got its start], ''Baptist Press'', 2004</ref>  

In 1979, the beginnings of a theologically conservative resurgence in the Southern Baptist Convention as the result of a struggle for control of the denomination between moderates and conservatives.<ref>[https://www.baptistpress.com/resource-library/news/25-years-ago-conservative-resurgence-got-its-start/ 25 years ago, conservative resurgence got its start], ''Baptist Press'', 2004</ref>  

In 2022, Pastor Tom Ascol, president of the Institute for Public Theology and Founders Ministries, has been nominated for the SBC presidency by a group of conservative Baptists to combat the denomination's '[[woke]] drift'.<ref>[https://www.jpost.com/christianworld/article-702305 Southern Baptists nominate Tom Ascol to combat 'woke drift'], ''Jerusalem Post'', MARCH 25, 2022</ref> Bart Barber, pastor of First Baptist Church in Farmersville, Texas was elected however and he ran on a platform of strengthening ties between the SBC’s more than 47,000 churches and restoring civility among the SBC's members when discussing differences.<ref>[https://christianindex.org/stories/sbc-presidential-candidates-discuss-reasons-theyre-in-the-race,24083 SBC presidential candidates discuss reasons they're in the race], The Christian Index, 2022</ref>

In 2022, Pastor Tom Ascol, president of the Institute for Public Theology and Founders Ministries, was nominated for the SBC presidency by a group of conservative Baptists to combat the denomination's '[[woke]] drift'.<ref>[https://www.jpost.com/christianworld/article-702305 Southern Baptists nominate Tom Ascol to combat 'woke drift'], ''Jerusalem Post'', MARCH 25, 2022</ref> Bart Barber, pastor of First Baptist Church in Farmersville, Texas was elected however and he ran on a platform of strengthening ties between the SBC’s more than 47,000 churches and restoring civility among the SBC's members when discussing differences.<ref>[https://christianindex.org/stories/sbc-presidential-candidates-discuss-reasons-theyre-in-the-race,24083 SBC presidential candidates discuss reasons they're in the race], The Christian Index, 2022</ref>

=== Other Baptist bodies ===

=== Other Baptist bodies ===

There are numerous smaller bodies, usually with long histories, such as the Calvinistic Baptists, General Baptists, Primitive Baptists, Old Regulars, Two Seeders, [[Free Will Baptist]]s, Landmarkeans (named after landmarks of doctrine), and Seventh Day Baptists (a very small group that, like the Seventh Day Adventists, holds to Saturday worship as Biblical).<ref>Leonard (2005)</ref>

There are numerous smaller bodies, usually with long histories, such as the Calvinistic Baptists, General Baptists, Primitive Baptists, Old Regulars, Two Seeders, [[Free Will Baptist]]s, Landmarkeans (named after landmarks of doctrine), and Seventh Day Baptists (a very small group that, like the Seventh Day Adventists, holds to Saturday worship as Biblical).<ref>Leonard (2005)</ref>

The Baptist Bible Union was started in 1923 by prominent Fundamentalists including W. B. Riley, pastor of First Baptist Church, Minneapolis, T. T. Shields, Canadian Baptist pastor, and J. Frank Norris, of First Baptist Church, Fort Worth, Texas. Riley said the Union was founded to give "open, determined opposition to menacing modernism" in the Northern and Southern Baptist Conventions.  The union was of "inspirational character" for those who sought to purge liberalism from Baptist denominations.<ref>Leonard (1987) p. 506</ref>  

The Baptist Bible Union was started in 1923 by prominent Fundamentalists, including W. B. Riley, pastor of First Baptist Church, Minneapolis, T. T. Shields, Canadian Baptist pastor, and J. Frank Norris, of First Baptist Church, Fort Worth, Texas. Riley said the Union was founded to give "open, determined opposition to menacing modernism" in the Northern and Southern Baptist Conventions.  The union was of "inspirational character" for those who sought to purge liberalism from Baptist denominations.<ref>Leonard (1987) p. 506</ref>  

[[Independent Baptist]]s (which are intentionally non-denominational) tend to be more conservative than any other of these groups (generally holding to [[Fundamentalist]] viewpoints; the label "independent Fundamentalist Baptist" is often used interchangeably).  Most independent churches were created in reaction to "worldliness, modernism, apostasy and compromise" within other Baptist churches (even those which are conservative by comparison to mainline churches) and are often led by a leader with high personal popularity. They generally maintain a loose confederation of local congregations, promoting and funding independent missionaries and "church-planters, periodicals and Bible schools"<ref>Leonard (1987) p. 507</ref> (as such they rarely, if ever, work with other groups).  Frequently they hold their membership to very strict standards as to attendance, personal grooming and dress, and worldly activities both inside and outside of the home.

[[Independent Baptist]]s (which are intentionally non-denominational) tend to be more conservative than any other of these groups (generally holding to [[Fundamentalist]] viewpoints; the label "independent Fundamentalist Baptist" is often used interchangeably).  Most independent churches were created in reaction to "worldliness, modernism, apostasy and compromise" within other Baptist churches (even those which are conservative by comparison to mainline churches) and are often led by a leader with high personal popularity. They generally maintain a loose confederation of local congregations, promoting and funding independent missionaries and "church-planters, periodicals and Bible schools"<ref>Leonard (1987) p. 507</ref> (as such, they rarely, if ever, work with other groups).  Frequently, they hold their membership to very strict standards as to attendance, personal grooming and dress, and worldly activities both inside and outside of the home.

The majority of Baptist denominations are conservative theologically.  However, notable liberal Baptist denominations include [[American Baptist Churches USA]] (not to be confused with the conservative [[American Baptist Association]]), the [[Alliance of Baptists]] and the [[Cooperative Baptist Fellowship]] (the latter two being splinter groups from the SBC).

The majority of Baptist denominations are conservative theologically.  However, notable liberal Baptist denominations include [[American Baptist Churches USA]] (not to be confused with the conservative [[American Baptist Association]]), the [[Alliance of Baptists]] and the [[Cooperative Baptist Fellowship]] (the latter two being splinter groups from the SBC).

== Protestantism ==

== Protestantism ==

Baptists are generally considered to be Protestants. This normally means that they are "non-Catholic" Christians. When used in this sense, it is true. However, Protestant Churches are limited to Churches which separated from the Roman Catholic Church during the [[Protestant Reformation]], starting in 1517. Some Baptists (called Landmarkeans)  believe that Baptist history extends all the way back to the apostolic Church.<ref>[http://www.empirebaptistministries.org/church/articles/protestant.htm Jarrell's Baptist Perpetuity]</ref> [[Charles Haddon Spurgeon|C.H. Spurgeon]] told the story of Baptist minister, Peter of Bruys, who suffered martyrdom in 1124.<ref>[http://www.baptistbanner.net/baptist_history/baptist_history.html ''Baptists are Ancient''] by C.H. Spurgeon appeared in the August 1868 The Sword and the Trowel.</ref>[[The Waldensian Confession of Faith]] of 1120 A.D. is allegedly Baptist in tone.<ref>[http://www.pbministries.org/History/Goodwin_&_Frazier/churches_02.htm ''Baptist Churches In All Ages'' by Paul Goodwin and Bob Frazier]</ref>  Few historians agree with this historical theory, and most scholars argue that the Baptists originated in England during the 17th century.

Baptists are generally considered to be Protestants. This normally means that they are "non-Catholic" Christians. When used in this sense, it is true. However, Protestant Churches are limited to Churches that separated from the Roman Catholic Church during the [[Protestant Reformation]], starting in 1517. Some Baptists (called Landmarkeans)  believe that Baptist history extends all the way back to the apostolic Church.<ref>[http://www.empirebaptistministries.org/church/articles/protestant.htm Jarrell's Baptist Perpetuity]</ref> [[Charles Haddon Spurgeon|C.H. Spurgeon]] told the story of a Baptist minister, Peter of Bruys, who suffered martyrdom in 1124.<ref>[http://www.baptistbanner.net/baptist_history/baptist_history.html ''Baptists are Ancient''] by C.H. Spurgeon appeared in the August 1868 The Sword and the Trowel.</ref>[[The Waldensian Confession of Faith]] of 1120 A.D. is allegedly Baptist in tone.<ref>[http://www.pbministries.org/History/Goodwin_&_Frazier/churches_02.htm ''Baptist Churches In All Ages'' by Paul Goodwin and Bob Frazier]</ref>  Few historians agree with this historical theory, and most scholars argue that the Baptists originated in England during the 17th century.

===Europe===

===Europe===

==Controversies==

==Controversies==

When [[Harvard University|Harvard's]] first president Henry Dunster abandoned Puritanism in favor of the Baptist faith in 1653, he provoked a controversy that highlighted two distinct approaches to dealing with dissent in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. The colony's Puritan leaders, whose own religion was born of dissent from mainstream Church of England, generally worked for reconciliation with members who questioned matters of Puritan theology but responded much more harshly to outright rejection of Puritanism. Dunster's conflict with the colony's magistrates began when he failed to have his infant son baptized, believing, as a newly converted Baptist, that only adults should be baptized. Efforts to restore Dunster to Puritan orthodoxy failed, and his apostasy proved untenable to colony leaders who had entrusted him, in his job as Harvard's president, to uphold the colony's religious mission. Thus, he represented a threat to the stability of society. Dunster exiled himself in 1654 and moved to nearby Plymouth Colony, where he died in 1658.<ref>Timothy L. Wood, "'I Spake the Truth in the Feare of God': the Puritan Management of Dissent During the Henry Dunster Controversy," ''Historical Journal of Massachusetts'' 2005 33(1): 1-19,</ref>

When [[Harvard University|Harvard's]] first president, Henry Dunster, abandoned Puritanism in favor of the Baptist faith in 1653, he provoked a controversy that highlighted two distinct approaches to dealing with dissent in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. The colony's Puritan leaders, whose own religion was born of dissent from mainstream Church of England, generally worked for reconciliation with members who questioned matters of Puritan theology but responded much more harshly to outright rejection of Puritanism. Dunster's conflict with the colony's magistrates began when he failed to have his infant son baptized, believing, as a newly converted Baptist, that only adults should be baptized. Efforts to restore Dunster to Puritan orthodoxy failed, and his apostasy proved untenable to colony leaders who had entrusted him, in his job as Harvard's president, to uphold the colony's religious mission. Thus, he represented a threat to the stability of society. Dunster exiled himself in 1654 and moved to nearby Plymouth Colony, where he died in 1658.<ref>Timothy L. Wood, "'I Spake the Truth in the Feare of God': the Puritan Management of Dissent During the Henry Dunster Controversy," ''Historical Journal of Massachusetts'' 2005 33(1): 1-19,</ref>

==Famous Baptists==

==Famous Baptists==