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Mark A. Rathel on the Calvinist-Arminian divide in the Southern Baptist Convention by Peter Lumpkins

Dr. Mark Rathel is Associate Professor of Theology and Philosophy at The Baptist College of Florida. Rathel is a graduate of William Carey (B.A.), New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (M.Div, Ph.D), and Biola University (M.A.)  >>>

Baptist Have Always Been Calvinists? by Peter Lumpkins

Recently, I contested Dr. Al Mohler's confidence that it was well into the twentieth century before any knowledgable person could dispute the theo-historical assertion that Baptists were anything but Calvinists. To be precise, Mohler is claimed to have said  >>>

Arminian, Calvinist, or Baptist by Peter Lumpkins

One must read the newest white paper at Baptist Theology website. Several scholars have written a statement answering those who insist on making a particular soteriological stamp one’s preferred brand—especially either Calvinist or Arminian.

They write:

Are we Calvinists? No. Are we Arminians? No. So, then, who are we? We are Baptists. We are majoritarian Baptists in the Sandy Creek tradition, who formulate theology according to the authoritative, inerrant, and sufficient Word of God so that we might better proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ to all human beings. We  are neither Calvinists nor Arminians; we are Baptists!

Read the entire paper entitled, “Neither Calvinists nor Arminians but Baptists”

With that, I am…

Peter

"Whosoever Will" Getting Good Press by Peter Lumpkins

As I posted late last week, Whosoever Will:  A Biblical-Theological Critique of Five-Point Calvinism edited by Drs. David Allen and Steve Lemke and published by B&H Publishing Group is already on backorder (//link). More good news is, 

Whosoever Will: Off to a Good Start by Peter Lumpkins

 Looks as if Whosoever Will:  A Biblical-Theological Critique of Five-Point Calvinism edited by Drs. David Allen and Steve Lemke and published by B&H Publishing Group is already on backorder. I'm told the first printing of Whosoever Will sold out in two weeks. B&H is scurrying to get a second printing. It appears the wait time is 4-6 weeks.

Whosoever thinks the young, restless, and Reformed coddling among Southern Baptists is not getting the attention of the grassroots Southern Baptist Convention may need to rethink their proposition.

Our congratulations to Drs. Allen and Lemke as well as all the contributors to the volume.  Your essays benefit the theo-biblical health of the SBC more than you realize.

With that, I am...

Peter 

Calvinistic But Not Calvinist: A Follow-up by Peter Lumpkins

I received (via email) much encouragement from a recent post I logged (//link) which partially demonstrates, at least to my satisfaction, that the historical theory constructed by Southern Baptist Calvinists concerning Baptist roots in the south, a theory promoted by Founders Ministries advocates, along with Dr. Tom Nettles (//link)....

The John 3:16 Conference

      One week away, November 6-7, The John 3:16 Conference (J316) will be held at the Woodstock First Baptist Church, Woodstock, Georgia.  Some have wondered whether or not the conference would succeed.  Evidently,  J316 has not only settled that ambiguity, registration is now limited: 

"Registration for the conference with meals has ended due to reaching capacity.  You may still register for the conference only." 

Calvinism & Controversy in the Southern Baptist Convention

   The Building Bridges Conference at Ridgecrest Conference Center November 26-28 stirred but the slightest denominational dust among Southern Baptists.  But why should it?  Billed as a venue to understand better the differences between Calvinism and NonCalvinism, the conference hoped to bury the theological hatchet between the sides of good and the sides of the not-so-good (each side of which is interpreted by its dedicated adherents).  Or, if not bury the hatchet, at least put it on the shelf for a while.  It's time to stop hacking to pieces our Baptist brothers... >>>

SBC & Dortian Calvinism: The Waning of a View

Recently, Dr. James Leo Garrett, Southern Baptist theologian and statesman, penned a series of articles for The Alabama Baptist on Calvinism in the Southern Baptist Convention.  Professor Garrett handled the issue both handsomely and fairly.  There were some predictable responses from Calvinist interpreters.  All in all, however, the public response remained laudable.  The Baptist Courier hosted an earlier series on Calvinism penned by a Calvinist.  That series too is very good and the Courier is to be thanked... >>>

James Arminius, John Calvin or Jesus Christ

Many times we stand reminded by our Calvinist family how, in so many ways, our Baptist ancestors in 19th Century America were overwhelming Calvinistic in their understanding of salvation.  We repeatedly hear of James Boyce, Basil Manly, Jesse Mercer, P.H. Mell, John Gano and a host of others who embraced classic Calvinism.  Indeed, for Calvinists, these men only represent the unified theology of that massive Baptist body who would eventually become the Southern Baptist Convention in 1845   >>>

Kentucky Baptists, Anti-Missions and Hyper-Calvinism

In 1885, Baptist historian J. H. Spencer penned what has become the definitive resource for early Baptist work in Kentucky.   Most of the earlier settlers in Kentucky came from Virginia and the Carolinas.  The first churches there were undoubtedly Episcopal and in a real sense, therefore, the religious climate in the bluegrass state leaned toward a state-sanctioned church  >>>

Sandy Creek Revisited: A Critique: Final Chapter

Today I continue with the review of “Sandy Creek Revisited” the latest issue of Founders Journal.  Dr. Tom Ascol, Founders Journal Editor, hailed this issue as a fresh new look at Sandy Creek and one that would offer some ground-breaking analysis for us to consider...>>>

Sandy Creek Revisited: a Critique by Peter Lumpkins

For the next few posts, I intend to offer a brief critique of the latest Founders Journal entitled "Sandy Creek Revisited."  Editor, Dr. Tom Ascol, writes of this issue that:   

"It analyzes aspects of the Sandy Creek tradition in fresh ways. Tom Nettles has an excellent article on Shubal Stearns that is taken from volume 2 of his work on The Baptists. Gene Bridges also has a ground-breaking article on the sociological differences between the "Charlestonians" and "Sandy Creekers." This is one issue that you will want to have on hand the next time you have a discussion about Southern Baptist origins" >>>

Jesse Mercer and the Separate Baptists

My last post concluded that Doctor Jesse Mercer stands one heck of a Baptist in not only Georgia history but also in Southern Baptist history.  We saw how Mercer's capable leadership handled potentially devastating circumstances when dealing with debates over Election and Predestination.  These debates were common  both prior to and after the Southern Baptist Convention was formed in 1845, an historical phenomenon our Founders brothers appear to ignore   >>>

Doctor Jesse Mercer: One Heck of a Baptist

Jesse Mercer (1769-1841) was a key Baptist leader in the state of Georgia.  Standing taller than perhaps all others during his day, he strategized the forming of the Georgia Baptist Convention, played a key role in establishing Mercer University and purchased "The Christian Index" and gave it to Georgia Baptists for promotional purposes.  Dr. Mercer generously supported missions as well as served as a missionary himself.  In addition, he pastored several churches and planted at least one--The First Baptist Church, Washington, GA...>>>