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On the Doctrines and Practices of Baptists (1857) by Peter Lumpkins

We often hear how settled the question was pertaining to the "doctrines of grace" amongst the 19th Baptists. Indeed, as Professor Tom Nettles suggests, to deny the almost universal strict Calvinism (i.e. 5 point Calvinism) of our Baptist forefathers in the Southern Baptist Convention, is to embrace what he calls "theological apostacy" and what Dr. Tom Ascol indicates is a departure from "Baptist orthodoxy" (//link)  >>>

Tom Nettles, Tom Ascol, and Southern Baptist orthodoxy by Peter Lumpkins

Ever curious what top representatives from the largest network of Baptist Calvinists in the Southern Baptist Convention think about those of us who are Southern Baptists but do not embrace the "doctrines of grace"?  Let's consider clear words from two prominent Calvinists in the Southern Baptist Convention network:   >>>

Gerald Harris, Al Mohler, and Baptist Press by Peter Lumpkins

Baptist Press assistant editor, Erin Roach, composed a response to Gerald Harris, editor of The Christian Index, Georgia Baptists' state paper.¹ Harris published an editorial opinion in The Index entitled, "The Calvinists are here" a piece Roach cited several times. Reactions were included in Roach's piece from various SBC leaders, including Al Mohler, president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary >>>

The Calvinists are here: a guest editorial by Gerald Harris

UPDATE: the word is LifeWay is preparing a detailed response to Gerald Harris' essay and is scheduled to post this evening on Baptist Press. I'm anticipating precisely what facts in the essay LifeWay intends to dispute.

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Below is the current editorial in The Christian Index, the Georiga Baptist Convention's state paper. Dr. Gerald Harris has served as editor of The Christian Index since May 2003. We happily publish by permission Dr. Harris' latest editoral, "The Calvinists are here"  >>>

SBC Tomorrow welcomes Gerald Harris as guest contributor*

Tom Ascol on Gerald Harris by Peter Lumpkins

I called to get permission to post Gerald Harris' latest editorial on SBC Tomorrow. The Christian Index graciously gave me permission to do so. It was scheduled to publish at 5:15 A.M on Friday. The reason for permission is two-fold: a) plain, old-fashioned courtesy; b) at the bottom of the editorial page there is a clear indicator I needed to get the permission. It reads:

Send North America: Who’s coming to St. Louis? NAMB or Acts 29? by Mary England

As a life-long St. Louisan I read with interest the recent Baptist Press article about NAMB's plan to plant 75 new churches in the St. Louis Metro Area. My initial thoughts were; where are they going to plant new churches, what about the struggling existing churches, and what kind of new churches?  >>>

SBC Tomorrow welcomes back Mary England as Guest Contributor*

Calvinists react to Jerry Vines interview (part II) by Peter Lumpkins

Calvinists react to Jerry Vines interview Part I may be found here. Part II is below and focuses on Joshua Breland's piece on Jerry Vines >>>

The latest theological journal issue from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary deals with Calvinist, Arminian, and Baptist perspectives on salvation by Peter Lumpkins

The spring issue of The Journal for Baptist Theology & Ministry deals with three perspectives on soteriological models: Calvinistic, Arminian, and Baptist. Authors include Steve Lemke, J. Matthew Pinson, and Kenneth Stewart among others  >>>

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.)  >>>

Did 19th century Virginia Regular Baptists hold to general atonement? by Peter Lumpkins

Southern Baptist Calvinists frequently assert that it wasn't until well into the twentieth century that strong Calvinism began to wane in  influence among Southern Baptists. For example, Al Mohler is recently quoted as saying,  >>>

Peter Berger's sociological interpretation of New Calvinism's effect on Southern Baptists by Peter Lumpkins

Sociologist Peter Berger stands tall among American intellectuals. Berger presently serves as Professor Emeritus of Religion, Sociology and Theology and Director, Institute on Culture, Religion, and World Affairs at the prestigious Boston University. Among many influential titles to his credit are The Sacred Canopy: Elements of a Sociological Theory of Religion (1967), The Desecularization of the World: Resurgent Religion and World Politics  (1999), and more recently Questions of Faith: A Skeptical Affirmation of Christianity (2003). Professor Berger also regularly contributes to The American Interest, an online magazine dealing with American culture and global interests   >>>

Packer on Calvinist Evangelism | robfaircloth.com by Peter Lumpkins

J.I. Packer assesses the Calvinist mindset:

via robfaircloth.com

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  >>>

Al Mohler, Calvinism, and Baptist origins by Peter Lumpkins

  I received my copy of Ministry By His Grace And For His Glory: Essays in Honor of Thomas J. Nettles¹ only a few days ago and have made half the journey through the first reading. I do not plan to review the entire volume since a volume of this nature defies brevity. With over 20 different contributors writing independently of one another, one is left with either a mammoth task to accomplish or a shotgun blast so broad, it gives justice to no single author or idea. In my view, it is better to periodically offer bite-sized portions people may chew on one chunk at a time. If one is interested, Nathan Finn offers a general outline of all the chapters >>>

Christ's Death: designed for all, designed for some? (part II) by Peter Lumpkins

John writes: “He Himself is the sacrifice that atones for our sins—and not only for ours but the sins of all the world” (1 John 2:2 NLT). In order to better grasp this verse, let’s consider a brief background of the Elder’s first little letter   >>>