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

Comments

[Big Daddy Weave]

Do you know what is mean by the phrase "majoritarian Baptist"

I've not seen that description anywhere else before.

[Big Daddy Weave]

what is meant...

[Tim G]

I am one of those Baptists! I was wondering when someone would weigh in on this. They are spot on!

[peter]

Aaron,

My guess is, by "majoritarian Baptist" is meant what *most Southern Baptists* embrace. That seems to be a fair rendering of what the authors meant by the term in their paper.

Thanks, bro.

Tim,

I think in our cultural environment when it is 'cool' to embrace "Open Denominationalism" it's natural to expect folks to buck the "Baptist" brand. With you I am not yet willing to surrender "being Baptist."

With that, I am...
Peter

[peter]

Aaron,

Something else worth noting. Recall the study done by Lifeway which seemed to show 90+ percent of Southern Baptists are *not* five-point Calvinist. Hence, when they speak of "majoritarian" they may be simply alluding to *mainstream* rather than sectarian.

With that, I am...
Peter

[Job]

Yawn. More of the same.

[peter]

May I ask, Job, if you read the paper? Now, I do not mean by that, "Did you click the link?" or "Did you look at the first paragraph or two?" or"Did you flip to the back to see who signed it?" I asked if you *read* the paper?

Thanks.

With that, I am...
Peter

[Mike Woodward]

As a Calvinist-sympathetic non-Calvinist, I found the article helpful. I did not see mis-characterizations or charges of hyper-calvinism that all too often invade the conversation. I think this was a good model of having a strong opinion and sharing it with respect.

I think they attempted to navigate the tension of God's sovereignty and the mystery of salvation with integrity and should be commended.

I don't necessarily agree with all of their conclusions...;)

Mike Woodward
Calvinist-sympathic non-Calvinist non-denom but Baptistic Theology Center

[Job]

Peter:

I read the paper in its entirety. I also downloaded some of the other offerings from the Baptist theology website. More of the same.

[peter]

Job,

O.K. Job. Good. Now, more of the same what? Where is another paper with "more of the same"? A book with "more of the same"? A blog which says specifically what these guys have written? Could you please point me to "more of the same"?

With that, I am...
Peter