SBC Tomorrow

Esteemed Southern Baptist Historian, Thomas J. Nettles on the formation, decline, and comeback of the Southern Baptist Convention

source In 2014, Thomas J. Nettles retired as professor of historical theology at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary where he had taught since 1997. Dr. Nettles' theological instruction spanned a full 38 years in the classroom of various theological institutions including Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary, and... Read more →

John Gano--an alternate description of an early American Calvinist missionary

John Gano (1727-1804) remains a hero among Baptist Calvinists for his role in evangelizing the heathen in mid-18th century. picture source For example, Baptist pastor and historian, Tom Ascol, highlights Gano's role as a gospel preacher commissioned by the Charleston Association to show how Regular (Particular) Baptists were "thoroughly evangelistic:"... Read more →

Gregory A. Wills: "Arminianism did not prosper in the Netherlands"

Gregory A. Wills summarily writes about the Synod of Dort's response to the Remonstrants, followers of Jacob Arminius. 'The Arminian Remonstrants summed up their doubts [i.e. concerning the purported teachings of John Calvin by Theodore Beza, et al] in five points. The Dutch church hosted the Synod of Dort, a... Read more →

Alabama Baptist association circular letter--"Christ Jesus made an atonement, general in its nature"

Below is a snippet from a circular letter published in 1843 for the North River United Baptist Association in 1843. Beginning in 1832, David Andrews an "Arminian" pastor was ousted from Bethel Baptist Church in Tuscaloosa and eventually led in the formation of the North River association. In the 1843... Read more →

W.A. Criswell and Calvinism…Again

source When the Traditional Statement was released in 2012, it drew fire from many Calvinistic quarters across the evangelical spectrum not the least of which was Founders Ministries, then the largest network of Calvinists in the Southern Baptist Convention. Accompanying many of the criticisms of the document was an appeal... Read more →

'Southern seminary founded to combat the great Arminian heresy'

"The founder of this seminary, whose portrait sits behind you, identified Arminianism as one of the three great heresies this institution was established to combat.” --President Al Mohler to Barry Hankins in interview-- "Oral Memoirs of R. Albert Mohler, Jr." Read more →

Evangelical surprise: Billy Graham just may be a Calvinist!

On October 28, Dr. Rick Patrick, Senior Pastor, First Baptist Church, Sylacauga, Alabama posted a piece entitled "25 Traditional SBC Heroes" at SBC Today. Patrick named as the top contender for the number one hero amongst traditional Southern Baptists the Rev. Billy Graham. While one might quibble whether Graham deserves... Read more →

Redux: Southern Baptists Move Away from Rigid Calvinism: The Influence of F.H. Kerfoot

Below is a biographical piece on F. H. Kerfoot I forgot I originally posted almost eight years ago. I think it's vital info about Kerfoot relevant to the series of footnotes I'm presently posting from Kerfoot's editorial work on Boyce's Abstract of Systematic Theology republished in 1899. Note in the... Read more →

Ron Vietti and Jim Crews' critics on Exposing Calvinism

Ron Vietti and Jim Crews (Vegas Campus) are co-pastors at Valley Bible Fellowship in Bakersfield, CA. Being the largest church in town, their recent exposé on Calvinism caused some Calvinists to experience complete meltdown. Vietti predicted with amazing accuracy the chatter splatter he would personally receive because of the stance... Read more →

Spurgeon on Limited Atonement

We've recently mentioned Dr. David Allen's series of reviews on chapters from From Heaven He Came and Sought Her: Definite Atonement in Historical, Biblical, Theological, and Pastoral Perspective, the most recent defense of Limited Atonement published by Crossway. Below are some quotes about Limited Atonement from one of the greatest... Read more →

Brenda B. Colijn on A Parable of Calvinism

Dr. Brenda B. Colijn is Professor of Biblical Interpretation and Theology at Ashland Theological Seminary in Ashland, Ohio. Dr. Colijn offered an interesting parable in her paper "A Parable of Calvinism"1 wherein she challenges the Calvinistic understanding of the well-meant offer of the gospel to all human beings. Coming from... Read more →

Wesley on insincerity of Calvinism's God offering a call to all

'Addressing Calvinists, [Wesley] notes: “You suppose [God] to be standing at the prison-doors, having the keys thereof in his hands, and to be continually inviting the prisoners to come forth, commanding them to accept of that invitation, urging every motive which can possibly induce them to comply with that command;... Read more →

Are Southern Baptist Traditionalists losing appreciation for viable historical options dealing with God’s sovereignty and human free will?

Does there exist a logically-driven, undeniable answer to the age-old question concerning God's sovereignty and human free will? Some appear to think so. Calvinism's Typical Response to Divine Sovereignty and Human Freedom Calvinists often suggest a logical answer by redefining what we normally mean when we think of free will.... Read more →

Earl Blackburn at 1845 Conference--'I can work with a flaming Arminian'

According to Louisiana Southern Baptist pastor, Earl Blackburn, Arminianism is not rampant in the Southern Baptist Convention. Rather Pelagianism and Semi-Pelagianism is and has crept into Southern Baptist churches and institutions. After rehearsing a brief historical sketch of the Pelagian controversy in the fifth century A.D. in which Pelagius's teaching... Read more →

Roger Olson: an Interview Revisited: Part 4

Today I offer the final installment on the interview series with Dr. Roger Olson, Professor of Christian Theology and Ethics, Truett Theological Seminary, Waco, TX. We talked in this final section on many issues raised in his latest book, Arminian Theology: Myths and Realities. I trust your understanding of Arminiansim... Read more →

Roger Olson: an Interview Revisited: Part 3

Today, we continue our Interview with Dr. Roger Olson, Professor of Theology, Truett Theology Seminary, Waco, Texas. This is part three of a four part series. Professor Olson is both an accomplished theologian in the Arminian tradition as well as a renowned historian of Christian Theology. His many books include... Read more →

Roger Olson: an Interview Revisited: Part 2

Below is the continuation of the interview I had with Arminian theologian, Roger Olson, in 2006. Part 3 will be posted later this week (my questions are emboldened). Dr. Olson, in the Introduction to Arminian Theology: Myths & Realities, you write: “The thesis of this book is that Arminianism is... Read more →

Roger Olson: An Interview Revisited: Part I

Due to my backlogged schedule, I simply can't get around to blogging presently. Hence, I'm reposting some worthy pieces from the past (they remain virtually the same, errors and all!). (image source) I first posted this phone interview I had with Roger Olson in October, 2006. Dr. Olson is Foy... Read more →

John MacArthur offers more skepticism on the YRR and "Flat-screen" Preachers

Yesterday I posted MacArthur's video wherein he pounded the young, restless, and reformed community for stepping over the moral threshold into a worldly lifestyle.1 In a real sense, MacArthur's concern centers on classic antinomianism, a well-known temptation within the Reformed community. In 2009, I wrote these words: The Conservative Resurgence... Read more →

Now we know what Arminian theologian Roger Olson REALLY thinks about Southern Baptists

Popular Arminian theologian, Roger Olson, reveals on his latest post how he really feels about Southern Baptists generally. In his piece entitled, 'My List of "Approved Denominations"' Dr. Olson goes around the denominational globe listing the denominations which meet his approval >>> Included on Olson's "approved denominations" list are: Fellowship... Read more →

Preaching "Regeneration precedes faith" deadly for Baptists in the Mississippi Valley in the 19th century by Peter Lumpkins

In Whomever He Wills , Dr. Matthew Barrett writes in his chapter entitled, "The Scriptural Affirmation of Monergism" concerning the doctrinal significance of what has become known as regeneration precedes faith--or, in short, monergism. He writes: "For some, such a debate [i.e. synergism vs. monergism] may appear insignificant. To the... Read more →

James White critiques Ronnie Rogers' book, “Reflections of a Disenchanted Calvinist” by Peter Lumpkins

UPDATE: As expected, James White responded to this piece on his follow-up "Radio Free Geneva" podcast. Well, let me be clear: it really wasn't a response to this piece so much as an acknowledgment of it. During the first few minutes, he talks about "almost forgetting" about old "Petey" (And,... Read more →

Former Calvinist speaks about his journey away from the "doctrines of grace" by Peter Lumpkins

Ronnie Rogers is pastor of Trinity Baptist Church, Norman, OK. In Reflections of a Disenchanted Calvinist, Rogers speaks as no stranger to his subject. Indeed for years he embraced Calvinism but through systematic exposition of Scripture, he came to view the Reformed hermeneutical template a hindrance to understanding biblical revelation... Read more →

Founders Calvinist Tom Nettles and the takeover of the Southern Baptist Convention (part I) by Peter Lumpkins

Kentucky pastor and SBC Voices contributor, Jared Moore posed a series of questions to "Traditionalists" about the address Dr. Tom Nettles, Professor of Historical Theology, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, recently gave at the Founders Breakfast held during the Southern Baptist Convention in New Orleans. >>> To be specific, Moore wondered... Read more →

We're down to 2 Point Calvinism by Peter Lumpkins

This week was an interesting week on SBC Tomorrow. On Wednesday, we offered a piece on Andrew Broaddus (1770-1848), a legendary figure in his own time... >>> A strict Baptist of the south, Broaddus remained a positive influence for evangelical Christianity all over the region. The famed Calvinist, J.B. Jeter,... Read more →

E. C. Dargan rejects total depravity; or, Was E. C. Dargan actually a Semi-Pelagian? by Peter Lumpkins

Edwin Charles Dargan was born on November 17, 1852. A native of South Carolina, he converted to Christ at age sixteen and went on to earn two degrees from Furman University (B.A., M.A.) and later enrolled in Southern Baptist Theological Seminary studying theology under the famed founder of Southern, James.... Read more →

W.T. Brantly on denying irresistible grace by Peter Lumpkins

William Theophilus Brantly, Sr. (1787-1845) was a popular preacher in the south during the first half of the 19th century, and served Philadelphia's historic First Baptist Church as pastor. Additionally, as editor of The Christian Index, Georgia Baptists denominational state paper, he was one of the most prolific Baptist editors... Read more →

Traditional Statement now “errs” but not “heresy”? by Peter Lumpkins

Recently, Alabama pastor, Rick Patrick, wrote an interesting piece at SBC Voices entitled, "Of Unity and Heresy." He writes: The suggestion by Southern Baptist Calvinists that Traditionalists may believe in heresy is much more troubling. Traditionalists who affirm Total Depravity reject Total Inability. Traditionalists who affirm our sin nature in... Read more →

Andrew Broaddus on Limited Atonement by Peter Lumpkins

According to Baptist Calvinist, J.B. Jeter, Andrew Broaddus (1770-1848) remained a Baptist legend in 19th century Virginia. His rhetorical skills and keen intellect made him a theological "genius" of sorts.1 Jeter's description of Broaddus surely places him in the position of being one of the most influential Baptists during the... Read more →

Al Mohler, Semi-Pelagianism, and being "Traditional" Southern Baptists by Peter Lumpkins

I’m personally appreciative Al Mohler responded to “A Statement of the Traditional Southern Baptist Understanding of God’s Plan of Salvation” (TS) released to the public last week by Dr. Eric Hankins, Senior Pastor, First Baptist Church, Oxford, Mississippi >>> Entitled “Southern Baptists and Salvation: It’s Time to Talk” Dr. Mohler... Read more →

Akin says media reports led to "misconceptions and misinterpretations" about weekend arrest of William "Billy" Birch by Peter Lumpkins

William "Billy" Birch According to Baptist Press (BP), Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary's weekly chapel service focused on circumstances surrounding the tragic arrest of seminary student and Southern Baptist blogger, William "Billy" Birch. Before expulsion, Birch was an MDiv student at the Wake Forest campus but was arrested Saturday afternoon after... Read more →

Take heed lest you fall by Peter Lumpkins

The inspired Apostle gives us both exhortation and warning. He writes: >>> Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall (1 Co 10:12) Our hearts are directed first to the victims of this moral and criminal lapse. Though it taxes our minds in discovering appropriate words... Read more →

A. H. Newman on the "Radical Reformers" by Peter Lumpkins

The eminent church historian, Albert Henry Newman (1852–1933) was one of the founders of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. An accomplished scholar recognized by a broad, prestigious society of reputable historians, Newman wrote several standard works on Christian history including Baptist history >>> In 1894, A History of the Baptist Churches... Read more →

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 >>> Especially helpful is a paper presented by Dr. Pinson, President of Free Will Baptist Bible... Read more →

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.) >>> The Florida Baptist Witness plans to publish a 12 Part series by Dr. Rathel... Read more →

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... Read more →

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 >>> Even the opponents of Calvinism must admit, if historically informed,... Read more →

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 >>> Undoubtedly written by an... Read more →

"Calminian" Good, "Biblicist" Better by Peter Lumpkins

Arminian theologian, Roger Olson, insists there is no such animal as a "Calminian". In fact, he unequiovocally states the "Impossibility of Calminianism." He writes >>> Nevertheless, in spite of the stark contrast between Calvinism and Arminianism on certain fundamental points of doctrine, many people try to force them into a... Read more →

Are Baptists Calvinists, Arminians, Calminians, or, well...Baptists? by Peter Lumpkins

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... Read more →