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Sandy Creek Baptists viewed Reformed doctrine of election "troubling"

Emir Caner, President of Truett-McConnell College, writes an informative piece on the Sandy Creek tradition in the latest volume of the Journal for Baptist Theology and Ministry published by New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Contra the view of many Southern Baptist Calvinists who dismiss virtually all theological distinctions between the Sandy Creek Baptist tradition and the so-called Charleston Baptist tradition, Dr. Caner suggests that "The Reformed definition of election was particularly troubling to those birthed out of a Sandy Creek (Separatist) heritage." He then quotes from famed Baptist historian, George... 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 body of the piece my obvious unawareness that Kerfoot both challenged Boyce's position at several junctures and changed his wording at other key junctures to soften the strong Calvinism Boyce embraced in his textbook for future students at Southern seminary.... 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 he would take. But rather than focus on what some of the more hackneyed critics had to say, I'd like to turn our attention to an open letter written by Chad Vegas,1 Lead and Founding Pastor of Sovereign Grace Church... Read more →

Oliver Crisp stands as a vindication of David Allen's work on limited atonement

Just finished scanning my copy of Deviant Calvinism: Broadening Reformed Theology by Fuller Theological Seminary Professor of Systematic Theology, Oliver Crisp. The short work (192 pages) promises to be an excellent resource for what's theologically happening in Reformed circles today. In passing, Crisp vindicates the tireless research on Christ's atonement by Dr. David Allen at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Allen's resourceful work has effectively challenged Southern Baptist Calvinists who insist on embracing Limited Atonement arguing in many respects Limited Atonement is detrimental to Calvinism per se, consequently insisting on Limited... 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 an Anabaptistic theological framework, I think she makes a valid point in critiquing standard Calvinistic explanations given and accepted by Reformed believers. Below is Colijn's "parable of a cruise ship." Consider: The kingdom of God is like a cruise ship... 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. When I think of free will (and I suspect most people would affirm my thoughts), I think of the actual ability to choose otherwise than I chose. For instance, if I'm driving through a small city in the Southwest and... Read more →

'God helped me save myself essentially because I worked so hard'--Chuck Quarles on his pre-Calvinistic relationship with God

What does a typical non-Calvinist affirm or deny so far as the foundation of his or her relationship with God is concerned? Is the relationship based solely upon grace through faith as Paul reveals in Ephesians 2:8-9? Or does a typical non-Calvinist believe the basis of his or her salvation is essentially because he or she works so hard to be saved? Below is a hefty slice of what Dr. Charles Quarles testified to a congregation in Denham Springs, Louisiana during a sermon on 2 Thessalonians 2:13. He said: And... Read more →

‘We’re the Lord’s elected few, let all the rest be damned’

On November 12, 1986, Beeson Divinity School Dean and Professor of Divinity, History and Doctrine, Dr. Timothy George, addressed the faculty at Southern Baptist Theology Seminary in a presentation entitled "Dogma Beyond Anathema: Historical Theology in the Service of the Church."1 A printed version of the address appeared in the Fall 1987 edition of Review and Expositor.2 In the address, George criticizes the pretense of exploiting biblical doctrine as a pretext to propagate "all kinds of evil and intolerance in Christianity." As an entertaining illustration in how Old English Particular... Read more →

Christian Index editor pushes for answers from Calvinism Advisory Committee about babies burning in hell

Below is the most recent editorial by Christian Index editor, Gerald Harris.1 Entitled "A New Kind of Calvinism" Dr. Harris shares his perspective on the committee report released prior to the 2013 Southern Baptist Convention by Executive Committee President Frank Page. In addition Harris recalls his concern over one aspect of the committee report, a concern he expressed during the official Q/A at the 2013 Southern Baptist Convention. Harris rightly asked about the committee's affirmation that "most Southern Baptists believe that those who die before they are capable of moral... 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 The Story of Christian Theology, Who Needs Theology?, The Mosaic of Christian Belief, 20th-Century Theology, Pocket History of Theology, and under discussion today, his latest book, Arminian Theology: Myths and Realities. Welcome Dr. Olson... Professor, what does Classic Arminianism teach... Read more →

What is Calvinism? everything you need to know about Calvinism...and then some by Peter Lumpkins

Well it took long enough! The truth is, I've been so busily assisting others in getting their literary stuff published, I've continued to place on the back burner something from my own bean pot. Hence, I took a few days off to cook up this little piece which I think will help church folk understand the Calvinism issue. Below are a few words from the opening: “So, what do I desire to accomplish in this little book? Recall the subtitle—everything you NEED to know about Calvinism ... and then some.... Read more →

Augustine and Southern Baptists: Part 6B: Augustine's Critics and Legacy by Dr. Jim Gifford

Dr. Jim Gifford This is the final installment of Dr. Gifford's series on Augustine and Southern Baptists. I want to thank him for lending us his scholarship and pursuing this series at SBC Tomorrow. Be assured that the engagement in the comments did not accurately reflect either the number of readers Gifford's series had nor the significance of the series for future discussions about Original Sin, imputed guilt, original guilt, total depravity, free will, divine sovereignty, determinism, or any number of other subjects usually under the head of philosophy of... Read more →

The 2013 John 3:16 Conference is almost here

In November, 2008, the First Baptist Church, Woodstock, Georgia hosted an insightful conference called The John 3:16 Conference, an event promising a scholarly evaluation of the recent Calvinist Resurgence in the Southern Baptist Convention >>> Past president of the Southern Baptist Convention and Pastor Emeritus of First Baptist Church, Jacksonville, Florida, Dr. Jerry Vines, led the scheduled event at Woodstock. And, it did not disappoint. Subsequent to the conference, B&H Academic published the papers and sermons delivered in 2008 in a book entitled Whosoever Will: A Biblical-Theological Critique of Five-Point... Read more →

Augustine and Southern Baptists: Part 6A: Augustine's Critics and Legacy by Dr. Jim Gifford

Dr. Jim Gifford This is the last installment of my series on Augustine. I wanted to say at the outset of this post that I really appreciate all of you who took the time to read it. A great big thank you to Peter for graciously posting it on his blog. I also want to thank Ben Simpson, Ken Hamrick, and David Allen for helpful suggestions and feedback. Thanks to Christiane and Lydia for insights and links. Thanks also to Eric Hankins, Malcolm Yarnell, and Adam Harwood for kind words... Read more →

Augustine and Southern Baptists Part 5: Augustine's Exegetical and Hermeutical Method by Dr. Jim Gifford

Dr. Jim Gifford This next-to-last post will examine the exegetical and hermeneutical method Augustine employs in constructing his teachings on grace and providence. Before I begin, I want to state my deep indebtedness to Donato Ogliari and his fine work Gratia et Certamen [Grace and Struggle]. Most of the real research in this section is his and I have only summarized it. One may wonder why this section comes later in this series of posts than his assumptions and the examination of the sources of those assumptions. It should be... Read more →

Augustine and Southern Baptists Part 4: The Upshot of Augustine's Assumptions: Divine Determinism by Dr. Jim Gifford

Dr. Jim Gifford The third assumption in Augustine's thinking is his experience, based on personal observation, that some humans are not saved. In his own life, Augustine observed that some babies die before being baptized. For Augustine, reconciliation to God in Christ is impossible without baptism.1 Not everyone who was baptized was ultimately saved, but baptism for him was a "condition sine qua non" for salvation.2 Therefore anyone who died without baptism likewise died without hope of salvation. Combined with his views of God's unlimited power and humanity's helplessness, Augustine... Read more →

Augustine and Southern Baptists Part 3B: Infralapsarian Humanity by Dr. Jim Gifford

Dr. Jim Gifford A further difficulty in Augustine's thinking has been aptly pinpointed by John Rist. He writes, "The problem, as Augustine would rephrase it, is not, 'Why does God not save everyone?'; but 'Why does God save anyone?'; for we are all justly condemned. The problem would not be God's justice, but God's mercy which would seem unjust, or at least at the expense of justice".17 Ogliari continues, We must admit that, even though Augustine tried to reduce the brutality of a mechanical and infallible non-predestination of the non-elect,... Read more →

Augustine and Southern Baptists Part 3A: Infralapsarian Humanity by Dr. Jim Gifford

Dr. Jim Gifford This will be the third in the series of blog posts on Augustine's views on nature and grace, as concerns the development of his deterministic views of providence.* Sorry it has taken me a little longer to get this one to Peter, but I had a family emergency last week that required a trip back to the motherland (West "By God" Virginia). Please continue to keep my family in your prayers. The second presupposition in Augustine's thinking (after his overemphasis on divine omnipotence) is his infralapsarian view... Read more →

Augustine and Southern Baptists: Part 2: Augustine and Divine Omnipotence by Dr. Jim Gifford

Dr. Jim Gifford In this post, I will discuss the first of two assumptions Augustine brought to his theological method. That assumption is the strong, or absolute omnipotence of God. All Christians believe God has all power. Not all Christians agree that he exercises that power in the same way. One of the things that makes this explanation tricky is that a lot of theo-philosophical water has gone under the bridge (e.g. nominalism and voluntarism) between Augustine's time and ours. It is difficult to use terminology to explain Augustine's position... Read more →

Augustine and Southern Baptists: an Introduction by Dr. Jim Gifford

Dr. Jim Gifford Below is what Dr. Jim Gifford1 describes as a "short informal essay" serving as an opening post to a six-part series on Saint Augustine, an introductory essay entitled "Augustine and Southern Baptists: an Introduction." He envisions five remaining articles describing Augustine's influence on modern day evangelicalism--especially Southern Baptists--and attesting to several theological innovations Gifford's research led him to conclude were deviations from the received traditions the legendary Bishop of Hippo followed. The reader should keep in mind that Dr. Gifford intentionally designed the article series as informal... Read more →

G.W. Northrup on infants dying in infancy: The Western Recorder, Infant Salvation, and The Sovereignty of God: Part IV

In the final essay in his series critiquing strict Calvinism’s understanding of God’s Sovereignty in Predestination, Dr. G.W. Northrup proposes to “apply to the case of infants dying in infancy and of the congenitally idiotic the positions of the Calvinistic system already discussed.”1 On the whole, and contrary to many today who seem to feel the subject of infant salvation remains insignificant, Northrup contends for its extreme importance: “The question of the fate of those dying in infancy is one of vast theologic as well as of practical interest. For... Read more →

The Western Recorder, Infant Salvation, and The Sovereignty of God: Part III

In closing his third essay in the series entitled “The Sovereignty of God in Predestination as Held by Many Representative Calvinistic Theologians,” G.W. Northrup asked and answered two specific question. Below is a partial entry answering the first of the two questions: 1. Are mankind, at birth, under condemnation—"liable to the pains of hell forever," on the ground of the fall of Adam? The utter absence of any reference to the Adamic guilt as among the grounds of the sentence of condemnation to be pronounced at the day of judgment,... Read more →

The Western Recorder, Infant Salvation, and The Sovereignty of God: Part I

The Western Recorder is and has been the denominational paper for Kentucky Southern Baptists since 1826. At the turn of the 19th century, T.T. Eaton was editor of the Kentucky paper, a position he had held much of his life. For 27 years, Eaton was pastor of the historic Walnut Street Baptist Church in downtown Louisville. In or around January, 1892, The Magazine of Christian Literature had begun running a series of articles on The Sovereignty of God written by Dr. G.W. Northrup (1826-1900?), President of the Chicago Divinity School.... Read more →

Whomever He Wills: a brief discussion on Dr. Andrew Davis' chapter--"Unconditional Election" by Peter Lumpkins

Below is the first review video in a short series on "Unconditional Election" in Whomever He Wills, the latest book on Calvinism from Founders Press. "Unconditional Election" is chapter three in the book and was written by Dr. Andrew Davis, Senior Pastor at First Baptist Church, Durham, North Carolina >>> 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, we want to assure James White we've not forgotten about him, either!) Then, he and Rich Pierce ridiculed the video I put up because of the number of views, etc. comparing my traffic to his. What a hoot! Like giddy,... Read more →

Tom Ascol, Regeneration, and the Baptist Faith and Message by Peter Lumpkins

Dr. Tom Ascol, Director of Founders Ministries, is presently doing a lengthy series1 of responses to the recent Traditional Statement (TS) released by Dr. Eric Hankins, Pastor, First Baptist Church, Oxford, MS. As indicated here and elsewhere many times since the initial TS release, Hankins' statement of faith generated a sizeable amount of criticism—both sober and vitriolic in nature--particularly but predictably from Baptist Calvinists. Even Al Mohler publicly lamented the document's creation and content; and thankfully, Mohler represented the more sober criticism to date even if TS supporters understandably took... Read more →

Reformed Theology coming under more published scrutiny by Peter Lumpkins

The publication of Whosoever Will (edted by Drs. David Allen and Steve Lemke) was the result of The John 3:16 Conference held at the Woodstock First Baptist Church November 6-7, 2008. Contra some Southern Baptist Calvinists' unwavering confidence, the scholarly contributions in Whosoever Will demonstrated that Reformed theology is not the only, viable theological kid on the block. In fact, the composite thrust of the contributors to Whosoever Will makes it fairly clear that strict Calvinism as a system must be abandoned for a more robust biblicism >>> Since the... Read more →

Founders Journal & Whosoever Will: Matthew Barrett on Steve Lemke: Part II by Peter Lumpkins

We observed in Part I of our reflections on Matthew Barrett’s* response to Dr. Steve Lemke’s position essay on Irresistible Grace in Whosoever Will** that Barrett failed to deal with Lemke’s biblical data. I concluded: “The fact is, Barrett didn’t deal with the texts Lemke cited in any substantial way. Rather he summarily dismissed them and substituted texts which were supposed to prove his own position.” In this follow-up, I’d like to point out a few additional short-comings in Barrett’s paper showing, from my perspective, that Founders Ministries should have... Read more →

1 Corinthians 4:7: Does it Distinguish Between the Saved and the Unsaved? by Peter Lumpkins

On my last piece, one commenter quoted Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 4:7 as indicative of the Apostle arguing that this gracious “system or paradigm of conversion” eliminates all boasting or crediting oneself with being saved. He further noted that Paul says that those who reject the idea that they are different because of God's gift to them are ones who have grounds for boasting. In the course of the exchange, I offered some contextual matters necessary to understand Paul’s rhetorical questions he asked the Corinthians. Paul writes, “For who... Read more →

Everything You Know about Evangelicals is Wrong (Well Almost Everything): A Book-Look by Peter Lumpkins

Beginning in the last quarter of the 20th century, evangelicals rode their white horses to religious stardom. As Liberal and mainline denominational colleges and seminaries shrunk, evangelical student bodies swelled fat and prosperous. Fame was short-lived, however. While Newsweek proclaimed 1976 as “the year of the evangelical,” church historian Martin E. Marty predicted rough days ahead for evangelicals as early as 1989. Indeed, some theologians now question whether the term “evangelical” has not expended itself completely. For example, >>> Westminster Theological Seminary professor, D. A. Hart, suggested in his book,... Read more →

Calvinism vs Non-Calvinism: A Parable by Peter Lumpkins

Does strict Calvinism and non-Calvinism have identical salvific visions? I do not think so. Indeed I think, in the end, the two redemptive visions are incompatible with each other, and at least one is incompatible with the gospel record. Of course, my saying so does not make it so. Nonetheless, it is my interpretative judgment as I understand the Word of God. Though I’ve not pursued much in the form of fictional writing, I do enjoy creative writing, especially attempting to capture the “big ideas” of theology in short story... Read more →

John Calvin Goes to Berkley: An Unusual Twist in the Calvinist-Arminian Debate: A Book Note by Peter Lumpkins

Student minister, James G. McCarthy, who’s served on five university campuses (including Berkeley) has authored four books, the last of which is his first novel, John Calvin Goes to Berkeley. Being the first in the University Christian Fellowship Series, this volume was published by City Christian Press, San Jose, California, 2010. The plot centers around five students who are a part of the University Christian Fellowship Bible studies. Peace reigns in the fellowship until the inevitable issue surfaces concerning predestination. Then, division becomes deeply embedded, and the only solution is... Read more →

Whosoever Will: Non-Calvinism Gaining Traction in the Marketplace by Peter Lumpkins

Earlier this year, Time Magazine listed neo-Calvinism as one of the hottest new "ideas" blowing through our cultural milieu (//link). Does this renewed focus on theological determinism have what it takes to sustain inquiring minds? Time Magazine does not say. For my part, I think not. Reformer Balthasar Hubmaier's most famous dictum is apt: truth is unkillable Even so, I just learned Whosoever Will: a Biblical-Theological Critique of Five-Point Calvinism is currently their third best-selling book. Into its third printing with B&H, another 2500 copies is expected in the warehouse... Read more →

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.... Read more →

Dr. Malcolm Yarnell on Romans 9: "God's Electing Purpose" by Peter Lumpkins

When's the last time you either heard an exposition (mp3) or read an endorsement on a Southern Baptist blog concerning Romans 9, the contents of which were not decidedly strict Calvinism? And the answer is... Precisely. Malcolm B. Yarnell III is presently Associate Professor of Systematic Theology at the Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (//link). He is Editor for the Southwestern Journal of Theology as well Editor of BaptistTheology.org (//link). Furthermore, Dr. Yarnell directs two other educational programs at the seminary: The Oxford Study Program and The Center for Theological Research.... Read more →

Calvinism, Monergism, and Southern Baptists by Peter Lumpkins

One cannot get along very far in understanding the Reformed Resurgence in the Southern Baptist Convention without also understanding the significance of certain theological "buzz" words. One non-negotiable term I've run across in various contexts is "monergism." Plainly put, monergism is the view that the Holy Spirit is the exclusive agent who affects the regeneration of Christians.* Mostly, the term is used to contrast synergism which obviously means the Holy Spirit "works with" at least one other agent (i.e. human will) to affect regeneration. At least, that's how it's supposed... Read more →

Calvinists Critique Morris Chapman's Clarification: Part II by Peter Lumpkins

Morris Chapman offered a clarification of intent on his controversial statements concerning Calvinism at this year’s SBC in Louisville, KY (//link). And, while one should be glad Dr. Chapman clarified his comments, the predictable moans amounting to too little, too late came pouring in. SBC Voices, James Galyon, and Founders’ chief scribe, Timmy Brister offered critiques of Chapman’s comments. In Part I, I gave a few initial comments to Todd Burus’ response on SBC Voices (//link). Because Brister spends an exceedingly generous amount of time on Chapman’s brief commentary, this... Read more →

Dr. David Allen: On Calvinism: Part II

I hope you took the time to scan Dr. Allen's review of Calvinism: A Southern Baptist Dialogue posted at Center for Theological Research at SWBTS. It is worth your time, I assure. I offer two particular quotes I found interesting, each of which is a part of Dr. Allen's query into Dr. Tom Nettle's paper entitled "A Historical View of the Doctrinal Importance of Calvinism Among Baptists" and Dr. David Dockery's paper entitled "Southern Baptists and Calvinism: An Historical Look." First, after offering a brief summary of Dr. Nettle's conclusion,... Read more →

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." Thus, if you were planning to come to beautiful North Georgia and reap theological rewards but procrastination got the better of you, you can still come, and... Read more →

F. H. Kerfoot On The Doctrine of Predestination

F. H. Kerfoot, professor of systematic theology 1887-1899, was born at Llewellyn, Kentucky on August 29, 1847. He was the major theologian at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary after James P. Boyce passed away. As the following excerpt from his favorite sermon demonstrates, however, Professor Kerfoot was not the flaming apologist for what's come to be known as aggressive, Five-Point Calvinism. This particular message by Dr. Kerfoot is one of sixty-three sermons published in The American Baptist Pulpit at the Beginning of the Twentieth Century edited by Henry Thompson Louthan (1903).... Read more →