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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 Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Nettles is considered by many to be one of the foremost Baptist historians alive today. Beginning early in the 1980s, two of his books, one of which was co-authored by the late L. Russ Bush, ranked... Read more →

Nineteenth Century Mississippi Baptists not strictly Calvinistic

According to Mississippi Baptist historians, Z. T. Leavell and T. J. Bailey, the first attempt by Mississippi Baptists to form a statewide convention failed.1 In 1823, three Baptist associations—Pearl River, Union, and Mississippi—proposed a meeting for all Mississippi Baptists for "preserving and continuing the ties of brotherly love"; for "union between sister associations; for "the propagation of the pure doctrines of the gospel"; and finally to prevent "innovations in practice and heresies in doctrine'" (p. 1321). After five to six years of ups and downs, the initial convention appeared to... Read more →

Early American Baptists divided over atonement and missions

Three years after the township of Caroline, New York was organized in 1811, Baptists followed by organizing the First Baptist Church of Caroline. According to an historical sketch of Tompkins County penned in 1894, "This society [i.e. the First Baptist Church] was organized in 1814 with fourteen members and Rev. Pliny SABIN pastor. In 1848 a house of worship was erected; this was removed in 1863 and a neat building erected at Brookton, which was dedicated January 11, 1864; its cost was $2,500. The society also owns a parsonage. The... Read more →

Ergun Caner's first interview as president of Brewton-Parker College

DULUTH — The Christian Index recently interviewed Ergun Caner in order to give Georgia Baptists an up close and personal look at Brewton- Parker College’s new president. Just three months ago the BPC Board of Trustees voted unanimously to elect Caner as the 16th president of the 110-year-old institution of higher learning. Retiring BPC President Mike Simoneaux endorsed Caner’s presidency by stating, “Dr. Caner brings a wealth of experience to the presidency with more than three decades in Christian higher education, leadership, Biblical teaching, preaching, and apologetics. This appointment will... 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 →

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 the purpose of which, in its words, is "addressing the always controversial theological issues surrounding how Southern Baptists understand the doctrine of salvation". Dr. Rathel adds his own vision he possesses for the series in his first installment of the... 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, that Calvinism is the theological tradition into which the Baptist movement was born. The same is true of the Southern Baptist Convention. The most influential churches, leaders, confessions of faith and theologians of the founding era were Calvinists—it was not... Read more →

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... Read more →

"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, reviews are beginning to come in with positive results. The Southern Baptist TEXAN has two reviews, one by TEXAN correspondent, David Roach and the other by Editor, Gary Ledbetter (respectively here and here). Of the volume overall, Ledbetter concludes: “Some who read articles by members of the Founders’ movement or hear messages from... 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 →

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).... ... remains a truncated historiography, curiously ignoring the larger body of available historical material and can be highly misleading in its portrayal of our rich Baptist heritage. Furthermore, employing a possible eccentric interpretation of historical data as the Nettles' school does... 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 →

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... Read more →

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... >>> In addition, if you're interested in a great two-part series on... Read more →

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 >>> Baptists--most of whom at that time being Regular, Particular Baptists--were in Kentucky early, well before the end of the eighteenth century. The Severns Valley Baptist Church, believed to be the first... Read more →

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...>>> Before I begin, I want to say two things: first, I do not want this site to just deal with historical issues. For my part, history stands crucially significant for us as we sift through who we are as persons, as societies and, yes, even... Read more →

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... Read more →

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 >>> History reveals for us that the first Baptist church in the state of Georgia was organized in 1771 (or 1772)... Read more →

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...>>> Below is a single snapshot that nicely serves... Read more →

Calvinism: Herschel Hobbs & Timothy George, Part Two

Today, I post part two of a two part series entitled "Calvinism: Herschel Hobbs & Timothy George." I thank The Alabama Baptist once again for permitting me to post this essay written by Dr. Timothy George originally published by them July 13, 1995 entitled "Amazing Love, Amazing Grace." Dr. George presently is Dean, Beeson Divinity School, Birmingham, Alabama. He is a longtime Southern Baptist and an outspoken advocate of Calvinism's return in the SBC. Being a prolific writer, his works include "Baptist Theologians" as well as "Theology of the Reformers."... Read more →

Attacks on Dr. Jerry Vines by Peter Lumpkins

I listened to Dr. Jerry Vines’ message entitled “The Baptist and His Election” preached at First Baptist Church,Woodstock,GA last Sunday evening. He stated that his Pastor, Dr. Johnny Hunt, had asked him to address the issue for their church. Dr. Vines was self-admittedly out of his norm—he read his sermon rather than extemporaneously delivered it >>> Dr. Vines is a key figure in Southern Baptist life. He remains an icon of the Conservative Resurgence within the SBC having been elected President of the convention, 1988-90. Before moving to First Baptist... Read more →

That Darn Calvin: A Response To Peter Lumpkins and Keith Schooley

I think dialog possesses the greatest potential for real communication. Not debate, dialog. For me, debate is like playing a ball game...a sporting event. For example, when our Dawgs play their Vols in a sporting event, it's not to gain a better understanding of their team nor communicate our position. It's to show them who's boss...to kick some butt...in short, to win. And, to think that since it's "Christians" who debate, that they will not be in it for the competition it affords, is, from my vantage point, naive at... Read more →