Thoughts about Calvinism and the Southern Baptist Convention

There is always tension between those who study theology and hold it very high.  All want to believe they are "the true defenders of the faith."  I can remember when I felt that way about a particular view of end times.  And sadly, many in that camp that I was in years ago, will still say today (but always with a smile and bit of sarcasm) that "you can be wrong if you want to."

Doctrinal pride is a serious offense.  For someone (or some church or denomination) to believe "they are the only ones right" makes them wrong right out of the starting blocks.

So, within the Southern Baptist Convention, there is tension over issues like the end times, church government and charismatic gifts.  In years past, it was over our understanding of the Word of God.  But today, its not these that have the spotlight - instead its the doctrine of salvation.

The rise and spread of Calvinism has caused a rift among the brothers (and sisters).  While most forget that the early days of the SBC were mainly those who believed this doctrine and while some of our most quoted preachers were Calvinist (like Charles Spurgeon), the division caused has spewed into churches, onto blogs, into opposing conferences and among friends.

While personally I have always been more "Calvinistic" than not, I still believe there is much (MUCH) about the grace of God expressed in the salvation offered to man through Jesus Christ alone that I do not understand and NEVER will.

So I am pleased to see a document that has been released for Southern Baptists to consider next week at  our annual meeting in Houston   Dr. Frank Page, President and CEO of the Executive Committee of the SBC, appointed a Calvinism Advisory Committee last summer. This diverse group has published their report.

The full document is titled "Truth, Trust, and Testimony in a Time of Tension."  You may download a copy of it by clicking on the link below.

Truth, Trust, and Testimony in a Time of Tension

Historically, Southern Baptists have been wise to not get too dogmatic about some of these issues (end times, spiritual gifts, etc) forcing them to be a point of agreement necessary to be a Baptist.  I pray this will also be the same with this issue.

In not, tell me which church or denomination has it right so I can join them.  Oh, that's right...there is not one.