Replies

Dr. E.: “As to the second part of your question, reformed Baptists and reformed Presbyterians such as the OPC and PCA believe in the five points outlined as TULIP...”

Mr. Rogers: I’d have to disagree. At least in theory, the SBC is ‘reformed baptist’. I’ve been attending SBC churches in various locations for most of the last 35 years, and independent baptist churches when I didn’t.

As an SBC I'd have to respectfully disagree. The SBC is not "Reformed Baptist" in that it does not teach Reformed theology at its core, as you went on to indicate. Rather, it seems to purposely and ambiguously teach a mixture of Arminianism and Calvinism. IOW, the SBC doesn't take a stand, but it DOES tolerate Reformers in their churches even though the majority is Arminian.

With this in mind one time I read the whole Baptist Faith and Message and, as a lawyer, could tell immediately how carefully it was worded so as not to exclude either Arminians or Reformers. In many cases, both could read the same words, agree they were correct, but for completely different reasons or in completely different ways. :) I laughed out loud at the obvious effort that went into this wording and how no one would notice who wasn't looking for it. :)

So, I would say that a Reformed Baptist could very easily be SBC, but the majority of SBC is not Reformed Baptist. And, I agree with you that SBC sermons never or almost never make a point of distinguishing Arminianism from Calvinism. I have been looking for it for years and haven't caught our Pastor once. :)

Rather, it seems to purposely and ambiguously teach a mixture of Arminianism and Calvinism

Aren't those antithetical to each other? I can't see how you can combine beliefs that you are a superior caste chosen before time as opposed to a loving God that wishes all to come to Him and be saved.

For example, I'm right now travelling through India and I've met a large number of very devout Baptists in the N-E of India (incidently, did you know that 3 of the 28 Indian states are 100% or nearly 100% Baptist?) and their theology is purely Arminian. By removing the concept of an "elect", the Baptists have demonstrated how egalitarian Christianity IS, to Indians and any barriers to listening to the word have been broken. I think it's a great work they are doing there in the N-E of India.