Theological Liberalism and guilt by association …

The third accusation leveled at the Baptist World Alliance by the SBC regards a drift into theological liberalism. I am still waiting on the definition and description of this. I have inquired a number of places and as yet have not been given illustration save one reference.

It seems a German Baptist theologian holds some questionable positions. As a result, his participation in the BWA invalidates the entire BWA and brings the entire organization, including leadership, under suspicion.

Do we really have theological uniformity in our SBC churches? Are we sure everyone holds “all” of our positions? And, what exactly are those positions. Should they be Republican or Democrat? Greater govenerment or less? Calvinist or Arminian? Premillenial or Postmillenial? Transubstantiation, constubstantiation or symbolic presence? Literal reading of Genesis 1-11 or poetic? Pro-life or pro-choice? Do we ask that these boxes be checked along with their confession of Christ? Should it be that failure to do so sends them on down the road?

Surely in a Seminary a President can move those who are believed to be more left or right than is thought acceptable. [Personally, I am not sure this is a postive thing for the academic/theolgocial climate.] In a church where people who are on the journey with Jesus, the Christ are being formed by the Spirit into the likeness of Jesus, connecting life and faith comes in process and not at a point of confession of faith. So, now we require adherence to what before they can be part of a community of faith in which they will learn what it means to be in Christ and live in the Kingdom?

About the Author
Husband to Patty. Daddy to Kimberly and Tommie. Grandpa Doc to Cohen, Max, Fox, and Marlee. Pastor to Snow Hill Baptist Church. Graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Reading. Photography. Golf. Colorado. Jeeping. Friend. The views and opinions expressed here are my own and should not be construed as representing the corporate views of the church I pastor.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.