Some Christians before 1609 held what many refer to as distinctively Baptist beliefs. Baptists in 1609 practiced believer's baptism, but they didn't immerse. Even so, most church historians agree Baptists emerged as a distinct movement 400 years ago. From their…
SECOND OPINION: Is your church an open door?
The church my family and I attended in my early childhood was always unlocked. In fact, I don't think they even had a key to the door! In this country setting where everyone knew everyone else within several miles of…
Baptist history a continuing search for the New Testament church
Some Baptists stress evangelism, and others emphasize the social gospel. Some believe Christ died for all people; others say Christ died only for the elect whom God predestined to salvation. Historically, some defended slavery; others championed civil rights. Even a…
OUT LOUD
“We have one suggestion for Baptist Christians — that they avoid words to describe evangelism (or telling the gospel story) which appear threatening to others, such as ‘evangelistic crusades.' Nor is it necessary to be critical of another faith in…
Scholars disagree on Anabaptist, Baptist connection
DURHAM, N.C. (ABP) — While much writing about Baptist history in the 20th century focused on what distinguishes Baptists from other Christians, a group of contemporary scholars believes the Baptist movement now needs to reconnect to its ecumenical roots. Most…
RIGHT or WRONG: Should I pray for a president I didn’t vote for?
The United States has elected a new president, but my candidate did not win. My Sunday school teacher observed that the Apostle Paul said we should pray for the king. I fail to see the application of that Scripture to…
Who founded the Baptist movement — John Smyth or John the Baptist?
Baptists who celebrate the 400th birthday of their denomination in 2009 miss the mark by about 1,600 years, some Baptists insist. Since Jesus founded his church during his earthly ministry and promised “the gates of hell shall not prevail against…
Move over, bumper-sticker religion. Make way for license-plate faith
WASHINGTON (RNS) — In South Carolina, a district court temporarily has halted production of state-sponsored license plates that declare “I Believe” and feature an illustration of a cross, superimposed on a stained-glass window. In Vermont, an appeals court is mulling…
Historians debate reasons for rise of Landmarkism in 19th century
All Landmark Baptists believe in church succession, at least to some degree, but not every Baptist holding that position is — or was — a Landmarker, according to Alan Lefever, director of the Texas Baptist Historical Collection. Neither J.M. Carroll,…
No evidence recession pulls people into pews
WASHINGTON (RNS) — Economic recession has not led to increased attendance at U.S. houses of worship, according to Gallup pollsters. Despite anecdotal evidence cited in high-profile media outlets, Americans' worship patterns held steady in 2008, the Gallup Poll reported. Since…
Baptists celebrate past with an eye to the future
In 400 years, the Baptist movement has grown to 200,000 churches with more than 50 million members in countries around the world. But even though Baptists globally continue to show statistical growth, the largest Baptist group in the United States…
Most Americans believe in multiple paths to salvation, survey reveals
WASHINGTON (ABP) — Most American Christians believe at least some non-Christian faiths can lead to eternal life, a new survey by the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life reveals. Even among evangelicals, who profess belief that an individual must…