Calvinism on the Rise...in the SBC
Results from a recent Lifeway Research survey show that Calvinism is on the rise in the Southern Baptist Convention. Duh. According to the survey, 1 in 10 SBC pastors consider themselves to be a 5-point Calvinist. And a snippet...While LifeWay Research found the number of Southern Baptist pastors embracing five-point Calvinism to be relatively small, it is undeniable that the conversations on Calvinism within the Southern Baptist Convention have brought renewed interest to the theological system. Proponents of Calvinism, or Reformed theology, view it as a healthy return to early Southern Baptist heritage. Others see Calvinism as a negative trend and fear it is threatening to take over the SBC. In its inaugural survey, LifeWay Research sought to document the prevalence -– or lack thereof –- of Calvinism within the SBC.Reformed theology is quite popular these days especially with teenagers and young adults. But WHY? Southern Baptist Tom Ascol of Founders Ministries has an answer..."The revival of Reformed theology is growing among younger pastors and ministers in training. This is largely a young church leader movement. Boomers and busters are willing to put aside preconceived notions. More and more seminary and college students are coming to see that the doctrines are nothing more than an accurate summary of the biblical teaching of salvation." (53) Understood from this perspective, campus ministry, Christian contemporary music, and popular Calvinist speakers are three avenues that introduce students to Calvinist concepts who then go to the Bible and see that Calvin "rightly divide(d) the Word of truth."It remains to be seen how Non-Calvinists in the Southern Baptist Convention will respond to the growth of Calvinism within their denomination. Exactly how threatened are Non-Calvinists by this "negative trend"? Looking past the current IMB squabble, if doctrinal conformity remains a MUST in the SBC - will a Battle Royal between the two camps even be avoidable???For more see: “Youth for Calvin: Reformed Theology and Baptist Collegians”Word Document Version
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Calvinism
Sorry for the delay in responding.
I am a former Southern Baptist - now associated only with the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship. My father is a Baptist Historian who has taught at a Georgia Baptist College and now Baylor University. So, I've grown up in a completely Baptist environment. I'm not Calvinist - although I've watch many of my friends and classmates embrace Calvinism in recent years (especially with the increasing popularity of John Piper).
I do not believe that growing pockets of progressivism exist within the SBC. Folks like IMB Trustee and new SBC President Frank Page are still 100% committed to inerrancy. They are advocating principled dissent among those who hold to inerrancy. Thus inerrancy has become their #1 fundamental. Now, I do see the factions led by Burleson/Page as a move away from mean-spirited fundamentalism (which is a good thing). It would be nice to see the SBC move away from fundamentalism towards a more "kind and loving" form of conservatism.
However, if this "kind and loving" form of conservatism is not embraced and consequently stomped out by Paige Patterson & the Establishment - I do see a fight over Calvinism brewing on the horizon.
Update on Calvinism and SBC?
Hey Big Daddy Weave,
First, welcome to the CrossLeft community. Its great to have you here.
Also, interesting posts on the SBC. Are you Calvinist and/or a Southern Baptist yourself? Are there any indications that you have that we have growing pockets of progressivism witin the SBC?
looking forward to the discussion.
steve