- In the 1600’s, the Puritans sought to purge the church of its Catholic elements; to restore it to what they believed was its New Testament character; and to purify the church and its members, challenging them to lead a holy life.
- The more radical Puritans left the church and England, first going to Holland, then emigrating to the New World. We know those early settlers as the Pilgrims. They planted the seeds for the Baptist tradition in America.
- Baptists believed that only those practices explicitly described in the New Testament were to be made normative for the church. They reasoned that infant baptism should be eliminated. Baptists were first called Anapedopbaptists. They rejected any practice which appeared “Catholic,” such as liturgical vestments, dress of the clergy, or formal acts of worship.
- Baptists were persecuted by both the Puritans and the Church of England. They traditionally have had a strong appreciation for the separation of church and state.
- Three core beliefs of all Baptists: 1) the inspiration, in fallibility and preservation of Scripture; 2) The importance of one’s personal relationship with God; 3) Salvation by grace through faith alone.
- Baptists demonstrate three qualities all Christians can learn from: 1) love of God’s word and bible study; 2) and emphasis on mission and evangelism; 3) the simple salvation message.
This week's tradition marks a rather dramatic turn from our study of previous denominations. There are several areas where Baptists differ. They left behind liturgy and vestments, and returned to a more fundamental experience of faith, aligning themselves with the worship traditons of the apostles. Scripture was the sole source of information on worship and living, and took precedence over other sources of information. Adult or believer's baptism become the initiating rite after a person made a choice to be in a relationship with Christ and the church. Baptism and holy communion were no considered sacraments, but instead were ordinances - things that we did because we were instructed to by Christ himself. Congregations were independent of one another, but could configure themselves in conventions or associations of like-minded people. In the video, one of the speakers commented that there are several Methodist denominations but galaxies of Baptists.
We also discussed a little bit on two words that we hear in relationship to how Baptists view scripture. Many of us would use the words "infallible" and "inerrant" to mean the same thing. But as explained by some of our Baptist friends in class (I hope I get this right), infallibility is about God's intention in giving the word (trustworthiness) and inerrancy is that the word given is without error. We may not know everything there is to know, but God does, and would not give us a word is not true. For some of us this feels like semantics, but there are subtle differences that are important and illustrate how much weight Scripture holds in this tradition. This high view of scripture gives all of us a wonderful gift. The study of the Word of God is one of the best ways that we can become the people that God created us to be.
For me, the other major difference between Baptist theology and our previous denomination studies is reflected in the way that Baptism and Holy Communion are understood. In each of our previous discussions, both are sacraments, where God is the primary actor and we respond to his actions. In water baptism, we are washed in the spirit and spend our lives responding to what God has done for us. Baptisms often happen when we are infants or children, unable to answer the questions of faith for ourselves. In some of those traditions, the ritual for taking responsibility for one's own faith journey is called Confirmation. For Baptists, God speaks to us through scripture and the invitation of those around us. When the path of faith is chosen, baptism marks the public profession of faith. Baptism is not the initiating event, it is the response to what God has done and a beginning to a life of commitment and faith.
One of the blessings that this class brings is an understanding that we may be using different language to talk about the same things. Our openness to the gifts that each tradition brings can enrich our own experience of faith. Whether it is becoming intimately familiar with the biblical story and the texts which give us hope and comfort, or understanding our need for what Christ has to offer, it is often in studying other Christian traditions that we become more in tune with how our own traditions have shaped our spiritual identities.
What did you learn about Baptists that is new to you? Or what would you share that we need to know?
Thanks again for being a part of this great experience...
Peace, Deb
Taking it Home: a biblical exercise for the week
This week you will read and pray through the longest psalm in the Bible, Psalm 119. Its focus is on pursuing God’s Word and commands – an important theme to Baptists and to all Christians.
• Read Psalm 119:1-40 aloud as a prayer. What does it mean to seek God with all your hear and to walk in God’s ways? How does God’s Word help you do this? What other benefits does reading and studying God’s Word provide?
• Read Psalm 119:41-88 aloud as a prayer. Note the psalmist’s steadfastness even during times of trouble and affliction. How has God’s Word been a source of comfort, strength and hope to you in difficult times? Offer a prayer of gratitude.
• Read Psalm 119:89-144. Choose a portion of these verses and read them aloud as a prayer. Invite God to guide you in the truth and to direct your path.
• Read Psalm 119:145-176. Chose a portion of these verses and read them aloud as a prayer. Which of these verses speak most clearly to you as you pray?
(Key Insights and Taking It Home are from the Leader's Guide to Christianity's Family Tree)
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