Categories: uncategorized
Date: 31 October 2007 07:09:30
Ok, so we live in a post-denominational world where people hop about from one feel good factor to another, knowing what they do and don't like. However, as most people know I for some bizarre reason am definately a Baptist (after definately being a Christian, which is a seperate bit of identity).
Yesterday, whilst using the BUGB What Is A Baptist bit of their website in class to give an example of a denomination and explain why this was different to a church or a sect I was reminded why this is so important to me. I am a Baptist because I happen to believe in the things that underly being a Baptist to a greater or lesser extent.
In terms of the Lordship of Christ, I think this is important but wished they'd give a bit more weight to the Trinity.
Believers Baptism I definately buy into as the correct biblical model.
I agree with the diversity which is inherent in the Baptist way of doing church, although I do wish we'd acknowledge a bit more we do have some litergy which is widely used.
I strongly agree with the concept of the priesthood of all believers.
Whilst church meetings and membership are a minefield, I happen to believe in the concepts very, very strongly - which is why this year has been as it has for me in some areas. (although I wish we would trust ministers and deacons in their decision making a bit more and not have to vote on everything).
I think the interdependance is very important and that the associations, Union, etc are all actually quite important.
Whilst I may squirm about the use of the e word I do think that sharing our faith is both biblical and socially vital, but it's important that we don't just focus on verbally sharing it. Actions say far more than words.
The views Baptists hold on religious freedoms are vitally important and something I really buy into. I just wish that this was something Baptists would focus on a bit more. In our current world I think that if we were to acknowledge and practice this principle more we could be a really radical denomination. On the other hand I know this last point is what makes some people think Baptists are too wooly and not clearly enough defined, but I disagree. With the other points underpinning us we have a clear belief system, yet we are ideally suited to meet the demands of the late (possible post) modern world.