The Renewal of Baptist Theology
Posted byIn preparation for an upcoming essay on the background of his Fifth Century Initiative, to be posted here at SBC Today, Dr. Bart Barber, pastor of the First Baptist Church at Farmersville, Texas, and adjunct Professor of Church History at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, has submitted the following introductory material to that forthcoming essay:
My first reading assignment for my first seminar of Ph.D. studies was so influential upon me as to mark a defining moment in my walk with the Lord and my quest to understand and obey the scriptures. The seminar was Dr. James Leo Garrett’s “Baptist Theologians”. The reading assignment was the introduction to a book by the same title, Baptist Theologians. Drs. Timothy George and David Dockery compiled this incredible book. Dr. George wrote the introduction, which he entitled “The Renewal of Baptist Theology.”
Even today, some seven years later, I find the words so compelling and relevant that I commend them to you today. With Dr. George’s permission, I reproduce for you the entirety of one of the better essays that I have ever read (click here for the essay). I do not concur with every aspect of this lengthy work, but I concur with Dr. George in his perception that Baptists stand vulnerable to abdication of the biblical truths that define us. Furthermore, I believe that our present situation gives cause for no less urgency than that which Dr. George has woven into this clarion call for Baptist Renewal.
8 Comments
October 4th, 2007 at 12:35 pm
Wes,
That was worth the read! (great lunchtime,…. it’s a keeper)
Now if that is the Baptist distinctive advocated by this website,… then count me in. Timothy George has at least introduced the subject in a compelling manner.
This could actually be reformatted and would be a great injection or replacement to the current “Baptist Faith & Message”. It would give some teeth to the gums that now exist.
I believe the struggle would be to have the existing load of Baptist ministers agree on these fundamentals.
Thanks again for this one….. This was music to my ears (eyes in this case)!!!
-Chris
October 4th, 2007 at 1:19 pm
I remember the first time I read this piece – it put into words what my heart wanted to sing.
October 4th, 2007 at 6:07 pm
WOW I wish someone had told me this stuff in Seminary!
This would have stopped our demise into a mild mixture of mysticism, merriement and practical pragmatism, dominated by the writings of Richard Foster (A Celebration of Discipline,) Rick Warren (Purpose Driven whatevers) and Bill Hybels (of the Willow wallow).
October 5th, 2007 at 8:37 pm
Wes and Bart,
Thank you for posting this. It is a great read and very applicable today in what we face.
Great job!
October 7th, 2007 at 12:08 am
Bart,
Notice that Dr. George did not advocate Baptist identiy taking a hard-right turn.
Rick
October 8th, 2007 at 1:39 pm
This is a great essay. Although Dr. George was approaching this from the perspective of the academy I think his point can also be applied from what has become the opposite perspective.
As we artificially separate theology from piety we also find that our evangelism and missions starts to languish. The cold-hearted and rational theologian is mirrored by the passionate and less rational (isn’t it surprising to see that “irrational” sounds no better to our ears than “rational?”) evangelist who considers all doctrinal study to be a diversion. Yes, both of these are exaggerated stereotypes but go with me on this and look at the point.
Can this alienation of the two interwoven parts of our relationship with God have anything to do with our diminishing effectiveness in evangelism and discipleship?
October 8th, 2007 at 3:42 pm
Gary,
Good point…..
Paul made it clear to both Timothy and Titus, that the road to vital health in the church is sound doctrine. Sound doctrine that has its basis and function in the gospel of God, not the gospel of pragmatism or political thinking. The current economical pastorate landscape and the call for pragmatism from the pews have caused fear to creep into the Pastor’s study. It appears there are more Pastors today that fear the retribution of their congregations than those that fear the wrath of almighty God.
It is much easier to get into the pulpit and teach pragmatically, and tickle the ears of the hearers, than to exegete and expose the cutting truth and blessed hope of God’s Word.
Sound doctrine is the key to maturing the Church. It is the responsibility of the overseer of the flock to remain steadfast in his mission to feed the sheep.
Thanks for your post,
-Chris
June 17th, 2009 at 8:12 am
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