The Future Of Calvinism & Arminianism In The SBC
Billy over at Classical Arminianism has put forth what he thinks will happen in the SBC theologically in the next 10 years of so (you can read the full article here). He says:
“The real question at hand is, Can two opposing theological systems abide with equal force within one denomination today as it once did? Or will one theology “win out” over the other? I am not a prophet, but in my opinion, in the next ten to twenty years, I forsee the SBC being predominantly Calvinist in her theology;”
From my perspective, I hope that he is right. I know that he is not thrilled about the possibility of the SBC becoming more Calvinistic in its theology. He has stated that he will leave the SBC before or when this happens.
What is your opinion? Will it be a good thing for the SBC to become more Calvinistic or will it cause a split? Will the denomination grow or decline if it becomes more Calvinistic?
I think the tension is good for us SBCers. I have no problem with one being the majority and the other being the minority, but what bothers me the most is the polemics coming from the Calvinist side – as if Arminians don’t believe in the same God.
I’m no Calvinist, to be sure, but I don’t have a problem with Calvinists in my denomination. I just wish they appreciated the tension as I do.
It is already causing a split – the young seminarians are going out and preaching Calvinism in traditionally Arminian churches. This has caused quite the rift – mostly based in ignorance (from both sides), but a rift nonetheless.
thefuerstshallbelast
September 25, 2008 at 12:17 am
One quick point. Did you know that the founders of the SBC were all Calvinists? Yes, that is the case. So, when you speak of tradition it rests with the Calvinists. The recent rise of Calvinism in the SBC is really just a return to our SBC roots.
Having said that, I want to also point out that I think we can co-exist. A split is not necessary although I am not sure that one won’t occur.
Tom
September 25, 2008 at 6:45 am
Yeah, I’m familiar with SBC history – I am a Southern Baptist and wrote my MA thesis on SBC history and slavery.
At some point the tradition clearly switched to Arminian. So, there is no ‘one’ tradition within the SBC. The Calvinists were the original, but that didn’t last long into the 20th century.
I would rather not see a split occur, but I know, as an Arminian in the SBC, I face a lot of crap when I do convention stuff. When there is little in your denomination that you can resonate with, theologically, it causes problems. Indeed, I think we’ve already seen some of these play out – such as with the Cooperative Baptists (especially in Missouri, where I’m from).
But, yes, unity is desirable IMO.
Cheers to you, brother. I’m new to wordpress, so I hope to dialogue with you so more.
Tom
thefuerstshallbelast
September 26, 2008 at 2:25 pm
I enjoy the chance to discuss the issues with other brothers in Christ. So please feel free to comment as often as you like.
Tom Shelton
September 26, 2008 at 3:58 pm
Thanks, brother. I will.
thefuerstshallbelast
September 26, 2008 at 9:23 pm
I see no reason why Calvinists and Arminians cannot peacefully coexist in the SBC. Both groups will have to want to do that.
As far as polemics go, Calvinists have no corner on that market. I see at least as much, if not more, from the Arminian side.
Humility and graciousness are sometimes in short supply.
Barry Wallace
September 29, 2008 at 3:42 pm