I have put my hand to the tar baby. Salvation and Sovereignty: A Molinist Approach (Broadman & Holman) came out this month, a book in which I tackle the divine sovereignty–human responsibility conundrum, specifically as it relates to the area of salvation. As the title indicates, the book approaches the issue from a Molinist perspective, which means I advocate a high view of sovereign control but a libertarian understanding of free will (though in a stripped-down version I call “soft-libertarianism”). After grinding my brain cells on … [Read More]
Aspect 6(b): A Mission Centered on the Gospel (spats, straw men, infighting)
(By: Danny Akin & Bruce Ashford)
Numerous spats center on method and practice. In such cases, it is wise to ask whether the practice at hand is based upon biblical command, apostolic precedent, or local tradition.[1] If it is based upon biblical command, then there is no question that it must be obeyed. If it is based on apostolic precedent, then it demands our attention but nonetheless is not a biblical injunction. We pay close and … [Read More]
Aspect 6(a): A Mission Centered on the Gospel (factionalism, non-fellowship, theological triage, liberalism, fundamentalism, Calvinism, contextualization)
(By: Danny Akin & Bruce Ashford)
Paul warns the Corinthians about the danger of factional battles in the church. In our opinion, this also applies to seminary communities, agencies and institutions, and indeed to the whole of our convention. Sometimes, the battles we fight are necessary and we wage them in an appropriate manner. But sometimes the battles are unnecessary and/or they are waged inappropriately. Often, unnecessary battles are waged because a group of people are … [Read More]
Myth #5: The GCR is actually a grand Calvinist plot to infiltrate the SBC and gain control or at least greater influence in the Convention.
This may be my favorite of all the myths. The wild imaginations that have produced it are a wonder to behold. I mean, you have to stay up late and work really hard to come up with something like this. These brothers ought to write science fiction or mystery novels! There are millions for the making. Now, what are the facts?
First, the “Axioms Message” has only one passing and playful reference to Calvinism. The point … [Read More]
Looking Back to Louisville, Part 2
Looking Back to Louisville, Part 2
What needs to happen next?
Let me share some thoughts about the future. I think there are some things we should consider as we look toward the future.
1. We need to pray for the Great Commission Task Force. This is a big deal. Their findings and recommendations to the SBC potentially will have a great impact on our future.
2. We need to pray for the 2010 convention in Orlando. It will … [Read More]
A Model of Christian Scholarly Dialog
The Andrew Fuller Center for Baptist Studies at Southern Seminary recently hosted their annual conference. This year’s topic was “Baptist Spirituality: Historical Perspectives.” Much of the conference audio is available online. I want to particularly recommend that you take the time to listen to the dialog between Michael Haykin and Malcolm Yarnell titled “Reformed and Anabaptist: Strengths and Shortcomings of Two Traditions.” Though they disagree concerning elements of Baptist identity and the best way to resource … [Read More]
“Bloggersation” Between Tom Ascol and Alvin Reid
Administrator’s Note: Yestersday Tom Ascol posted a “bloggersation” between he and Alvin Reid at the Founders Ministries Blog. They discussed a number of issues, including the history of their friendship, the Great Commission Resurgence, the 2009 Louisville Convention, and the Calvinism debate in the SBC. Because of Alvin’s participation in that bloggersation, we thought it would be good to also publish this material at BtT. Special thanks to Tom Ascol for his gracious permission to … [Read More]
Fifteen Factors That Have Changed the SBC since 1979, Part 1
The contemporary SBC is in many ways quite different from the 1979 version of the denomination. I think most readers would agree. I believe there are at least 15 factors that have influenced this change. These factors are not equal in influence, and some of them overlap. Furthermore, there are probably several other factors I have not considered (I welcome your thoughts on that). Over the next few days I will briefly discuss the factors … [Read More]
Baptist Identity at 400
As many of our readers know, 2009 marks the 400th anniversary of the Baptist movement. In honor of this historic year, Doug Baker of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina recently conducted a Koinonia Podcast on the topic “Baptist Identity at 400.” The panelists for the podcast include the following:
James Leo Garrett, Distinguished Professor of Theology Emeritus at Southwestern Seminary
David Dockery, President of Union University
Greg Wills, Professor of Church History and Director of the Center … [Read More]
Southern Baptist Identity: An Evangelical Denomination Faces the Future
This week Crossway has published a new collection of essays titled Southern Baptist Identity: An Evangelical Denomination Faces the Future. David Dockery edited the volume, which is substantially (though not entirely) based upon the two Baptist Identity Conferences held at Union University in 2004 and 2007. You can still listen to the audio presentations from those conferences by clicking here and here.
The contributors to Southern Baptist Identity include Dockery, Al Mohler, Stan Norman, Greg Wills, Timothy George, … [Read More]
