Open Blogging
Noted Southern Baptist theologian Matthew Barrett has joined the Anglican communion.
Barrett was (justifiably) frustrated with the conventions unwillingness to affirm the Nicene Creed and the acceptance of unorthodox views on the Trinity.
The reasons go beyond the theological…
“The second pillar that started to crack was polity, but more specifically the culture in which it is embedded. My experience after two decades both at the local level and institutional level is this: for Southern Baptists image is everything. There is nothing and no one they will not sacrifice on the altar of their image. But it’s not just a commitment; it’s embedded in the culture itself. When image is everything, a culture of fear follows, so that anyone who does not match up with that image is considered a threat. As we’ve seen in the last couple of years, the SBC has been plagued with covering up sin to protect its image. But this occurs at the local church level as well. When there is sin in the leadership, the impulse is to cover it up to protect the image rather than being transparent with the church. Southern Baptist pastors often tell their congregations, “Just trust us,” and “Don’t gossip,” which results in a church incapable of acting when they suspect sin in the leadership. Moreover, they have little recourse to an external ecclesiastical authority to hold the leadership accountable.”
“I can no longer go along with Southern Baptists who pride themselves on a type of independence that locks out effective external accountability. Nor can I continue ignoring the spiritual abuse that so many have suffered as a consequence. In short, when image is everything, the cross is eclipsed. Ironically, this does not image the humility of Christ.”
This statement concisely conveys what we’ve been saying about “independent” churches for over 25 years…and what makes them hotbeds of abuse.
Unfortunately, polity isn’t enough…Barrett is joining the Anglican Communion in North America (ACNA) which has problems of its own...
Now, it’s all yours today…
I have a friend who sent me this post.
Because of folks on here who’ve been involved with SBC, what he said about the SBC obsession with image was no surprise. Sad, but no surprise.
Plus look at the steady trickle of ex-SBCers like the Moores, Beth and Russell and others.
I really enjoyed Barrett’s dissection of his journey to Canterbury. Very erudite but pretty gracious, too.
FYI, I got the Christian History book Michael recommended recently. So far it seems to be a very good introductory resource.
bob1,
I get a little tweaked when the Reformed guys try to claim Anglicanism…but his reasons are well said.
BrianD,
Glad you find it helpful…I do believe it will serve you well.
Michael, I’m not up to date on the goings-on in the SBC — what are the “unorthodox views on the Trinity” that are being accepted?
Robert F,
A lot of Baptists are using Wayne Grudem’s systematic that holds to the eternal subordination of the Son…which they would know better if they held to the creeds…
This was also in Barrett’s missive:
“Regardless the reason, I cannot stay in a denomination where the Nicene Creed has been officially rejected from inclusion and remains blatantly absent.”
Like you said Michael, it’s a Catch 22.
They wouldn’t accept the eternal subordination of the Son if they knew Nicea but they don’t, and aren’t taught them!
Michael and bob1,
Ah, yes, they are all about subordination — they want it in the Trinity so they can continue to justify having it on earth in human social relationships. That is likely why they continue to reject the Nicene Creed — it doesn’t underwrite their vision of social subordination, which is all-important to them.
Open Blogging: I’m in the process of finding a new church in my area. This morning, for the first time ever, I’m visiting a Calvary Chapel. I have zero intention of landing there, but I’m checking out several denominations I’ve never been to before. I have friends who attend this one in Oceanside, so my reasons are relational and to check off a box.
So far I’ve been to a stealth AoG, a PCA, and a “Christian Church” (Campbellite, restoration movement). The next weeks include an ACNA, a PCUSA, and not sure my wife is interested but I have to go to an Eastern Orthodox church.
Terry,
I wouldn’t discount the relational aspect even if a lot of stuff is “off’.
It’ll be interesting to hear what you learn on your adventures…
Terry,
Bring along some comfy shoes before you attend the EOC service!
My son attended one for a college religion class and he said
it lasted a long time, don’t remember how long.
LOL
Terry and Michael, when you (generic you) really get down to it, religion really is the opium of the people. Not in all cases and in all parameters, but for the most part, it’s true.
Terry, I used to attend Calvary Oceanside, and had the opportunity to preach at a few men’s retreats. The senior pastor who was there was one of the kindest, most genuine people I ever knew. He passed away a few years back and I have no idea what it’s like now. I do know that some of the staff who were there back then are still on staff.
@Captain Kevin – Mike Reed was the real deal.
Did some evangelism training with him
back in the day when we were both Youth Pastors.
I ran into him at a wedding after he became the Senior Pastor. It was amazing how long he did live as he overcame some type of congenital condition that should have taken him to heaven much sooner.
@Victorious, Indeed, he was the real deal!
I was at CCO for almost 20 years, so I knew him from the time he came on board as youth pastor. He became senior pastor after we moved away, but we kept in touch and made a point of getting together whenever we were in town visiting.
It was not a surprise when he passed away, but it was hard to take nonetheless. I think of him often and pray for his wife and two girls.
Hi Phoenix Preacher friends. I’ve been busy and missed the replies. CCO was a good experience and one I need to revisit. Our best friends there are both involved in missions, one to street people and another is a playground builder for Kids Around The World. The music and message were solid. CCO and the church I attended yesterday are the frontrunners so far (see my post in latest Open Blogging).
Has everyone met our president?
Neville Trump.
“Putin generally cannot travel outside Russia because he has been indicted by the International Criminal Court for war crimes, including the theft of Ukrainian children. And yet Trump is welcoming him to the United States of America.”
Heather Cox Richardson
bob1,
Trump is Putin lacking intelligence…