Theology Applied JOURNAL OFTHEOLOGY JOURNAL JOURNAL of THEOLOGY

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Theology Applied JOURNAL OFTHEOLOGY JOURNAL JOURNAL of THEOLOGY VOL. 63 NO. 1 | FALL 2020 1 | FALL 63 NO. VOL. JOURNAL OF THEOLOGY Theology Applied JOURNAL OF THEOLOGY Theology Applied Fall 2020 Issue Vol. 63 No. 1 Editor-in-Chief: Adam W. Greenway Editor: David S. Dockery Associate Editors: Katie J. McCoy and Andrew Streett Consulting Editors: Alex Sibley, James A. Smith Sr., Sarah Spring Graduate Assistant: Wang Yong Lee Editorial Council Randy L. Stinson, chair David L. Allen D. Jeffrey Bingham Amy L. Crider Donald H. Kim Daniel R. Sanchez Michael S. Wilder Gregory A. Wills Malcolm B. Yarnell III Design Team: Adam Covington, Emil Handke, and Caitlyn Jameson The Southwestern Journal of Theologyis indexed in the ATLA Religion Database, the Southern Baptist Periodical Index, and the Christian Periodical Index. Books and software for review may be sent to the SWJT Editorial Office, The Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, P.O. Box 22608, Fort Worth, TX 76122. All other inquiries should be sent to this same address. Please direct subscription correspondence and change of address notices to SWJT Editorial Office, The Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, P.O. Box 22608, Fort Worth, TX 76122. Change of address notices should include both the new and old addresses. A one-year (two issues) subscription in the United States is $30. An international sub- scription is $50. Southwestern Journal of Theology(ISSN 0038-4828) is published at The Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Fort Worth, TX 76122. For the contents of back issues and ordering information, please see https://swbts.edu/journal. ©2020 TABLE OF CONTENTS EDITORIAL 1. A Theology for the Church: George W. Truett and the Southwestern Tradition Malcolm B. Yarnelll III ............................... 9 2. Spanning the Pedagogical Divide: A Theological Model Connecting Content and Competency Amy L. Crider and Joseph R. Crider .................. 33 3. Toward a Holistic Biblical Theology of Christian Worship D. Jeffrey Mooney ................................. 53 4. Preaching: The Foundation of the Church’s Mission David L. Allen .................................... 81 5. The Gospel, Evangelism, and Missions: Exegetical Observations and Theological Implications of Apostolic Proclamation and Action (Acts 2:22-41) Matt Queen ......................................101 6. The Good, the True, and the Beautiful: Toward a Theology of Whole Life Discipleship Scott B. Key ......................................117 7. Theology, Life, and Work: Revisiting the Twentieth-Century Conversation on the Protestant Work Ethic Greg Cochran ....................................133 8. Toward a Baptist Natural Law Conception of the Common Good Casey B. Hough and Andrew T. Walker ................153 BOOK REVIEWS .....................................175 BOOK NOTES ...................................... 209 5 EDITORIAL The articles found in this issue of the Southwestern Journal of Theology are built around the theme of “Theology Applied.” I am sure that some who are starting to read these pages are wondering what this theme means and, furthermore, why we would select such a theme for an academic journal. Please allow me to offer a thought or two related to these and similar questions. This publication is referred to as a theological journal. This particu- lar theological journal is produced by the faculty of The Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Obviously, theology is an important aspect of this journal and an important part of the life and work of the seminary. We believe, however, that theology is much more than an academic subject to be studied. It certainly is that, but it is so much more. Let’s begin with the meaning of the word theology. At its most basic level, theology is thinking about God. Jaroslav Pelikan, the great historical theologian, took this one step further when he said that theology is what the church has believed, taught, and confessed based upon the Word of God. We can say that theology involves developing a mind and heart for God’s Word, God’s world, and God’s work, leading to a godly way of life. Many theologians suggest that theology begins with faith seeking understanding. My friend Kevin J. Vanhoozer amplifies this idea when he suggests that the first step in starting to apply theology involves faith speaking understanding. Far too often in the minds of Christians, theology is something merely contained in a book. It is thought that its place is confined to the study or the classroom. The Christian life and Christian service, so it is thought, take place in another sphere, a different sphere. For some, there is not even a dotted-line connection between theology and the life of the Christian. Our goal in this issue is to begin to correct that false notion and point believers in a different and more coherent direction. 6 EDITORIAL At an introductory level, the contributors to this issue seek to make connections between theology and the church; between theology and the church’s worship, proclamation, teaching, and witness; between theology, wisdom, and whole life discipleship; as well as between theology and work. One more piece involves exploring how theol- ogy enables believers to live in the world and to engage the public square. There is certainly more that can be said about the doing of theology in and for these various spheres of our life and service. We do not in any way claim that this issue offers an exhaustive look at this theme, but we hope it will help pastors and students, and many other followers of Christ as well, to move away from the disconnect between theology and the application of theology that sadly exists in far too many places. “Theology Applied” calls for us to be hearers of God’s Word, students of God’s Word, followers of God’s Word, as well as doers and practitioners of God’s Word. The contributors to this issue have provided a harmonious chorus to help us begin to connect the dots between thinking about God and our worship of and service to God. In doing so, we recognize that theology is not an individual- istic cerebral experience. We contend that theology matters to the church. Moreover, theology serves as the foundation for the life of the church and for the Christian witness to and for the world. In this issue, Malcolm B. Yarnell III, research professor of system- atic theology at Southwestern Seminary, begins the conversation by helping us understand how the Southwestern tradition has addressed the relationship between theology and the church. We are given a look at a theology of the church and an understanding of theology for the church through the eyes of George W. Truett, former pastor at First Baptist Church of Dallas, Texas, who also served as a member of the Southwestern Board of Trustees from 1908-1944. One of the hallmarks of the Southwestern tradition for more than a century has been its emphasis on doing theology in service to the church. Other Southwestern faculty members participating in this issue include David L. Allen and Matt Queen, along with Joseph R. and Amy L. Crider. David Allen serves as distinguished professor of preaching while holding the George W. Truett Chair of Ministry, and Professor Queen holds the L. R. Scarborough Chair of Evangelism. Together, they help us see the connection between theology and 7 witness with articles on a theology of preaching and a theology of evangelism. Amy Crider has recently been appointed to the faculty in the Terry School of Educational Ministries while Joe Crider serves as the dean of the School of Church Music and Worship. The Criders provide us with an illuminating look at a theology of teaching, con- necting theology not only to witness but also to wisdom. D. Jeffrey Mooney and Greg Cochran, two faculty members at California Baptist University, have contributed two thoughtful pieces to this issue. Mooney offers a biblical theology of worship while Cochran’s article enables us to think about theology and work. Scott B. Key, who was recently appointed as the academic vice president at the C. S. Lewis Study Center in Northfield, Massachusetts, reflects on the good, the true, and the beautiful, giving us a holistic look at the relationship between theology and whole life discipleship. Andrew T. Walker, director of the Carl F. H. Henry Institute at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, joins with Casey Hough of Luther Rice Seminary to show us the relationship between theology and the world, guiding us toward a framework for thinking about theology and the public square. There is much more that can be said about our theme, but these eight articles have given us a wonderful starting point to expand our thinking regarding the importance of the relationship of theology to life and to the life of the church. Our book review section features a look at some outstanding new titles, including the new work by Professor R. Allen Lott, who serves in the School of Church Music and Worship at Southwestern. Reviews include a window into the initial volume in the new Theology for the People of God series as well as significant new publications in the areas of biblical studies, theology, missions, church history, and biography. The Book Notes section gives additional guidance to books that connect with the “theology applied” theme. Let me once again offer thanks to the members of the editorial team. I am genuinely grateful for the work of Andrew Streett, Katie McCoy, James A. Smith Sr., Sarah Spring, and Alex Sibley, as well as Wang Yong Lee, who serves in a graduate assistant role. We express our appreciation for the good work of the design team led by Adam Covington. We pray that this issue will help our readers see the importance of theology and its application for all aspects of the Christian life, 8 EDITORIAL both individually and corporately. We believe that theology faithfully serves the church and, in multiple ways, enables the church to serve and to speak to our society, the culture, and the world.
Recommended publications
  • The Origin, Theology, Transmission, and Recurrent Impact of Landmarkism in the Southern Baptist Convention (1850-2012)
    THE ORIGIN, THEOLOGY, TRANSMISSION, AND RECURRENT IMPACT OF LANDMARKISM IN THE SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION (1850-2012) by JAMES HOYLE MAPLES submitted in accordance with the requirements for the degree of DOCTOR OF THEOLOGY in the subject CHURCH HISTORY at the UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH AFRICA Supervisor: PROF M. H. MOGASHOA March 2014 © University of South Africa ABSTRACT OF GRADUATE STUDENT RESEARCH DOCTORAL PROJECT UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH AFRICA Title: THE ORIGIN, THEOLOGY, TRANSMISSION, AND RECURRENT IMPACT OF LANDMARKISM IN THE SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION (1850-2012) Name of researcher: James Hoyle Maples Promoter: M. H. Mogashoa, Ph.D. Date Completed: March 2014 Landmarkism was a sectarian view of Baptist church history and practice. It arose in the mid-eighteenth century and was a dominant force in the first half-century of the life of the Southern Baptist Convention, America’s largest Protestant denomination. J. R. Graves was its chief architect, promoter, and apologist. He initiated or helped propagate controversies which shaped Southern Baptist life and practice. His influence spread Landmarkism throughout the Southern Baptist Convention through religious periodicals, books, and educational materials. Key Landmark figures in the seminaries and churches also promoted these views. After over fifty years of significant impact the influence of Landmarkism seemed to diminish eventually fading from sight. Many observers of Southern Baptist life relegated it to a movement of historical interest but no current impact. In an effort to examine this assumption, research was conducted which explored certain theological positions of Graves, other Landmarkers, and sects claimed as the true church by the promoters of Baptist church succession.
    [Show full text]
  • Rediscovering the Church Fathers
    Rediscovering the Church FathersRediscovering the “A user-friendly introduction to the early centuries of the Christian church. Michael A. G. Haykin Haykin illustrates the key elements of the church’s teaching by referring to the lives and teachings of major figures of the time, most of whom are little known to nonspecialists. Everyone needs to know about these things, and this book is a great place to begin.” Gerald Bray, Research Professor of Divinity, Beeson Divinity School Rediscovering “This gem of a study sparkles with polished clarity. Haykin has skillfully un- earthed buried treasures among early church leaders. As an experienced guide, he has drawn from his own personal journey and decades of scholarly research. He presents valuable Patristic insights into apologetic engagement, missional work, spiritual formation, use of Scripture, theological discourse, communal the Church Fathers worship, personal piety, and approaches to suffering and martyrdom. From the apostolic fathers to the apostle to Ireland, Haykin’s investigations masterfully apply classical wisdom to contemporary concerns.” WHO THEY WERE Paul Hartog, Associate Professor, Faith Baptist Theological Seminary AND HOW THEY “This introduction by an eminent evangelical scholar opens the door to the riches of early Christianity for evangelicals in a splendidly concise handbook of sorts. Evangelicals, who are experiencing a renaissance of interest in the Fathers, SHAPED THE CHURCH need look no further than this volume for an introduction to many of the most significant figures in Christian history. Readers will be left wanting to learn even more. Evangelicals are indebted to Haykin for this well-written volume.” Steven A. McKinion, Professor of Theology and Patristics, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Wake Forest, North Carolina Haykin Michael A.
    [Show full text]
  • Copyright © 2016 Jared Richard Longshore All Rights Reserved. The
    Copyright © 2016 Jared Richard Longshore All rights reserved. The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary has permission to reproduce and disseminate this document in any form by any means for purposes chosen by the Seminary, including, without limitation, preservation or instruction. THE DUTY OF LOVE TO GOD: THE SPIRITUAL THEOLOGY OF JOHN LEADLEY DAGG (1794-1884) __________________ A Dissertation Presented to the Faculty of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary __________________ In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Doctor of Philosophy __________________ by Jared Richard Longshore May 2016 APPROVAL SHEET THE DUTY OF LOVE TO GOD: THE SPIRITUAL THEOLOGY OF JOHN LEADLEY DAGG (1794-1884) Jared Richard Longshore Read and Approved by: __________________________________________ Tom J. Nettles (Chair) __________________________________________ Michael A. G. Haykin __________________________________________ Bruce A. Ware Date______________________________ For Heather. TABLE OF CONTENTS Page PREFACE………………………………………………………………………………...vi Chapter 1. INTRODUCTION...................................................................................................1 Thesis ..................................................................................................................5 Background .........................................................................................................5 History of Research.............................................................................................6 Methodology .......................................................................................................9
    [Show full text]
  • Sermons Life Sketch
    Sermons and Life Sketch of B.H. Carroll, D.D. Compiled by Rev. J. B. Cranfill Waco, Texas American Baptist Publication Society 1701 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, Pa. A Baptist Historical Resource Published by the Center for Theological Research at www.BaptistTheology.org ©2006 Transcription by Madison Grace Permissions: The purpose of this material is to serve the churches. Please feel free to distribute as widely as possible. We ask that you maintain the integrity of the document and the author’s wording by not making any alterations and by properly citing any secondary use of this transcription. The Center for Theological Research Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary Fort Worth, Texas Malcolm B. Yarnell, III, Director Life Sketch of B. H. Carroll J. B. Cranfill LIFE SKETCH OF B. H. CARROLL J. B. CRANFILL THERE are not many genuinely great men. To be gifted is a great endowment; but gifts are not graces. Some of the most gifted of men have possessed none of the elements of real greatness. It is only when depth of intellect and breadth of attainment are combined with greatness of heart and gentleness of spirit that there is real greatness. Dr. B. H. Carroll is, in the highest, broadest, and best sense of the term, a genuinely great man. In his gifts he towers a very giant among his fellows, while in the breadth of learning and research he ranks with the profoundest scholars of the time. But crowning all is his great heart-power, his gentleness and humility, and his consideration for the feelings of others.
    [Show full text]
  • ENCYCLOPEDIA of CHRISTIAN EDUCATION Only
    Only Copy ENCYCLOPEDIA OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION Contributor Only Copy Contributor ENCYCLOPEDIA OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION Edited by Only George Thomas Kurian and Mark A. Lamport Copy Contributor ROWMAN & LITTLEFIELD Lanham • Boulder • New York • London Only Copy Published by Rowman & Littlefield A wholly owned subsidiary of The Rowman & Littlefield Publishing Group, Inc. 4501 Forbes Boulevard, Suite 200, Lanham, Maryland 20706 www.rowman.com Unit A, Whitacre Mews, 26-34 Stannary Street, London SE11 4AB Copyright © 2015 by George Thomas Kurian and Mark A. Lamport All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the publisher, except by a reviewer who may quote passages in a review. British Library Cataloguing in Publication Information Available Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Encyclopedia of Christian education / edited by George Thomas Kurian, Mark A. Lamport. pages cm Includes bibliographical references and index. ISBN 978-0-8108-8492-2 (cloth : alk. paper) — ISBN 978-0-8108-8493-9 (ebook) 1. Christian education—Encyclopedias. I. Kurian, George Thomas, editor. II. Lamport, Mark A., editor. BV1471.3.E53 2015 268.03—dc23 Contributor 2014021410 ™ The paper used in this publication meets the minimum requirements of American National Standard for Information Sciences—Permanence of Paper for Printed Library Materials, ANSI/NISO Z39.48-1992. Printed in the United States of America Contents Only Editors, Prologue and Foreword Contributors, Editorial Advisory Board, and Editorial Consultants ix Prologue by J. I. Packer xiii Foreword by Stanley Hauerwas xv Foreword by Richard J.
    [Show full text]
  • Baptists in America LIVE Streaming Many Baptists Have Preferred to Be Baptized in “Living Waters” Flowing in a River Or Stream On/ El S
    CHRISTIAN HISTORY Issue 126 Baptists in America Did you know? you Did AND CLI FOUNDING SCHOOLS,JOININGTHEAR Baptists “churchingthe MB “se-Baptist” (self-Baptist). “There is good warrant for (self-Baptist). “se-Baptist” manyfession Their shortened but of that Faith,” to described his group as “Christians Baptized on Pro so baptized he himself Smyth and his in followers 1609. dam convinced him baptism, the of need believer’s for established Anglican Mennonites Church). in Amster wanted(“Separatists” be to independent England’s of can became priest, aSeparatist in pastor Holland BaptistEarly founder John Smyth, originally an Angli SELF-SERVE BAPTISM ING TREES M selves,” M Y, - - - followers eventuallyfollowers did join the Mennonite Church. him as aMennonite. They refused, though his some of issue and asked the local Mennonite church baptize to rethought later He baptism the themselves.” put upon two men singly“For are church; no two so may men a manchurching himself,” Smyth wrote his about act. would later later would cated because his of Baptist beliefs. Ironically Brown Dunster had been fired and in his 1654 house confis In fact HarvardLeague Henry president College today. nial schools,which mostof are members the of Ivy Baptists often were barred from attending other colo Baptist oldest college1764—the in the United States. helped graduates found to Its Brown University in still it exists Bristol, England,founded at in today. 1679; The first Baptist college, Bristol Baptist was College, IVY-COVERED WALLSOFSEPARATION LIVE “E discharged
    [Show full text]
  • Final Report of the Commission on Historic Campus Representations
    BAYLOR UNIVERSITY Commission on Historic Campus Representations FINAL REPORT Prepared for the Baylor University Board of Regents and Administration December 2020 Table of Contents 3 Foreword 5 Introduction 9 Part 1 - Founders Mall Founders Mall Historic Representations Commission Assessment and Recommendations 31 Part 2 - Burleson Quadrangle Burleson Quadrangle Historic Representations Commission Assessment and Recommendations 53 Part 3 - Windmill Hill and Academy Hill at Independence Windmill Hill and Academy Hill Historic Representations Commission Assessment and Recommendations 65 Part 4 - Miscellaneous Historic Representations Mace, Founders Medal, and Mayborn Museum Exhibit Commission Assessment and Recommendations 74 Appendix 1 76 Appendix 2 81 Appendix 3 82 Endnotes COMMISSION ON HISTORIC CAMPUS REPRESENTATIONS I 1 Commission on Historic Campus Representations COMMISSION CO-CHAIRS Cheryl Gochis (B.A. ’91, M.A. Michael Parrish, Ph.D. (B.A. ’74, ’94), Vice President, Human M.A. ’76), Linden G. Bowers Alicia D.H. Monroe, M.D., Resources/Chief Human Professor of American History Provost and Senior Vice Resources Officer President for Academic and Coretta Pittman, Ph.D., Faculty Affairs, Baylor College of Dominque Hill, Director of Associate Professor of English Medicine and member, Baylor Wellness and Past-President, and Chair-Elect, Faculty Senate Board of Regents Black Faculty and Staff Mia Moody-Ramirez, Ph.D. Association Gary Mortenson, D.M.A., (M.S.Ed. ’98, M.A. ’01), Professor and Dean, Baylor Sutton Houser, Senior, Student Professor and Chair, Journalism, University School of Music Body President Public Relations and New Media Walter Abercrombie (B.S. ’82, Trent Hughes (B.A. ’98), Vice Marcus Sedberry, Senior M.S.Ed.
    [Show full text]
  • R. Albert Mohler Jr
    R. Albert Mohler Jr. VISION AT THE TWENTY YEAR MARK UME 81, NUMBER 4 UME 81, NUMBER 4 L FALL 2013 vO FALL AUGUST 20, 2013 11:37 AM R. ALBERT MOHLER JR. taLKS WITH assOCIatED PRESS FOLLOWING HIS 20TH ANNIVERSARY CONVOCatION ADDRESS From the President R. Albert Mohler Jr. is president of Southern Seminary Whatever the future holds, Southern Seminary will ‘train, educate and prepare the next generation’ s the Bible says, we see through makers for the cause of Christ. of scholars so committed to the faith a glass darkly. At our best, we Twenty years ago, when I was and to the local church. I am honored simplyA do not know enough to predict elected Southern Seminary’s presi- to look out on a student body com- the future reliably. At the same time, dent, I would not have defined our prised of the most committed young we have no choice but to look ahead as task in that way. But this is not 1993, Christians to be found anywhere on best we can, trying to understand the and the students who are now coming earth. I am thankful for a denomina- challenges and opportunities that the to Southern Seminary and Boyce Col- tion of churches so tethered to the total future will bring. This is true for all of lege know that the world they will face truthfulness of the Bible and to the us, and it is true for Southern Semi- is a mission field from top to bottom. Great Commission given by our Lord.
    [Show full text]
  • The Evangelistic Seminary"
    A White Paper from the CTR "The Evangelistic Seminary" And he said unto them, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." Matthew 4:19 Christianity is perhaps best described as a twofold following after the Lord Jesus Christ. On the one hand, Jesus' first and foremost rallying cry was, "Come, follow me!" On the other hand, our Lord taught His disciples to extend that call to the world. Likewise, expressing the theme of both the Lord's premiere sermon (Mark 1:14-15 and parallels) and His final sermon, now known as the Great Commission (Matt 28:16-20), the final chapter in the New Testament tells us that the Spirit and the church must entreat, "Come and drink freely of the water of life!" (Rev 22:17). From beginning to end, there is a twofold determination in the heart of the New Testament that ought not be quenched: it includes, first, a desire to follow Christ; it includes, second, a necessarily correlative passion to call other people to follow Christ. In establishing His roving school of wannabe theologians, Jesus called the disciples to quit their prior vocation of fishing for fish and to learn, instead, to fish for human beings. The first Christian seminary, the seminary of the Apostles, presided over by Jesus Christ, was thus dedicated to evangelism. And, oh, some of those disciples were not at first what they would become when Christ had completely ushered them through His curriculum. This was a motley student body: their leader, appointed by the Lord Himself, was an ill-educated, impetuous loudmouth who went on to deny his Lord in His hour of greatest human need; another was committed to armed rebellion, though his Master identified a different way; yet a third, a betrayer, was providentially allowed by Christ to enroll.
    [Show full text]
  • CONTENTS Foreword, Harry Leon Mcbeth Xvii Preface Xix List Of
    CONTENTS Foreword, Harry Leon McBeth xvii Preface xix List of Abbreviations xxiii Chapter 1. CHANGING FLAGS OVER TEXAS 1 1.1 Cortez and Coronado 1 Cortez: The Enforcement of the Faith Cortez: Developing an Indigenous Catholic Faith by Force The Dominicans' Role: No Indigenous Clergy Coronado and the Seven Cities of Cibola La Salle The Baptist Perspective of Catholic Hegemony 1.2 Stephen F. Austin: "The Father of Texas" 7 The "Catholic" Contract to Live in Texas Austin's Early Capitulation to Catholicism: Austin to Jose Antonio Saucedo Questions on the Degrees of Catholic Complicity before Migration Catholic Reaction to the New Settlers Baptist Disinclination to Catholic Hegemony The Joseph Bays Incident Chapter 2. BAPTIST BEGINNINGS IN TEXAS, 1820-1840 12 2.1 Zacharius N. Morrell 12 Morrell's Call to Go to Texas Morrell's First Sermon in Texas and Decision to Remain, 1835 The First Sermon Preached in Houston Indian Fighting The First Missionary Baptist Church in Texas, 1836 2.2 Robert Emmett Bledsoe Baylor 17 Early Politics with Henry Clay Birth of the Tiger Point Church, 1840 The Baptist Principles Undergirding Baylor University The Founding and Naming of Baylor University, 1845 The Importance of R. E. B. Baylor to Z. N. Morrell Address to the Union Association 2.3 Noah Turner Byars 23 Byars's Stand against Heretical Doctrine Byars the Texas Patriot—To Arms! Byars and Revival 2.4 Daniel Parker 25 Two-Seeds in the Spirit The Effects of Daniel Parker on Texas Baptists 2.5 Thomas J. Pilgrim 30 First Sunday School in Texas Report on Sabbath Schools Chapter 3.
    [Show full text]
  • Major Emphases in Baptist Theology Is an Baptists from the English Separatists
    SOUTHWESTERN JOURNAL OF THEOLOGY have characteristically understood their confes­ Major Emphases in Baptist sions as growing out of, but at the same time subor­ dinate to and subject to correction by the canoni­ Theology cal Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments.4 by Likewise they have defended the right of "any James Leo Garrett, Jr- group of Baptists, large or small," to compose and publish and/or to revise their own confessions.5 Τ A Tini the assumption that there is such a These Baptist confessions of faith have been reck­ I /I / thing as "Baptist theology" or "the oned to be voluntary, declarative, and testimonial V V theology of the Baptists," one should, it in nature, but not the instruments of coercion or 6 seems, ask first of all, how does one locate or repression. One confession by General or Armin- identify Baptist theology. Baptists have no pope ian Baptists in England during the seventeenth with the authority to speak infallibly ex cathedra for century taught that the Apostles' Creed, "the all Baptists and no body of patriarchs or bishops Nicene Creed"—presumably what the creedal invested with a teaching authority by which they scholars now call C rather than N, and the so- can deliver carefully defined and authority-bearing called Athanasian Creed were to be "received" and dogmas. The Baptist World Alliance (BWA) has "believed" and to be taught by "the ministers of no authority to adopt definitions or impose them Christ" and "expounded in all christian [sic] 7 upon the Baptist churches. families." In the latter twentieth century the Ger­ Among Baptists authority flows upward from man-speaking Baptist confession used in Germany, many local congregations (more than 150,000 as of Austria, and Switzerland has declared that it "pre­ 19941) to the associations and to the conventions supposes the Apostles' Creed as a common confes­ and unions and through the latter to the BWA.
    [Show full text]
  • A Ptlipelmdous ¥1S Itan ,' I U\/Kll-Hjklvitu Um Ukmjwvitu Hlbulutiy F
    ■'11 f THE jm $AB Jfe/aij E\ a. 1-1. yAHHULU HAi-' 1 lbr njm\\\/\HY- urewLjarner Tr T1 RFPORK/IATinW nP THF Fl nFRRHrR . ■ Frrnll U,,Um ^ ■■ 111;- ::A pTLIPElMDOUS ¥1S ItaN ,' I U\/kLL-HJKlvitU uM UkMJWVItU HlbULUtiY f . 'JNB IM THE StIWDAY SCHOOL jonn uavison News Items Wayne Mack is due to take up the position of director of a new counselling centre in Lake Charles, Louisiana, during March 1977. This is part of the outreach ministry of Park View Baptist Church near Sulphur, Louisiana. The centre will be called New Life Counselling and Educational Centre. Numerous opportunities and resources will be offered by which pastors and church leaders may receive training that will help them become more competent to counsel. Pastor Mack has been specialising in biblical teaching concerning marriage and has been occupied in the production of a manual on that subject, part of which appeared in issue 34. Bob Strain will take over the leadership at Faith Reformed Baptist Church, Media. Herbert Carson has been invited to visit Australia in May and June. With two conferences arranged and a widespread preaching ministry he hopes to visit Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth. Geoff Thomas is due to minister in South Africa from 25th May to 19th June next year. He will visit Port Elizabeth, East London, Durban and Pretoria. Several pastoral changes are taking place. Clayton Coles of Lynnwood, Pretoria, is moving to Amanzintoti to occupy the vacancy left by Alf Nieuwoudt who has taken pastoral charge of the multi-racial Baptist Church in Umtata, Transkei.
    [Show full text]