As seen in previous posts I have firm baptist convictions concerning baptism and I would add congregationalism as a distinctive.  I quesiton my baptisticness (not a word) sometimes because I desire to keep a “tradition.”  I am not a Catholic, there is only one authority (Sola Scriptura), but I certainly stand on the shoulders of men before me.  Luther and Calvin saw themselves continuing a tradition when they sought to reform the Catholic church, and then when they protested against it.  They both rely upon Augustine, Athanasius, the saints before them. 

Studying church history seems to put theology in perspective.  Testimony time:  I once hoped to provide cutting-edge theology.  I thought I could come up with the new theology and be hip.  I now see the goal must be to say the same glorious truths that have been revealed in Scripture and proclaimed by the saints over centuries.  Sola Scriptura is certainly the rule–but I am not interpreting God’s Word in a Vacuum.  I have received truth and hope to preserve truth.  Reformed and being reformed.  I am in a tradition and will continue to reform it according to the Scriptures.  All this to say, are we as baptists too bent upon the autonomy of the local church and the autonomy of the individual so that the saints before are somehow lost.

Where is the balance, what are the rules, how do we remain Baptists and keep a tradition outside of our local church?  Where are Aaron and Greg in this time of baptist uncertainty? 

Posted in Church History |