Brad pointed us to news in his post below about two groups of Baptists that are coming together. They are not groups of Baptists with whom we would have a great deal in common. Nevertheless it makes sense in my opinion for them to cooperate because they are probably quite like minded on many issues.

In the past we have bantered about when to cooperate with others and when we should refrain. Brad pointed out that solid theology would be the crucial concern for us. And yet for some, we may not be solid enough. It’s old news now, but my alma mater Cedarville University lost its endorsement from the General Association of Regular Baptist Churches for establishing links with the SBC. The GARBC has concerns that the SBC is a work in progress and that it does not have the uniformity in doctrinal matters that warrant cooperation. In short, the SBC is not solid enough for the GARBC. Last summer the GARBC stopped including Cedarville as a partner institution for GARBC churches. You can read a statement about it detailing the doctrinal failings of the SBC.

So what do these Baptist unitings and divisions have to say to us? I could say that it shows us there are two kinds of folks in the world: lumpers and splitters. Those who look for ways to cooperate and those who look for ways to divide. I think what it tells us in truth is what Augustine said — that we are united (or disunited) by our common objects of love.

Posted in Theology & Doctrine |