Sean the Baptist alerts us to the launch of a round of conversations between Baptists and Roman Catholics. Be sure to check out Baptist theologian Steve Harmon’s insider’s view of the process as well.
I am devoutly looking forward to reading the papers that come out of this five-year series of conversations. Iron sharpens iron and all that. I mean it when I say that I’m a Baptist but not a very good one. What ruined me was discovering that there are Christians out there who think differently. Of course, since one can believe practically anything and still be a Baptist, it’s one of the safer places somebody like me can land, if not always the most edifying.
So bring it on! Let me hear reasoned exegesis and theologizing from both camps so I can embrace what is good and right in either faith tradition. It has to be more spiritually sustaining than anything these guys are likely to come up with.
Your post surprises me. I know that there are many brands of Baptists, but it surprises me that you say one can believe just about anything and still be a Baptist. My impression is that one has to have adult baptism and give a testimony, etc.
I’m also surprised about the dialog with the RCs. Some Baptists I know have dissed the RCs because they don’t do what I mentioned in paragraph #1. Maybe the more open minded Baptists just keep their mouths shut when these things are said. Maybe I just know the wrong people.
But I’m glad to hear about the conversation. Reasoned theologizing would be a refreshing change from some of the words that fly back and forth about or between some commentators from some groups.
Of Course, Baptists and Catholics can learn from one another. I taught for 2 years at Spalding U. as the only Protestant (Baptist) in the religion dept. at this Catholic school and learned loads from my colleagues. I participated in 2 of the joint meetings of the (Catholic) College Theology Society and of the National Association of Baptist Professors of Religion–and sometimes found we had more in common than either did with liberal mainline Protestantism. However, when the rightwing document “Evangelicals and Catholics Together” was forged my reaction was “the wrong ones of us got together with the wrong ones of you!”
From Catholics I have learned a profound appreciation for the Eucharist (though not affirming transubstantiation), the role of tradition, the importance of saints as exemplars, the rule of ora et labora and the importance of contemplative spirituality. I find their heirarchical structure impossible, however.
PS: Baptists are all over the map on most theological issues. There are Calvinist Baptists and anti-Calvinist Baptists, charismatics and anti-charismatics, ultra liberals and ultra conservatives, etc. There are even some who question the wisdom of requiring the rebaptism of those who were baptized as infants in other denominations when they want to join a Baptist church.
Michael: I’ve learned many important lessons from Roman Catholics. Many of the same things too, apparently. And like you, I don’t think I could or would last long in that kind of centralized hierarchy.
Interesting dialog indeed–and who wudda thunk it would ever happen?
On another (sour) note, I clicked on the link. At first I read with not much reaction…but then…oh my oh my oh my. “To be Baptist is to be a throughly biblical disciple of Christ.”
Now I remember how we used to think that non-Baptists were maybe going to get into Heaven… maybe…but it sure was a shame they weren’t Baptist…specifically Southern Baptists.
I am shocked at the pride that farily drips from this distressing article.
UNBELIEVABLE!
And I am thankful that these guys do not speak for all Baptist.
My reaction exactly, Singing Owl. As I’ve said before, I’m a Baptist and I live in the South, BUT….
Hi, glad to know you found my site. Hope all is well.
Sean (the Baptist)