Tercel

Could you clarify there please Layman: What exactly are you saying Baptists aren't?

To begin with I thought that you were objecting to some of my (admittedly overenthusiastic) statements against Baptists, but re-reading I get the impression you're supporting me - at least in part. (I appreciate that wholehearted support for my admittedly non conservative-western position is unlikely to be forthcoming from you. )

Tercel

Okay. I've never been to America, so please excuse my ignorance.

Does this mean then that you guys are trying to say Christianity is fully represented in the teachings of southern [American] Baptists and anything else is a modern interpretation???

Kosh

We're saying that you've never been to America,and you clearly have no idea what the majority of Christians in America are like (ideologically). I can assure you, they do not agree with you.

Perhaps we all forgot you were in NZ. We're talking about American attitudes here.

Layman

You were correct the first time.

Whatever theological differences I have had with them (and growing up a charismatic in Texas caused quite a few), some of the finest Christians I have known were Southern Baptists.

And I don't know that they are more opinionated or louder than other sects, they just tend to express opinions that are anathama to secularists. And liberal Christains it seems.

Layman

Southern Baptists are the largest Protestant denomination in the United States (around 16 million adherents). Unlike the Methodists, Lutherans, and Episcopalians, the Southern Baptist Convention has resisted the trend of other mainline (but shrinking) denominations who have liberalized their theology.

Sauron

Yes. They prefer the segregationist viewpoint. Damn liberal theologians.

Layman

None that I have known.

Sauron

Wow. That's supposed to impress us?

Yawn.

Hint: the circle of people you happen to know is not the same as the position of the Southern Baptists.

Layman

Actually no. I rather thought few here would be impressed with my many friendships with Southern Baptists.

Perhaps not, but even if that is true, how does it detract form my point?

And which particular position of the Southern Baptist Convention are you talking about? And where can I find their affirmation of it?

Sauron

Indeed. It does tell me a lot about you, however.

Your "point" is based entirely on your personal contacts. So it detracts from your "point" by showing that your comment is irrelevant: your personal contacts have nothing to do with the common practice of the Southern Baptists.

Besides, I suspect that Trent Lott knows more Southern Baptists than you do, and it's clear that he's a segregationalist at heart - but can't say it out loud.

As if a religious organization was going to take a public and unabashed position such as this. You may be naive; don't project that personal failure onto others, however. Watching what their churches and leadership says (often accidentally) is far more telling of their true viewpoint.

Something for you to read:
http://www.salon.com/books/it/1999/0...st/index1.html