Calvinist Baptists and the Many (False) Misconceptions

I came across an interesting article reflecting on the recent Southern Baptist Convention held in Louisville, KY regarding some of the misconceptions from non-Calvinists regarding Calvinist Baptist. These misconceptions are not new, but as the debate continues to rage, and divide, baptist, it is important that such caricatures are removed.

Todd Burus writes:

why are there still seeds of animosity towards Calvinism in many corners of the SBC?

This to me is an even more pertinent question since much of the animosity seems motivated by misunderstandings of Calvinism and caricatures of bastardized forms of Calvinism which are nearly if not totally non-existent in today’s church. And don’t just take my word for it. If you were at the convention then you no doubt witnessed Morris Chapman’s “report” in which he lauded the sovereignty of God and yet chimed that man must still share the gospel for men to be saved– a point directed against Calvinism and yet to which no Calvinist would disagree. Or what about the dear messenger from Florida who asserted that the gospel for Calvinists is different than the gospel for non-Calvinists and that Calvinism tears apart churches, associations, and families (!) ?

I think the author raises a good point. It is time for Baptist, as this debate continues, to stop arguing with caricatures and have an honest discussion and debate over the issue. Whenever I see the emotive response from non-Calvinist in the SBC, it is usually the result of false caricatures that they have drawn regarding Calvinist theology. Calvinist do believe and practice evangelism and missions. Calvin himself believed in missions and the father of the modern mission movement (a Baptist), William Carey, was a Calvinist.

Where Calvinists fail to do missions and evangelism, the majority of Calvinists will condemn them for it. Let the debate continue. But let the debate be honest without needless caricatures.

For more:

SBC Voices: Calvinism: The New Racism in the SBC?

Calvinism in the SBC

Page: Calvinism & Southern Baptists