You are here:
- Home
- Religion/Spirituality
- Christianity - Protestantism
- Baptists
- Baptist as a Denomination?
Baptists/Baptist as a Denomination?
Advertisement
Question
I go to an ABA church and I have heard it said that the Baptist name is not a denomination, and the definition of denomination is: (according to Webster's Dictionary)- a religious organization whose congregations are united in the adherence to its beliefs and practices. How can it not be claimed as a denomination according to popular opinion inside the ABA churches when the facts point to it (Baptist Churches) as a denomination?
It depends on the Baptists. Baptist is a name given to us by our enemies. Thus it is not a denomination, but rather an appellation. Some Baptists do denominate themselves by becoming associations, conventions etc. Some will glad hand churches of like faith but in reality a denomination has a headquarters that sets the rules for all the churches in their denomination. Most Baptists are independent in that there is no headquarters and thus we are not officially united in beliefs and practices as are the Catholics, Methodists, Presbyterians and such. Each church is autonomous and answers directly to the Lord and His Word. The pastr is accountable only to God and that congregation. We file no reports or give money to a bunch of adminstrators. So most of us are not a denom.
We were first called anabaptists by the Roman Catholics becuase in their mind we re re-baptizing since they hold to infant baptism and we believe in believer baptism. RCs would often persecute and kill AnaBaptists. Sometimes they would use a dunking chair and basically drown a person since "we like to be immersed." It was a tough day and age. At some point most of the AnaBaptist type folks changed their name to Amish, Mennonite or dropped the Ana and used Baptist. Other Baptist groups sprang up in England and other places but practices would vary and even some aspects of faith such as Calvinism, Arminianism and even some are Seventh Day. Can't really make a denomination out of all that variety. Again, while some who use the name Baptist might actually be a denomination a "pure" Baptist group would not a denomination by definition.
Blessings to you!
Bro Ron
An Independent Fundamental Baptist. ;-)
Related Articles
Answers by Expert:
Dr. Ronald E. Shultz
Expertise
I am more of a polemicist than an apologist. I especially desire to answer questions concerning discipleship/holiness, "gray areas", etc. If all you wish is an argument then I am not your man. Sincere seekers only need e-mail me.
Experience
I have ministered in several states since my conversion in 1975. I participate in many forums and have written two books.
Organizations
American Association of Christian Counselors since 2009
Texas Civil Defense since 2008
American Legion since 2002
Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels, since 1994
Life Member NCOA, 1973
Dover AFB Honor Guard, 1971-73
Publications
Poem, "Cowboy Up" published in an anthology by American Poets Society, 2004
Author, Jail House Religion, Xulon Press, 2004
Author, The Power of Holy Women, Xulon Press, 2003
Messianic Literary Corner published 45 poems, 2003+
Tract “Which Way To God” published on http://www.tracts.com/whichway.html, 1998
Several poems published on various web pages, 1997,1998,1999
Author, Metamorphosis, copyrighted, partially published collection of poetry, 1968-94
Article, “Why I Prefer Expository Preaching”, published in Canyonview Bible Seminary's Expositor, 1988
Education/Credentials
Doctor of Theology, Slidell Baptist Seminary, Slidell, LA, 2001, Summa Cum Laude
Master of Theology, Christian Bible College, Rocky Mount, NC, 2000, Summa Cum Laude
Bachelor of Religious Education , Administration minor, Piedmont Baptist College, Winston-Salem, NC, 1982, Cum Laude
Evangelical Teacher Training Association, Teachers Diploma, Winston-Salem, NC, 1982
Other study: Community College of the Air Force, Maxwell AFB, AL - 1975-78
Upper Iowa University, Fayette, IA - 1976-77
Interim Ministry For Today's Churches - 2000
Awards and Honors
Heritage Registry of Who's Who, 2006-2007
Editor's Choice Award, International Library of Poetry, 2003
America's Registry of Outstanding Professionals 2001-2002
Stratmore Who's Who, 2001-2002
Guest Speaker Texas A&M, Commerce, 1999
Gubernatorial Commendation by Texas Veterans Commission, 1999
Dallas VA Certificate of Pride in Public Service, 1999
Guest on the Kevin Bullard radio program KPBC AM 770,1997
Who's Who in the South and Southwest, 1996
Editor's Choice Award, National Library of Poetry, 1995
Who's Who in Poetry, 1992
United States Army Achievement Medal, 1990
Personal testimony dramatized for international radio program Unshackled, 1986
Outstanding Young Men of the South, 1981
United States Air Force Commendation Medal, 1978
Two USAF suggestion awards, 1976
NCO of the Quarter, 1975
Freedom Foundation Award, 1975
©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.