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Baptists/social class, race, ethnicity
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Question
What social class, race and ethnicity is associated with independent Baptists, southern Baptists, American Baptists and african American Baptists in the United States? What is significant about all of this?
Hi James,
This not only sounds like a homework question (which I don't generally answer), it sounds like a loaded one.
Baptists are found in all social classes, economic classes, races, ethnicity etc. It is a major global Christian denomination that defies such simplistic analysis.
Obviously by definition African American Baptists are just that, African Americans, but otherwise Baptists are people who hail from all sorts of backgrounds worldwide and nationally. They are also among the most active missionaries in countries around the globe.
The reason for this loaded question is of far more interest to me than the racial, economic and social makeup of Baptists.
Maranatha,
~John of AllFaith
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Answers by Expert:
John of AllFaith
Expertise
Baptists hold certain unique understandings as well as the "fundamentals of the faith" held by most other denominations. Harmonious with the essential Baptist doctrine known as the Priesthood of all Believers, some Baptists are very conservative (such as Jerry Falwell and Fred Phelps) while others are quite liberal (such as Jesse Jackson and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr). For help understanding Baptist and other biblical issues, drop me a line. I can also shed light on questions that are often considered "sensitive." Ask me anything and I'll do my best to share what I know.
Experience
I have a lot of experience in this area. I've studied the Holy Scriptures for over 40 years. I hold a Missionary Baptist ordination as well as one from Calvary Chapel. I was a missionary in Central America for a while, an avid street minister and have preached in many churches, on the radio and so on. I also have an MA Religious Studies from JFK University as well as other pieces of paper. The only ordination that really matters comes from God of course.
While I am no longer a Baptist I can answer any question anyone is likely to have from a Baptist perspective.
My personal beliefs are now more accurately described as Messianic or Noahide Nazarene. If you are interested in this perspective just ask.
Organizations
My current beliefs are best described as Noahide Nazarene. These beliefs can be considered at my web site: http://allfaith.com/Religions/Noahide
Education/Credentials
Education/Credentials
Three Christian ordinations (Baptist, Calvary Chapel and from an independent Christian Church), an MA in Religious Studies, an ordination in Ministry and Spiritual Counseling from the Interfaith Seminaries, 41 plus years of sincere seeking and 13 years answering questions and posting studies online.
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