Baptists/baptists free will church

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Expert: Bruce Gourley - 6/11/2003


Question
where did the free will baptist come from when did it get started

Answer
The earliest Baptists (in early 17th century Europe) were "General" Baptists.  "General" referred to their belief in a "general" atonement (as opposed to the Calvinistic belief of "particular" atonement).  Free Will Baptists trace their legacy to these earliest Baptists, sharing the belief in general atonement and the free will of humanity to reject or accept Christ as Saviour.  Most Baptists today are a combination of Free Will and Calvinistic beliefs, merging both free will and God's sovereignty into the concept of a sovereign God allowing His creatures (humans) free will to choose or reject Him.

For more information, I suggest obtaining a copy of "The Baptist Heritage" by Leon McBeth.

-- Bruce Gourley
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Bruce Gourley

Expertise

Anything about the Baptist denomination.

Experience


Professional Baptist Experience:
Executive Director, The Baptist History & Heritage Society (currently); Interim Director, the Center for Baptist Studies of Mercer University (2004-2009); Baptist History Professor, Yellowstone Baptist College (1995-2002); Associate Editor, Baptists Today (currently); published author


Publications
Go to http://www.brucegourley.com/ to see books published

Education/Credentials
PhD, History, Auburn University MDIV, Theology, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary BA, English, Christianity, Mercer University

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