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Baptists

2026-03-11T10:38:55Z

ComingAgain:

'''Baptists''' are a denomination of [[Protestant]] [[Christianity]] distinguished by baptizing only professing Christian believers ([[believer's baptism]]) and doing so by complete [[Immersion baptism|immersion]]. Baptist churches generally subscribe to the [[Christian theology|doctrines]] of [[soul competency]] (the responsibility and accountability of every person before [[God in Christianity|God]]), ''[[sola fide]]'' (salvation by faith alone), ''[[sola scriptura]]'' (the [[Bible]] is the sole infallible authority, as the rule of faith and practice) and [[Congregationalist polity|congregationalist church government]]. Baptists recognize only two [[Ordinance (Christianity)|ordinances]]: baptism and [[Eucharist|communion]].

Diverse from their beginning, those identifying as Baptists today may differ widely from one another in what they believe, how they worship, their attitudes toward other Christians, and their understanding of what is important in Christian discipleship.<ref name ="Shurden turning">{{Cite web| last=Shurden |first=Walter |title=Turning Points in Baptist History |publisher=The Center for Baptist Studies, Mercer University|location= Macon, GA |year=2001 |access-date=16 January 2010 |url = http://www.centerforbaptiststudies.org/pamphlets/style/turningpoints.htm}}</ref> Baptist missionaries have spread various Baptist churches to every continent.<ref name="ODCC self" /> The largest group of Baptist churches is the [[Baptist World Alliance]], and there are many different groupings of Baptist churches and Baptist congregations.

Historians trace the earliest Baptist church to 1609 in [[Amsterdam]], with [[English Dissenters|English Separatist]] [[John Smyth (English theologian)|John Smyth]] as its pastor.<ref name="Gourley" /> In accordance with his reading of the [[New Testament]], he rejected [[Infant baptism|baptism of infants]] and instituted baptism only of believing adults.<ref name="ODCC self">{{cite encyclopaedia |title= The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church | edition=4th |editor= Andrew Louth| publisher =Oxford University Press| date=2022| isbn= 9780191744396 | entry =Baptists| last= Fiddes | first= Paul | entry-url = https://www.oxfordreference.com/display/10.1093/acref/9780199642465.001.0001/acref-9780199642465-e-688 | entry-url-access= subscription }}</ref> Baptist practice spread to England, where the [[General Baptists]] considered Christ's atonement to [[Unlimited atonement|extend to all people]], while the [[Reformed Baptists|Particular Baptists]] believed that it extended only to [[Election in Christianity|the elect]].<ref name="Benedict1848">{{cite book|last=Benedict|first=David|title=A General History of the Baptist Denomination in America and Other Parts of the World|url=https://archive.org/details/ageneralhistory00benegoog|year=1848|publisher=Lewis Colby|language=en|page= [https://archive.org/details/ageneralhistory00benegoog/page/n222 325] |quote=It is, however, well known by the community at home and abroad, that from a very early period they have been divided into two parties, which have been denominated ''General'' and ''Particular'', which differ from each other mainly in their doctrinal sentiments; the Generals being Arminians, and the other, Calvinists.}}</ref> [[Thomas Helwys]] formulated a distinctively Baptist request that the [[Baptists in the history of separation of church and state|church and the state be kept separate]] in matters of law, so that individuals might have [[freedom of religion]]. Helwys died in prison as a consequence of the religious conflict with English Dissenters under [[James I of England|James I]].

==Origins==
Baptist historian Bruce Gourley outlines four main views of Baptist origins:

# the modern scholarly consensus that the movement traces its origin to the 17th century via the [[English Dissenters|English Separatists]],
# the view that it was an outgrowth of the [[Anabaptism|Anabaptist]] movement of [[believer's baptism]] begun in 1525 on the European continent,
# the [[Baptist successionism|perpetuity]] view which assumes that the Baptist ''faith and practice'' has existed since the time of Christ, and
# the successionist view, which argues that Baptist ''churches'' actually existed in an unbroken chain since the time of Christ.<ref name="Gourley">Gourley, Bruce. "A Very Brief Introduction to Baptist History, Then and Now." ''The Baptist Observer.''</ref> Some people prior to the reformation acknowledge the existence of Baptists and their separation from the church.<ref>The First Church, J. T. Mann</ref>{{page needed|date=August 2024}} Sir Isaac Newton stated "Baptists are the only body of known Christians that never symbolized with Rome".{{cn|date=August 2024}}

===English separatist view===
[[File:John-Smyth.png|thumb|left|upright|[[John Smyth (English theologian)|John Smyth]] led the first Baptist church in [[Amsterdam]] in 1609.]]

Modern Baptist churches trace their history to the English Separatist movement in the 17th century, over a century after the foundation of the [[Church of England]] during the Protestant [[Reformation]].<ref name="Brackney" /> This view of Baptist origins has the most historical support and is the most widely accepted.<ref name="ETS">{{cite news|title=Anabaptist kinship or English dissent? Papers at ETS examine Baptist origins |newspaper=[[Baptist Press]] |first=Jeff |last=Robinson |date=14 December 2009 |url=http://www.bpnews.net/printerfriendly.asp?ID=31878 |url-status = dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130619030031/http://www.bpnews.net/printerfriendly.asp?ID=31878 |archive-date=19 June 2013 }}</ref> Adherents to this position consider the influence of [[Anabaptists]] upon early Baptists to be minimal.<ref name = "Gourley" /> It was a time of considerable political and religious turmoil. Both individuals and churches were willing to give up their theological roots if they became convinced that a more biblical "truth" had been discovered.<ref name = leonard24>{{harvnb|Leonard|2003|pages=24}}</ref>

During the Reformation, the Church of England ([[Anglicanism|Anglicans]]) separated from the Roman [[Catholic Church]]. There were some Christians who were not content with the achievements of the mainstream Protestant Reformation.<ref name= "Shurden turning" /><ref name="Briggs">{{Cite web | last = Briggs | first = John | title = Baptist Origins | publisher = Baptist History and Heritage Society | access-date = 10 January 2010 | url = http://www.baptisthistory.org/contissues/briggs.htm | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100105221040/http://www.baptisthistory.org/contissues/briggs.htm | archive-date = 5 January 2010 |url-status = dead }}</ref> There also were Christians who were disappointed that the Church of England had not made corrections of what some considered to be errors and abuses. Of those most critical of the church's direction, some chose to stay and try to make constructive changes from within the Anglican Church. They became known as "[[Puritans]]" and are described by Gourley as cousins of the English Separatists. Others decided they must leave the church because of their dissatisfaction and became known as the Separatists.<ref name="Gourley" />

In 1579, [[Fausto Sozzini|Faustus Socinus]] founded the [[Unitarianism|Unitarian]] [[Polish Brethren]] in [[Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth |Poland-Lithuania]], which was a tolerant country. The Unitarians taught [[Immersion baptism|baptism by immersion]]. After their expulsion from the Commonwealth in 1658, many of them fled to the Netherlands. In the Netherlands, the Unitarians introduced immersion baptism to the [[Mennonites in the Netherlands|Dutch Mennonites]].<ref>{{Cite book|title= Heresies: Heresy and Orthodoxy in the History of the Church|author-link1=Harold O.J. Brown|last=Brown|first=Harold O.J.|publisher=Hendrickson Publishers|year=1988|isbn= 1-56563-365-2|location=Grand Rapids, MI|pages=337}}</ref>

Baptist churches have their origins in a movement started by [[John Smyth (English theologian)|John Smyth]] and [[Thomas Helwys]] in [[Amsterdam]].<ref>J. Gordon Melton and Martin Baumann, ''Religions of the World: A Comprehensive Encyclopedia of Beliefs and Practices'', ABC-CLIO, US, 2010, p. 298</ref><ref>William H. Brackney, ''Historical Dictionary of the Baptists'', Scarecrow Press, US, 2009, p. 530</ref><ref>Olivier Favre, ''Les églises évangéliques de Suisse: origines et identités'', Labor et Fides, Genève, 2006, p. 328</ref> Because they shared beliefs with the Puritans and [[Congregationalist polity|Congregationalists]], they went into exile in 1607 with other believers who held the same biblical positions.<ref>W. Glenn Jonas Jr., ''The Baptist River'', Mercer University Press, US, 2008, p. 6</ref> They believe that the [[Bible]] is to be the only guide and that the believer's baptism is what the scriptures require.<ref name="Baker & Landers p258">Robert Andrew Baker, John M. Landers, ''A Summary of Christian History'', B&H Publishing Group, US, 2005, p. 258</ref> In 1609, the year considered to be the foundation of the movement, they baptized believers and founded the first Baptist church.<ref>Robert E. Johnson, ''A Global Introduction to Baptist Churches'', Cambridge University Press, UK, 2010, p. 33</ref><ref>Michael Edward Williams, Walter B. Shurden, ''Turning Points in Baptist History'', Mercer University Press, US, 2008, p. 36</ref>

In 1609, while still there, Smyth wrote a tract titled "The Character of the Beast," or "The False Constitution of the Church." In it he expressed two propositions: first, [[Infant baptism|infants are not to be baptized]]; and second, "Antichristians converted are to be admitted into the true Church by baptism."<ref name =leonard24/> Hence, his conviction was that a scriptural church should consist only of regenerate believers who have been baptized on a personal confession of faith. He rejected the Separatist movement's doctrine of infant baptism.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Nettles|first=Tom J.|date=Spring 2009|title=Once Upon a Time, Four Hundred Years Ago...|journal=Founders Journal|volume=76|pages=2–8|url=http://www.founders.org/journal/fj76/article1.html|access-date=4 January 2010|archive-date=29 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200329222721/http://www.founders.org/journal/fj76/article1.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url= http://www.reformedreader.org/history/vedder/ch14.htm |title=A Short History of the Baptists|last=Vedder|first=HC|publisher= The Reformed Reader|access-date= 23 December 2009}}</ref>

Shortly thereafter, Smyth left the group.<ref name="Gourley" /> Ultimately, Smyth became committed to believers' baptism as the only biblical baptism. He was convinced on the basis of his interpretation of Scripture that infants would not be damned should they die in infancy.{{Sfn|Leonard|2003|p=25}} Smyth, convinced that his self-baptism was invalid, applied with the Mennonites for membership. He died while waiting for membership, and some of his followers became Mennonites. Helwys and others kept their baptism and their Baptist commitments.{{Sfn|Leonard|2003|p=25}} The modern Baptist denomination is an outgrowth of Smyth's movement.<ref name="Briggs" /> Baptists rejected the name Anabaptist when they were called that by opponents in derision. McBeth writes that as late as the 18th century, many Baptists referred to themselves as "the Christians commonly—though ''falsely''—called Anabaptists."<ref name="McBeth Bapt Beg">{{Cite web|url=http://www.baptisthistory.org/baptistbeginnings.htm|title= Baptist Beginnings | last = McBeth| first= H Leon |publisher= Baptist History and Heritage Society |access-date= 19 October 2007| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071021083427/http://baptisthistory.org/baptistbeginnings.htm| archive-date = 21 October 2007 |url-status = live}}</ref>

Helwys took over the leadership, leading the church back to England in 1611, and he published the [[List of Baptist confessions of faith|first Baptist confession of faith]] "A Declaration of Faith of English People" in 1611.<ref>John H. Y. Briggs, ''A Dictionary of European Baptist Life and Thought'', Wipf and Stock Publishers, US, 2009, p. 467</ref> He founded the first [[General Baptists|General Baptist]] Church in [[Spitalfields]], east London, in 1612.<ref>Sébastien Fath, ''Une autre manière d'être chrétien en France: socio-histoire de l'implantation baptiste, 1810–1950'', Editions Labor et Fides, Genève, 2001, p. 81</ref>

Another milestone in the early development of Baptist doctrine was in 1638 with [[John Spilsbury (Baptist minister)|John Spilsbury]], a [[Calvinism|Calvinist]] minister who helped to promote the strict practice of believer's baptism by immersion (as opposed to [[affusion]] or [[aspersion]]).<ref name="ETS" /> According to Tom Nettles, professor of historical theology at [[Southern Baptist Theological Seminary]], "Spilsbury's cogent arguments for a gathered, disciplined congregation of believers baptized by immersion as constituting the New Testament church gave expression to and built on insights that had emerged within separatism, advanced in the life of John Smyth and the suffering congregation of Thomas Helwys, and matured in [[Reformed Baptists|Particular Baptists]]."<ref name="ETS" />

===Anabaptist influence view===
A minority view is that early 17th century Baptists were influenced by (but not directly connected to) continental Anabaptists.<ref name="Priest">{{citation|last=Priest|first=Gerald L|title=Are Baptists Protestants?|publisher=Detroit Baptist Theological Seminary|date=14 October 2010|url=http://www.dbts.edu/pdf/macp/2007/Priest,%20Are%20Baptists%20Protestants.pdf|url-status = bot: unknown|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170620124136/http://www.dbts.edu/pdf/macp/2007/Priest,%20Are%20Baptists%20Protestants.pdf|archive-date=20 June 2017}}.</ref> According to this view, the General Baptists shared similarities with Dutch Waterlander Mennonites (one of many Anabaptist groups) including believer's baptism only, [[Freedom of religion|religious liberty]], [[separation of church and state]], and [[Arminianism|Arminian]] views of salvation, predestination and original sin.

It is certain that the early Baptist church led by Smyth had contacts with the Anabaptists; however it is debated if these influences found their way into the English General Baptists.<ref>{{Cite web|first1=Gordon L.|last1=Belyea|title=Origins of the Particular Baptists |url=https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/themelios/article/origins-of-the-particular-baptists/ |access-date=2023-11-26 |website=The Gospel Coalition |language=en-US |quote=}}</ref> Representatives of this theory include A.C. Underwood and William R. Estep. Gourley writes that among some contemporary Baptist scholars who emphasize the faith of the community over soul liberty, the Anabaptist influence theory is making a comeback.<ref name="Gourley" /> This view was also taught by the Reformed historian [[Philip Schaff]]. <ref>{{Cite web |title=Philip Schaff: Creeds of Christendom, with a History and Critical notes. Volume I. The History of Creeds. - Christian Classics Ethereal Library |url=https://www.ccel.org/ccel/schaff/creeds1.x.vi.html |access-date=2023-11-26 |website=www.ccel.org |quote=The English and American Baptists have inherited some of the principles without the eccentricities and excesses of the Continental Anabaptists and Mennonites.}}</ref>

However, the relations between Baptists and Anabaptists were early strained. In 1624, the five existing Baptist churches of London issued a condemnation of the Anabaptists.<ref>{{Cite book|title=The Early English Dissenters in the Light of Recent Research|last=Burrage|first=Champlin|publisher=Cambridge|year=1912|volume=2|location=University Press|pages=222}}</ref> Furthermore, the original group associated with Smyth (popularly believed to be the first Baptists) broke with the Waterlander Mennonite Anabaptists after a brief period of association in the Netherlands.<ref>{{citation|last=Melton|first=JG|contribution=Baptists|title=Encyclopedia of American Religions|year= 1994}}.</ref>

===Perpetuity and succession view===
{{Main|Baptist successionism}}

Traditional Baptist historians write from the perspective that Baptists had existed since the time of Christ.{{Sfn | Torbet | 1975 | pp = 18–9}} Proponents of the Baptist successionist or perpetuity view consider the Baptist movement to have existed independently from Roman Catholicism and prior to the Protestant Reformation.<ref name="H. Leon McBeth pages 59-60">{{citation|first=H Leon|last=McBeth|title=The Baptist Heritage|pages=59–60| place = Nashville | publisher = Broadman Press|year= 1987}}.</ref>

The perpetuity view is often identified with ''[[The Trail of Blood]]'', a booklet of five lectures by [[James Milton Carroll]] published in 1931.<ref name= "H. Leon McBeth pages 59-60" /> Other Baptist writers who advocate the successionist theory of Baptist origins are [[John T. Christian]] and [[Thomas Crosby (Baptist)|Thomas Crosby]].<ref name="H. Leon McBeth pages 59-60" />{{Sfn | Torbet | 1975 | p = 18}} This view was held by English Baptist preacher [[Charles Spurgeon]]<ref>{{citation |title= The New park Street Pulpit|volume=VII|page= 225}}.</ref> as well as [[Jesse Mercer]], the namesake of [[Mercer University]].<ref>{{cite web| first =Jesse | last = Mercer|title= A History of the Georgia Baptist Association|pages = 196–201 | year =1838|url= http://baptisthistoryhomepage.com/1811cl_mercer.html}}</ref> In 1898 William Whitsitt was pressured to resign his presidency of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary for denying Baptist successionism.<ref name="James H. Slatton pages 278-293">{{citation|first=James H.|last=Slatton|title=W.H. Whitsitt – The Man and the Controversy|pages=278–279| place = Macon | publisher = Mercer University Press|year= 2009}}.</ref>

===Baptist origins in the United Kingdom===
{{see also|Baptist Union of Great Britain}}
[[File:Title Page A Short Declaration of the Mistery of Iniquity.jpg|thumb|left|upright|''A Short Declaration of the Mistery of Iniquity'' (1612) by Thomas Helwys. For Helwys, religious liberty was a right for everyone, even for those he disagreed with.]]

In 1612 Helwys established a Baptist congregation in London, consisting of congregants from Smyth's church. A number of other Baptist churches sprang up, and they became known as the General Baptists. The Particular Baptists were established when a group of Calvinist Separatists adopted believers' Baptism.{{Sfn | Wright | 2004}}{{Page needed |date=June 2014}} The Particular Baptists consisted of seven churches by 1644 and had created a confession of faith called the First London Confession of Faith.<ref>{{Cite book|title=The Southern Baptist Convention: A Sesquicentennial History|last=Fletcher|first=Jesse C.|publisher=Broadman & Holman|year=1994|isbn=978-0805411676|location=Nashville, TN|pages=25}}</ref>

===Baptist origins in North America===
{{See also|Baptists in the United States|Baptists in Canada}}
[[File:First_Baptist_Church_in_America_from_Angell_St_2.jpg|thumb|upright|The [[First Baptist Church in America]] located in [[Providence, Rhode Island]]]]

Both [[Roger Williams]] and [[John Clarke (Baptist minister)|John Clarke]] are variously credited as founding the earliest Baptist church in North America.<ref name="Newport">{{citation|url=http://www.redwoodlibrary.org/notables/clarke.htm |title=Newport Notables |publisher=Redwood Library |url-status = dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927062252/http://www.redwoodlibrary.org/notables/clarke.htm |archive-date=27 September 2007 }}.</ref> In 1639 Williams established a Baptist church in [[Providence, Rhode Island]], and Clarke began a Baptist church in [[Newport, Rhode Island]]. According to a Baptist historian who has researched the matter extensively, "There is much debate over the centuries as to whether the Providence or Newport church deserved the place of 'first' Baptist congregation in America. Exact records for both congregations are lacking."<ref name= "Brackney">{{Cite book| author-link = William H. Brackney| last = Brackney | first = William H |title= Baptists in North America: an historical perspective| publisher= Blackwell Publishing | year = 2006 | page = 22 | isbn = 978-1-4051-1865-1}}</ref><ref>Thomas S. Kidd and Barry Hankins, ''Baptists in America: A History'' (2015)</ref>

The [[First Great Awakening]] energized the Baptist movement, and the Baptist community experienced spectacular growth. Baptists became the largest Christian community in many southern states, including among the enslaved Black population.<ref name="ODCC self" />

Baptist missionary work in Canada began in the British colony of [[Nova Scotia]] (present day Nova Scotia and [[New Brunswick]]) in the 1760s.{{Sfn | Bumstead | 1984 | p = 40}} The first official record of a Baptist church in Canada was Horton Baptist Church (now Wolfville) in [[Wolfville]], Nova Scotia on 29 October 1778.{{Sfn | Bumstead | 1984 | p = 62}} The church was established with the assistance of the [[Old and New Lights|New Light]] evangelist [[Henry Alline]]. Many of Alline's followers, after his death, converted and strengthened the Baptist presence in the Atlantic region.<ref name = "Rawlyk">{{Cite book | editor-last = Rawlyk | editor-first = George A |title= The Sermons of Henry Alline | publisher = Lancelot Press for Acadia Divinity College and the Baptist Historical Committee of the United Baptist Convention of the Atlantic Provinces | place = Hantsport |year= 1986|page=32}}</ref><ref>{{Citation | last = Bell | first = DG | title = Henry Alline and Maritime Religion | publisher = Canadian Historical Association | place = Ottawa | year = 1993}}.</ref> Two major groups of Baptists formed the basis of the churches in [[the Maritimes]]. These were referred to as Regular Baptist (Calvinistic in their doctrine) and [[Free Will Baptist|Free Will Baptists]] (Arminian in their doctrine).<ref name="Rawlyk" />

In May 1845, the Baptist congregations in the United States split over slavery and missions. The [[American Baptist Home Mission Society|Home Mission Society]] prevented slaveholders from being appointed as missionaries.<ref name="Early">{{Citation |title=Readings in Baptist History: Four Centuries of Selected Documents |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_ieENRXoO1YC&pg=PA100 |pages=100–101 |year=2008 | publisher=B&H Publishing |editor-last=Early |editor-first=Joe |access-date=25 August 2010 |isbn=9780805446746}}.</ref> The split created the [[Southern Baptist Convention]], while the northern congregations formed their own umbrella organization now called the [[American Baptist Churches USA]] (ABC-USA).<ref name="Southern Baptist Beginnings">{{cite web|url=http://www.baptisthistory.org/sbaptistbeginnings.htm |title=Southern Baptist Beginnings |first=Robert A. |last=Baker |publisher=Baptist History & Heritage Society |year=1979 |access-date=28 October 2012 |url-status = dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121018074627/http://www.baptisthistory.org/sbaptistbeginnings.htm |archive-date=18 October 2012 }}</ref> In 2015, [[Baptists in the United States|Baptists in the U.S.]] number 50 million people and constitute roughly one-third of [[Protestantism in the United States|American Protestants]].<ref>{{cite web|date=12 May 2015|title=Appendix B: Classification of Protestant Denominations|url=http://www.pewforum.org/2015/05/12/appendix-b-classification-of-protestant-denominations/|work=Pew Research Center's Religion & Public Life Project}}</ref>

===Baptist origins in Ukraine===
{{See also|Baptists in Ukraine}}

The Baptist churches in Ukraine were preceded by the German Anabaptist and [[Mennonites|Mennonite]] communities, who had been living in southern Ukraine since the 16th century, and who practiced adult believer's baptism.<ref>{{Cite web |url= http://www.risu.org.ua/eng/major.religions/baptists |title= RISU / English / Major Religions / Baptists |access-date= 20 April 2005 |archive-url= http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20050420001102/http://www.risu.org.ua/eng/major.religions/baptists/ |archive-date=20 April 2005 |url-status = dead }}</ref> The first Baptist baptism (adult baptism by full immersion) in Ukraine took place in 1864 on the river [[Inhul]] in the Yelizavetgrad region (now [[Kropyvnytskyi]] region), in a [[History of Germans in Russia, Ukraine, and the Soviet Union|German settlement]]. In 1867, the first Baptist communities were organized in that area. From there, the Baptist movement spread across the south of Ukraine and then to other regions as well.

One of the first Baptist communities was registered in [[Kyiv]] in 1907, and in 1908 the First All-[[Russian Empire|Russian]] Convention of Baptists was held there, as Ukraine was still controlled by the Russian Empire. The All-Russian Union of Baptists was established in Yekaterinoslav (now [[Dnipro]]) in southern Ukraine. At the end of the 19th century, there were between 100,000 and 300,000 Baptists in Ukraine.<ref>[http://ecbua.info/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=44&Itemid=29 History of the AUC ECB] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160805104147/http://ecbua.info/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=44&Itemid=29 |date=5 August 2016 }} Всеукраїнський Союз Церков Євангельських Християн-Баптистів web site {{in lang|uk}}</ref> An independent All-Ukrainian Baptist Union of Ukraine was established during the [[Ukrainian People's Republic|brief period of Ukraine's independence]] in early 20th-century and once again after the fall of the Soviet Union, the largest of which is currently known as the [[Evangelical Baptist Union of Ukraine]].

==Baptist churches==
{{Main|List of Baptist denominations}}
[[File:Baptist Hospital Mutengene.jpg|thumb|Baptist Hospital Mutengene ([[Tiko]]), member of the [[Cameroon Baptist Convention]]]]
[[File: Refectory at Regent's Park College, Oxford - geograph.org.uk - 1548097.jpg|thumb| [[Regent's Park College, Oxford| Regent's Park College]] in [[Oxford]], affiliated with the [[Baptist Union of Great Britain]].]]
Some Baptist church congregations choose to be independent of larger church organizations ([[Independent Baptist]]). Other Baptist churches choose to be part of an international or national Baptist [[Christian denomination]] or association while still adhering to a [[congregationalist polity]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Family Trees |url=https://www.thearda.com/us-religion/history/family-trees?F=96 |publisher=[[Association of Religion Data Archives]] |access-date=28 November 2023 |quote=Modern Baptists are a group of Christian denominations and churches who subscribe to a theology of believer's baptism (as opposed to infant baptism), salvation through faith alone, Scripture alone as the rule of faith and practice, and the autonomy of the local church.}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1= Williams |first1= Michael Edward|last2= Shurden |first2= Walter B.|title= Turning Points in Baptist History |date=2008|publisher= Mercer University Press |pages=63, 72|language=en |quote= 63: "Baptists' practice of congregational church government means that all authority and power in Baptist life is focused in the local congregation of believers, not in any extra-local ecclesiastical body. From their beginnings, especially in America, the Baptist people consistently and repeatedly affirmed the local church as the center of their life together. For that reason there is no "The Baptist Church" in the same sense that there is "The Methodist Church," "The Episcopal Church," or "The Presbyterian Church." There are only "Baptist churches." Baptists have formed "conventions" of churches, "unions" of churches, and "associations" of churches, but final authority in Baptist life resides in the local congregation of believers. That authority does not rest in a denomination or any extra-local church body of any kind, civil or ecclesiastical." 72: " If you examine Baptist associations among different national Baptist bodies in contemporary America or if you compare Baptist associations in various countries today, you will find a wide divergence in the nature and practice of associations. This leads to the conclusion that Baptists really have no consistent or obvious theology of church order beyond the local church. Baptists do not have an ecclesiology beyond the local church that tells them how they must organize or structure their local churches into a Baptist denomination. For the most part, each group of Baptists has been guided primarily by practical issues, though they usually conscript both the Bible and Baptist theology in making the case for church connectionalism." }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Blankman |first1=Drew |last2=Augustine |first2=Todd |title=Pocket Dictionary of North American Denominations: Over 100 Christian Groups Clearly & Concisely Defined |date=17 April 2010 |publisher=InterVarsity Press |isbn=978-0-8308-6706-6 |page=88 |language=en}}</ref><ref> Stephen R. Holmes, ''Baptist Theology'', T&T Clark, Edinburgh, 2012, p. 104-105</ref> This cooperative relationship allows the development of common organizations, for [[Christian mission|mission]] and societal purposes, such as [[Christian humanitarian aid|humanitarian aid]], schools, [[Bible college |theological institutes]] and hospitals.<ref>William H. Brackney, ''Historical Dictionary of the Baptists'', Scarecrow Press, US, 2020, p. 173–174</ref>

The majority of Baptist churches are part of national denominations (or 'associations' or 'cooperative groups'), as well as the [[Baptist World Alliance]] (BWA), formed in 1905 by 24 Baptist denominations from various countries.<ref>Robert E. Johnson, ''A Global Introduction to Baptist Churches'', Cambridge University Press, UK, 2010, p. 238</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1= Brackney |first1= William H.|title= Historical Dictionary of the Baptists |date=2009|publisher= Scarecrow Press |pages=38–40|language=en |quote= ASSOCIATIONS, BAPTIST. Groups of Baptist churches formed for the purpose of mutual support, aid to destitute congregations, and advice on matters of order, discipline, expansion, and identity. Based upon a principle common to most Christian organizations, Baptists have almost from their beginnings associated in this way with other churches of like faith and order. The Baptist association is not considered a superior body to the local congregation but rather an advisory body voluntarily covenanting with local churches for specific tasks.}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1= Weaver |first1= C. Douglas |title= In Search of the New Testament Church: The Baptist Story |date=2008|publisher= Mercer University Press |pages=26|language=en |quote= Interdependence of Churches: Associations. Baptist life has accented the independence of the local church more than the interdependence of churches. At the same time, Baptists from their earliest decades of existence sought to practice cooperative work with other Baptist churches in associations. Churches met for fellowship and mutual encouragement and sought doctrinal unity with like-minded churches.}}</ref> The BWA's goals include caring for the needy, leading in world evangelism and defending human rights and religious freedom.

==Missionary organizations==
Missionary organizations favored the development of the movement on all continents. The [[BMS World Mission]] was founded in 1792 at [[Kettering]], England.<ref>Robert E. Johnson, ''A Global Introduction to Baptist Churches'', Cambridge University Press, UK, 2010, p. 99</ref><ref>J. Gordon Melton and Martin Baumann, ''Religions of the World: A Comprehensive Encyclopedia of Beliefs and Practices'', ABC-CLIO, US, 2010, p. 292</ref> In United States, [[International Ministries (organization)|International Ministries]] was founded in 1814, and the [[International Mission Board]] was founded in 1845.<ref>George Thomas Kurian, Mark A. Lamport, ''Encyclopedia of Christianity in the United States, Volume 5'', Rowman & Littlefield, US, 2016, p. 63</ref><ref>George Thomas Kurian, Mark A. Lamport, ''Encyclopedia of Christianity in the United States, Volume 5'', Rowman & Littlefield, US, 2016, p. 1206</ref>

==Membership==
{{multiple image
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| width = 220
| image1 = Église Baptiste le Rocher Lomé culte.jpg
| caption1 = [[Worship service (evangelicalism)|Worship service]] at The Rock Baptist Church of [[Lomé]], member of the [[Togo Baptist Convention]]
| image2 = Crossway Church service.jpg
| caption2 = [[Worship service (evangelicalism)|Worship service]] at [[Crossway Baptist Church]] in [[Melbourne]], affiliated with [[Australian Baptist Ministries]], 2008
| image3 = KABA 2.jpg
| caption3 = [[Worship service (evangelicalism)|Worship service]] at [[Kohima Ao Baptist Church]] in [[Kohima]], affiliated with the [[Nagaland Baptist Church Council]] (India), 2019
}}

Membership policies vary due to the autonomy of churches, but generally an individual becomes a member of a church through believer's baptism (which is a public [[profession of faith]] in Jesus, followed by immersion baptism).<ref>{{Cite book |last=Pendleton |first=James Madison |author-link=James Madison Pendleton |url=http://www.reformedreader.org/rbb/pendleton/churchmanual/bcm01.htm |title=Church Manual For Baptist Churches |publisher=The Judson Press |year=1867}}</ref> Most Baptists do not believe that baptism is a requirement for salvation but rather a public expression of inner repentance and faith.<ref name="Brackney" /> In general, Baptist churches do not have a stated age restriction on membership, but believer's baptism requires that an individual be able to freely and earnestly profess their faith.<ref>{{cite web |title=Baptist Faith and Mission |url=http://www.sbc.net/bfm/ |access-date=8 November 2011 |publisher=Southern Baptist Convention}}</ref>

In 2010, an estimated 100 million Christians identified as Baptist or belonging to a Baptist-type church.<ref>J. Gordon Melton and Martin Baumann, ''Religions of the World: A Comprehensive Encyclopedia of Beliefs and Practices'', ABC-CLIO, USA, 2010, p.299</ref> In 2020, according to the researcher [[Sébastien Fath]] of the [[French National Centre for Scientific Research|CNRS]], the Baptist movement has around 170 million believers in the world.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-07-28 |title=Qui sont les baptistes ? |url=https://www.reforme.net/religion/protestantisme/2020/07/28/qui-sont-les-baptistes/ |access-date=2023-05-09 |website=Reforme |language=fr-FR}}</ref> According to a census released in 2024, the BWA includes 266 participating fellowships in 134 countries, with 178,000 churches and 51 million baptized members.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=2024 |title=Member Unions {{!}} Baptist World Alliance |url=https://baptistworld.org/member-unions/ |access-date=2024-09-09 |website=baptistworld.org |language=English}}</ref> These statistics may not be fully representative, however, since some churches in the United States have dual or triple national Baptist affiliation, causing a church and its members to be counted possibly by more than one Baptist association, if these associations are members of the BWA.<ref> Robert E. Johnson, ''A Global Introduction to Baptist Churches'', Cambridge University Press, UK, 2010, p. 361</ref><ref> Paul Finkelman, Cary D. Wintz, ''Encyclopedia of African American History, 1896 to the Present: From the Age of Segregation to the Twenty-first Century Five-volume Set'', Oxford University Press, US, 2009, p. 193</ref>

Among the censuses carried out by individual Baptist associations in 2023, those which claimed the most members on each continent were:

* In [[North America]], the [[Southern Baptist Convention]] with 46,906 churches and 12,982,090 members,<ref>Southern Baptist Convention, [https://www.sbc.net/about/what-we-do/fast-facts/ Fast Facts About the SBC], sbc.net, USA, accessed July 24, 2024</ref> the [[National Baptist Convention, USA]] with 21,145 churches and 8,415,100 members.<ref name=":0" />
* In [[South America]], the [[Brazilian Baptist Convention]] with 9,288 churches and 1,809,230 members, the [[Evangelical Baptist Convention of Argentina]] with 1,216 churches and 85,000 members.<ref name=":0" />
* In [[Africa]], the [[Nigerian Baptist Convention]] with 14,523 churches and 8,925,000 members, the [[Baptist Convention of Tanzania]] with 1,391 churches and 2,690,730 members, the [[Baptist Community of the Congo River]] with 2,685 churches and 1,765,836 members.<ref name=":0" />
* In [[Asia]], the [[Myanmar Baptist Convention]] with 5,337 churches and 1,013,499 members, the [[Nagaland Baptist Church Council]] with 1,724 churches and 716,495 members, the [[Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches]] with 1,079 churches and 600,000 members.<ref name=":0" />
* In [[Europe]], the [[All-Ukrainian Union of Churches of Evangelical Christian Baptists]] with 2,192 churches and 105,189 members,<ref name=":0" /> the [[Baptist Union of Great Britain]] with 1,875 churches and 100,103 members, the [[Union of Christian Baptist Churches in Romania]] with 1,697 churches and 83,853 members.<ref name=":0" />
* In [[Oceania]], the [[Baptist Union of Papua New Guinea]] with 493 churches and 84,700 members, the [[Australian Baptist Ministries]] with 1,029 churches and 78,416 members.<ref name=":0" />

==Beliefs==
{{Main|Baptist beliefs|List of Baptist confessions of faith}}Since the early days of the Baptist movement, various associations have adopted common confessions of faith as the basis for cooperative work among churches.<ref name="William H. Brackney 2020, p. 160-161">William H. Brackney, ''Historical Dictionary of the Baptists'', Scarecrow Press, US, 2020, p. 160–161</ref> Each church has a particular confession of faith and a common confession of faith if it is a member of an association of churches.<ref name="William H. Brackney 2020, p. 160-161"/> Some historically significant Baptist doctrinal documents include the [[Confession of Faith (1689)|1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith]], 1742 Philadelphia Baptist Confession, the [[New Hampshire Confession of Faith|1833 New Hampshire Baptist Confession of Faith]], and written [[church covenant]]s which some individual Baptist churches adopt as a statement of their faith and beliefs.

Baptist theology shares many doctrines with [[evangelical theology]].<ref>James Leo Garrett, ''Baptist Theology: A Four-century Study'', Mercer University Press, US, 2009, p. 515</ref> It is based on [[believers' Church]] doctrine.<ref name=WS08>Michael Edward Williams, Walter B. Shurden, ''Turning Points in Baptist History'', Mercer University Press, US, 2008, p. 17</ref> Baptists, like other Christians, are defined by school of thought—some of it common to all orthodox and evangelical groups, and a portion of it distinctive to Baptists.<ref>{{Cite web|author= Nettles, Thomas J |title=A Foundation for the Future: The Southern Baptist Message and Mission |access-date=17 January 2010 |url=http://www.reformedreader.org/baptists.htm}}</ref> Through the years, different Baptist groups have issued confessions of faith—without considering them to be ''[[Creed|creeds]]''—to express their particular doctrinal distinctions in comparison to other Christians as well as in comparison to other Baptists.<ref name="Shurden fragile">{{Cite book|author=Shurden, Walter B |title=The Baptist Identity: Four Fragile Freedoms |location=Macon, Georgia |publisher=Smyth & Helwys Publishing |year=1993 |isbn=978-1-880837-20-7}}</ref> Baptist denominations are traditionally seen as belonging to two parties, [[General Baptists]] who uphold [[Arminian]] theology, and [[Reformed Baptists|Particular Baptist]]s who uphold Reformed theology (Calvinism).<ref name="Benedict1848" /> During the [[holiness movement]], some General Baptists accepted the teaching of a [[second work of grace]] and formed denominations that emphasized this belief, such as the [[Ohio Valley Association of the Christian Baptist Churches of God]] and the [[Holiness Baptist Association]].<ref name="Lewis2002">{{cite book |last1=Lewis |first1=James R. |title=The Encyclopedia of Cults, Sects, and New Religions |date=2002 |publisher=Prometheus Books |isbn=9781615927388 |language=en}}</ref> Most Baptists are evangelical in doctrine, but their beliefs may vary due to the congregational governance system that gives autonomy to individual local Baptist churches.<ref name="Baptist Origins">Buescher, John. "[http://teachinghistory.org/history-content/ask-a-historian/22329 Baptist Origins] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150920071007/http://www.teachinghistory.org/history-content/ask-a-historian/22329 |date=20 September 2015 }}." [http://www.teachinghistory.org/ Teaching History] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180926205612/https://teachinghistory.org/history-content/ask-a-historian/24484 |date=26 September 2018 }}. Retrieved 23 September 2011.</ref> Historically, Baptists have played a key role in encouraging religious freedom and the doctrine of separation of church and state.<ref>{{citation|title=Religion Facts |url=http://www.religionfacts.com/christianity/denominations/baptists.htm |contribution=Baptists |access-date=17 January 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100110123654/http://www.religionfacts.com/christianity/denominations/baptists.htm |archive-date=10 January 2010 |url-status = dead }}.</ref>

Shared doctrines would include beliefs about one God; the [[virgin birth of Jesus]]; miracles; [[substitutionary atonement]] for sins through the [[Crucifixion of Jesus|death]], [[Burial of Jesus|burial]], and bodily [[Resurrection of Jesus|resurrection]] of [[Jesus in Christianity|Jesus]]; the [[Trinity]]; the need for salvation (through belief in Jesus Christ as the [[Son of God (Christianity)|Son of God]], his death and resurrection); grace; the [[Kingdom of God (Christianity)|Kingdom of God]]; last things ([[Christian eschatology|eschatology]]) (Jesus [[Second Coming|Christ will return]] personally and visibly in glory to Earth; the [[Universal resurrection|dead will be raised]]; and [[Last Judgment|Christ will judge everyone]] in righteousness); and [[evangelism]] and [[Missionary|missions]].

Most Baptists hold that no church or ecclesiastical organization has inherent authority over a Baptist church. Churches can properly relate to each other under this polity only through voluntary cooperation, never by any sort of coercion. Furthermore, this Baptist polity calls for freedom from governmental control.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Pinson| first= William M. Jr |title=Trends in Baptist Polity |date= 2005 | series=Baptist Heritage and the 21st Century| publisher=Baptist History and Heritage Society |url=http://www.baptisthistory.org/contissues/pinson.htm |url-status = dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071013130242/http://baptisthistory.org/contissues/pinson.htm |archive-date=13 October 2007 }}</ref> Exceptions to this local form of local governance include a few churches that submit to the leadership of a body of [[Elder (Christianity)#Baptists|elders]], as well as the [[Episcopal Baptists]] who have an [[Episcopal polity|Episcopal system]].

Baptists generally believe in the literal Second Coming of Christ.<ref>William H. Brackney, ''Historical Dictionary of the Baptists'', Scarecrow Press, US, 2009, p. 2-3</ref> Beliefs among Baptists regarding the "end times" include [[amillennialism]], both dispensational and historic [[premillennialism]], with views such as [[postmillennialism]] and [[preterism]] receiving some support.

Some additional distinctive Baptist principles held by many Baptists:<ref name="Newman" />{{rp|2}}
* The supremacy of the canonical Scriptures as a norm of faith and practice. For something to become a matter of faith and practice, it is not sufficient for it to be merely ''consistent with'' and not contrary to scriptural principles. It must be something ''explicitly'' ordained through command or example in the Bible. For instance, this is why Baptists do not practice infant baptism: they say the Bible neither commands nor exemplifies infant baptism as a Christian practice. More than any other Baptist principle, this one when applied to infant baptism is said to separate Baptists from other evangelical Christians.
* Baptists believe that faith is a matter between God and the individual. It is connected in theory with the advocacy of absolute liberty of conscience.
* Insistence on immersion believer's baptism as the only mode of baptism. Baptists do not believe that baptism is necessary for salvation. Therefore, for Baptists, baptism is an [[Ordinance (Christianity)|ordinance]], not a [[sacrament]], since in their view it imparts no saving grace.<ref name="Newman">{{Cite book|last=Newman|first =Albert Henry |title=A History of the Baptist Churches in the United States |edition=3rd |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=F38uAAAAYAAJ |year=1915 |publisher=Christian Literature |isbn=978-0-7905-4234-8}}</ref>

===Beliefs that vary among Baptists===
{{See also|General Baptists|Bapticostal movement|Regular Baptists}}
[[File:KJV 1611 Rice Baptist Church New Market Alabama 2012-06-13.jpg|thumb|Church sign indicating that the congregation uses the [[Authorized King James Version]] of the Bible of 1611]]

Since there is no hierarchical authority and each Baptist church is autonomous, there is no official set of Baptist theological beliefs.<ref>{{citation|last1=Hammett|first1=John S|quote=One thing that all Baptists have in common is that everything is built upon the Bible.|title=Biblical Foundations for Baptist Churches: A Contemporary Ecclesiology |publisher= Kregel Publications|year=2005|isbn= 978-0-8254-2769-5}}.</ref> These differences exist among associations and even among churches within the associations. Some doctrinal issues on which there is widespread difference among Baptists are:

* [[Eschatology]]
* Arminianism versus Calvinism (General Baptists uphold Arminian theology while Particular Baptists teach Calvinist theology).<ref name="Benedict1848"/>
* The [[doctrine of separation]] from "the world" and whether to associate with those who are "of the world"
* Belief in a [[second work of grace]], i.e. [[entire sanctification]] (held by General Baptists in the Holiness tradition)
* [[Glossolalia|Speaking-in-tongues]] and the operation of other [[Spiritual gift|charismatic gifts]] of the [[Holy Spirit in Christianity|Holy Spirit]] in the charismatic churches<ref>{{citation|contribution=Position Paper Concerning the IMB Policy on Glossolalia |title=Florida Baptist Witness |access-date=18 March 2010 |url=http://www.gofbw.com/news.asp?ID=5592 |url-status = dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110728000657/http://www.gofbw.com/news.asp?ID=5592 |archive-date=28 July 2011 }}.</ref>
* How the Bible should be interpreted ([[hermeneutics]])
* The extent to which missionary boards should be used to support missionaries
* The extent to which non-members may participate in the [[Eucharist|Lord's Supper]] services
* Which translation of Scripture to use (e.g., [[King James Only movement]])<ref>{{citation|title=An Introduction to Bible Translations|publisher=Trinity Baptist Church Discipleship Training|date=April 2005|access-date =18 March 2010|url = https://versefortheday.com/bible-translations/}}.</ref>
* [[Dispensationalism]] versus [[Covenant theology]]
* The role of [[Christian views on marriage|women in marriage]]
* The [[Ordination of women in Protestant denominations#Baptist|ordination of women]] as deacons or pastors.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Beck|first=Rosalie (Response to 'The Ordination of Women Among Texas Baptists' by Ann Miller)|title=Perspectives in Religious Studies|journal=Journal of the NABPR|access-date=18 March 2010|url=http://www.bgct.org/texasbaptists/Document.Doc?&id=3338|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110613080148/http://www.bgct.org/texasbaptists/Document.Doc?&id=3338|archive-date=13 June 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* Attitudes to and involvement in the [[Ecumenism|ecumenical movement]].
* The role of repentance and perseverance in salvation ([[Lordship salvation controversy]]).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lazar |first=Shawn |date=2014-01-01 |title=Free Grace for Baptists – Grace Evangelical Society |url=https://faithalone.org/grace-in-focus-articles/free-grace-for-baptists/ |access-date=2023-12-21 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Wilkin |first=Bob |date=2022-02-11 |title=What Denominations Hold to Free Grace? – Grace Evangelical Society |url=https://faithalone.org/blog/what-denominations-hold-to-free-grace/ |access-date=2023-12-21 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Stanley |first=Charles F. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hmMK2HRDgdIC |title=Eternal Security: Can You be Sure? |date=1990 |publisher=Oliver-Nelson Books |isbn=978-0-8407-9095-8 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Grudem |first=Wayne |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NTC6DAAAQBAJ |title="Free Grace" Theology: 5 Ways It Diminishes the Gospel |date=2016-07-18 |publisher=Crossway |isbn=978-1-4335-5117-8 |language=en}}</ref>

[[Excommunication]] may be used as a last resort by some denominations and churches for members who do not want to repent of beliefs or behavior at odds with the confession of faith of the community. When an entire congregation is excluded, it is often called disfellowship.<ref>William H. Brackney, ''Historical Dictionary of the Baptists'', Scarecrow Press, US, 2009, p. 183</ref>

==Worship==
[[File:Auto de Páscoa - IgrejaDaCidade (crop).jpg|thumb|right|Show on the life of [[Jesus Christ|Jesus]] at [[City Church (Brazil)|City Church]] in [[São José dos Campos]], affiliated to the [[Brazilian Baptist Convention]], 2017]]
[[File:Chumukedima Ao Baptist Church.jpg|thumb|[[Chümoukedima]] Ao Baptist Church, affiliated with the [[Nagaland Baptist Church Council]] (India)]]
In Baptist churches, [[Church service|worship service]] is part of the life of the [[Christian Church|church]] and includes [[praise]], [[worship]], of [[Christian prayer|prayers]] to [[God]], a [[sermon]] based on the [[Bible]], [[Offering (Christianity)|offering]], and periodically the Lord's Supper.<ref>Geoffrey Wainwright, ''[[The Oxford History of Christian Worship]]'', Oxford University Press, US, 2006, p. 560</ref><ref>William H. Brackney, ''Historical Dictionary of the Baptists'', Scarecrow Press, US, 2009, p. 625</ref> Some churches have services with traditional [[Christian music]], others with [[contemporary Christian music]], and some offer both in separate services. <ref> [[David W. Music]], Paul Akers Richardson, ''"I Will Sing the Wondrous Story": A History of Baptist Hymnody in North America'', Mercer University Press, USA, 2008, p. 479-480</ref> In many churches, there are services adapted for children, even teenagers.<ref>John H. Y. Briggs, ''A Dictionary of European Baptist Life and Thought'', Wipf and Stock Publishers, US, 2009, p. 81</ref> Prayer meetings are also held during the week.<ref>John H. Y. Briggs, ''A Dictionary of European Baptist Life and Thought'', Wipf and Stock Publishers, US, 2009, p. 399</ref>

The architecture is generally sober, and the [[Latin cross]] is one of the only spiritual symbols that can usually be seen on the building of a Baptist church and that identifies the place where it belongs.<ref>William H. Brackney, ''Historical Dictionary of the Baptists'', Scarecrow Press, US, 2020, p. 35</ref>

== Education ==
{{multiple image
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| image1 = HK HongKongBaptistTheologicalSeminary Admin&EdBlock.JPG
| caption1 = [[Hong Kong Baptist Theological Seminary]], affiliated with the [[Baptist Convention of Hong Kong]], 2008
| image2 = Crandall University.jpg
| caption2 = [[Crandall University]] in [[Moncton]], affiliated with the [[Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada]] ([[Canadian Baptist Ministries]])
| image3 = Loreto D. Tupaz Hall.jpg
| caption3 = College of Nursing, [[Central Philippine University]] in [[Iloilo City]], affiliated with the [[Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches]], 2018.
}}

Baptist churches established elementary and secondary schools, [[Bible colleges]], colleges and universities as early as the 1680s in England,<ref>William H. Brackney, ''Congregation and Campus: Baptists in Higher Education'', Mercer University Press, US, 2008, p. IX</ref> before continuing in various countries.<ref>Bill J. Leonard, ''Baptists in America'', Columbia University Press, US, 2005, p. 37</ref> In 2006, the [[International Association of Baptist Colleges and Universities]] was founded in the United States.<ref> William H. Brackney, ''Congregation and Campus: Baptists in Higher Education'', Mercer University Press, US, 2008, p. 43</ref> In 2023, it had 42 member universities.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-01-18 |title=Uniting Baptist Higher Education|url=https://www.baptistschools.org/about-us|access-date=2023-05-09 |website=IABCU |language=en-US}}</ref>

== Sexuality ==
[[File:Wedding at First Baptist Church of Rivas.jpg|thumb|Wedding ceremony at First Baptist Church of [[Rivas, Nicaragua|Rivas]], [[Baptist Convention of Nicaragua]], 2011]]

Many churches promote [[Abstinence pledge|virginity pledges]] to young Baptist Christians, who are invited to engage in a public ceremony of [[sexual abstinence]] until Christian marriage.<ref>Anne Bolin, Patricia Whelehan, ''Human Sexuality: Biological, Psychological, and Cultural Perspectives'', Routledge, UK, 2009, p. 248</ref> This pact is often symbolized by a [[purity ring]].<ref>Sara Moslener, ''Virgin Nation: Sexual Purity and American Adolescence'', Oxford University Press, US, 2015, p. 144</ref> Programs like [[True Love Waits (organization)|True Love Waits]], founded in 1993 by the [[Southern Baptist Convention]] have been developed to support the commitments.<ref>Randall Herbert Balmer, ''Encyclopedia of Evangelicalism: Revised and expanded edition'', Baylor University Press, US, 2004, p. 587</ref>

Most Baptist associations around the world believe only in marriage between a man and a woman.<ref>William H. Brackney, ''Historical Dictionary of the Baptists'', Scarecrow Press, USA, 2009, p. 519</ref> Some Baptist associations do not have official beliefs about marriage in a [[confession of faith]] and invoke [[congregationalism]] to leave the choice to each church to decide.<ref> William H. Brackney, ''Historical Dictionary of the Baptists'', Scarecrow Press, USA, 2009, p. 503</ref><ref> Bill J. Leonard, ''Baptists in America'', Columbia University Press, USA, 2005, p. 243</ref> This is the case of [[American Baptist Churches USA]], [[Progressive National Baptist Convention]] (USA), [[Cooperative Baptist Fellowship]] (USA), [[National Baptist Convention, USA]] and the [[Baptist Union of Great Britain]]. Some Baptist associations support same-sex marriage. This is the case of the [[Alliance of Baptists]] (USA),<ref>William H. Brackney, ''Historical Dictionary of the Baptists'', Rowman & Littlefield, USA, 2021, p. 14</ref> the Canadian Association for Baptist Freedoms,<ref> William H. Brackney, ''Historical Dictionary of the Baptists'', Rowman & Littlefield, USA, 2021, p. 628 </ref> the Aliança de Batistas do Brasil,<ref>Renato Cavallera, [https://noticias.gospelmais.com.br/alianca-batista-aprova-uniao-gay-boa-nova-20090.html Aliança batista aprova o reconhecimento da união gay no Brasil e afirma que é uma "boa nova"], noticias.gospelmais.com.br, Brazil, May 25, 2011</ref> the Fraternidad de Iglesias Bautistas de Cuba,<ref>Javier Roque Martínez, [https://newsweekespanol.com/2022/02/cristianismo-no-papel-relevante-gobierno-cubano/ 'El cristianismo no jugará un papel relevante en la oposición al gobierno cubano'], newsweekespanol.com, Mexico, February 17, 2022 </ref> and the [[Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists]] (international).<ref>William H. Brackney, ''Historical Dictionary of the Baptists'', Scarecrow Press, USA, 2009, p. 603</ref>

==Controversies==
Baptists have faced many controversies in their 400-year history, controversies of the level of crises. Baptist historian Walter Shurden says the word ''crisis'' comes from the Greek word meaning 'to decide.' Shurden writes that contrary to the presumed negative view of crises, some controversies that reach a crisis level may actually be "positive and highly productive." He claims that even [[Schism in Christianity|schism]], though never ideal, has often produced positive results. In his opinion, crises among Baptists each have become decision moments that shaped their future.<ref name="Shurden crises">{{Cite book | last = Shurden | first = Walter B | title = Crises in Baptist Life | access-date = 16 January 2010 | url = http://www.baptistdistinctives.org/crises.pdf | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20050112160105/http://www.baptistdistinctives.org/crises.pdf | archive-date = 12 January 2005 |url-status = dead }}</ref>

===Missions crisis===
Early in the 19th century, the rise of the modern [[Christian mission|missions]] movement, and the backlash against it, led to widespread and bitter controversy among the American Baptists.{{Sfn | Christian | 1926 | pp = 404–20}} During this era, the American Baptists were split between missionary and anti-missionary. A substantial secession of Baptists went into the movement led by [[Alexander Campbell (minister)|Alexander Campbell]] to return to a more fundamental church.{{Sfn | Christian | 1926 | pp = 421–36}}

===Slavery crisis===
{{see also|Christian views on slavery}}

====United States====
[[File: Biden at Ebenezer Baptist Church (52635229253).jpg|222x222px|thumb|right| Service at [[Ebenezer Baptist Church]] in [[Atlanta]] (Georgia), affiliated with the [[Progressive National Baptist Convention]]]]

Leading up to the [[American Civil War]], Baptists became embroiled in the controversy over [[slavery in the United States]]. Whereas in the [[First Great Awakening]], [[Methodist]] and Baptist preachers had opposed slavery and urged [[manumission]], over the decades they made more of an accommodation with the institution. They worked with slaveholders in the [[Southern United States|South]] to urge a paternalistic institution. Both denominations made direct appeals to slaves and free Blacks for conversion. The Baptists particularly allowed them active roles in congregations. By the mid-19th century, northern Baptists tended to oppose slavery. As tensions increased, in 1844 the Home Mission Society refused to appoint a slaveholder as a missionary who had been proposed by Georgia. It noted that missionaries could not take servants with them, and also that the board did not want to appear to condone slavery.<ref>Robert E. Johnson, ''A Global Introduction to Baptist Churches'', Cambridge University Press, UK, 2010, p. 150</ref>

In 1845 a group of churches in favor of slavery and in disagreement with the [[abolitionism]] of the Triennial Convention (now American Baptist Churches USA) left to form the Southern Baptist Convention.<ref>Samuel S. Hill, Charles H. Lippy, Charles Reagan Wilson, ''Encyclopedia of Religion in the South'', Mercer University Press, US, 2005, p. 796</ref> They believed that the Bible sanctions slavery and that it was acceptable for Christians to own slaves. They believed slavery was a human institution which Baptist teaching could make less harsh. By this time many [[Planter class|planters]] were part of Baptist congregations, and some of the denomination's prominent preachers, such as [[Basil Manly Sr.]], president of the [[University of Alabama]], were also planters who owned slaves.

As early as the late 18th century, Black Baptists began to organize separate churches, associations and mission agencies. Blacks set up some independent Baptist congregations in the South before the Civil War. White Baptist associations maintained some oversight of these churches.

In the postwar years, [[freedmen]] quickly left the white congregations and associations, setting up their own churches.<ref>{{citation|first=Leroy|last=Fitts|title=A History of Black Baptists|pages=43–106|place= Nashville, TN | publisher = Broadman Press|year=1985}}</ref> In 1866, the Consolidated American Baptist Convention, formed from Black Baptists of the South and West, helped southern associations set up Black state conventions, which they did in [[Alabama]], [[Arkansas]], [[Virginia]], [[North Carolina]], and [[Kentucky]]. In 1880, Black state conventions united in the national Foreign Mission Convention to support Black Baptist missionary work. Two other national Black conventions were formed, and in 1895 they united as the [[National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc.|National Baptist Convention]]. This organization later went through its own changes, spinning off other conventions. It is the largest Black religious organization and the second-largest Baptist organization in the world.<ref>Fitts (1985)</ref> Baptists are numerically most dominant in the Southeast.<ref>{{citation|publisher=Department of Geography and Meteorology, [[Valparaiso University]] |format=[[GIFF]] |url=http://www.valpo.edu/geomet/pics/geo200/religion/baptist.gif |title=Baptists as a Percentage of all Residents, 2000 |url-status = dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100522053048/http://www.valpo.edu/geomet/pics/geo200/religion/baptist.gif |archive-date=22 May 2010 }}.</ref> In 2007, the [[Pew Research Center]]'s Religious Landscape Survey found that 45% of all African Americans identify with Baptist denominations, with the vast majority of those being within the historically Black tradition.<ref>{{cite web | title = A Religious Portrait of African-Americans | publisher = Pew forum | url = http://www.pewforum.org/A-Religious-Portrait-of-African-Americans.aspx | date = 2009-01-30 | access-date = 6 May 2013 | archive-date = 25 April 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120425171741/http://www.pewforum.org/A-Religious-Portrait-of-African-Americans.aspx | url-status = dead }}</ref>

[[File:Civil Rights March on Washington, D.C. (Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Mathew Ahmann in a crowd.) - NARA - 542015 - Restoration.jpg|thumb|[[Martin Luther King Jr.]], a Baptist minister and civil rights leader, at the 1963 civil rights march on Washington, D.C. The [[Civil Rights movement]] divided various Baptists in the U.S., as slavery had more than a century earlier.]]

In the American South, the interpretation of the Civil War, abolition of slavery and postwar period has differed sharply by race since those years. Americans have often interpreted great events in religious terms. Historian [[Wilson Fallin]] contrasts the interpretation of Civil War and [[Reconstruction era|Reconstruction]] in White versus Black memory by analyzing Baptist sermons documented in Alabama. Soon after the Civil War, most Black Baptists in the South left the Southern Baptist Convention, reducing its numbers by hundreds of thousands or more.{{Citation needed|date=July 2018}} They quickly organized their own congregations and developed their own regional and state associations and, by the end of the 19th century, a national convention.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Brooks|first=Walter H.|date=1922-01-01|title=The Evolution of the Negro Baptist Church|journal=The Journal of Negro History|volume=7|issue=1|pages=11–22|doi=10.2307/2713578|issn=0022-2992|jstor=2713578|s2cid=149662445}}</ref>

White preachers in Alabama after Reconstruction expressed the view that:

{{blockquote|God had chastised them and given them a special mission – to maintain orthodoxy, strict biblicism, personal piety, and "traditional" race relations. Slavery, they insisted, had not been sinful. Rather, emancipation was a historical tragedy and the end of Reconstruction was a clear sign of God's favor.}}

Black preachers interpreted the Civil War, [[Emancipation Proclamation|Emancipation]] and Reconstruction as "God's gift of freedom." They had a gospel of liberation, having long identified with the [[Book of Exodus]] from slavery in the Old Testament. They took opportunities to exercise their independence, to worship in their own way, to affirm their worth and dignity, and to proclaim the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man. Most of all, they quickly formed their own churches, associations, and conventions to operate freely without white supervision. These institutions offered self-help and racial uplift, a place to develop and use leadership, and places for proclamation of the gospel of liberation. As a result, Black preachers said that God would protect and help him and God's people; God would be their rock in a stormy land.<ref>Wilson Fallin Jr., ''Uplifting the People: Three Centuries of Black Baptists in Alabama'' (2007) pp. 52–53</ref>

The Southern Baptist Convention supported [[white supremacy]] and its results: [[Disfranchisement after the Reconstruction era|disenfranchising most Blacks and many poor whites]] at the turn of the 20th century by raising barriers to voter registration, and passage of [[racial segregation]] laws that enforced the system of [[Jim Crow laws|Jim Crow]].<ref>{{Cite news|last=Hassan|first=Adeel|date=2018-12-12|title=Oldest Institution of Southern Baptist Convention Reveals Past Ties to Slavery|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/12/12/us/southern-baptist-slavery.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220101/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/12/12/us/southern-baptist-slavery.html |archive-date=2022-01-01 |url-access=limited|access-date=2020-06-18|issn=0362-4331}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Its members largely resisted the [[civil rights movement]] in the South, which sought to enforce their constitutional rights for public access and voting; and enforcement of midcentury federal civil rights laws.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Hankins|first1=Barry|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=b59T47P8CaUC|title=Uneasy in Babylon: Southern Baptist Conservatives and American Culture|publisher=University of Alabama Press|year=2002|isbn=978-0-8173-1142-1|location=Tuscaloosa, Alabama|page=74|language=en|quote=One scholar has called the proslavery racism that gave birth to the SBC the denomination's original sin. He argued that the controversy of the 1980s was part of God's judgment on a denomination that for most of its history engaged in racism, sexism, and a sense of denominational superiority. Whatever the merits of this particular argument, the Southern Baptist Convention, like most southern institutions, reflected, manifested, and in many instances led the racism of the region as a whole. Nowhere was this more prevalent than during the Civil Rights era of the 1960s, when most of the leaders of the opposition to desegregation were Southern Baptists. For just one example of a fairly typical Southern Baptist attitude, one can turn to Douglas Hudgins, pastor of one of the South's most prominent churches in the 1950s and 1960s, First Baptist, Jackson, Mississippi. Hudgins used the moderate theology of E. Y. Mullins, with its emphasis on individualism and soul competency, to argue that the Christian faith had nothing to do with a corporate, societal problem like segregation. He, therefore, refused to speak up for African Americans and, in more ways than he could have known, helped inspire a whole generation of Southern Baptists to rest comfortably in their belief that segregation was natural and that the Civil Rights movement was a perversion of the gospel.}}</ref>

In 1995, the Southern Baptist Convention passed a resolution that recognized the failure of their ancestors to protect the civil rights of African Americans.<ref>Marisa Iati, [https://www.washingtonpost.com/religion/2018/12/12/southern-baptist-conventions-flagship-seminary-admits-all-four-its-founders-owned-slaves/ Southern Baptist Convention's flagship seminary details its racist, slave-owning past in stark report] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211221055908/https://www.washingtonpost.com/religion/2018/12/12/southern-baptist-conventions-flagship-seminary-admits-all-four-its-founders-owned-slaves/ |date=21 December 2021 }}, washingtonpost.com, US, 12 December 2018</ref> More than 20,000 Southern Baptists registered for the meeting in Atlanta. The resolution declared that messengers, as SBC delegates are called, "unwaveringly denounce racism, in all its forms, as deplorable sin" and "lament and repudiate historic acts of evil such as slavery from which we continue to reap a bitter harvest." It offered an apology to all African Americans for "condoning and/or perpetuating individual and systemic racism in our lifetime" and repentance for "racism of which we have been guilty, whether consciously or unconsciously." Although Southern Baptists have condemned racism in the past, this was the first time the convention, predominantly White since the Reconstruction era, had specifically addressed the issue of slavery.

The statement sought forgiveness "from our African-American brothers and sisters" and pledged to "eradicate racism in all its forms from Southern Baptist life and ministry." In 1995, about 500,000 members of the 15.6-million-member denomination were African Americans and another 300,000 were ethnic minorities. The resolution marked the denomination's first formal acknowledgment that racism played a role in its founding.<ref>"SBC renounces racist past – Southern Baptist Convention", ''The Christian Century''. 5 July 1995</ref>

====Caribbean islands====
{{blockquote| A healthy Church kills error, and tears evil in pieces! Not so very long ago our nation tolerated slavery in our colonies. Philanthropists endeavored to destroy slavery, but when was it utterly abolished? It was when [[William Wilberforce|Wilberforce]] roused the Church of God, and when the Church of God addressed herself to the conflict—then she tore the evil thing to pieces! – [[Charles Spurgeon|C.H. Spurgeon]] an outspoken British Baptist opponent of slavery in 'The Best War Cry' (1883)<ref name="CHS">{{cite web| last =Spurgeon |first= Charles | url= http://www.newsforchristians.com/spurgeon/chs1709.html| title= The Best War Cry | date= 4 March 1883 | access-date= 26 December 2014}}</ref>}}

Elsewhere in the Americas, in the Caribbean in particular, Baptist missionaries and members took an active role in the anti-slavery movement. In Jamaica, for example, [[William Knibb]], a prominent British Baptist missionary, worked toward the emancipation of slaves in the [[British West Indies]] (which took place in full in 1838). Knibb supported the creation of "[[Free Villages]]" and sought funding from English Baptists to buy land for freedmen to cultivate; the Free Villages were envisioned as rural communities to be centered around a Baptist church where emancipated slaves could farm their own land. [[Thomas Burchell]], missionary minister in [[Montego Bay]], was active in this movement, gaining funds from Baptists in England to buy land for what became known as Burchell Free Village.

Prior to emancipation, Baptist deacon [[Samuel Sharpe]], who served with Burchell, organized a general strike of slaves seeking better conditions. It developed into a major rebellion of as many as 60,000 slaves, which became known as the Christmas Rebellion or the [[Baptist War]]. It was put down by government troops within two weeks. During and after the rebellion, an estimated 200 slaves were killed outright, with more than 300 judicially executed later by prosecution in the courts, sometimes for minor offenses.

Baptists were active after emancipation in promoting the education of former slaves; for example, Jamaica's [[Calabar High School]], named after the port of [[Calabar]] in Nigeria, was founded by Baptist missionaries. At the same time, during and after slavery, slaves and free Blacks formed their own [[Spiritual Baptist]] movements—breakaway spiritual movements which theology often expressed resistance to oppression.<ref>{{citation|first=Jean|last=Besson|title=Martha Brae's Two Histories | place= Chapel Hill | publisher = University of North Carolina |year=2002}}</ref>

===Landmark crisis===
Southern Baptist [[Landmarkism]] sought to reset the [[Ecclesiastical separatism|ecclesiastical separation]] which had characterized the old Baptist churches, in an era when inter-denominational union meetings were the order of the day.<ref>{{cite book |last=Ashcraft |first=Robert |title=Landmarkism Revisited |publisher=Ashcraft Publications |year=2003 |place=Mabelvale, [[Arkansas|AR]] |pages=84–85}}</ref> [[James Robinson Graves]] was an influential Baptist of the 19th century and the primary leader of this movement.<ref>{{cite book | first = Ben M.|last=Bogard|title=Pillars of Orthodoxy| url = https://archive.org/details/pillarsoforthodo00boga|page=[https://archive.org/details/pillarsoforthodo00boga/page/199 199]|place=Louisville|publisher= Baptist Book Concern|year= 1900}}.</ref> While some Landmarkers eventually separated from the Southern Baptist Convention, the movement continued to influence the Convention into the 20th and 21st centuries.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Smith |title=American Christianity: An Historical Interpretation With Representative Documents |last2=Handy |last3=Loetscher |publisher=Charles Scribner's Sons |year=1963 |volume=II: 1820–1960 |page=110}}</ref>

===Modernist crisis===
{{further|Fundamentalist-Modernist Controversy}}
[[File:Spurgeon.png|thumb|left|upright|[[Charles Spurgeon]] later in life]]

The rise of theological modernism in the late 19th and early 20th centuries also greatly affected Baptists.{{Sfn | Torbet | 1975 | pp = 424–45}} The Landmark movement has been described as a reaction among Southern Baptists in the United States against incipient modernism.<ref>{{citation|title=History of the American Baptist Association|editor1-first=Robert|editor1-last= Ashcraft|pages= 63–6|series= Texarkana|publisher= History and Archives Committee of the American Baptist Association|year=2000}}</ref> In England, [[Charles Spurgeon]] fought against modernistic views of the Scripture in the [[Downgrade Controversy]] and severed his church from the Baptist Union as a result.{{Sfn | Torbet | 1975 | p = 114}}<ref name="downgrade">{{Cite book|last=Spurgeon |first=Charles |title=The "Down Grade" Controversy |publisher=Pilgrim Publications |location=Pasadena, Texas |page=264 |date=2009 |url=http://www.spurgeon.org/misc/dwngrd.htm |isbn=978-1561862115 |url-status = dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140623204825/http://www.spurgeon.org/misc/dwngrd.htm |archive-date=23 June 2014 }}</ref><ref name="Nettles">{{Cite book | last = Nettles | first = Tom | title = Living By Revealed Truth The Life and Pastoral Theology of Charles Haddon Spurgeon | publisher = Christian Focus Publishing| location = Ross-shire | pages = 700 | date = 21 July 2013 | isbn =9781781911228 }}</ref>

The [[Northern Baptist Convention]] in the United States had internal conflict over modernism in the early 20th century, ultimately embracing it.{{Sfn | Torbet | 1975 | pp =395, 436}} Two new conservative associations of congregations that separated from the convention were founded as a result: the [[General Association of Regular Baptist Churches]] in 1933 and the [[Conservative Baptist Association of America]] in 1947.{{Sfn | Torbet | 1975 | pp =395, 436}}

Following similar conflicts over modernism, [[Southern Baptist Convention conservative resurgence|the Southern Baptist Convention adhered to conservative theology]] as its official position.<ref>Hefley, James C., ''The Truth in Crisis, Volume 6: The Conservative Resurgence in the Southern Baptist Convention'', Hannibal Books, 2008. {{ISBN|0-929292-19-7}}.</ref><ref>James, Rob B. ''The Fundamentalist Takeover in the Southern Baptist Convention'', 4th ed., Wilkes Publishing, [[Washington, Georgia]].</ref> In the late 20th century, Southern Baptists who disagreed with this direction founded two new groups: the liberal [[Alliance of Baptists]] in 1987 and the more moderate [[Cooperative Baptist Fellowship]] in 1991.<ref name = BrackneyBNA138>{{cite book| last =Brackney | first = William H.|title=Baptists in North America: An Historical Perspective|publisher=Wiley |year=2006|isbn=978-1-4051-1865-1 |page=138|url = https://books.google.com/books?id=elSI3WJy1kMC&pg=PA138 | access-date = 16 May 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite book| last1 = Mead | first1 = Frank Spencer | first2 = Samuel S | last2 = Hill | first3 = Craig D | last3 = Atwood|title= Handbook of Denominations in the United States|publisher= Abingdon Press |year= 2001 | isbn = 978-0-687-06983-5|page= 46}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Leonard|first=Bill J.|title=Baptists in America|publisher=Columbia University Press|year=2007|isbn=978-0-231-12703-5|page=[https://archive.org/details/baptistsinameric0000leon/page/228 228]|url=https://archive.org/details/baptistsinameric0000leon/page/228}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |access-date=16 January 2010 |url=http://www.thefellowship.info/About-Us/FAQ |title=CBF History |publisher=Cooperative Baptist Fellowship |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101130075936/http://thefellowship.info/About-Us/FAQ |archive-date=30 November 2010 |url-status = dead }}</ref> Originally both schisms continued to identify as Southern Baptist, but over time they "became permanent new families of Baptists."<ref name =BrackneyBNA138 />

===Criticism===
In his 1963 book, ''Strength to Love'', Baptist pastor [[Martin Luther King Jr.]] criticized some Baptist churches for their [[anti-intellectualism]], especially because of the lack of theological training among pastors.<ref>Lewis Baldwin, ''The Voice of Conscience: The Church in the Mind of Martin Luther King, Jr.'', Oxford University Press, US, 2010, p. 16</ref>

In 2018, Baptist theologian [[Russell D. Moore]] criticized some Baptists in the United States for their [[moralism]] emphasizing strongly the condemnation of certain personal sins, but silent on the social injustices that afflict entire populations, such as racism.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Samuel |date=2018-09-13 |title=Moore on MacArthur's Social Justice Statement: 'Bible Doesn't Make These Artificial Distinctions' |url=https://www.christianpost.com/news/russell-moore-john-macarthur-social-justice-statement-bible-doesnt-make-these-artificial-distinctions.html |access-date=2023-05-09 |website=The Christian Post |language=en-US}}</ref> In 2020, the [[North American Baptist Fellowship]], a region of the Baptist World Alliance, officially made a commitment to social justice and spoke out against [[institutionalized discrimination]] in the American justice system.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Camp |first=Ken |date=2020-06-04 |title=Baptist groups lament and decry racial injustice |url=https://www.baptiststandard.com/news/baptists/baptist-groups-lament-and-decry-racial-injustice/ |access-date=2023-05-09 |website=Baptist Standard |language=en-US}}</ref> In 2022, the Baptist World Alliance adopted a resolution encouraging Baptist churches and associations that have historically contributed to the sin of slavery to engage in [[restorative justice]]. <ref>Ken Camp, [https://www.baptiststandard.com/news/world/bwa-resolutions-condemn-racism-commend-reparations/ BWA resolutions condemn racism, commend reparations], baptiststandard.com, USA, July 16, 2022</ref>

==Bibliography==
{{Refbegin}}
* {{Citation | last= Brackney | first= William H. | oclc= 1244775694 | place= Lanham | publisher= Scarecrow Press | url= https://archive.org/details/historicaldictio0000brac | url-access= registration|date= 1999 | title= Historical Dictionary of the Baptists | isbn = 9780810836525}}
* {{Citation |last=Bumstead |first=JM |title=Henry Alline, 1748–1784 |publisher=[[Lancelot Press]] |place=Hantsport, NS |year=1984}}.
* {{Citation | last = Christian | first = John T | title = History of the Baptists | volume = 2 | place = Nashville | publisher = Broadman Press | year = 1926}}.
* Kidd, Thomas S. and Barry Hankins, ''Baptists in America: A History'' (2015)
* {{Citation | last = Leonard | first = Bill J | title = Baptist Ways: A History |publisher=Judson Press | year = 2003 |isbn= 978-0-8170-1231-1}}, comprehensive international History.
* {{Citation | last = Torbet | first = Robert G | title = A History of the Baptists | location = Valley Forge, PA | publisher = Judson Press | year = 1975 | orig-year = 1950 | isbn = 978-0-8170-0074-5 | url = https://archive.org/details/historyofbaptist0000torb }}.
* {{Citation |last=Wright |first=Stephen |title=Early English Baptists 1603–1649 |year=2004}}.
{{Refend}}

==Further reading==
* Bebbington, David. ''Baptists through the Centuries: A History of a Global People'' (Baylor University Press, 2010) emphasis on the United States and Europe; the last two chapters are on the global context.
* Brackney, William H. ''A Genetic History of Baptist Thought: With Special Reference to Baptists in Britain and North America'' (Mercer University Press, 2004), focus on confessions of faith, hymns, theologians, and academics.
* Brackney, William H. ed., ''Historical Dictionary of the Baptists'' (2nd ed. Scarecrow, 2009).
* Cathcart, William, ed. ''The Baptist Encyclopedia'' (2 vols. 1883). [https://archive.org/stream/baptistencyclope02cathuoft#page/n7/mode/2up online]
* Gavins, Raymond. ''The Perils and Prospects of Southern Black Leadership: Gordon Blaine Hancock, 1884–1970.'' Duke University Press, 1977.
* Harrison, Paul M. ''Authority and Power in the Free Church Tradition: A Social Case Study of the American Baptist Convention'' Princeton University Press, 1959.
* Harvey, Paul. ''Redeeming the South: Religious Cultures and Racial Identities among Southern Baptists, 1865–1925'' University of North Carolina Press, 1997.
* Heyrman, Christine Leigh. ''Southern Cross: The Beginnings of the Bible Belt'' (1997).
* Isaac, Rhy. "Evangelical Revolt: The Nature of the Baptists' Challenge to the Traditional Order in Virginia, 1765 to 1775", ''William and Mary Quarterly,'' 3d ser., XXXI (July 1974), 345–368.
* {{Citation | title = Life & Practice in the Early Church: A Documentary Reader | publisher = New York University press | year = 2001 | pages = 5–7 | isbn = 978-0-8147-5648-5}}.
*Kidd, Thomas S., Barry Hankins, Oxford University Press, 2015
* Leonard, Bill J. ''Baptists in America'' (Columbia University Press, 2005).
* {{cite book|author=Menikoff, Aaron|title=Politics and Piety: Baptist Social Reform in America, 1770–1860|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2oANBQAAQBAJ&pg=PR9|year=2014|publisher=Wipf and Stock Publishers|isbn=9781630872823}}
* Pitts, Walter F. ''Old Ship of Zion: The Afro-Baptist Ritual in the African Diaspora'' Oxford University Press, 1996.
* Rawlyk, George. ''Champions of the Truth: Fundamentalism, Modernism, and the Maritime Baptists'' (1990), Canada.
* Spangler, Jewel L. "Becoming Baptists: Conversion in Colonial and Early National Virginia" ''Journal of Southern History.'' Volume: 67. Issue: 2. 2001. pp. 243+
* Stringer, Phil. ''The Faithful Baptist Witness,'' Landmark Baptist Press, 1998.
* Underwood, A. C. ''A History of the English Baptists.'' London: Kingsgate Press, 1947.
* Whitley, William Thomas ''A Baptist Bibliography: being a register of the chief materials for Baptist history, whether in manuscript or in print, preserved in Great Britain, Ireland, and the Colonies''. 2 vols. London: Kingsgate Press, 1916–1922 (reissued) Hildesheim: Georg Olms, 1984 {{ISBN|3487074567}}
* {{Cite journal|last=Wilhite|first=David E.|title=The Baptists "And the Son": The Filioque Clause in Noncreedal Theology|journal=Journal of Ecumenical Studies|year=2009|volume=44|issue=2|pages=285–302|url=https://www.thefreelibrary.com/The+baptists+%22and+the+son%22%3a+the+Filioque+clause+in+noncreedal...-a0205746293}}
* Wills, Gregory A. ''Democratic Religion: Freedom, Authority, and Church Discipline in the Baptist South, 1785–1900,'' Oxford.

===Primary sources===
* McBeth, H. Leon, ed. ''A Sourcebook for Baptist Heritage'' (1990), primary sources for Baptist history.
* McKinion, Steven A., ed. ''Life and Practice in the Early Church: A Documentary Reader'' (2001)
* McGlothlin, W. J., ed. ''Baptist Confessions of Faith.'' Philadelphia: The American Baptist Publication Society, 1911.

==External links==
* {{Commons-inline|Baptist Christianity}}
* {{Wiktionary-inline|Baptist}}
* {{Wikisource-inline|Portal:Baptists}}
* [https://www.churchfathers.org/infant-baptism/ Early Church Fathers on Baptism]
* [http://www.oxfordbibliographiesonline.com/view/document/obo-9780199730414/obo-9780199730414-0192.xml?rskey=nvgEkL&result=14 Oxford bibliographies: "Baptists" (2015) by Janet Moore Lindman]
* [https://archives.isl.lib.in.us/repositories/2/resources/298 Baptist church history collection], Rare Books and Manuscripts, Indiana State Library

==References==

[[Category:Baptists| ]]
[[Category:Baptist Christianity| ]]
[[Category:Christian terminology]]

Evangelicalism

2026-03-11T10:35:21Z

ComingAgain:

'''Evangelicalism''', also called '''evangelical Christianity''' or incorrectly '''evangelical Protestantism''', is a [[Christian]] movement that practices [[Low church|Low Church]] worship, a denial of the orthodox doctrine of the [[Sacraments]] and an emphasis on [[evangelism]], or the preaching and spreading of the Gospel.

Evangelicals are not Protestant, since [[Protestantism]] comes from the [[Protestant Reformation]], whereas Evangelicalism comes from several schisms during the mid to late 1800s and early 1900s.

Low church

2026-03-11T10:32:05Z

ComingAgain:

'''Low church''' is a term usually used to describe certain [[Protestantism|Protestant]] or [[Evangelicalism|Evangelical]] groups, that would especially deny [[Confession of Faith|Confessions]], and deny the orthodox doctrine of the [[sacraments]] of [[Baptism]] and the [[Lord's Supper]].

A minority of [[Reformed]] Churches, as well as all [[Baptists]], [[Pentecostal|Pentecostals]] and Evangelicals are Low Church.

Low church

2026-03-11T10:31:48Z

ComingAgain:

'''Low church''' is a term usually used to describe certain [[Protestantism|Protestant]] or [[Evangelicalism|Evangelical]] groups, that would especially deny [[Confession of Faith|Confessions]], and deny the orthodox doctrine of the[[sacraments]] of [[Baptism]] and the [[Lord's Supper]].

A minority of [[Reformed]] Churches, as well as all [[Baptists]], [[Pentecostal|Pentecostals]] and Evangelicals are Low Church.

High church

2026-03-11T10:28:40Z

ComingAgain:

A '''High Church''' refers to a [[Church (Local Body)|Church]] which emphasises [[Traditionalism|traditional]] non-[[Fundamentalism|fundamentalist]] worship and liturgy. All [[Ecclesialism|Ecclesialist]] denominations are considered High Church, as well as the [[Lutheran]], [[Anglican]] and most [[Reformed]] Churches.

This is opposed to them being [[Low church|Low Church]].

Michael Jones

2026-03-11T10:25:21Z

ComingAgain:

'''Michael Jones''' is a [[Christian]] [[apologist]] and [[Philosophy|philosopher]] who together with [[Than Christopoulos]] runs the YouTube channel, InspiringPhilosophy. Having a Masters in philosophy from the University of Arizona, he dedicates much of his time arguing for the reliability of the [[New Testament]] and the [[Book of Exodus]], as well as engaging in polemics against [[Muslims]] and [[New Atheism|New Atheists]] alike.

He does not specify which denomination he adheres too, but does clarify that he attends a "[[High church|High Church]]". Theological he identifies as a [[Molinism|Molinist]], and a [[Theistic Evolution|Theistic Evolutionist]] and has stated he believes in the [[Ransom theory of atonement]].

Apostolic Fathers

2026-03-10T18:10:05Z

ComingAgain: Created page with "The '''Apostolic Fathers''' are the 1st century Church Fathers who were directly taught by the Apostles. The three most prominent are Clement the Bishop of Rome, Ignatius the Bishop of Antioch and Polycarp the Bishop of Smyrna, though there are others. ==Figures== {| class="wikitable" |+ !Name !Location !Taught by !Key writing(s) !Martyred |- |'''Clement of Rome''' |Rome |The Apostles Peter the..."

The '''Apostolic Fathers''' are the 1st century [[Church Fathers]] who were directly taught by the [[Apostles]].

The three most prominent are [[Clement of Rome|Clement the Bishop of Rome]], [[Ignatius of Antioch|Ignatius the Bishop of Antioch]] and [[Polycarp|Polycarp the Bishop of Smyrna]], though there are others.

==Figures==
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Name
!Location
!Taught by
!Key writing(s)
!Martyred
|-
|'''[[Clement of Rome]]'''
|[[Rome]]
|The Apostles [[Peter the Apostle|Peter]] and [[Paul the Apostle|Paul]]
|[[Epistle of Clement|The Epistle of Clement to the Corinthians]]
[[Second Epistle of Clement|The Second Epistle of Clement]] (ascribed)
|Drowned in the Black Sea
c.100
|-
|'''[[Ignatius of Antioch]]'''
|[[Antioch]]
|The Apostle [[John the Apostle|John]]
|[[Epistle of Ignatius to the Ephesians|The Epistle of Ignatius to the Ephesians]]
[[Epistle of Ignatius to the Magnesians|The Epistle of Ignatius to the Magnesians]]
[[Epistle of Ignatius to the Trallians|The Epistle of Ignatius to the Trallians]]
[[Epistle of Ignatius to the Romans|The Epistle of Ignatius to the Romans]]
[[Epistle of Ignatius to the Philadelphians|The Epistle of Ignatius to the Philadelphians]]
[[Epistle of Ignatius to the Smyrnaeans|The Epistle of Ignatius to the Smyrnaeans]]
[[Epistle of Ignatius to Polycarp|The Epistle of Ignatius to Polycarp]]
|Thrown to the lions by Emperor Trajan in Rome
c.100-140
|-
|'''[[Polycarp|Polycarp of Smyrna]]'''
|[[Smyrna]]
|The Apostle [[John]]
|[[Epistle of Polycarp to the Philippians|The Epistle of Polycarp to the Philippians]]
|Burnt and then stabbed to death in Smyrna
c.155
|-
|'''[[Papias of Hierapolis]]'''
|[[Pamukkale|Hierapolis]]
|The Apostle [[John the Apostle|John]]
|[[Exposition of the Oracles of the Lord]] (lost)
|N/A
|-
|'''[[Quadratus of Athens]]'''
|[[Athens]]
|The Apostles
|[[Apology of Quadratus|The Apology of Quadratus]] (lost)
|Details unknown
c.129
|-
|'''[[Hermas the Freedman]]'''
|[[Rome]]
|The Apostle [[Paul the Apostle|Paul]]
|[[The Shepherd of Hermas]]
|N/A
|}

Church Fathers

2026-03-10T14:03:36Z

ComingAgain:

The '''Church Fathers''' are the [[Theologian|theologians]] who have received and articulated the [[Orthodoxy|orthodox]] [[Christianity|Christian faith]] from the time of the [[Apostles]] to today.

==See also==

* The [[Apostolic Fathers]] - The earliest Church Fathers who were taught by the Apostles themselves
* The [[ante-Nicene Fathers]] - The Church Fathers who lived between the deaths of the Apostles and the Council of Nicaea
* The [[Nicene Fathers]] - The Church Fathers who participated in the Council of Nicaea or the Council of Constantinople
* The [[Doctors of the Church|Church Doctors]] - The Church Fathers during the 5th to 9th centuries
* The [[Proto-protestantism|Proto-Protestants]] - The Church Fathers who preceded the Protestant Reformation
* The [[Reformers]] - The Church Fathers who participated in the Protestant Reformation

Pelagianism

2026-03-10T13:56:09Z

ComingAgain:

'''Pelagianism''' was a 3rd century [[heresy]] created by the British [[Asceticism|ascetic]], [[Pelagius]]. Its main emphasis was that the Imago Deo means that humans have the radical free will to choose to side with God, and that in choosing to side with God, they must spend their every moment serving him.

[[Augustine of Hippo]] continuously condemned the Pelagians in a series of theological treatises, though they accused him of bringing [[Manicheaism|Manichean]] determinism into [[Christianity]] due to his assertion that salvation was [[Sola Gratia|by the grace of God alone]] and that God had [[Predestination|predestined]] the [[Saints]] before time began. Augustine's response was to show not only was predestination clear through the writings of the [[Church Fathers]], but also throughout [[Scripture]].

Arminianism

2026-03-10T13:49:52Z

ComingAgain:

'''Arminianism''' is a [[soteriological]] system created by [[Jakobus Arminius]], a [[Dutch Reformed Church|Dutch Reformed]] [[theologian]]. It posits that the [[predestination]] of [[God]] affects only those he knew were fated to choose him anyway.

It was this theology that caused early Reformed scholastics to formalism orthodox [[Calvinism]] in the [[Canons of Dort]], which lay out the [[5 Points of Calvinism]].

Soteriological

2026-03-10T13:49:14Z

ComingAgain: Redirected page to Soteriology

#REDIRECT [[Soteriology]]

Arminianism

2026-03-10T13:48:33Z

ComingAgain:

'''Arminianism''' is a [[soteriological]] system created by [[Jakobus Arminius]], a [[Dutch Reformed Church|Dutch Reformed]] [[theologian]]. It posits that the [[predestination]] of [[God]] affects only though who he knew were fated to choose him anyway.

It was this theology that caused early Reformed scholastics to formalism orthodox [[Calvinism]] in the [[Canons of Dort]], which lay out the [[5 Points of Calvinism]].

Soteriology

2026-03-10T13:43:20Z

ComingAgain:

'''Soteriology''' is the theological theorem that deals with the study of [[salvation]].

It is intended to explore how humanity can be saved from sin and its consequences, the role of [[Jesus Christ]] in salvation, and the means by which individuals receive salvation, whether through faith, grace, works, or other theological concepts. Soteriology addresses questions like the nature of salvation, the process of being saved, and the ultimate goal of salvation, which is typically eternal life with God.

Soteriology was the main area of study of [[John Calvin]] and is the main focus of [[Calvinism]].

==See also==

[[Manicheaism]]: A heretical form of fatalistic soteriology

[[Hyper-Calvinism]]: A detirministic soteriological system

[[Calvinism]]: The orthodox soteriological system, emphasising that salvation is of God's grace and power alone

[[Molinism]]: A soteriological system that claims to be a middle ground between Calvinists and Arminians

[[Arminianism]]: A soteriological system that posits that God predestines those he knew would choose him anyway

[[Pelagianism]]: A heretical soteriology based in a radical conception of free will

Molinism

2026-03-10T13:42:03Z

ComingAgain: Created page with "'''Molinism''' is a soteriological system that asserts that humans have the free will to be saved. It developed within the Roman Catholic Church and is often seen as synonymous with Arminianism, though it claims to be a middle ground between Calvinists and Arminians."

'''Molinism''' is a [[Soteriology|soteriological]] system that asserts that humans have the free will to be saved. It developed within the [[Roman Catholic Church]] and is often seen as synonymous with [[Arminianism]], though it claims to be a middle ground between [[Calvinism|Calvinists]] and Arminians.

Theistic Evolution

2026-03-10T13:31:48Z

ComingAgain: Created page with "'''Theistic Evolution''' is a theory of evolution that posits that God created the world ex-nihilo by the natural process of evolution. It stands in contrast to both Young Earth Creationism and Neo-Darwinism."

'''Theistic Evolution''' is a theory of [[evolution]] that posits that [[God]] created the world [[ex-nihilo]] by the natural process of evolution.

It stands in contrast to both [[Young Earth Creationism]] and [[Neo-Darwinism]].

Michael Jones

2026-03-10T13:29:01Z

ComingAgain: Created page with "'''Michael Jones''' is a Christian apologist and philosopher who together with Than Christopoulos runs the YouTube channel, InspiringPhilosophy. Having a Masters in philosophy from the University of Arizona, he dedicates much of his time arguing for the reliability of the New Testament and the Book of Exodus, as well as engaging in polemics against Muslims and New Atheists alike. He does not specify which denominati..."

'''Michael Jones''' is a [[Christian]] [[apologist]] and [[Philosophy|philosopher]] who together with [[Than Christopoulos]] runs the YouTube channel, InspiringPhilosophy. Having a Masters in philosophy from the University of Arizona, he dedicates much of his time arguing for the reliability of the [[New Testament]] and the [[Book of Exodus]], as well as engaging in polemics against [[Muslims]] and [[New Atheism|New Atheists]] alike.

He does not specify which denomination he adheres too, but does clarify that he ends a "[[High church|High Church]]". Theological he identifies as a [[Molinism|Molinist]], and a [[Theistic Evolution|Theistic Evolutionist]] and has stated he believes in the [[Ransom theory of atonement]].

Apocrypha

2026-02-27T14:12:00Z

ComingAgain: Changed redirect target from Https://reformedwiki.org/wiki/Bible#Books of the Apocrypha to Bible#Books of the Apocrypha

#REDIRECT [[Bible#Books_of_the_Apocrypha]]

Apocrypha

2026-02-27T14:11:33Z

ComingAgain: Redirected page to Https://reformedwiki.org/wiki/Bible#Books of the Apocrypha

#REDIRECT [[https://reformedwiki.org/wiki/Bible#Books_of_the_Apocrypha]]

Alexandria

2026-02-27T14:05:33Z

ComingAgain: Changed redirect target from Alexandrian School to Alexandrian School (early Church)

#REDIRECT [[Alexandrian School (early Church)]]

Alexandria

2026-02-27T14:05:13Z

ComingAgain: Redirected page to Alexandrian School

#REDIRECT [[Alexandrian School]]

Exoteric mystery

2026-02-27T14:03:54Z

ComingAgain:

An '''exoteric mystery''' is a [[mystery]] which cannot be sufficiently explained through human language, but must be understood through personal experience.

Exoteric mystery

2026-02-27T14:03:24Z

ComingAgain: Created page with "An '''exoteric mystery''' is a mystery which cannot be sufficiently explain through human language, but must be understood through personal experience."

An '''exoteric mystery''' is a [[mystery]] which cannot be sufficiently explain through human language, but must be understood through personal experience.

Scripture

2026-02-27T14:01:53Z

ComingAgain: Created page with "Inspired '''Scripture''' is a piece of writing which is God-breathed and infallible. The Holy Bible, consisting of the Old and New Testaments, is considered by all Christians to be the full and complete Scripture for humanity which cannot be changed or added to."

Inspired '''Scripture''' is a piece of writing which is [[God-breathed]] and [[Infallibility of Scripture|infallible]]. The [[Holy Bible]], consisting of the [[Old Testament|Old]] and [[New Testament|New Testaments]], is considered by all [[Christians]] to be the full and complete Scripture for humanity which cannot be changed or added to.

Alexandrian School (early Church)

2026-02-27T13:58:14Z

ComingAgain: Created page with "The '''Alexandrian school''' refers to certain theological tendencies originating with a group of Egyptian Christians in the 3rd Century AD, including Clement and Origen of Alexandria. Christians from the Alexandrian school tended to emphasise the exoteric mysteries of Scripture."

The '''Alexandrian school''' refers to certain theological tendencies originating with a group of Egyptian Christians in the 3rd Century AD, including [[Clement of Alexandria|Clement]] and [[Origen of Alexandria]]. Christians from the Alexandrian school tended to emphasise the [[Exoteric mystery|exoteric mysteries]] of [[Scripture]].

Divinity of Christ

2026-02-27T13:52:49Z

ComingAgain: Redirected page to God the Son

#REDIRECT [[God the Son]]

Arian heresy

2026-02-27T13:52:03Z

ComingAgain: Redirected page to Arianism

#REDIRECT [[Arianism]]

Arius

2026-02-27T13:51:26Z

ComingAgain: Created page with "'''Arius''' was an Alexandrian presbyter and heresiarch who created the Arian heresy. His teaching and his ideas were condemned at the Council of Nicaea for their denial of Jesus Christ's holiness and divinity."

'''Arius''' was an [[Alexandrian School (early Church)|Alexandrian]] [[presbyter]] and [[heresiarch]] who created the [[Arian heresy]]. His teaching and his ideas were condemned at the [[Council of Nicaea]] for their denial of [[Jesus Christ|Jesus Christ's]] holiness and [[Divinity of Christ|divinity]].

Martyr

2026-02-27T13:47:42Z

ComingAgain:

A [[Christian]] '''martyr''' is someone who dies for their belief in the Christian faith.

Worship of Saints

2026-02-27T13:45:54Z

ComingAgain: Created page with "The '''Worship of Saints''' refers to the practice of worshipping good Christians, priests or martyrs instead of God."

The '''Worship of Saints''' refers to the practice of worshipping good [[Christians]], [[Priest|priests]] or [[Martyr|martyrs]] instead of [[God]].

Augustine of Canterbury

2026-02-27T13:42:48Z

ComingAgain: Created page with "'''Augustine of Canterbury''' was the first Archbishop of Canterbury."

'''Augustine of Canterbury''' was the first [[Archbishop of Canterbury]].

Canterbury Cathedral

2026-02-27T13:38:40Z

ComingAgain: Created page with "The choir of Canterbury Cathedral, facing the Trinity Chapel '''Canterbury Cathedral''', officially the '''Cathedral and Metropolitical Church of Christ of Canterbury''', is an Anglican Cathedral in Canterbury, United Kingdom. It is the official Cathedral of the Archbishop of Canterbury, the spiritual leader of the Anglican Communion. == History == File:Fo..."

[[File:Canterbury_Cathedral_Choir_1,_Kent,_UK_-_Diliff.jpg|thumb|269x269px|The choir of Canterbury Cathedral, facing the Trinity Chapel]]
'''Canterbury Cathedral''', officially the '''Cathedral and Metropolitical Church of Christ of Canterbury''', is an [[Anglicanism|Anglican]] [[Cathedral]] in [[Canterbury]], [[United Kingdom]]. It is the official Cathedral of the [[Archbishop of Canterbury]], the spiritual leader of the [[Anglican Communion]].

== History ==
[[File:Former site of Thomas Becket's shrine in Canterbury Cathedral.jpg|thumb|253x253px|Former site of Thomas Becket's shrine in Canterbury Cathedral]]
The Cathedral was first founded in 597 AD by [[Augustine of Canterbury]], the first Archbishop of Canterbury ordained by [[Pope Gregory I]], but was completely rebuilt in the 11th century. Prior to [[King Henry VIII of England|King Henry VIII's]] split from [[Roman Catholic Church|Rome]], the Cathedral was home to a [[Benedictine]] [[Monasticism|monastic]] community.

On 29th December 1170, Archbishop [[Thomas Becket]] was murdered in the Cathedral by four of [[King Henry II of England|King Henry II's]] Knights after one overheard and misinterpreted the King's exasperated cry "Who will rid me of this turbulent priest?" Becket was subsequently [[Worship of Saints|venerated as a Saint]] by the locals as his blood was collected or soaked up with cloths that would later be seen as [[holy relics]] with healing powers. In 1173, Becket was canonised as a Saint by [[Pope Alexander III]].

In 1220, Becket's fame and status became so prominent that his remains were removed from their resting place in the Cathedral's crypt to the rebuilt upper Cathedral, beyond the high altar in the famed [[Trinity Chapel (Canterbury Cathedral)|Trinity Chapel]], where a magnificently ornate shrine was built for him. In 1538, Becket's shrine was destroyed to conform with the iconoclasm of King Henry VIII's split from Rome.

Today the Cathedral continues to be used by the [[Church of England]], with daily services.

Persian Empire

2026-02-27T11:49:59Z

ComingAgain: Removed redirect to Achaemenid Empire

The '''Persian Empire''' refers to multiple Empires in Iran and the Middle East from 550 BC to 651 AD.

The first Persian Empire, usually called the [[Achaemenid Empire]], was founded by [[Cyrus the Great]] and conquered the dominant [[Babylonian Empire]] in 539 BC, thus liberating the [[Israelites]] from [[Babylonian exile|exile]].

Schism

2026-02-27T00:43:05Z

ComingAgain: Created page with "A diagram showing how to tell if a Church is schismatic by [[Redeemed Zoomer ]] '''Schism''' in the Church occurs when members leave the institution without prompting. Some of the first schisms in the Church include those of the Novatianist, Donatist and Nestorian sects. In modern times, schism often occurs due to political differences, which often involves ortho..."

[[File:Schismatic Diagram by Redeemed Zoomer.png|thumb|A diagram showing how to tell if a Church is schismatic by [[Redeemed Zoomer]] ]]
'''Schism''' in the [[Church]] occurs when members leave the institution without prompting.

Some of the first schisms in the Church include those of the [[Novatianists|Novatianist]], [[Donatism|Donatist]] and [[Nestorianism|Nestorian]] sects. In modern times, schism often occurs due to political differences, which often involves orthodox conservative Christians leaving a perceivably [[Liberalism (theology)|Liberal]] Church. This leads to the abandonment of mainline institutions by conservatives, thus fostering more Theological Liberalism.

There is absolutely no [[Bible|Biblical]] justification for schism and many foundational [[Reformed]] writers railed against it, especially [[Samuel Rutherford]].

File:Schismatic Diagram by Redeemed Zoomer.png

2026-02-27T00:34:26Z

ComingAgain:

A diagram showing how to tell whether a Church is schismatic or not by Richard Ackerman (Redeemed Zoomer)

Novatian

2026-02-27T00:30:44Z

ComingAgain:

'''Novatian''' (c. 200 – c. 258 CE) was an [[Early Christianity|early Christian]] [[Schism|schismatic]] who was branded an "anti-pope" and who opposed the laxity towards apostasy, advocating strict moral discipline and a rigorous approach to church leadership.

As a prominent priest and theologian from Rome, Novatian is best remembered for his radical stance against the laxity of the Church in dealing with apostates and sinners during times of persecution. His insistence on maintaining strict moral standards and his vehement opposition to what he perceived as compromising the integrity of the Church aligned him with early reformist ideals.

Novatian's most significant contribution was his role in the formation of the [[Novatianists|Novatianist sect]]. This group was distinguished by its rigorous stance on church discipline and its rejection of the lenient policies adopted by the [[Roman Catholic Church|mainstream Church]], especially regarding the readmission of those who had renounced their faith under duress. Novatian's writings and theological positions showcased a commitment to what he saw as a purer, more unyielding form of Christianity, challenging the Roman ecclesiastical and political status quo. His efforts to uphold stringent Christian purity and discipline echo the pre-Protestant reformist zeal for a return to foundational Christian principles.

He was greatly inspired by [[Tertullian]], however in his "[[Treatise of Novatian on the Trinity|Treatise on the Trinity]]," he espoused a radical form of [[Nestorianism]].

Son

2026-02-27T00:28:46Z

ComingAgain: Redirected page to God the Son

#REDIRECT [[God_the_Son]]

Father

2026-02-27T00:27:52Z

ComingAgain: Redirected page to God the Father

#REDIRECT [[God_the_Father]]

Treatise of Novatian on the Trinity

2026-02-27T00:25:59Z

ComingAgain: Created page with "'''A Treatise on the Trinity''', usually printed as '''The Treatise of Novatian on the Trinity''', is a 3rd century work by the schismatic rigorist Novatian of Rome on the doctrine of the Trinity. It is largely based on the writings of Tertullian. == Contents == The work is not extensive, but includes statements largely compiled from Tertullian's writings, including an affirmation that the Father and the Son are Homoousion|of one..."

'''A Treatise on the Trinity''', usually printed as '''The Treatise of Novatian on the Trinity''', is a 3rd century work by the [[Schism|schismatic]] rigorist [[Novatian|Novatian of Rome]] on the doctrine of the [[Trinity]]. It is largely based on the writings of [[Tertullian]].
== Contents ==
The work is not extensive, but includes statements largely compiled from Tertullian's writings, including an affirmation that the [[Father]] and the [[Son]] are [[Homoousion|of one substance]].

Unfortunately, the work also explicitly endorses a radical form of [[Nestorianism]], suggesting that [[Jesus Christ]] is in reality two persons, one divine (the Son of God) and one human (the [[Son of man]]):

''"That Holy Thing which is born of her - that is, that substance of flesh and body - is not the Son of God primarily, but consequently, and in the secondary place; but primarily, that the Son of God is the Word of God, incarnate by that Spirit of whom the angel says, 'The Spirit shall come upon you, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow you.' For He is the legitimate Son of God who is of God Himself; and He, while He assumes that Holy Thing, and links to Himself the Son of man, and draws Him and transfers Him to Himself, by His connection and mingling of association becomes responsible for and makes Him the Son of God, which by nature He was not, so that the original cause of that name Son of God is in the Spirit of the Lord, who descended and came, and that there is only the continuance of the name in the case of the Son of man; and by consequence He reasonably became the Son of God, although originally He is not the Son of God"'' - The Treatise of Novatian on the Trinity, chapter 24

Novatian

2026-02-27T00:15:56Z

ComingAgain:

'''Novatian''' (c. 200 – c. 258 CE) was an [[Early Christianity|early Christian]] theologian who was branded an "anti-pope" and who opposed the laxity towards apostasy, advocating strict moral discipline and a rigorous approach to church leadership.

He is considered a [[Proto-protestantism|pre-Protestant]] theologian and reformer during the 3rd century CE. As a prominent priest and theologian from Rome, Novatian is best remembered for his radical stance against the laxity of the Church in dealing with apostates and sinners during times of persecution. His insistence on maintaining strict moral standards and his vehement opposition to what he perceived as compromising the integrity of the Church aligned him with early reformist ideals.

Novatian's most significant contribution was his role in the formation of the [[Novatianists|Novatianist sect]]. This group was distinguished by its rigorous stance on church discipline and its rejection of the lenient policies adopted by the [[Roman Catholic Church|mainstream Church]], especially regarding the readmission of those who had renounced their faith under duress. Novatian's writings and theological positions showcased a commitment to what he saw as a purer, more unyielding form of Christianity, challenging the Roman ecclesiastical and political status quo. His efforts to uphold stringent Christian purity and discipline echo the pre-Protestant reformist zeal for a return to foundational Christian principles.

He was greatly inspired by [[Tertullian]], however in his "[[Treatise of Novatian on the Trinity|Treatise on the Trinity]]," he espoused a radical form of [[Nestorianism]].

Heresy

2026-02-27T00:12:46Z

ComingAgain:

A '''heresy''' is a belief or system of theology which goes against the teachings of the [[Bible]].

Typically, heresies spread erroneous conceptions of [[God]], Scripture or the institution of the [[Church (Universal Body)|Church]].

== History ==
'''<big>In the New Testament</big>'''

Heresy within the Church has existed since the time of the [[Apostles]].

The [[Acts of the Apostles|Book of Acts]] speaks of a false convert named [[Simon Magus]], who was rebuked by the Apostles for attempting to bribe them into teaching him how to do [[Miracles of the Apostles|miracles]]. From this comes the term "[[Simony]]," meaning the buying or selling of ecclesiastical privileges, offices, or sacred things, especially in a church context.

The [[Apostle Paul]] especially had to battle heresy within the Churches of [[Church in Corinth (New Testament)|Corinth]] and [[Church in Galatia (New Testament)|Galatia]] in his [[Epistles of Paul|Epistles]]. The [[Galatianism|Galatian heresy]] was especially pernicious, and was rebuked by Paul in the harshest of terms in his [[Epistle to the Galatians]]. It was a [[Judaizing]] heresy, as it required [[Gentile]] converts to first become [[Jewish]] before they could become Christian.

The [[Book of Revelation|Book of the Revelation]] includes denouncements of "[[Nicolaitans|the Nicolaitans]]," with God explicitly saying to the [[Church in Ephesus (New Testament)|Church in Ephesus]], "thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate." (Revelation 2:6). The Bible does not say much more about this group, but [[Clement of Alexandria|Saint Clement of Alexandria]] connects them to [[antinomianism]].
[[File:Codex Tchacos p33.jpg|thumb|235x235px|The so-called "Gospel of Judas Iscariot", a Gnostic text]]
<big>'''In the Pre-Nicene Church'''</big>

The worst heresy of the very early Church was the various [[Gnosticism|Gnostic]] sects, which emphasised [[Esotericism|esoteric]] knowledge as the secret to salvation. [[Irenaeus of Lyon|Saint Irenaeus of Lyon]] wrote an extensive work exposing and denouncing their beliefs and practices, called "[[Against Heresies]]". As a result of this work and expositions by other [[Church Fathers|Church fathers]], they became largely irrelevant by the 5th century.

The [[Manicheaism|Manichean heresy]], beginning in Persia and influenced by [[Buddhism]] and [[Zoroastrianism]] gained a large following in the 2nd to 7th centuries, including convincing [[Augustine of Hippo|Saint Augustine of Hippo]] prior to conversion to Christianity. Along with orthodox Christianity, it was widely persecuted in both the [[Persian Empire|Persian]] and [[Roman Empire|Roman Empires]]. It spread as far as [[Xinjiang]] in [[China]] and [[Great Britain]] in [[Europe]] before dying out, largely due to its community of travelling ascetics.

'''<big>The Trinitarian controversies</big>'''

The [[Arianism|Arian heresy]], which taught that [[Jesus of Nazareth|Jesus]] is not God and not co-equal with the [[God the Father|Father]] originated in [[Alexandria]] with the teachings of the [[heresiarch]] [[Arius]]. Following Roman [[Constantine|Emperor Constantine's]] conversion to Christianity, the [[Council of Nicaea]] was assembled to discuss the nature of Christ and the Trinity. At the end of the council, only two of the 318 attending Bishops agreed with Arius' conception of the Godhead.

As such, Arianism was declared a heresy and the [[Nicene Creed]] was written to formalise the orthodox doctrine of the Trinity, declaring the [[Eternal Sonship]] of Jesus Christ and affirming the use of the word "[[homoousios]]" to refer to the relationship between the Father and the Son.

Following the Council of Nicaea, more disputes about the Trinity emerged, including [[Macedonianism]] (rejected at the [[Council of Constantinople]]), [[Nestorianism]] (rejected at the [[Council of Ephesus]]) and [[Monophysitism]] (rejected at the [[Council of Chalcedon]]).

'''<big>Following the Schism of 1054</big>'''

Before and after the [[Great Schism of 1054]], the Church itself officially permitted and adopted many heretical ideas, including the equal [[Infallibility of the Church|primacy of Church authority]] with the [[Sola Scriptura|authority of Scripture]], the [[worship of Saints]] and the mass practice of [[monasticism]].

The doctrine which caused the Schism of 1054, however, was a controversy about the western Church's addition of the term "[[Filioque]]" (Latin: "And the Son") to the Nicene Creed. The original Nicene Creed read:

''"I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and Giver of Life; who proceeds from the Father; who with the Father and the Son together is worshiped and glorified;"''

The western revision, however, amended the text to include and affirmation that the Holy Spirit ''"proceeds from the Father and the Son"''. The eastern Churches argued that this contradicted the original intention of the Bishops at Nicaea, however the west had the support of the Bishop of Rome, thus turning the dispute into a battle between independent Church sovereignty and Roman overreach. This, and previous events, laid the foundation for the [[Roman Catholicism|Roman Catholic]] doctrine of [[Papal supremacy]].

Eventually, the Church split between the west (who became the [[Roman Catholic Church]]) and the east (who became the [[Eastern Orthodox Churches]]). Both sides of the split, however, retained the heretical doctrines previously mentioned, despite attempts by certain factions in the Byzantine Church to abolish the [[Byzantine Iconodulia|worship of Icons]] (See [[Byzantine Iconoclasm]]).

<big>'''Following the Protestant Reformation'''</big>

With the advent of the [[Protestant Reformation]], the practice of monasticism and the worship of Saints and icons were abolished in the [[Protestant]] Churches. Uncertainties about the extent to which [[Sola Scriptura]] should be applied, however, lead to various errors within early Protestantism and even the renouncement by some of both Protestantism and Roman Catholicism (see Restorationism).

'''<big>Modern heresy</big>'''

Much of the present heretical sects are caused by the over-emphasis on political discussion within theology. This has led to the heresies of both "[[Liberalism (theology)|Theological Liberalism]]" and "[[Christian Nationalism|Christian nationalism]]," both of which must be rejected.

== See also ==
'''<big>The following is a list of heretical groups</big>'''

* [[Galatianism]] (The heresy of the Church in Galatia)
* [[Corinthianism]] (The heresy of the Church in Corinth)
* The [[Nicolaitans]] (A heresy rebuked in the Book of the Revelation)
* [[Judaism]] (A distinct religion) and [[Judaizing]] (an effort to convert Christians to Judaism)
** [[Ebionitism]] (A Judaizing sect)
** The [[Elkasaites]] (A Judaizing sect)
* The [[Adamites]] (A nudist sect)
* [[Gnosticism]] (A wide array of heresies in the very early Church)
** [[Simonianism]] (A Gnostic sect purportedly founded by Simon Magus)
** [[Valentinianism]] (The most prominent of the Gnostic sects)
** [[Sethianism]] (A Gnostic sect)
** [[Cainitism]] (A Gnostic sect)
** [[Carpocratianism]] (A libertine Gnostic sect)
* [[Messalianism]] (A syncretic Christian pagan sect)
* [[Manicheaism|Manichaeism]] (A syncretic Jewish, Buddhist, Zoroastrian, Gnostic sect, later considered a distinct religion)
* [[Donatism]] (A schismatic early anabaptist sect)
* [[Nontrinitarianism]]
** [[Arianism]] (A nontrinitarian sect)
** [[Sabellianism]] (A nontrinitarian sect)
* Unorthodox Trinitarianism
** [[Macedonianism]] (A trinitarian heresy)
** [[Monophysitism]] (A trinitarian heresy)
** [[Miaphysitism]] (A trinitarian heresy)
** [[Nestorianism]] (A trinitarian heresy)
* [[Islam]] (A distinct religion heavily influenced by Christian heresy)
* [[Restorationism]] (The idea that the Church died out and must be revived)
** [[Anabaptism]] (A restorationist sect)
*** The [[Amish]] (An Anabaptist sect)
*** The [[Mennonites]] (An Anabaptist sect)
** [[Swedenborgianism]] (A mystic restorationist sect)
** [[Primitive Baptism]] (A Baptist restorationist sect)
** [[Mormonism]] (A restorationist sect)
** [[Seventh-Day Adventists|Seventh-day Adventism]] (A restoration sect)
** [[Armstrongism]] (A restorationist sect)

Friedrich Wilhelm Krummacher

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ComingAgain: Created page with "'''Dr Friedrich Wilhem Krummacher''' (1796 - 1868) was a Reformed minister and theologian from Germany. His most famous work was his "Elijah the Tishbite", a printed collection of his sermons the life of the Prophet Elijah. It was this compendium that went on the inspire Felix Mendelssohn's 1846 choral work Elijah. ==Life== He..."

'''Dr Friedrich Wilhem Krummacher''' (1796 - 1868) was a [[Reformed Christianity|Reformed]] [[Minister (Christianity)|minister]] and [[theologian]] from Germany. His most famous work was his "[[Elijah the Tishbite (book)|Elijah the Tishbite]]", a printed collection of his sermons the life of the [[Elijah|Prophet Elijah]]. It was this compendium that went on the inspire [[Felix Mendelssohn|Felix Mendelssohn's]] 1846 choral work [[Elijah (oratorio)|Elijah]].

==Life==

He was the son of [[Friedrich Adolf Krummacher]], also a minister and writer and the nephew of [[Gottfried Daniel Krummacher]], a theologian.

Socrates

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ComingAgain: Created page with "'''Socrates''' (c.470 BC - 399 BC) was an ancient Greek Philosopher from the city-state of Athens. He did not write anything in his lifetime, and all our knowledge of his life comes from later sources, particularly the writings of his students Plato and Xenophon. His greatest contribution to philosophy was his idea of "Elenchos", also known as the Socratic method."

'''Socrates''' (c.470 BC - 399 BC) was an [[Ancient Greece|ancient Greek]] [[Philosopher]] from the city-state of [[Athens]]. He did not write anything in his lifetime, and all our knowledge of his life comes from later sources, particularly the writings of his students [[Plato]] and [[Xenophon]].

His greatest contribution to philosophy was his idea of "[[Elenchos]]", also known as the Socratic method.

Eutychianism

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ComingAgain:

[[File:EutychianChristology2.png|thumb|345x345px|Eutyches' view of the nature of Christ]]
'''Eutychianism''' was a [[Monophysitism|Monophysite]] [[Christology]] developed by [[Eutyches of Constantinople]], who was rejected as a heretic at the [[Council of Chalcedon]]. It posits that [[Jesus Christ]] had two natures prior to the [[incarnation]], and over the course of Jesus' life and [[Ministry of Jesus|ministry]], these two became one, culminating at the [[Resurrection of Jesus|resurrection]].

This view was rejected for denying the unchangingness of Christ.

File:EutychianChristology2.png

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ComingAgain:

A diagram showing Eutychian Christology

Eutychianism

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ComingAgain:

[[File:EutychianChristology.png|thumb|Eutyches' view of the nature of Christ]]
'''Eutychianism''' was a [[Monophysitism|Monophysite]] [[Christology]] developed by [[Eutyches of Constantinople]], who was rejected as a heretic at the [[Council of Chalcedon]]. It posits that [[Jesus Christ]] had two natures prior to the [[incarnation]], and over the course of Jesus' life and [[Ministry of Jesus|ministry]], these two became one, culminating at the [[Resurrection of Jesus|resurrection]].

This view was rejected for denying the unchangingness of Christ.

File:EutychianChristology.png

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ComingAgain:

A diagram showing Eutychian Christology

Metaphysics

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ComingAgain: Created page with "'''Metaphysics''' refers to the study of spiritual subsistence."

'''Metaphysics''' refers to the study of spiritual subsistence.

Lutheran Scholastic Christology

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ComingAgain: Created page with "'''Lutheran Scholastic Christology''' refers to metaphysical theories about the nature of Christ as created by 19th century Lutheran scholars."

'''Lutheran Scholastic Christology''' refers to [[Metaphysics|metaphysical]] theories about the [[nature of Christ]] as created by 19th century [[Lutheranism|Lutheran]] scholars.

Lutheran soteriology

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ComingAgain: Created page with "'''Lutheran soteriology''' is largely Arminian."

'''Lutheran soteriology''' is largely [[Arminianism|Arminian]].

Lutheranism

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ComingAgain:

{{Infobox religious group||traditions_names=Lutheranism, Reformed Catholicism|institution=[[Lutheran International Council]], [[Lutheran World Federation]]|denomination=[[Protestantism]]|christology=[[Lutheran Scholastic Christology|Lutheran Scholastic]] [[Chalcedonianism|Chalecdonian]] [[Trinitarianism]]|soteriology=[[Lutheran soteriology|Lutheran]]|sacramentology=[[Consubstantiation]]|biblical_canon=[[Protestant Biblical Canon|Protestant]]}}'''Lutheranism''' is a Protestant Christian denomination which rejects [[Calvinist soteriology]].