English General Baptists: The Arminian Anti-rationalists (Part I/II)
Early English General Baptists’ firm adherence to the authority and supremacy of Scripture as the rule of faith and practice defies notions that all seventeenth century Arminians were rationalists.[1] That Arminianism as a whole was inclined towards rationalism has become a common critique from even renowned scholars. For example, Richard Muller contends that “of the three major systematic models arising out of Protestantism, the...
ANYONE CAN BE SAVED: Book Review
by Richard E. Clark From General/Arminian to Particular/Calvinist, Baptists have struggled to locate themselves along the theological spectrum. Some have unsuccessfully tried to avoid the debate, labeling themselves Calminians.[1] Others, however, have attempted to escape the paradigm altogether and articulate a unique theological identity for themselves. Anyone Can Be Saved (Wipf & Stock, 2016) is a collection of essays...
Evangelical Theological Society Meeting: Review & Reflections
Two weeks ago, nearly 3000 students, professors, exhibitors, pastors, and scholars of many kinds gathered in downtown Atlanta for the annual meeting of the Evangelical Theological Society. While regional bodies meet throughout the year, the national organization gathers every November for hundreds of stimulating presentations, plenary addresses, discussion forums, and a first-rate exhibit hall, featuring biblical training resources,...
Arminian and Baptist: An Interview with Matt Pinson
Arminianism has enjoyed something of a renewal of interest in theological discussions in the last decade. This interest has been embodied in the publication of a host of diverse books. Roger Olson’s Arminian Theology: Myths and Realities (2006) was an influential title that got many asking questions about Arminianism. His work has been followed by other historical and theological titles, including Arminius Speaks (2010), God’s Twofold...
When General Baptists Became Particular Baptists
What happened in May 1755, significantly altered the early years of what would become southern Free Will Baptists, and nearly dealt their churches a lethal blow. Prior to the events that will be discussed below, Free Will Baptists were one of the most successful Protestant groups in the southern United States. That certainly changed in the following years. In May of 1755, Calvinist John Gano arrived at the General Baptist church near...
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