I am writing this letter out of concern because of the opposition that has been expressed against the 2000 Baptist Faith and Message. There is not a small group of elitist forcing their beliefs on others. But the overwhelming majority of messengers, of which I was one, approved the 2000 Baptist Faith and Message at the 2000 Southern Baptist Convention in Orlando, Fla. We did this not as rubber stamp dummies, but out of deep conviction and agreement with the beliefs expressed.
The changes that are stated in the 2000 Baptist Faith and Message do nothing more than clarify what Southern Baptists have always believed. These changes were not included in the 1963 Baptist Faith and Message because they had not become a clear issue among Southern Baptists. These beliefs were assumed at that time.
All anyone has to do to know what Southern Baptists have believed is to read Herschel Hobbs’ commentary: The Baptist Faith and Message, 1971. He discussed the Bible doctrines of inerrancy of the original manuscripts of Scripture, substitutionary atonement, the nature of God and many more beliefs Southern Baptists have held to down through the years.
The issues concerning the 2000 Baptist Faith and Message are broader than women in ministry, even though this is an issue of concern with many Baptists. The issues concern many of our major beliefs as Southern Baptists.
The source of this continuing controversy goes back over some 20 years. Is the Bible completely the Word of God or does it just contain the Word of God? I agree with the statement in the 2000 Baptist Faith and Message, “Therefore, all Scripture is totally true and trustworthy. … All Scripture is a testimony to Christ, who is Himself the focus of divine revelation.”
Our Southern Baptist agencies, mission boards and Sunday School board, which is now LifeWay, were accountable to the 1963 Baptist Faith and Message for a long time. It is nothing new for these agencies and boards to be accountable to the 2000 Baptist Faith and Message.
Jesus is Lord and we must yield to His Lordship by obeying His written Word.
John Conn
Repton, Ala.
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