The roots of the Baptist find their start in the English Puritan movement in the early part of the seventeenth century. Out of this movement came the English Baptists of almost four centuries ago, who wanted separation from the established (English) church. They believed that there could recover the purity of Christian life and commitment which they felt was lost in the English church.
Baptist Beliefs
There are little variations in the beliefs of the Baptists depending on the convention (whether American Baptist, Seventh
Day Baptist, Southern Baptist or so on.) But these are the main beliefs that all Baptists share.
One belief of Baptist is that only those who first repented of their sins and confessed their faith in Christ should be
baptized.
"He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned." (Mark 16:15-16 NIV)Based on the above scriptures, Baptists believe that baptism is important and requires a personal commitment-- placing our loyalty and trust in Jesus Christ (both in the person and His teachings). We believe that a person must be old enough and experienced enough to make a personal decision to follow Christ. Because of this, Baptists are opposed to infant baptism. We believe there are no "grandchildren of God." Just because your parents have accepted Christ, does not mean that you have. Each person has to make his or her own decision."People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River." (Matthew 3:5-6 NIV)
- When one is baptized in the Baptist faith they are be immersed in water. Symbolically their old, sinful life dies and
his resurrected with a new life in Christ. The immersion comes from the Greek word baptiso, from which baptize comes from,
means "to dip."
- When one is born into a Baptist family, he or she is dedicated shortly after we are born. The way this works is that the parents of the child dedicate themselves to bring the child up in the ways of Christ. They pledge before family and friends of the congregation that they will do so. Basically it is just sort of a vow that the parents take.
- Separation of Church and State
Another belief of Baptists is that there should be a separation between the church and state. They pushed for this and influenced the United States Constitution's Bill of rights saying,"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances." First Amendment of the United States' Constitution.
In both England and America, Baptists were among the forerunners protesting an established church or a union between church and state. This was based on the conviction that religion is a personal relationship between the human soul and God, a relationship with which no one (such as the government) may interfere. They believed that there was a great danger in having the church and state linked. The state is responsible for the citizens and be able to exercise civil authority, maintain law and order and promote public welfare. The church is responsible for its members, witness the Gospel of Jesus Christ and build up believers in their faith.
- Communion (the Lord's Supper)
Baptist do not believe in idea that the bread and wine of Communion becomes the body and blood of Christ when it is eaten. Instead, the bread is a symbol of the body of Christ that was broken for us. The wine is a symbol of the blood that He shed on the Cross.
- Democratically Governed Church
Baptists believe that the congregation should govern the church. The idea is that if the congregation is praying for the church and decisions that have to be made, God will show them the right decision and they are less likely to misinterpret any voting matters.
- Individual Liberty
They also believe that every follower of Christ is free to come to God without the mediation of a priest (such as the Catholics' confession). The Bible, interpreted by the individual, and guided by the Holy Spirit, is regarded as the ultimate religious authority in matters of faith and practice. Individual biblical interpretation, in terms of theology, has resulted in a variety of Baptists.
- Church Liberty
The Baptists believe that the church is free to make and carry out programs that reflect and fulfill God's purpose and the purpose of the church. Depending on the location of the church, the missions of the church will be different. Through the programs that the church has is central to their task in the world.
- Missionary Outreach
Missions and sending missionaries is a large area of the Baptist faith. Missions have carried Baptists to the ends of the earth, fulfilling the Great Commission.
"Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matthew 28:18-20 NIV)
Works cited:
Microsoft Encarta Encyclopedia 98 CD-ROM
Skogland, John E. The Baptists. Valley Forge, Pennsylvania: Judson press, 1967.
Baptist: Distinctives and Diversities. Valley Forge, Pennsylvania: Judson press.
What I Believe as an American Baptist...
American Baptist Churches USA home page
American Baptist Churches of Michigan home page
Main page - When one is born into a Baptist family, he or she is dedicated shortly after we are born. The way this works is that the parents of the child dedicate themselves to bring the child up in the ways of Christ. They pledge before family and friends of the congregation that they will do so. Basically it is just sort of a vow that the parents take.