For nearly two decades, the conventional wisdom regarding the fundamentalist movement and the eventual takeover of the Southern Baptist Convention was this: At its core, it's a preacher fight. The debate and conflict was mostly isolated to denominational agencies and among ministry professionals. However, in June, 2000, the conflict evolved in such a way that it no longer could be contained by the phrase 'preacher fight.' In that summer, SBC leaders proposed and were granted the adoption of a revision to the 1963 Baptist Faith and Message. In a more recent stunning move of theological arrogance, SBC leadership and the International Mission Board leadership in particular have revised their previously held position and asked IMB missionaries to sign a statement affirming the 2000 Baptist Faith and Message revision. A denomination established as a haven of Christian freedom and dedicated to the purpose of Christ-centered missions now finds itself requiring its missionaries to sign a creed that removes the person of Jesus Christ as the ultimate window through which to understand the Bible and God. Stand With Christ explores and explains the history of, the problems with, and the biblical judgment of the recent Baptist Faith and Message revision and its uses as a force of control, internal purification, and conformity. Is this a balanced book? By no means. It tips the scales with a proud allegiance to 'the freedom for which Christ set us free' (Gal. 5:1) and a disdain for all creeds save the Bible alone. |
