"Independent" Baptists

As we here in the Bible Belt are well aware, there are many different and differing Christian denominations. Most do follow the banner of the cross, as best they know how. We have Methodists, Presbyterians, Church of Christ, Church of God, Assemblies of God, even Catholics and, most certainly, Baptists.

Many, especially north of the Mason-Dixon Line, do not see the differences in the various Baptist denominations. Many in the South, shamefully even among my Baptist brethren, do not see the difference. Specifically, between Southern Baptists and Independent Baptists. Some even go so far as to say that we are not different denominations. In all actuality, it is fitting and proper to refer to Independent Baptists as a separate denomination. They certainly consider themselves one.

My Dad viewed them as a different denomination, as did his brother, my Uncle Henry, and his father, my Grandpa, all of whom were ordained Southern Baptist pastors. As a pastor, Dad would've never accepted a letter of membership transference from a "non-cooperating" church. He supported anyone who loved the Lord and wanted to spread the Gospel, but understood that those who forgo fellowship with us, Independent Baptists, et al., are, by their own choice, separate. They are, by definition, a different denomination. (You want to insult an Independent Baptist? Tell him he's the same as a Southern Baptist.)

Some Independent Baptists will not even refer to us as "Baptists", but they do preach ad nauseum about the evils of the "Convention" church. I have heard Dad say on many occasions, that although Independent Baptist congregations and pastors regularly berate us, most Independent preachers consider it, in his words, a "feather in their cap" to pastor a Southern Baptist church.

So, I don't think it's a small matter to understand that those who spurn fellowship with us and won't support our missions, which is what this Gospel is all about, are not of us. Many, especially the larger, SBC churches support missions of their own, which is their prerogative, but they do not refuse to cooperate with the thousands of other SBC churches. Which begs the question: If we are the same denomination, why won't they support our missionaries?

Now, "the times, they are a changin'" and most SBC church members have no appreciation of our heritage nor even any idea that we have one. They haven't any idea the price paid by our progenitors to bring us to where we are today. Most have never seen or heard tell of a "Trail of Blood," so accepting alien baptism, open communion or joining by statement or letter from other denominations is no big deal to them. Because they don't closely observe, they can't see the difference between various Baptist denominations, let alone other denominations. (All blood looks the same until examined under a microscope.) They wander from denomination to denomination with no roots and no inkling. As my Dad always said: "If any way will do, then no way will do just as well."

I fear we sacrifice the old landmarks of our denomination on the alter of political correctness or in the name of trying to just get along. As followers of Christ, simply choosing to believe in Him is enough to offend many. Being offensive for spite is sinful, but compromising with the things that we know are wrong is sinful too. (Shamefully, most SBC parishioners simply are completely ignorant of what I am speaking.)

Nothing is to be gained by pretending we are the same. As surely as Methodists differ from Pentecostals and Catholics differ from Presbyterians, we have divergent viewpoints and opinions which would make it impossible to work completely hand-in-hand. If you disagree, simply ask yourself this question: What does it take to get to Heaven? Then ask three or four of your friends who are of other denominations and marvel at the various answers you get.

The point to this little blog is not to advocate superiority, but to make a distinction. Yes, we all serve the same Lord; yes, we all go to the same Heaven. Still, while here on this earth, we are to understand and grow in Spirit in His way, not ours. We do not love one another because we are the same; we love one another in spite of our differences. Anyone can love those just like themselves. Isn't the idea to love one another the same in spite of our differences?

One final thought: Isn’t “Independent Baptist” redundant?