Why do some people think all Baptists are alike?

Question

I have seen several instances where generalizations have been made concerning the character of ALL, I'd like to know why.

Answer 1

Hi Jed. I agree with Happygirl. I am a Southern Baptist, and have seen the same things you have seen. Many people don't understand that each person in each church have different feelings than the person sitting next to them. Each person is at a different spiritual level than the one next to them. No two are alike, even though they attend the same church. They might not even agree with EVERYTHING that their church holds forth. It's just that they've found a church home that's comfortable to them. A haven. A sweet fellowship that they couldn't find anywhere else. Many don't even know what their own church doctrine says, or don't know that the church even has one. Matter of fact, if you ask the average church member what their church doctrine states, they'll look at you like you have three eyes! They don't have a clue. They're a Baptist because that's the name on the door, not because they believe in the Baptist doctrine. More than likely, it's true of most of the other religions out there. I only know what I've experienced in my community, but that's what seems to be true. I used to be Catholic. It was quite a stretch for me to go from there to being a Baptist. But, as I read the Bible, I saw some things that made sense. Anyway, all I know is that most people will judge you according to the label that you wear. And people will always try to give you one too, that's why they ask you what religion you are. They're trying to stuff you into a particular box, so that they know where you belong. Everyone has an opinion about everything, so knowing which label you are, they're more comfortable about what they think of you. If they know you're a Baptist, they know what to say (or not) when they're around you. They don't understand (nor want to) that you're an individual, and may not even believe everything that your denomination believes. They don't want to ask you either, 'cause it will make them uncomfortable, and many don't really want to know, for fear of it leading to a long sermon about hellfire, or that you might encourage them to darken your church's doorways. Next time someone asks you what religion you are, tell them Christian. And remember..."Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world." James 1:27. <*)))><

Answer 2

People are in general ignorant about many things and often too lazy to do the research to find out the truth. Most people don't even know that there are many different "kinds" of Baptists and that they don't even all believe exactly the same things: American Baptists, Swedish Baptists, Southern Baptists, are a few different "varieties" of Baptists.

Most people don't know that Baptists may be grouped in conventions or conferences by their statement of faith. These groupings are primarily to focus resources effectively. Within these groups will be all varieties and styles of churches. Many Baptists are not as "conservative" in style of worship as some would believe. There are also Baptist churches that are independent and not associated with any group, conference, or convention.

Most don't know that Baptist churches as a general rule are self-governed. No agency comes in and picks the pastor or interferes with the running of a church unless it asks for help or has made such an agreement voluntarily with a conference or convention.

Obviously even within a single church, not all Baptists will be alike. It is ignorant to assume they are. It is just as ignorant, however, to assume that any one group of people is all alike--like Atheists, for example.

Blessings.

Answer 3

Generalizations are made about every race, creed, nationality, and social group. It's not just baptists that these generalizations are about. But people (in general) tend to be single minded about the things that are important to them and don't always see the whole picture. As to why? It's easy to generalize rather than be educated. It's also easy to assume that one or two experiences with a particular group of people is the norm of how all people of that particular group will react to any particular situation. These assumptions tend to be dangerous as a rule as we tend to forget that people will react more on the way they were raised rather than as a result of the cultural group to which they belong.

Answer 4

Given the sheer, monolithic character of the Southern Baptists, it is highly probable that when folks think all Baptists are alike...they are really thinking specifically about the Southern Baptists.

Answer 5

I have no clue, as there are 337 different denominations all claiming to be "Baptist". There's Southern, Northern, Primitive, Hardshell, Strict and Particular, General, Landmark, Reformed, Missionary, Independent, Freewill, Pentecostal, "Seventh Day" - and every variation in-between!!

Answer 6

same reason you see some kid with punked out hair you think he is a trouble maker!
styreotyping labling!
it happend to everyone all the time! Baptists are no different!

sucks but it's sooo true!
i did an test! in my mid 20's i died my hair bright red and went over my aunts house who had teenagers there... i can't say they were the best group of kids! but one of the parents where out side as i was leaving for work! i was amazed this happend i carry my self very well! but this parent jumped up and said hey red head kid is my daughter in that house... I pause for a second and kept walking (hey if someone isn't going to address me properly chances are they are not worth my time) so this man continued -" Hey red head girl i'm talking to you" so i stopped walked up to his car still not a word from me@! I look at him and said "excuse me I have a name and you are rude! please change your wording and get back with me" i think i ticked him off at this point...
Listen little girl i want to know if my daughter is in that house and you just came out of it now if you don't tell me i will tell your parents!
I just started laughing at this guy. i just looked at him and said first off you can tell my parents what ever you would like but i'm late for work yes i hold a job and i'm not a little girl even thought i'm flattered that i can hold my age. i do not appreachate being talked downto by someone who is an equal to me. have a nice day ser the door and door bell are on the pourch try using it. lazy old man!
i smiled his mouth dropped to the floor and i can only hope he would stop stereo typing with other humans!

Answer 7

Because a certain type of Baptist tends to be very outspoken. If that is the only type of Baptist you hear from, then you tend to think that all Baptists are a certain way.

Answer 8

I think it is because most people only have the experience of hearing/meeting the most outspoken (i.e. extremist) Baptists. Unfortunately, it is human nature to make assumptions on the whole only after meeting the few.

Answer 9

As I know baptist each church is separate and autonomous from any outside control.. If that is so why would any two be alike? Jim

Answer 10

it dosent only happen to baptists. look amongh the questions here, there are a lot of atheists wondering why christians curse at them and viceversa. generalising happens especially when it comes to religion, cause people get so fanatic about it :)