Southern Baptists, some questions about your faith...?

Question

Hello, all:

I am taking part in NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month), and one of the characters is a Southern Baptist, in a universe where different religions manifest different Divine powers. Although NaNoWriMo is about turning out 50,000 words in 30 days, and therefore doesn't place a great emphasis on quality or overall accuracy, I want to do justice to this character and his beliefs.

Therefore, I have some questions that perhaps you can help with.

What are the core beliefs of Southern Baptists? (I know a little bit about the "gifts of the Spirit", but I could use some more clarification on what that means and how they are used, if they are.) What is the experience of baptism like? What is the ordination process for Southern Baptist clergy? How do you differ from other types of Baptists? What version of the Bible do you use?

Are there any particular Bible passage that are significant to your faith? Is there anything else you'd like to share that would be significant to the internal (emotional, mental, and spiritual) life of a Southern Baptist? Are there any websites that you can recommend that would help a non-Southern Baptist to understand you a bit better?

Thank you to everyone who takes the time to respond.

Answer 1

Been a southern Baptist since I was saved and born again along time ago. The trademark if you will of a southern Baptist is the belief that once you are truly saved you are saved forever. Some opponents of that call it once saved always saved. However I believe the Bible backs that believe up with many scriptures. Also a southern Baptist believes that you are saved by Grace thru Faith alone not of works such as water Baptism. The Baptism southern Baptists believe in is the Baptism of the Holy Spirit which occurs when a person is Born again as Jesus said we must be in John 3:3. Another core believe of a southern Baptist is to follow the command of Jesus when he said to go into all parts of the world and preach the Gospel, Today there are more missionaries from the Southern Baptists than any other denomination within the Church. We believe the Bible is the true Word of God, no contradictions or errors, just because we don't understand something doesn;t mean it is wrong. We believe in the Rapture of the Church and we believe it is imminent. Christ will return for his bride the church which is all who are saved and born again. If you are not a born again Christian when the rapture occurs you will be left for the time called the great tribulation. 7 years of terrorism upon the earth that will lead to Armageddon. Hope that has given you some tips on southern baptists, for more questions visit your local pastor, I am sure he will be glad to help. If you have not been saved and born again and would like to just say this simple prayer and remember that Jesus died on that Cross at Calvery to wash away all our sins once and for all time. Just pray Dear Jesus, I know and confess that I am sinner in need of salvation. I believe you died on a cross at calvery and arose from the grave to wash away my sins, I ask you right now to come into my heart and save me, I pray this Prayer believing in the name of Jesus Amen. If you prayed this prayer with a sincere heart you are now a child of God, rejoice that your name is written in the Lambs book of Life. Jesus will now send his Holy Spirit to come and live in your heart and guide you into all truth. If you have any questions just send me an email, God Bless YOU!!

Answer 2

They are hellfire brimstone types.

A lot hold on to the five points of Calvinism - TULIP

Generally good southern types

They are trinitarians

They give altar calls at the end of a service - generally asking what would happen if you died today. Don't die and not be saved sort of thing

Generally helpful and nice

Wear nice suits to church

Southern gospel and hymns are usually on order

Answer 3

Don't know anything about Southern Baptists, but congrats on doing NaNoWriMo - I'm doing it too!

Answer 4

I'm not a Baptist, but this is a popular forum for Baptist Christians, you may be able to find more answers here...

http://foru.ms/f364-baptists.html