Southern Baptists: Faith-based or works-based?

Question

Hello, all:

Are Southern Baptists focussed on faith more than works? The other way around? Or are both considered equally important?

Thank you in advance to everyone who takes the time to respond.

Answer 1

As a denomination, the stance is that works is a result of faith and it is only by faith that we are saved, not of works. As individuals within the denomination, you will see varying displays of this balancing act. Some will put more emphasis on one or the other. The rub is in the confusing nature of the relationship between the two...most in the Southern Baptist denomination will say that without works one's faith is dead or non-existent. So they are inescapably interwined. For more of a confusing study on the issue, compare the writings of Paul with the book of James in the Bible. James has historically been a hotly debated book that lifts up and puts an extremely high emphasis on works. There has been extensive writings on the subject and because of the complex relationship between these two concepts, you will never have consistancy within any denomination to generalize a belief or probably more accurately its display in the lives of the congregants. Hope this helps.

Answer 2

Hmm as Baptist we get a bad rap. Every religion has bad apples so lets not point fingers. I have been a Baptist my entire life and a Southern Baptist at that.

We do dance contrary to belief we even have interpretive dance in the Church now which is quite beautiful. We do drink in moderation some of us it is not a sin to drink it is a sin to abuse your body with any substance. The body is the temple of the Lord. As a Christian I try really hard not to participate in any activate that would cause anyone else to stumble if somebody I know struggles with alcoholism I would not crack open a beer just because I can.

Most of us are not hypocrites we DO make mistakes we are HUMAN just life everybody else. The difference is we recognize mistakes and ask the Lord for forgiveness. None us will be like Christ until we meet in heaven our purpose is to become more Christ like each day and to share his love and compassion for everyone.

Works cannot save you at all. if you have no faith you can do all the works you want and you still will not be saved it is faith that saves you period there are no ifs or ands about it.

If you you have faith and you are saved you will have works that comes as a bonus not a given and not necessary to be saved.

Answer 3

They are very much faith based, however, a strong dose of legalism can be found in the congregation of many Southern Baptists --- keep in mind this is the don't drink, don't smoke, don't dance, don't PLAY CARDS denomination (seriously! cards!). I've never met a Southern Baptist or been to a Southern Baptist church (and I am from Memphis!) that is in any way works based in terms of *salvation*. But there are a lot that tend to be legalistic --- which is just a fancy way of saying they're trying to be holier than God --- putting rules in their beliefs that just aren't in the Bible.

Answer 4

My mother and I were both raised Southern Baptist, and from what I remember it's a combination of the two. They're of equal importance because you can't believe one thing and do another. It would be hypocritical, really.


I don't actually follow that religion anymore, but I hope that helps out somewhat.

Answer 5

Saved by faith lest any man boast.
Faith without works is dead.
Works is the evidence of life-changing faith.
Southern Baptist for 37 years

Answer 6

Sorry to barge in, as I am not Baptist. But I would think that without faith, you would not be motivated to do good works, and unless you did good works, you would no longer have faith. Faith without works is dead, right?

Answer 7

The ones I met seem to be under a highly-intensive works based gospel, a "do it yourself" type gospel; they claim grace however if you ask them; also most I have met (not all) do not appear kind, from my personal experiences, it is often difficult to see the fragrance of the LORD Jesus Christ in them.

But, on the other hand, I don't think, generally speaking, they would be the type to jump you or cause you violence.

Answer 8

not all Baptists are alike, so to answer your question would be to stereo-type and that would not be good.

Baptists are like ice cream, many flavors but each one has a different taste.

Answer 9

I say both- God uses me to minister to the aged as well as the general congregation

*you have to have both for it to work

Answer 10

Neither. 99.9 % of the churches claim one or the other or both, but most of the atendees are hypocrites. It's why I went towards parts of cathaloscism.