I may have mentioned before that the original intent of this blog was to provide a place for myself, as a former Baptist, to work through some of the challenges, and adaptations I encountered as I entered and grew in the Presbyterian world. Originally, I had hoped to help and encourage other believers coming from a similar background as mine. Early on though, I admit I got cold feet and reverted to simply posting safe articles I wrote for our church newsletter. I avoided my blog's mission because I had two concerns.
First, I was concerned that what I write might alienate my old Baptist friends and family. Please understand, I have absolutely no animosity toward my Baptist roots or my former denomination. My transition into Presbyterianism was not due to a theological dilemma, crisis of faith, or failure to have my spiritual needs met. My transition was due primarily to my life's circumstances. In fact, I had no intention of making any such transition. Life had provided me with an opportunity to step away from my role as a Baptist minister. I expected to spend a short period of time simply enjoying participating in another denomination. God used my circumstances, my lovely wife, and the loving people of Main Street Presbyterian Church in Columbus, MS to move and mold me into where and who I am today.
That brings me to my second concern. I had no desire to cause my new family of faith consternation that I "wasn't getting it" as a new member of the flock nor that I regret having taken this road. The people of the church were very open to me and afforded me the opportunities to grow in knowledge and service. There were lines of logic, ways of thinking, and ways of doing to which I had to become adjusted. There really was a brand new vocabulary that I had to learn. Very soon I learned that Presbyterians and Baptist believe and practice the same things, for the most part. The trick is, each denomination has a different way of thinking, talking, and doing their faith. What may on the surface appear to be a point of contention is actually just another way of saying or looking at something we actually agree upon.
Before I go further, please understand this. I don't want to reference horrible cliches or make cheap stereotypical statements. I do not wish to insult anyone of either denomination. But here it goes. Based on my experiences in both denominations, I have to say that Presbyterians are by far more intellectual in the way in which they do their religion. Baptists tend to be focused on putting their faith into practice in the daily arena of life. Ok, there it is. Crucify me if you must. I am not calling Baptist dumb and I am not saying Presbyterians are all talk and no doing. I am making a generalized statement that hopefully conveys in simplest terms an opinion based upon my experiences. The opinion, whether right or wrong, says some extremely positive and negative things about both denominations. There is nothing new or original in those statements. Both groups deal with a lot of labeling that goes along with these stereotypes. Presbyterians are often mocked as the "Frozen Chosen", while Baptist deal with being labeled, "legalists." As I have stated repeatedly here, I have no intention of personally offending you with either of these generalizations. At the same time, I hope you are disturbed by both, regardless of your current or former affiliations. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could embrace the strong steadfast theological positioning that is expected of someone bearing the name Presbyterian, yet display the passion, fervor, and single-minded devotion we expect of one called Baptist? These are generalizations only. I know Baptist who are intellectual theological giants, and I know Presbyterians who live and breathe the gospel of Christ with every breath they take.
Why am I now hashing this around and what am I up to? Simply this. It is time to get on with this. It is time I move forward with the original intent of this blog. A request from a friend about the issue of Baptism has spurred me forward with the notion it is time to get on with this. I always knew Baptism would have to be the first topic I took on. I have dodged it long enough.
As I move forward I do welcome comments and questions, but I want everyone to understand that I do not wish to argue or debate with anyone. I fully confess that I am totally unqualified as a theologian and even less qualified as a debater. I am simply what I have said I am. I am a former Baptist minister whose life circumstances put him in the Presbyterian world. I would like to think that I have learned to draw from what I have learned and experienced in both worlds. Hopefully, that has made me a better person and a better Christian than I was. Maybe, just maybe, I have something to say to encourage someone else who might be walking a similar path. Maybe working through some of this will help me to get on with it as well.
