From the beginning Baptists have held principles taken from the scriptures that are essential for radical discipleship to flourish. Some today would question them, some would even scorn them, but these principles were defended with Baptist blood so that radical discipleship might be possible.
I am reminded of a statement by John Kinney a few years ago as he addressed a gathering of American Baptists. In his sermon he said, "When you don't know who you are you act like who you ain't." So tonight, I want to remind you again of who you are as American Baptists: You are radical disciples committed to radical love.
As early Baptists read scripture they saw that God's call is a personal call addressed to each one, a call that requires a personal response. Birth into a Christian tradition or culture cannot substitute for the response required of each one as we stand in the awesome solitude of Christ's invitation to follow him. Baptists knew that only in freedom could one give one's heart and life in discipleship; that only in freedom could one appropriate the witness of scripture through the Spirit; that only in freedom did scripture have authority. For only truth freely found and freely embraced stands in the court of conscience. American Baptists, don't ever forget, "For freedom Christ has set you free."
Some today set the principle of soul liberty against the principle of Biblical authority. Baptists have never understood it thus. Our deep commitment to soul liberty is because it is essential to Biblical authority in our lives. Through soul liberty we fulfill Paul's instruction to the Philippians to "work out your salvation with fear and trembling." Through soul liberty we recognize God's own respect for our free will. Through soul liberty we recognize that no one else can answer for us - neither priest, nor preacher, nor creeds or councils. Through soul liberty we honor the primacy of every soul's encounter with the living God. This is the very heart of what it means to be a Baptist Christian and what the priesthood of all believers means. Our commitment to biblical authority through soul freedom has been precious to us. And it is precious to us now! It doesn't make our life together easier, but it is essential for radical personal discipleship.
Wednesday, July 06, 2005
On Radical Personal Discipleship
Thanks to Fred Clarkson for calling attention to Dr. Roy Medley's Address to the American Baptist Convention. Here's an excerpt:
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1 comment:
Anon, I don't know about your marriage, or anyone elses for that matter. For any denomination to stick its nose into an intensely private relationship is silly at best. When two people decide to get married and commit their lives together they have to work out a lot of issues that in-laws, preachers and anyone else is powerless to decide. Only the two individuals have that job, and it is always hard work. Married couples need support, understanding and space. Pontifications and resolutions are little more than hot air when the two people get behind closed doors. In today's pressure packed stress filled environment couples should be looking to religious leaders for sound counciling that has as its basis reality. Bobble head preachers think that marriage is a one size fits all institution and cannot find the elastic to make it fit todays world.
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