Once each debater had given their opening statement, we were each given an opportunity to ask a question of the person debating the opposing position. My first question to Dr. Steve Kern, pastor of Olivet Baptist Church in Oklahoma City, was:
Both Rev. Kern and I are Baptist ministers. Both of us know some Baptist history.
In the beginning, Baptists were a persecuted minority struggling to gain the freedom necessary to worship in accordance with our interpretation of the Bible. We were opposed to the union of church and state.
Historically, as a denomination, we were among the staunchest advocates for religious liberty for all persons because we believed that the preaching of the gospel – without the aid and assistance of the government -- was all that was necessary to win hearts and change lives.
What happened? Why have Baptists changed?
Have Baptists lost confidence in the power of the gospel alone to change hearts and transform lives?
Do Southern Baptists today really believe that people can be born again by living in a Christian culture?
If not, what is the point for the crusade to declare America a Christian nation?
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