Many times in the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) we hear concerns over Calvinism and how it can split a church or destroy evangelism. And just as many times the Calvinist answers that those charges are not true. But are they true? Well, theology in the hands of sinful men can do much harm to a church. Calvinism, Arminianism, or some theological combination in the hands of sinful men can all be harmful to churches.
In the SBC, we’ve just elected a new president, Johnny Hunt. I want to look at a few issues concerning Calvinism in relation to Johnny Hunt since he was just elected SBC President. He was already a prominent and notable pastor in the SBC. Bro. Hunt has been criticized by many Calvinists by what they feel have been misrepresentations by him. I’m not in disagreement and you can read Ted Olsen’s article where he lays out the concerns with some potential answers. One of those concerns is the John 3:16 Conference being held at the church Hunt pastors. One of the potential answers is that Hunt has recently said he is only really concerned about hyper-Calvinism.
Before we get into whether the concern over hyper-Calvinism is valid or not I want to point out some irony. Pastor Hunt just recently told us that he is against hyper-Calvinism not Calvinism. Being a local, I know of people who’ve been asked to leave his church due to their Calvinism. Bro. Ben tells us at this week’s pastor’s conference Hunt quoted Calvinists A.W. Pink, Charles Spurgeon and J.I. Packer. Paul Washer will be speaking at the Deeper Conference at Hunt’s church and a few months later the John 3:16 Conference will occur there. Pastor Hunt endorsed Mark Dever’s book The Gospel and Personal Evangelism. I will only mention in passing the sermon by the host of the John 3:16 Conference, Jerry Vines, that was included in a mailing to Florida baptists. A very interesting mix of events.
Should we be concerned over hyper-Calvinism in the SBC? Personally, I don’t think so. My own experience along with talking with others leads me to believe the many (most?) in SBC churches don’t really know what Calvinism or Arminianism is and some have a skewed view or misunderstanding. I do wish, however, that if there are hyper-Calvinists in the SBC they would step forward or someone would name names. Of course, my own experience doesn’t conclusively validate my belief that no real concern exists.
How about some actual statistics? A 2006 study by LifeWay Research revealed that only 10% of SBC pastors considered themselves Calvinistic. Also, the research by Ed Stetzer presented at the Building Bridges Conference should not lead one to believe the Calvinism is a cause for concern in the SBC. I might also add that Dr. Galyon’s interview with SBC presidential candidate Dr. Wagner sheds much light on Calvinism and evangelism. The statistics show that Calvinism is hardly a major problem in the SBC.
So what could be a major issue in our Convention made up of allegedly 16 million members, of which, only 6 – 7 million are present on any given Sunday? Maybe a perspective from a true Arminian will give us a path down which to look. Dr. Roger Olson in his book Arminian Theology on pages 30-31 discusses theology and American evangelical churches. He says that “most” of these churches are semi-Pelagian or Pelagian which are heretical positions. He also states his observations in an interview with Dr. Horton in Modern Reformation magazine. As much as Dr. Olson stands with his Calvinist brethren in opposition to much of the theology in today’s churches, he’s not a best friend of Calvinist theology. Could this be the real issue hindering the SBC?
I can’t help but wonder why we don’t hear much, if any, vocal opposition to Dr. Olson labeling most American Evangelical churches with these two heresies. Just as hyper-Calvinism is to Calvinism so might semi-Pelagianism/Pelagianism be to Arminianism i.e. a hyper-Arminianism, if you will. Maybe it’s time to broaden our theological scope a bit a see the true targets. Maybe the resolution on regenerate church membership can be a start in this direction…maybe. But even our new president doesn’t seem as thrilled about this resolution as shown by Timmy Brister’s quote comparison. Though I could be misunderstanding.
We do need to work together and there is nothing wrong with good, honest theological discussion. Despite any differences, I will pray that brother Hunt is a good president and that the Convention as a whole will seek to honor God and that our He will bless our work.
Blessings,
Mark
p.s. I’ve seen a few charges made around the web about Johnny Hunt’s doctorates so I want to point out that even Ravi Zacharias has a few honorary doctorates.
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