Notes from a Biblicist

I wish to thank The Christian Index for being a voice for Southern Baptists. I especially appreciate J. Gerald Harris’ insight into current issues. However, I have to take exception to his Feb. 14 message on mud-slinging when he says, “In Baptist life, we have a controversy between the Calvinists and Arminians.”

I am not a Calvinist or an Arminian. I am a Biblicist! When I speak to the Arminian about God’s sovereignty, I am automatically categorized as a Calvinist. When I speak to the Calvinist about man having a choice, I am immediately categorized as an Arminian. Just because both views have some truths do not make them right.

I also believe that assigning points to my belief system is a fallacy. I am not a 2-point or a 3-point anything. I am a Biblicist. The Jehovah’s Witness and I would agree on creation. That does not make me a 1-point Jehovah’s Witness. The Catholic Church and I agree on our view of the Trinity and we both believe abortion is murder. That does not make me a 2-point Catholic.

True Southern Baptists have always adhered to the infallible and inerrant Word of God. I have to believe that I speak for many Southern Baptists who resent being categorized by one group or the other or thrown into the opposing camp. Heresy is heresy whether it has no truth, a little truth, or a lot of truth. I believe in the Priesthood of the Believer and the Bible, not Calvin or Arminian, is to be my guide.