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The Baptist Theology Research Award

Student Symposium

Monday, 8 December 2008
2:00-5:00 p.m.
The Riley Center, Room 237

The following Masters-level papers were selected by the BaptistTheology.org Editorial Board for the symposium:

“Perseverance Doctrine – Embedded in the Pelagian Controversy,”
by James E. Majors

“Living in the Lion’s Mouth: Hubmaier’s Balanced Approach to Trinitarian Election,”
by Cory D. Davis

“The British East India Company and Missions,”
by Jonathan Norvell

“A Free Church Response to the Theory of Doctrinal Development
Proposed by John Henry Cardinal Newman,”
by Preston Lee Atwood

“Swallowed up in God: The Impact of Samuel Pearce on Modern Missions,”
by Adam W. Covington

This symposium allows Masters-level students to present their semester research paper related to Baptist Theology to their peers and the BaptistTheology.org Editorial Board. At the conclusion of the symposium the Board will present The Baptist Theology Research Award to the author of the best paper and presentation.

Burk writes,

In short, we feel that our effort was successful, even though the Society decided not to adopt our specific proposal. The final vote was 130 opposed and 47 in favor (with 177 total votes cast, it was an abysmal turn-out for such an important vote). How can I claim that our effort was a success after we got only 26 percent of the vote? Let me explain.

Ray and I are realists. We knew over a year ago that our proposal had very little chance of getting the support of a majority of the ETS, much less of the 80 percent super-majority that is required to amend the doctrinal basis. When the Executive Committee (EC) made clear their intentions to oppose our measure last year, we knew that its passage would be highly unlikely. Nevertheless, we pressed forward with our effort because we thought that there would be something to be gained by soldiering on.

What Was Gained by This Effort?

First, we believed that if we pushed forward we might be able to spur the EC on to take this matter up for themselves. It was clear on Friday that we had achieved that goal. After the final business meeting, we were assured that the EC would be taking up this issue to see if there is any significant interest among the membership to clarify the ETS’s evangelical commitments. We are grateful for this result and will support the EC’s efforts in this regard going forward.

Second, we thought it would be good and healthy for the Society to debate the matter publicly and for everyone to get their cards out on the table. I have to say that the two sessions of debate and discussion were some of the most stimulating sessions I have ever been to at ETS. To hear the members speak both for and against was highly instructive. I think we have a much better feel for how different members think about things as a result. Moreover, Ray and I were encouraged that so many distinguished members stood to speak in favor of our proposal: Wayne Grudem, Al Mohler, Michael Haykin, John Warwick Montgomery, Robert Saucy, and others. We have the utmost regard for dear brothers who stood to oppose it. ETS needs to be a place where people of good will can debate and disagree without rancor and without fear of recrimination.

Read the rest of “Amend ETS: A Successful Effort.”

• Malcolm Yarnell—”Upon This Rock I Will Build My Church”  
• David Allen—”The Autonomy of the Local Church” 
• James Leo Garrett—”Under the Lordship of Christ Through Democractic Process”  
• Byron McWilliams—”The Church and Its Officers”  
• Keith Eitel—”The Church to the Ends of the Earth”  
• Bart Barber—”A Denomination of Churches: Biblical and Useful”  
• Emir Caner—”Associated by Covenant in the Faith and Fellowship in the Gospel”  
• Thomas White—”The Local Church and the Universal Church”  
• Paige Patterson—”Observing Two Ordinances”

The rhetoric of the race, and the rhetoric of many evangelicals, is disturbing. This race is important and necessarily so. We are talking about the next President of the United States, after all. But evangelicals have invested far too much hope in the political process. No government can make people good, transform humanity, or eliminate sin. The political sphere is important, but never ultimate.

Jesus Christ is Lord–and He will be Lord regardless of who sits in the Oval Office.

(ht)

Mark Driscoll adds in, “In God we Do Not Trust,”

The bottom line is obvious to those with gospel eyes. People are longing for Jesus, and tragically left voting for mere presidential candidates. For those whose candidate wins today there will be some months of groundless euphoric faith in that candidate and the atoning salvation that their kingdom will bring. But, in time, their supporters will see that no matter who wins the presidency, they are mere mortals prone to sin, folly, and self-interest just like all the other sons of Adam and daughters of Eve.

(ht)

Mohler has also offered a few “praying points” concerning the Elections being held today:

“A Prayer for America on Election Day.”

(ht)

During a study break this evening, I thought I would peruse a few Baptist confessions of faith from the 1600’s. I found these affirmations (quoted below) concerning the sovereignty of God over all things, especially in his electing grace and severe justice, to be quite awe-some. As I reflected on some of the Scripture passages they noted beside their confessions, I was again amazed by grace. (Keep Reading)

Billy enthusiastically recommends Andrew Peterson’s new Album,

Today, October 21, 2008, is the release of Andrew Peterson’s newest album, Resurrection Letters: Volume II !!! I’ve read and heard a lot about this album, and I hope that from many of my other Peterson endorsements here on the blog, you have developed an appetite for his music as well, and are just as excited as I am about purchasing this latest addition to his outstanding discography. The purpose of this post is simply to point you towards information about the record, towards ways of purchasing it, and to help spread the word. So without further ado: (Keep Reading)

Marci asks, “Whom do I Fear?“:

These questions are probably more applicable to young women but I’m sure there are useful applications to be gleaned by all of you guys out there, as well. Also, guys, it might be good for you to know how to spot preoccupations with the fear of man in your friends-who-are-girls, girlfriends, wives, sisters, etc. as you encourage them in their walks with the Lord. (Keep Reading)

And Bart lionizes a pumpkin:

He has also posted a “Written Clarification on Birth Control,” a subject he addressed briefly to illustrate the importance of viewing children as a blessing from God. He has included a few resources for those interested in researching this issue further.

• Watch the Sermon.
• Listen the Sermon
• Download the Sermon.
• Read the Clarification.

Bret writes,

If you happen to be in the Fort Worth area, come join us at Redeemer Church as we celebrate the Lord’s grace to his church in the preservation of his Gospel throughout history, especially in the Reformation’s cries: Sola Scriptura, Sola Gratia, Sola Fide, Solo Christo, Soli Deo Gloria. There will be activities for children, a variety of informational booths to peruse, drama presentations, and several topical discourses on Saturday and Sunday given by Dr. Tom Nettles of Southern Seminary, Dr. Jason Lee of Southwestern, and our pastor of preaching, Dr. Tim Presson. We would love to celebrate this time with you.

The Day’s Schedule:

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 1

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 2

For more info, see Redeemer Church’s Website.