Southern Baptists
The Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) ranks among the world’s largest Christian denominations and is the largest Protestant body in the United States. Founded in Georgia in the years preceding the Civil War, the denomination remains centralized in the South, but claims member churches throughout the nation. Since its inception, the denomination has faced internal and external tension over a bevy of social issues—notably slavery, racism, missions, homosexuality, and women in ministry—but always central to its theology has been the traditional Baptist doctrine of believer’s baptism. During the first decade of the 21st century, the SBC was recognized as leader in humanitarian aid for its response to a series of regional natural disasters.
Featured Articles
Why are so many African Americans attracted to a church that was once identified with white racism?
Two Prominent Pastors Break With SBC After Critical Race Theory StatementCharlie Dates and Ralph D. West spoke out in response to a controversial statement released by seminary presidents.
Around America’s ‘Christmas City,’ Rural Churches Left Heartbroken by COVID-19Congregations in Noel and Neosho, Missouri—one diverse and one mostly white—grapple with the strain of the pandemic.
Southern Baptists Keep Quarreling Over Critical Race TheoryEven among Christians who agree Scripture comes first, there’s a debate over whether to learn from or reject secular theories that see racism as structural.
Died: John Edmund Haggai, Evangelist Who Trained EvangelistsSouthern Baptist pastor promoted a new strategy to spread the gospel globally.Português
Charities Adapt to Save Christmas from COVID-19Nonprofits are offering churches more ways to give during a season with fewer in-person gatherings.
Louisiana Votes to Specify No Right to Abortion in State ConstitutionIn other states, voters approve “stand your ground” in churches and legalize marijuana.
Movement Wants to Make Southern Baptists Conservative AgainA new network of pastors says it’s trying to unite the SBC. But its critics fear the opposite.
Fewer Southern Baptists Call Themselves ‘Southern Baptist’SBC president J. D. Greear explains the uptick in an alternative name: Great Commission Baptists.
LifeWay Calls Off Lawsuit Against Former PresidentUpdate: The Southern Baptist publisher will instead try to resolve its disagreement with Thom Ranier over whether he can now partner with Tyndale.
Charles Stanley Stepping Down After 50 Years as PastorAt 87, the longtime First Baptist Atlanta preacher still doesn’t believe in retirement.
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