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Monday, March 20, 2017

So Many Baptist Religions!

I read an article by a Baptist who claimed that Baptists alone have the truth. His reasoning was odd, but more than mere reasoning, his basis seemed completely unclear. The first question that came up in my mind was “which Baptist” religion is he talking about? There is Northern Baptist (not something many hear about), Southern Baptist (seemingly predominant), Primitive Baptist, Reformed Baptist, “Regular” Baptist (heaven knows that irregular Baptists are probably cranky and need a laxative), and the list goes on and on. What is the origin of the Baptist church? According to this wiki article, it dates back to the 1600’s. However, Baptists contest that and claim they date back to the time of Christ.

One thing that struck me in reading the history was how the Black community, wanting an identity unique from the white community, basically started their own organization(s) of the Baptist religion. Other major divisions followed as social changes took place. In contrast, the Bible says: “Now I urge you, brothers, through the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you should all speak in agreement and that there should be no divisions among you, but that you may be completely united in the same mind and in the same line of thought.” (1 Corinthians 1:10) Today, among Jehovah’s Witnesses, you will find that many congregations throughout the world have a mix of whatever nationalities and ethnicities exist in the country. Here in the USA, in California where I live, the congregations are a mix of Caucasians, Blacks, Hispanics, Asians, Eastern Indians, just to name a few. We are one brotherhood, united in one belief.


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