Journal: Central Bible Quarterly
Volume: CENQ 03:2 (Summer 1960)
Article: Baptist Distinctives Among Other Denominations
Author: Roger L. Peterson

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CenQ 3:2 (Summer 1960) p. 13

Baptist Distinctives Among Other Denominations

Roger L. Peterson

Professor, Central C. B. Seminary

A study of the Baptist distinctives among other church groups is very revealing. There are two lines of interest: first, that which reveals how the Baptist and other church groups agree, and second, that which reveals how they disagree—the positive and the negative sides of the study.

At the outset of this study it should be clearly understood that due to its brevity, it is only possible to give the historic position of a church group. Furthermore, it is not possible to cover in detail the differences which a certain church group may have within its ranks on some doctrines. It will also be noted that all church groups are not included in this study.

I. Organization Of The Information

In this study we shall observe several church groups in six different areas which are directly related to the Baptist distinctives. They are: (l) Authority for faith and practice, (2) Qualification for church membership, (3) Qualification for baptism, (4) System of church government, (5) Relation of church and state, and (6) Position of the believer. For convenience and clarity, these are organized in chart form.

Notice, now, how the chart is organized. First, the Bible position is stated, then follows the Baptist position to see if it harmonizes with the Bible position, and finally come the positions of the other church groups to see if they agree with the Bible. This study should clarify the position of the Baptists among other church groups and should reveal the need for a clear-cut, uncompromising Baptist stand for today.

Now then, let us glance through the chart and notice the various positions which church groups hold on these Bible doctrines which are often called “Baptist Distinctives.” First, we recognize the Bible as the ONLY authority for faith and practice. Some groups believe it is AN authority; some groups go a step further and say it is their SUPREME authority; but God says

CenQ 3:2 (Summer 1960) p. 14

CenQ 3:2 (Summer 1960) p. 15

CenQ 3:2 (Summer 1960) p. 16

the Bible is our ONLY authority. Roman Catholics only make the Bible AN authority—it is in third place as an authority. Many groups say the Bible is SUPREME in authority, but they handcuff the Bible with their traditions, prayer books, creeds, personal experiences and catechisms. Too often these extra -authorities are used to make the Bible say what they wish it to say and then this interpretatio...

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