Journal: Journal for Baptist Theology & Ministry
Volume: JBTM 20:1 (Spring 2023)
Article: Editorial Introduction
Author: Thomas G. Doughty, Jr.

Editorial Introduction

Thomas G. Doughty Jr.

Tommy Doughty serves as assistant professor of theology and worldview; associate dean of Leavell College; director of the Baptist Center for Theology and Ministry; and editor of the Journal for Baptist Theology and Ministry at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.

The notion of tradition raises eyebrows among Baptist theologians and ministers. If anything is characteristic of Baptist life, it is ironically the tendency to walk to the beat of one’s own drum. Recently, however, many Baptists have experimented with the value of recovering former generations’ theological and practical contributions to the Christian walk. Even crossing chronological and denominational lines, the goal of theological retrieval has reinvigorated conversations surrounding the doctrines of God, Christ, and salvation. Congregations, still observing local church autonomy, have begun recovering liturgical practices that extend their fellowship to the one holy, catholic church. More historically, of course, Baptists have set aside doctrinal differences with other traditions to cooperate on social concerns. Given these shifts in theological and ministerial engagement, this year’s issues of the Journal for Baptist Theology and Ministry will give attention to “Baptists and the Christian Tradition.”

As a special feature anticipating a major contribution to the academic pursuit of theological retrieval, this issue opens with an interview with Baptist theologian Matthew Barrett. Having published extensively on the doctrine of God, Barrett’s newest contribution, The Reformation as Renewal, interprets the Protestant Reformation through the lens of renewal of “catholicity” rather than mere schism from the Catholic Church. He builds on his remarks tracing the influence of prior generations on the Reformers through an excerpt from the forthcoming work. Theologians and pastors today must grapple with the development of doctrine and denominationalism, and Barrett’s work promises to provide historical precedent for understanding one’s own position in light of the tradition. As Barrett encourages readers in his interview, the

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preaching and doctrine of Baptist churches today must embrace their dependence on prior generations’ faithful worship and service of Christ.

This issue includes four articles written by experienced pastor-theologians, two explicitly related to Baptists and the Christian tradition. First, Obbie Todd surveys the stories of early American church leaders who remained in pedobaptist churches or associations while affirming believer’s baptism. Todd demonstrates the historical diversity among Baptists working with and serving other denominations even in the face of doctrinal con...