Journal: Journal for Baptist Theology & Ministry
Volume: JBTM 20:2 (Fall 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.

In this issue of JBTM, scholars, pastors, and students explore the relation of Baptist life to the Great Tradition of Christianity. Historically, the Journal for Baptist Theology and Ministry has focused on [Southern] Baptist perspectives, and this issue is no different. Our contributors in this issue, though, helpfully offer unique looks at how Baptists share common beliefs, practices, and conversations with other traditions. Further, this issue presents the opportunity for readers to see authors engage in and apply theological studies for the church. It is my hope that readers wrestle with the arguments offered herein — especially evidence or positions which are new to them — and see the breadth of vital theological exploration present in Baptist life and beyond. May the Lord bless these offerings as another issue focused primarily on “Baptists and the Christian Tradition.”

This issue begins with a written interview on the nature and benefit of Analytic Theology. Christopher Woznicki offers background, material arguments, and concrete examples demonstrating the role that Analytic Theology could play for theological inquiry. As one who has benefited personally from the analytic tradition (while not considering myself a professional philosopher proper), I am grateful for Woznicki’s encouragement that much can be gained by considering AT’s tools, questions, and strategies in systematic theology. My interview questions press him on the ability of Baptists to practice AT as well as some common points of concern from those wary of “new” methods and movements. A largely academic enterprise, AT can come across as rigid, rationalistic, or resistant to confessional foundations. As he shows throughout his exposition, though, Baptists need not trade in lively evangelicalism to participate in or learn from AT. In fact, there may be doctrinal topics and ecclesial practices, including prayer, where we would benefit from more analytic or philosophic input. The greatest fruit from Woznicki’s

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interview is the multitude of footnotes and recommended resources he provides for readers to begin or dig deeper in this growing theological discipline.

Our issue contains six standard articles, the first three of which land directly on our issue theme. First, David Wenkel analyzes the two editions of the First London Baptist Confession (1644/1646) for their attention to the doctrine of Scripture. Wenkel hig...