How do you identify yourself? If you used to, and no longer do, what changed?
I bet you even agree with Tarheel in this, somewhere!
Generally, I use the moniker of "Bible Believing Christian".
I agree (O My SOUL!) with tmjborg about "extra" fundamentals such as "Dress codes" (except for staff), landmarkism, briderism, etc.
Would you agree that KJV-onlyism is also an extra fundamental that some have tried to add?
I've been involved in fundamental baptist churches for about 16 years. Started off in fundamental free will baptist then when I moved to another area of the country switched to IFB. About the only difference between the two brands is that the fundamental free wills believe you can throw away your salvation although it's very, very, very unlikely one ever would. I'll still be a part of an IFB for another year. The IFB I'm currently part of has a Hyles-Anderson pastor but seems to be leaning more West Coast now. I'm in agreement with the historical fundamentals just not all of the "extra" fundamentals. I would avoid calling myself a fundamentalist just because of it's connection with IFB churches. I'm agreement with the Baptists essentials and some non-essentials but probably not quite enough to call myself Baptist.
Just from my interactions with the two factions the West Coast group seems to be a little less "in your face". Some of the Hyles guys get into screaming and ranting. The West Coast guys I've seen seem to be more analytical. Interestingly the two Freewill Baptist churches I was a part of and my current IFB church all seemed to prefer West Coast-and the IFB church has a Hyles pastor.In your opinion, what would be some of the differences between a Hyles-Anderson church and a West Coast church?
How do you identify yourself?
After reading the room with keen social awareness, right.I usually say something like "Hi, I'm ALAYMAN, pleased to make your acquaintance".
I am a Bible-believing, fundamental, independent Baptist believer.
I've never seen anyone DEMAND anyone hold that position. No doubt there are those who try and I would disagree with it being a forced position.
Was thinking today about this topic and I'm glad there is still a small remnant that is willing to be identified as Baptists!
I know a man who came to our area to start a Baptist church about 4 years ago or so. I know some good people that left another good Baptist church to go help start this new one.
Today, that church is no longer a Baptist church, but a "non-denominational" church that is part of a group of churches in the same geographical area.
This man graduated from a well-known BAPTIST college. He no longer calls his work Baptist.
Now here's the kicker: Those members who left a good Baptist church to help him? They are still there!
Why? Simple answer: They never had convictions on their position or history. It's meaningless to them.
I'm not surprised. These same people vote, but they couldn't tell you who their elected officials are, where they stand on important issues or much of anything else.
Why? They don't care.
When you boil it down, most people only really care about 2 things; family and work.
Most any IFB website in existence has the good ole 1611 KJV listed as part of what they believe concerning the Scriptures.
Again, so what? At least those have the gumption to stand for what they believe. (Yes, yes, the libs do to)There are more flavors of "baptist" then they are ice cream at Ben and Jerry's. Division is what anyone should think when they hear the word "baptist".... They can't even get along with one another much less anyone else.
I'm actually curious to hear more about this.West Coast style: Lancaster Baptist
the latter is heavily accused of being liberal.