Southern Baptists:
The Baptists trace their origins to John Smyth and the Separatist Movement beginning in England in 1608. Reformists of the time called for a return to the New Testament Christian example of purity. One primary Baptist distinctive is their practice of adult believer’s baptism, rather than infant baptism. Infrastructure
The basics of their faith:
Authority of Scripture
Baptists view the Bible as the ultimate authority in shaping a person's life. They believe they hold the monopoly of truth.
Baptism
As indicated by their name a primary Baptist distinction is their practice of believer's baptism and their rejection of infant baptism. Baptists consider Christian baptism to be an ordinance for believers only, by immersion only, and as a symbolic act, not having any power in itself.
The act of baptism pictures what Christ has done for the believer in His death, burial, and resurrection. It pictures what Christ has done for the believer through the new birth enabling death to the old life and newness of life to walk in. Baptism gives testimony to a salvation already received; it is not a requisite for salvation. It is an act of obedience to Jesus Christ.
The Bible
Southern Baptists regard the Bible with great seriousness. Its Gods divinely inspired revelation of Himself to man. It is true, trustworthy and without error.
Church Authority
Each Baptist church is autonomous, with no bishop or hierarchical body telling the local church how to conduct its business.
Local churches themselves select their pastors and staff. They own their own building; the denomination cannot take it away.
Due to the congregational style of church governance on doctrine, Baptist churches often vary significantly, especially in the following areas:
Calvinism v Arminianism
The nature of Law and Gospel
Ordination of Women
Homosexuality
Eschatology (End times)
Communion
The Lord’s Supper memorialises the death of Christ.
Equality
In a...