The religious sector here in the Fifty States is as hard hit by the social and political changes as any other. This is especially true of the various massive denominations. One such is the large Southern Baptist denomination, one of dozens if not hundreds of Baptist groups. And long considered one of the more “conservative” groups. They pride themselves (yes, pride is a biblical sin) on being evangelical, fundamentalist, politically influential, biblical (“Sola Scriptura” – only Scripture), advocate salvation by faith alone, claim that their congregations are independent, and much more. They are the largest Protestant denomination in the States: around 15 million “congregants.” (30% of American Protestants are some sort of Baptist.) In recent decades, their most powerful member was President Jimmy Carter.

Religion News Service recently carried a “news story” – a commentary disguised as a news report about the Southern Baptists. The article tells us that the SBC has rid themselves of “women pastors” as their latest “self-inflicted wound.” And will destroy their denomination.

For once, we agree with at least the headline and opening paragraph of a mainstream, Woke, media outlet. Yes, Southern Baptists did it to themselves. But it isn’t something that happened this month with their dismissal of congregations who have “women pastors” or even in the past months or year. The problem has existed in the various Baptist churches from their formation, beginning in the 1600s, and in the Southern Baptist Church/Convention since it was founded in May of 1845.

Many of their problems are of a theological nature, but are obvious (based on their own teachings and practices) even to those of us without a degree in theology or religious studies. Setting aside their understanding and support of such political matters as the morality of human slavery, let us look at a few of them:

Although they claim to believe and follow only the Bible (sola scriptura), their various creeds, bylaws, and other documents not only teach (and override) what the Bible teaches, but are deemed more authoritative. The challenge comes with interpretations of the Bible, of course, about which there is much disagreement. They conveniently ignore much of the Bible, both Old and New Testament, while embracing other parts with little rhyme or reason. Claiming to be “conservative” their interpretation of much of Scripture is surprisingly liberal: ignoring what the Bible says in many things, and adding to it in other beliefs and practices. Examples? Christmas and Easter – not found. Tolerance of nearly open-ended divorce. Having a single “pastor” in many of their congregations that do not meet biblical requirements, and in other places having a hierarchy and clergy internal to their congregations. There are many other items.

Now, the media (in this case the “Religion News Service” seems to think that the SBC’s only concern should be how large and how influential they are: how acceptable to mainstream society – and to the influencers and elite – their denomination is. This is a secular view of the situation, of course. A view very much in keeping with the idea that humans are calling the shots, that democracy is the ultimate good, and that – bluntly – government is the real god.

Fortunately, and to the credit of the SBC, it appears that a majority of the SBC’s decision makers seem to adhere to the idea that God is in charge. Not the God inside them, but the Creator, YHWH, the Trinity – when it comes to religion and the world. Not just worship. And they believe, with good reason from the Bible, that women are not supposed to be “pastors.” And that other human beliefs and practices so promoted today are also not in accordance with God’s will as stated in the Bible. Things like homosexual practice, unlimited divorce, slavery, occultism, fornication, and a few other things.

So even, in 21st Century America, many (most?) religious people condemn them. Including many who claim to be Southern Baptists. Why? Lack of teaching, lack of knowledge, and corruption. And failure to have and live a godly worldview. While submitting to the powers of this world. Enemies of liberty.

If the Baptists do not change their ways – NOT to conform to the ways of the world – to recognize and serve the God who is in charge of creation, they will continue to destroy themselves. Ironically and paradoxically, one of those things is to get over being a denomination.