Within Southern Baptist churches there exists a variety of people who claim to be Arminians or Calvinists. In my experience, many of these individuals do not actually affirm many of the propositions that are included in the historic theological systems represented by those names. Instead, the shorthand references seem to have been drained of some substantial theological cargo. More often than not, “Calvinist” and “Arminian” now simply float as hollow battleships representing differing views on the doctrine of salvation. This is unfortunate and less than helpful.
The rise in number and influence of those who might call themselves Calvinist has also caused no small amount of concern for many Southern Baptists. The reasons for all of this heartburn may be many, but I think that one major contributing factor is unfamiliarity. Anytime something is unfamiliar, it tends to make us uneasy – at least a little.
Ask the average Southern Baptist what he or she knows about Arminianism or Calvinism, and you are likely to get a puzzled look followed by a confused reply. Moreover, if some Southern Baptists do seem to know something about either or both of these camps, they will often have only a truncated or twisted perspective. If the Southern Baptists of today were as disinterested in theological investigation as the Southern Baptists of the 1950s-1990s (activity was their greater focus), then this misunderstanding would not be as much of a problem. However, there has been a dramatic rearrangement of the American cultural landscape, and the congregations who live and work on this new terrain have changed as well.
Since the Southern Baptist Convention was first formed in 1845, there have been both Calvinists and Arminians in the family. Particular Baptists (Calvinistic) and General Baptists (Arminian) both joined in cooperated efforts to proclaim the Gospel far and wide. Because of this diversity in the SBC, there have also been various times in which each theological camp has enjoyed the more prominent role in the convention. Of course, there have been vigorous debates and even family fights, but Southern Baptists have never shied away from a healthy debate or fight. The point is that the disagreeing sides of this particular theological debate have cooperated significantly in the past. I believe that we would be childish and foolish to think that this kind of cooperation cannot continue.
In order to work towards clarity and civility in the current situation, it will be helpful for everyone to investigate, think, and then speak (with patience and humility). By God’s grace, Southern Baptists (Arminians and Calvinists alike) can continue to unite under the banner of the Gospel, and we may continue to defend those Biblical distinctives that have made us Baptists.
Marc Minter 
Great article! I was very anti-Calvinist for years. Mostly because everything I knew about Calvinism came from anti-Calvinists. The final straw for me was in actually reading God’s Word. I couldn’t argue what He said. Now, having studied it for many years, I now understand that my sources of information, whether they intended to or not, were bias and did not present a fair and balanced description of each side. I have also found this to be the same when studying the eschatological views, the covenant vs dispensationalism debate, and probably every other debate within the church.
Thanks for sharing, and thanks for reading!
Being one who would probably be placed in the ‘Calvin’ camp. I strive to not be a ‘Calvinist’. What I do strive for, is to be a follower of Christ that I see described in God’s holy word. In that way, I’m not worrying about whether or not something is ‘Calvin ‘ or ‘Armenian’ rather what is Gid showing me? Who has He created me to be and what has He created me for? When I stand before Him I want to be seen as His, not Calvin’s or Armenius’s. That is what we must strive for, not being good Calvinists or Armenians who get along. But one family striving for unity and the glory of God.
I think you and I agree… I am not sure why you did not pick up this exact sentiment in my article. Thanks for reading!
ok . I read this. Armenians believe there is a possibility of losing their salvation? Calvinist believe in once saved always saved?
Thanks for reading. Yes, the two theological systems would disagree on that point. Southern Baptists have always held to the “perseverance of the saints” (once saved always saved), which is one of the doctrines of Calvinism.
On other points some Southern Baptists would line up with the Arminian system. The point of this article is that both of these theological camps have been (and are today) present among Southern Baptists. I don’t think that is a bad thing.
Thanks again for reading.