BOOK RECOMMENDED

Because of the controversies surrounding the past and anticipated future changes of the Baptist Faith and Message (BFM) by the Southern Baptist Convention, we believe many of our readers might be interested in a book that expounds on this subject. In 1997, Smyth & Helwys published a book that we recommend: Sacred Mandates of Conscience: Interpretations of The Baptist Faith and Message, edited by Jeff B. Pool. Contributors include N. Larry Baker, Molly T. Marshall, Bill J. Leonard, Warren McWilliams and William R. Estep.

The following is an excerpt from a chapter by William L. Hendricks: In this chapter, I will consider the topics of God, the Bible, and authority, as reflected in The Baptist Faith and Message (BFM). Candid and critical evaluation as well as fresh exegesis and explanation of the BFM are long overdue. This is so because denominational leaders have shifted their usage of the BFM.

The use of the BFM as a definitive creedal statement reflects this shift, despite the Preamble of the document itself. Especially is this the case in matters of employment and discharge from employment throughout all denominational agencies. In the absence of an agreed-upon interpretation of the BFM's content and in the light of its ambiguous hermeneutical statement,

"[t]he criterion by which the Bible is to be interpreted is Jesus Christ," this restrictive use of the document seems incongruous with its avowed purpose.

On the one hand, the document is being used too restrictively. On the other hand, there seems to be a prevailing opinion, by those using the document as a litmus test for denominational employment, that the BFM is not restrictive enough or specific enough in certain areas, so as to be able to state precisely and verbally what seems desirable in the prevailing political milieu.

Several specific ideas are not included in the BFM: the inerrancy of the scriptures (in that exact wording), the restriction of women from the role of pastor, an absolutist position against abortion, a statement concerning pastoral authority, and a strong statement against homosexuality, among other issues.

In light of these tensions, use of the BFM as a policy-document for employment, and the growing dissatisfaction that the BFM does not address several contemporary issues, Baptists may expect both a mounting pressure for a reexamination of the BFM and perhaps a call for a new or revised statement of faith for the SBC.

Sacred Mandates of Conscience may be ordered through Smyth & Helwys at 1-800-747-3016.

Editor's Note: Notice Dr. Hendricks predicted a revision of the BF&M in 1997, before the SBC appointed a committee to revise the document.

December 1999