The Baptist Faith and Message Study Committee issued the following statement on May 26, 2000 in response to questions and feedback they received from Southern Baptists shortly after the release of their report. (an exert)
"In light of modern theological controversies, we have clarified that Southern Baptists believe in the unlimited omniscience of God, and in the essential fact of Christ's substitutionary death on the cross. We do not deny that other historic understandings of the atonement add to our appreciation for the saving work of Christ, but the central message of the New Testament is that Christ 'died for our sins, according to the Scriptures.' [1 Corinthians 15:3]
This is a cleverly crafted statement as are all committee responses to feedback and questions.
Just a quick summary of the craftiness: 1.) modern theological controversies is a trivializing of the oppositions arguments. A shameful denial of centuries of a great Baptist heritage. Modern - last few years or last few decades. Theological - not Biblical but mere musings of human reasoning. Controversies - devises that destroy unity. 2.) unlimited omniscience Wordy phrase, redundant. Isn't omniscience already unlimited? A tactic a used car salesman would use. Usually there is a fault somewhere. 3.) essential fact - probably the fault that follows redundancy. 4.) add to our appreciation - a plain outright lie by at least two members of the committee and a shameful concession to at least one member of the committee. 5.) Central message We are right and have the Bible on our side! If you disagree with this you disagree with the Bible!
Do Denominational Committees deceive and lie? In the words of Rowan & Martin "you bet your sweet bippy" they do! But it is not a "lie" if done in "committee." It is the preservation of the unity of the institution. It falls under "well-intention."
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