The process of denominational cohesion within the Southern Baptist Convention, 1845-1927
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Date
1998
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Abstract
This study explores the organizational development of the Southern Baptist Convention from its beginnings during the sectional polarization of the ante bellum period to the completion of denominational structures in 1927. This work challenges the presentation of the Convention as solely the outgrowth of a southern cultural consensus. In the years between the Civil War and the turn of the century, Baptists in the South exhibited a diversity that strained the structural integrity of the Convention. During these uncertain years, the disparate elements contended over issues of doctrine, polity, and representation within the Convention. A trend toward cohesion began slowly in the 1880s. This process resulted from events within and outside the Southern Baptist Convention. Northern Baptist mission agencies reduced their commitment in the South during this period while the Southern Baptist Convention concurrently strengthened its influence in the region. Motivated by a desire to effectively steward available resources, Southern Baptists took steps toward organizational centralization. In the years prior to World War I, members of the Convention slowly yielded a portion of their cherished autonomy in return for greater evangelical influence. Financial crisis and the fundamentalist/modernist debate during the 1920s forced Southern Baptists to complete their denominational structure in 1927.
Contents
Subject
Subject(s)
Southern Baptist Convention--History--19th century
Southern Baptist Convention--History--20th century
Baptists--United States--History
Church controversies--Baptists--History
Southern Baptist Convention--History--20th century
Baptists--United States--History
Church controversies--Baptists--History
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Genre
Dissertation
Description
Format
viii, 292 leaves
Department
History