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THE MERCER BAPTIST STUDIES PROGRAM (MBSP)

The Center for Baptist Studies (CBS)

 

Bruce T. Gourley, Interim Director, The Center for Baptist Studies

and Coordinator of the Mercer Certificate in Baptist Studies Program

Wil Platt, Assistant to the Director

 

Required Written Responses
 Baptist Studies Program Home
 

          Directions: Each registrant is required to respond to the following statements. There are two statements for each section of readings. One statement focuses on the content of history. The second statement is directed toward one’s understanding of the relationship of major axioms of Baptist beliefs/practice to current issues in modern society.

          Suggestion: work on statements numbered "1" first; then work on the statements numbered "2."

          Reason: it will be difficult to put into perspective the relationship of current issues to Baptist beliefs/polity apart from a solid knowledge of historical content.

          Note: Check the following websites for assistance with current issues and Baptist polity:

                * Baptist Joint Committee  <http://www.bjcpa.org>

                * Americans United  <http://www. au.org>

                * Baptist History and Heritage Society  <http://www.baptisthistory.org>

                * Mainstream Baptists <http://www. mainstreambaptist.org>

                * Baptists Today  <http://www.baptiststoday.org>

          On statements numbered "1," evaluation of the written responses will focus on historical content. On statements numbered "2," evaluation of the written responses will center on awareness of the impact of current issues upon Baptist beliefs/practice.

          Written responses are to be a minimum of one page for each statement, or two pages for each pair. These responses should be emailed to Bruce Gourley at The Center for Baptist Studies at Mercer University. All registrants will receive feedback on their written responses.

 

          Readings in Baptist Foundations

          1. Identify some of the societal factors (religious, political, social, or economic) that were challenged by early Baptists, the results of which are suggested as "turning points" in Baptist history.

          2. Briefly discuss some of the elements within current Baptist life that appear to be eroding these "turning points" of Baptist history.

 

         Readings in Baptist Spirituality

          1. Using Shurden’s, The Baptist Identity: Four Fragile Freedoms, identify and discuss some lessons from history which affirm that each of the four freedoms were indeed "fragile."

          2. Discuss some examples from recent events that may suggest that these four freedoms continue to be "fragile."

 

          Readings in Baptist Witness

          1. Describe some of the major problems, perhaps even dangers, faced by early Baptists who strongly held to the concept of freedom of conscience, missions, and/or* the priesthood of all believers.

          2. Identify current challenges to Baptists that appear to endanger freedom of conscience, missions, and/or* the priesthood of all believers.

          "...and/or..."* means that the registrant may choose to write on only one of the three concepts.

 

Bruce T. Gourley, Coordinator of MCBS 

 gourley_bt@mercer.edu

 
 

The Center for Baptist Studies, Mercer University, 1400 Coleman Avenue, Macon, GA 31207