Southern Baptist Consensus and Renewal

On the backend of the conservative resurgence, many in the  Southern Baptist Convention seem to be experiencing an identity crisis.  With the Battle for the Bible seemingly won, how should we as Southern Baptists be defined?

David Dockery seeks to answer that question with Southern Baptist Consensus and Renewal.  The subtitle, A Biblical, Historical, and Theological Proposal adequately sums up Dockery’s efforts in writing this well-researched and immediately applicable book.  Dockery blames much of the controversy in the twentieth century on a lack of theological emphasis in Southern Baptist churches, universities, and seminaries.  In his own words,

Moreover, when the controversies surrounding the Bible broke out during that time, most Southern Baptists were horrified to learn that some professors in our seminaries and colelges did not believe in the full truthfulness of the Bible.  Our pragmatic and programmatic identity left us ill-equipped to respond to these theological challenges concerning Scripture.

Of course, leaders did rise up and, though it took time, the “Battle for the Bible” was eventually won in the Southern Baptist Convention.  On the heels of that, David Dockery seeks to lay out a plan for the future that looks to the past for guidance and inspiration.  Dockery has written a challenging and comprehensive work that is sure to mold Southern Baptists for years to come.  Dockery encourages focus on a pure faith that will lead to a Great Commission resurgence in the SBC.

Baptist Consensus and Renewal  is a bit difficult to read at times and shows some redundancy.  However, the strengths of this book and of its arguments far outweigh any weaknesses, real or perceived.  Southern Baptists must unite behind a cause greater than our infighting and David Dockery has called us to that with clarity and precision.