Thread by @EWErickson

A great many people are replying to this #SBC23 tweet are replying with examples like the Wesleyans, Pentecostals, etc. I'd reply that all the exceptions prove the rule. They have existing, long-term theology very distinct from Southern Baptists, Presbyterians, etc.

https://twitter.com/EWErickson/status/1666495991199981569

For an SBC church to deviate from long-held SBC norms is just the first of a long-term shift. It always happens slowly and then all at once. Today, it's abandoning the long-held practice of men only as pastors. Then it's lowering standards on pastoral qualifications.

Then it's deviating further on standards for who can be deacons. A few years from now, it'll be on marriages in the church, and then, presto, you're out the door of Christendom, and suddenly your ecclesiology is very high church, and your theology is high as a kite.

All those other groups are exceptions to the rule. They have long, long-held practices and theology. Also, not one of them is Southern Baptist adjacent. And frankly, there's been a lot of historic revision in the past few weeks from those who support female pastors at #SBC23.

One should not have to change history to change one's position, but from arguments over Baptists and creeds to how Charles Stanley came to faith — subtly twisting history to defend a new position is part of the slide out the door of Christendom.

The pattern is on full display. (1) Argue history differently; (2) then argue Biblical interpretation differently; (3) then argue pastoral standards differently; (4) wind up Episcopalian.

The PCUSA, Episcopalians, UMNC, UCCC, Lutherans, etc. all started the same way this #SBC23 argument is starting.