Foreword

For more than a quarter century, the Southern Baptist Convention has experienced “The Controversy.” These sixteen million Southern Baptists comprise one of the largest, wealthiest, and most powerful denominations in the world.

What is euphemistically called The Controversy erupted among Southern Baptists in 1979. It is also called a Fundamentalist Takeover by those labeled (by themselves or others) as “liberal,” “moderate,” or “Mainstream.” The same Controversy is called the “Conservative Resurgence” by those labeled (by themselves or others) as “conservatives” or “Fundamentalists.”

Why after more than twenty-five years of The Controversy is this book needed?

Those of us who have watched this painful Controversy wonder who could possibly still fail to understand what has been happening in the Southern Baptist Convention. Still, as wise sage Cecil Sherman has often quipped: “The sun is always rising somewhere.”

For you the SBC Controversy sun may just be rising. It is for you and your church this book is offered.

The Takeover in the Southern Baptist Convention was first produced in 1989. It had its beginnings in a report of the Denominational Relations Committee of River Road Baptist Church in Richmond, Virginia. Reworking that report, four authors produced the first edition of this work for a larger audience: Barbara Jackson, Robert E. Shepherd, Jr., Cornelia Showalter, and editor Robison B. (Rob) James. Dr. James did much of the final writing and re-writing and so was listed on the front of the first edition as editor.

A second updating of the book was produced under the auspices of Baptists Today, this time by Dr. Gary Leazer. Dr. Leazer, an employee of the Home Mission Board, was dismissed for explaining the Southern Baptist Convention’s vote regarding Freemasonry to a Masonic lodge meeting. Needless to say, Dr. Leazer was well acquainted with the events of the Takeover and did a skillful job of updating.

The third edition of the book was updated by James Shoopman, pastor of the Indigo Lakes Baptist Church in Daytona Beach, Florida, and published in 1999. Thousands of the third edition have been studied by churches concerned with events in the Southern Baptist Convention. Shoopman’s introduction provides background perspective into the “why” of the Controversy. There is also an updated chronology of events as the Takeover or Resurgence (depending on your perspective) has tightened its control of the SBC system.

This fourth edition presents variations from the earlier editions:  

1. To Provide a Perspective for the Events of the Last Twenty-five Years: Many of us have lived through pain of the last quarter century. But for a younger generation, our recollections can sound like stories of the Civil War — interesting, but not all that relevant today. This edition provides a coherent chronology of the most significant events since the Takeover began, plus useful “so what?” information.

2. To Include/Present the Viable Option for 21st Century Moderate Baptists: The emergence of Cooperative Baptist Fellowship began in 1990. For thousands of individuals and churches, it has “become a denominational home” as testified by Jimmy Carter, one of America’s best-known Baptists and former U.S. President. Out of pain and difficulty can come hope and health. If you are a moderate Baptist, Cooperative Baptist Fellowship may also become a denominational home for you.

3. To Provide a Resource for Individual and Small-group Use: Baptists are at our best when we pray and talk freely with one another. We encourage you and a small group to read and discuss this book together. We believe “present the facts and trust the people” works.

This fourth edition is a collaborative effort.

• CBF of Missouri coordinated condensing and editing previous editions and adding updated resources.

• North Carolina CBF reviewed the document.

• CBF of Georgia provided the funding and made the final revisions.

  We agree with Dr. Shoopman’s comments in the third edition:

This work is an excellent tool for helping people understand what has happened to the Southern Baptist Convention since 1979. If our small contribution has made it any clearer to the average reader, we are grateful for the opportunity to help fellow Christians toward a better understanding of the truth. The real credit for this work still belongs to the initial authors and the editors, Rob James and Gary Leazer, who did the original research and writing. We have made every effort to preserve the integrity and the spirit of their work. We pray the blessing of the Holy Spirit, who will guide us into all truth, for all who read this book.  

Finally, we are personally grateful to countless Sunday School teachers, Church Training leaders, missions leaders, youth ministers, pastors, deacons, and Southern Baptist institutions. Those men, women, and institutions nurtured within us a passion for missions and Baptist principles that are deeper and stronger than denominational labels and programs. We hope you join us in a chorus of gratitude for the past and hope for the future.                                               

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