A comparative evaluation and theological analysis of the denominational practices of the Baptist Union of Southern Africa, SOLA 5 and the Fellowship of Baptist Churches in South Africa

Abstract

This study has two main focus areas. Firstly, it attempts to construct a theological model or framework for Baptist denominationalism. In order to achieve this, the historical origins of Baptist denominationalism are noted, together with the main forms of denominational structures. The theological grounds for denominationalism from a Baptist perspective are set out to ensure that Baptist denominationalism is a legitimate pursuit. Historical Baptist distinctives and Baptist identity are investigated, critiqued and discussed from a theological point of view, and their implications for Baptist denominationalism noted. These implications are drawn together into a framework which is presented as key principles for consistent Baptist denominationalism. Secondly, the theological framework for consistent Baptist denominationalism is used to evaluate three Baptist denominational groupings in South Africa, namely, the Baptist Union of Southern Africa, Sola 5, and the Fellowship of Baptist Churches of South Africa. The objective of this evaluation is to establish whether the latter two groupings, being more recent, provide an improvement of Baptist denominationalism when compared to the longer established Baptist Union. In order to do this, the structures and functioning of each of the groupings are examined and critiqued. The findings of this study suggest that the Baptist Union of South Africa has a number of crucial weaknesses that are substantially improved in the structures and practices of Sola 5 and the Fellowship of Baptist Churches of South Africa.