On Becoming un-Baptist Part 4: Why I am glad to have been a Baptist

On Becoming un-Baptist Part 4:

Why I am glad to have been a Baptist

In my previous posts, I have explained how I ceased to be a Baptist (ecclesiology, theology of baptism, and practice of baptism).  I do not want to give anyone an impression that I have nothing but stones to hurl.  I am very grateful for many things that I learned and experienced in baptistic circles.  There are virtues and practices I observed in others which I continue to admire and aspire to attain.

Knowledge of the Bible

While I may differ on how I interpret and understand the Bible, Baptists (at least most the ones I was exposed to) placed a great emphasis on knowing and reading the Bible.  I often find myself whispering along with Bible readings in church because I have the entire passage nearly memorized from repeated encounters in my youth.

Love of God and neighbor

I met many people who loved God and their neighbors far better than I did or do now. 

Tithing

This may sound strange to some, but it was quite a culture shock when I was in church and we were given pledge forms for how much we were going to give in the calendar year (this has happened in more than one non-baptistic church I have attended).  From my youth I had learned and practiced that I ought to give 10 percent.  That is tithing 101, which I heard explained from the pulpit on several occasions.

Importance of owning one’s faith

Baptistic circles stress the importance of owning your faith.  I was taught that it was important to know what I believed, make it my own, and live it out.

Sincere people and good friends

I met many people of simple and pious sincerity.  I made friends that will last a lifetime.  Even if I disagree with them on many points, I know that they come to their views honestly and without any maliciousness.