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What does it mean to be Baptist in today's polarized religious landscape? Can strong theological convictions coexist with genuine kindness toward those who disagree? Nate Akin believes they not only can but must go together.

In this thought-provoking conversation, Nate unpacks the framework of his book "Convictional, Confessional, Cheerful Baptists," revealing how our theological commitments should shape both what we believe and how we engage with others. As executive director of the Pillar Network and founder of Baptist 21, Nate brings unique insights into denominational cooperation and Baptist identity.

The discussion explores how the very doctrines of grace many Baptists cherish should make them the most gracious people in theological discussions. "We should mean what we say (convictional), say what we mean (confessional), and say what we mean without being mean (cheerful)," Nate explains, cutting to the heart of his message.

Particularly compelling is Nate's candid admission that his book partly stems from battling his own tendencies toward theological arrogance. If salvation truly comes by unmerited grace, shouldn't that produce humility rather than haughtiness in our doctrinal positions?

Beyond personal application, the conversation addresses why denominational distinctives matter in an age that often dismisses them as irrelevant. Nate makes a compelling case that understanding Baptist identity isn't just about tradition but about how we understand the church's nature and mission in the world.

Whether you're a lifelong Baptist wondering about your denominational roots or someone curious about how theological conviction and Christian charity can work together, this episode offers refreshing insights for navigating faith in a divided world.

Find Nate's book "Convictional, Confessional, Cheerful Baptists" at courierpublishing.com or on Amazon.

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What makes someone truly Baptist? Is it simply family tradition, or are there deeper theological convictions at play? In this thought-provoking episode, Jeff Robinson and Travis Kearns dive into the heart of Baptist identity, challenging the common notion that most people identify as Baptist merely because "that's how I was raised."

The conversation explores the foundational Baptist distinctive of believers' baptism by immersion and why this practice matters theologically. Robinson and Kearns skillfully dismantle arguments for infant baptism, examining how Baptist understanding of baptism connects to regenerate church membership and a biblical view of covenant signs. Their biblical analysis of Romans 2:25-29 reveals how physical circumcision corresponds to spiritual heart change rather than physical baptism, contradicting common Reformed arguments.

Beyond baptism, the hosts trace Baptist origins to English Puritan separatism in the 17th century, positioning Baptist emergence as a continuation of the Reformation into matters of ecclesiology. They highlight South Carolina's significant historical importance in Baptist life and discuss how Baptist identity encompasses four key principles: orthodoxy, evangelicalism, integrated ecclesiology, and confessionalism.

The discussion takes on added relevance in light of recent high-profile departures from Baptist life to Anglican or Catholic traditions, with the hosts cautioning against reading Scripture through the lens of church history rather than the other way around. Their passionate defense of Baptist distinctives demonstrates why these theological positions remain compelling in an age that often dismisses denominational differences.

Tune in to our upcoming series on denominations, where we'll explore why denominational identity matters in today's anti-authority culture and explain the unique structure of the Southern Baptist Convention. Subscribe, leave a review, and join the conversation about what it means to embrace Baptist identity with biblical conviction rather than mere tradition.

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What happens when religious faith directly impacts political governance? In our latest deep dive, we examine the surprising rise of Zoran Mamdani, the 33-year-old Democrat who openly identifies as both socialist and communist while now standing as the nominee for mayor of America's financial capital.

Our co-host Travis Kearns brings his extensive expertise in world religions to unpack the profound implications of Mamdani's Twelver Shiite Muslim background—the same branch that governs Iran. We explore how this specific Islamic worldview might shape governance approaches in New York City, from economic policies to social structures. Quoting directly from Karl Marx's communist principles and advocating for government-controlled businesses, Mamdani represents a fascinating case study in how personal faith influences public policy.

The conversation moves beyond simple political analysis to examine what Christians living under different governmental systems should consider. Drawing from Romans 13 and the writings of Francis Schaeffer, we discuss the biblical framework for engaging with authorities while maintaining spiritual integrity. Whether you're interested in politics, religious studies, or the intersection of worldviews, this episode offers thoughtful insights into one of America's most significant mayoral races and its potential ripple effects across the nation. Join us for this timely exploration of faith, governance, and how the two inevitably shape each other in profound ways.

https://baptistcourier.com
https://bobslone.com/home/podcast-production/