The shift in the Southern Baptist Convention toward a more conservative orientation was one of the most important developments in 20th century Christianity. The SBC is the largest non-Catholic denomination in the United States. The influence of its 16 million members extends literally around the world. In recent years, Southern Baptists have held many of the key political leadership positions in Washington, and the SBC's influence in Washington is enormous. The shift began in 1979 and continues today, though most historians ...
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The shift in the Southern Baptist Convention toward a more conservative orientation was one of the most important developments in 20th century Christianity. The SBC is the largest non-Catholic denomination in the United States. The influence of its 16 million members extends literally around the world. In recent years, Southern Baptists have held many of the key political leadership positions in Washington, and the SBC's influence in Washington is enormous. The shift began in 1979 and continues today, though most historians say the actual "Battle for the Bible" concluded in 1993. In 1978, the SBC was shifting dramatically toward the theological positions held by more mainline Protestant groups. Today, the SBC leads the Evangelical world in theology, publishing, missions and in many other ways and has distanced itself from the mainline churches. Author James C. Hefley was there as an eyewitness to history in the making. A gifted writer with a clear focus on the theological issues involved, Hefley wrote his five-volume series as developments occurred. He literally provides a step-by-step account. Dr. James T. Draper, a former SBC president and now president emeritus of the SBC's mammoth publishing arm, LifeWay Christian Resources, says of volume 1, "Every Southern Baptist should read James Hefley's book. I was personally amazed at the detail of his research and documentation that was presented and also very pleased at the objective way which he approached our Southern Baptist Convention. He has made a great effort to be fair and impartial in presenting the story of these days of controversy." Former Houston Chronicle Religion Editor Louis Moore writes in the forward to volume 1, "Jim Hefley presents the facts in a readable and informative way. I have enormous confidence in the actions of well-informed people, and this book will go a long way to educate its readers."
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