The Southern Baptist Convention’s recent resolutions against Palestine, widely regarded as profoundly anti-Christian, have ignited a critical reevaluation of the SBC’s theology and principles.
Despite the moral failure of forming in defense of slavery, the SBC grew to become the largest Protestant denomination in the United States, emphasizing evangelism, missionary work and biblical inerrancy. Historically, the SBC has shaped American religious and cultural life, advocating for various social and moral issues.
Their stance on Palestine is another moral failure.
Modern parallels of historical failures
Despite their longstanding support for Israel, in recent years, the SBC has intensified its pro-Israel stance, prioritizing it over Christian principles of justice, mercy and reconciliation. This shift is deeply troubling theologically.
Foundational to Baptist tradition are Jesus Christ’s teachings urging followers to “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44).
The SBC’s unwavering support for Israel and Zionism mirrors their past backing of slavery, which they justified using biblical verses, thus contradicting core Christian principles. This stance neglects the plight of Palestinian Baptists and Christians, aligning with the SBC’s historical legacy of siding against justice.
During the Indianapolis convention, the SBC passed resolutions that starkly contrasted with their stated values. Of particular note was a resolution denouncing “anti-Israel activism” and affirming “solidarity with Israel.”
This highlights the SBC’s consistent pro-Israel stance over the years. By aligning with the Israeli government and settlers, the SBC continues to echo their rhetoric, potentially disregarding Palestinian aspirations for statehood and self-determination.
Theological error and ethical inconsistencies
These resolutions lack a biblical Christian perspective, condemning Hamas without addressing broader historical and geopolitical aspects. They fail to advocate for repentance, forgiveness and Christ-like reconciliation, rejecting “moral equivalence” and failing to acknowledge the suffering of all parties, particularly Palestinians.
True justice and lasting peace are found in Christ’s reconciling work, demanding humility, compassion and solidarity with the marginalized. The SBC’s resolutions contradict Jesus Christ’s radical teachings, lacking calls for enemy-love, forgiveness and nonviolent peacemaking that should define the church’s prophetic witness.
By uncritically affirming the just war tradition and endorsing the state’s right to wield the “sword,” the SBC conflates earthly nationalism with the kingdom of God.
Impact on Palestinian Christians
The SBC’s resolutions blatantly ignored Palestinian Christians and churches, callously neglecting them amid dire struggles against severe hardship, apartheid, occupation, ethnic cleansing, terror, genocide and discrimination.
This deliberate abandonment begs the question: Why harbor such deep animosity toward them? This stance not only repeats historical injustices, but also disregards international law and human rights abuses.
Over the years, Israeli attacks on Gaza have resulted in significant damage to Christian sites and properties, including churches and schools. The Gaza Baptist Church and its library, for instance, have been bombed and damaged multiple times.
The SBC’s resolutions also conveniently ignore the plight of Palestinian hostages, many of whom are Christians, focusing on Israeli hostages while disregarding the thousands of Palestinians languishing in illegal detention and facing torture. This double standard undermines the SBC’s moral authority.
Reclaiming the true spirit of Baptist Christianity
The recent actions of the SBC betray Baptist principles. Historically, Baptist churches have had a complex and varied relationship with justice and resistance against injustice.
While Baptists have been strong advocates for religious freedom and, in many cases, social justice, they also have supported and justified oppressive systems, such as slavery and segregation.
This contradictory legacy makes the SBC’s fervent support for the Israeli government’s occupation of Palestine even more troubling, as it appears to repeat past mistakes of siding with power over the powerless. Labeling opposition to Israeli policies as “antisemitic” ignores the systematic dehumanization of the Semitic Palestinians.
To realign with Christian principles, the SBC must reconsider its recent resolutions. This requires advocating for a just solution that respects the rights of all parties, especially Palestinian Christians.
Future generations and global implications
The SBC risks alienating a younger, globally aware generation that is critical of injustice. Young Christians, especially students, are seeking communities that reflect values of justice and equality.
The SBC’s stance on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict may lead to declining membership as congregants look for authentic Christian communities. Supporting policies that perpetuate oppression and conflict not only undermines Christian moral authority but also harms interfaith relationships.
Baptist tradition demands advocating for all oppressed, regardless of nationality or religion. It is crucial for the SBC to remember being Baptist means championing the marginalized and oppressed. This commitment transcends politics and strikes at the core of our faith. The SBC must pursue a Christ-centered, prophetic response that goes beyond political expediency.
This authentic spirit of Baptist Christianity requires confronting the moral lapses of our leaders and reclaiming our prophetic voice. The future of our faith hinges on this moment, demanding decisive action.
We implore the SBC to reconsider this resolution and commit to sacrificial love, forgiveness and the pursuit of true peace.
How can the SBC possibly defend its alleged commitment to justice and Christian principles while shamelessly endorsing a stance on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict that utterly betrays and abandons the suffering and rights of Palestinian Baptists and Christians?
When the SBC abandons its principles, siding with power over the powerless, what does it truly represent?
Jack Nassar is a Palestinian Christian based in Ramallah. He holds an MA in political communications from Goldsmiths University in London and possesses expertise across sectors, driving positive change. The views expressed in this opinion article are those of the author.
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