Right or Wrong? Too much priesthood of believer

I’m tired of people promoting their divisive, individualistic beliefs, then ducking for protection behind “the priesthood of the believer.” How can we reach a balanced consensus on what this phrase means in our churches?

This question betrays both a disdain for liberty of conscience and a preference for doctrinal uniformity over spiritual unity. Who says consensus of opinion assures truth? Who determines whether a consensus is balanced? Who determines whether beliefs are divisive and individualistic?

In the 16th century, the conviction that only believers, not infants, should be baptized was considered so divisive and individualistic that many of our Anabaptist and Baptist ancestors were burned at the stake. Today, the consensus of opinion in mainline denominations still contends that this Baptist doctrine is divisive, schismatic and individualistic.

Questiono of authority

This question is really about authority. The phrase “the priesthood of the believer” is an acknowledgment that, ultimately, every believer stands directly under the authority of the triune God. Every believer has the kind of direct access to the heavenly Father that other traditions reserve for a priesthood. Christ is the only mediator between God and man.

Historically, Baptists have acknowledged the authority of the Holy Spirit in the life of both the individual believer and in the community of the local church. We insist both believers and churches should form their beliefs under the guidance of the Holy Spirit—giving greatest weight to the testimony of Scripture while also considering the witness of tradition and experience.

Spiritual maturity and understanding.

Both individuals and churches should grow in spiritual maturity and understanding.

Within the church, individuals will be at different stages of spiritual maturity and have differing levels of theological understanding. Every Christian must stand alone before God and give an account for how faithfully she or he grew to be like Christ. None will be permitted to assign that responsibility to someone else and blame others for personal shortcomings. All Christians have equal access to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and God expects all of his children to attune their minds and hearts to that guidance.

Congregations differ in their levels of theological understanding and in their stages of spiritual maturity. Each community will stand before God and give an account for how faithfully it grew together—young and old, male and female, dark complexioned and light complexioned, legal citizen and undocumented alien, liberal and conservative—to become the body of Christ.

Nurture a spirit of love

No confession or creed or doctrine will suffice to excuse them for ostracizing sincere believers whose stage of spiritual maturity and/or level of understanding differs from that of the consensus within the community.

Instead of basing unity on intellectual knowledge and things that grow in time and pass away, we ought to be nurturing a spirit of love and humility that will endure for eternity (1 Corinthians 13:8). That will require acknowledging neither the consensus of opinion in any church nor the conscientious convictions of any individual believer are capable of infallibility.

Bruce Prescott, executive director

Mainstream Oklahoma Baptists

Norman, Okla.

Right or Wrong? is co-sponsored by the Texas Baptist theological education office and Christian Life Commission. Send your questions about how to apply your faith to  bill.tillman@texasbaptists.org.