The Betrayal: The hostile takeover of the Southern Baptist Convention and a Missionary's Fight for Freedom in Christ [Paperback]

John W. Merritt (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 2005

The destruction of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) as a cooperative and united fellowship of more than 16 million Baptists over more than 25 years by the actions and spirit of fundamentalist leaders can be compared to the 9/11 destruction delivered in one morning to the World Trade Center towers. The grave difference is that the 9/11 masterminds were sworn enemies of the United States. Their intention was to cause as much death and destruction as possible. The masterminds of the destruction of the unity and fellowship of the Southern Baptist Convention were Paige Patterson and Paul Pressler, a theologian and a judge, two Southern Baptist insiders who betrayed the SBC and all it has stood for for more than 150 years. Further, the destruction of the unity and fellowship of Southern Baptists is worse than the Enron and WorldCom scandals because it was led by deceitful Baptist leaders who conducted their crusade under the themes of "believe the Bible" and "a high view of Scripture." In reality it was, and still is, perhaps the biggest hoax ever attempted by some Baptists against other Baptists. Author John W. Merritt served as a Southern Baptist missionary in Europe for 34 years. He was in "the eye of the storm" when the aggression of fundamentalist Southern Baptist trustees took their movement to Europe. In his book, and in his talks, Merritt documents their deceit. In this important, historic and difficult book, Merritt clarifies who calls and sends missionaries and under whose authority they live and work. He presents 10 arguments that the SBC fundamentalist movement is "another gospel" and offers five proposals to churches to help them regain their autonomy under the authority of Christ. He also offers a new vision for a new future for Southern Baptists. Merritt writes that church communities must participate in fair, free and open forums of discussion on the Bible to overcome the divisions and bring unity to the Baptist churches, associations and Convention. The Betrayal makes a compelling case, using clear, strong, and timely examples, that the Southern Baptist Convention is in desperate need of new leadership, including new trustees, new heads of boards, seminaries and agencies. All of these should know the difference between good and evil and courageously practice the good.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"I am pleased that someone of John's wide experience and gracious character has put on record the tragic happenings." -- Bernard Green, former General Secretary of the Baptist Union of Great Britain and author of Crossing the Barriers: A History of the European Baptist Federation

"Merritt brings perspective to SB controversy between authoritarianism and liberty. His voice rises to the level of prophetic calling." -- Edward L. Bleynat, Jr., author of The Synoptic Gospels: A Journey into the Kingdom, Vols. I and II

"The truth does shine. Baptists need to hear this story." -- James Heflin, former General Secretary, EBC, now professor of preaching, Logsdon Theological Seminary

About the Author

Author John Merritt served as a missionary in Europe for 34 years. As his vision grew, so did his influence and witness, which touched all of European Baptist life, eastern and western. Ordained in 1954, Merritt was appointed missionary to Italy in July 1964. He was then elected General Secretary of the European Baptist Convention (EBC) and served from 1972-1996, while living in Germany. Merritt has received many honors in his long career, including a Doctor of Divinity Degree from Campbell University, NC, Elected and served as vice president, European Baptist Federation (EBF), 1989-1991; served as president, EBF, 1991-1993; elected General Secretary Emeritus, EBC, 1998. Merritt is retired and, with his wife Elizabeth, lives in Mississippi and North Carolina. They are the parents of three sons, Michael, Mark (who is deceased) and Philip; and have two grandchildren, John and Nora. He strongly feels his calling for this time in his life of service is to bring attention to the betrayal of Southern Baptists by the fundamentalist leadership of the Southern Baptist Convention, and to the opportunities he sees for the healing of the church.

Product Details

• Paperback: 252 pages
• Publisher: R. Brent and Company (July 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 096780616X
• ISBN-13: 978-0967806167
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,038,654 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)