Definition

Noun A theological belief or set of beliefs associated with Baptist churches, often closely related to the principles of Anabaptism. This typically emphasizes believer's baptism (the baptism of adult believers upon their profession of faith), the autonomy of the local church, and the separation of church and state.

Usage

The term is used to describe a specific theological position within Protestant Christianity. * The pastor's sermon explained the core tenets of baptistic doctrine. * Scholars often debate the historical connections between baptistic doctrine and earlier Anabaptist movements.

Advanced Usage

• The term can be used in historical or comparative religious studies to distinguish the beliefs of Baptist groups from those of other Protestant denominations like Presbyterians or Methodists.
• It can sometimes be used in a plural form ("baptistic doctrines") to refer to multiple specific beliefs within this tradition.

Variants and Related Words

• Baptist (adjective/noun): Of or relating to Baptist churches or their members. (e.g., a church).
• Anabaptism (noun): The radical Protestant movement of the 16th century that emphasized adult baptism, from which many baptistic doctrines are derived.
• Credobaptism (noun): The practice of baptizing only professing believers (adult or infant), which is a central element of baptistic doctrine.

Synonyms

• Baptist principles
• Believer's church theology (in certain contexts)

Notes on Meaning

• baptistic doctrine is not a single, monolithic set of beliefs but encompasses a range of doctrines held by various Baptist groups. The core unifying principle is typically the practice of believer's baptism by immersion.
• It is important to distinguish between uppercase "Baptistic" (directly pertaining to Baptist denominations) and lowercase "baptistic" (describing similar doctrines that may be held by groups outside the formal Baptist tradition).

Noun

1. any of various doctrines closely related to Anabaptism