Definition

Noun: 1. A member or adherent of a group of Baptist congregations holding Arminian theological views: Specifically, a General Baptist is a Christian who belongs to a Baptist tradition that rejects the Calvinist doctrine of limited atonement (that Christ died only for the elect) in favor of the general atonement view (that Christ died for all people). This group historically traces its theological roots to the teachings of the Dutch theologian Jacobus Arminius.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • As a General Baptist, she believes in the possibility of salvation for all who believe.
  • The church's history shows it was founded by General Baptists in the 18th century.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in historical and theological contexts to distinguish this group from Particular Baptists (or Calvinistic Baptists), who hold to the doctrine of particular redemption.
• It can function attributively (like an adjective) to describe churches, associations, or theology.
  • They attend a General Baptist church.
  • The General Baptist association held its annual meeting.

Variants and Related Words

• General Baptists (plural form): Refers to the collective group or its members.
• Arminian Baptist: A near-synonymous term emphasizing the theological foundation.
• Particular Baptist: The primary theological counterpart holding Calvinist beliefs.

Synonyms

• Arminian Baptist

Antonyms

• Particular Baptist
• Calvinistic Baptist
• Reformed Baptist

Noun

1. group of Baptist congregations believing the teachings of the Dutch theologian Jacobus Arminius (who opposed the doctrine of strict predestination of the Calvinists)