Results: The Moral Regression of the Southern Baptists?

"The Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) expressed support for abortion in certain cases throughout the 1970s, until a more conservative wing seized control in the 1980s. The Convention's changing stance against abortion is a reflection of these leaders' conservative beliefs about women, gender and sexuality. They illustrate the Convention's beliefs about gender, particularly how women and their bodies should be subordinate to men." Do you believe that women should be subordinate to men?

"The SBC passed its first resolution on abortion two years before the 1973 Roe decision. While the Convention never supported the right of a woman to have an abortion at her request for any reason, the resolution did acknowledge the need for legislation that would allow for some exceptions. In fact, many Southern Baptists saw the Roe decision as drawing a needed line between church and state on matters of morality and state regulation. A Baptist Press article just days after the decision called it an advancement of religious liberty, human equality and justice". Do you believe in the principle of "separation of church and state"?

"The Convention affirmed this resolution in 1974 after Roe was decided. A 1976 resolution condemned abortion as "a means of birth control" but still insisted the decision ultimately remained between a woman and her doctor. A 1977 resolution clarified the Convention's position, reaffirming its "strong opposition to abortion on demand." However, it also reaffirmed the Convention's views about the limited role of government and the right of pregnant women to medical services and counseling. This resolution was affirmed again in 1979." Do you consider the 1970s' SBC's stance similar to the current "my body, my choice" opinions held by the majority of Americans now?

Today, the Southern Baptist Convention, the largest Protestant denomination in the U.S., and often referred to as the "bellwether for conservative Christianity," is considered by many as the main opposition to abortion, not American Catholics. A Pew survey in 2014 found that two-thirds of Southern Baptists believed abortion should be illegal in most or all cases. In 2021, the Convention passed a resolution stating, "unequivocally that abortion is murder" and calling for "abolishing abortion immediately, without exception or compromise." Many Americans think that these evangelicals have changed their organized religion to support conservative political issues in mainstream, secular America from their pulpits; essentially blurring the lines between "church and state". The teachings of Christ haven't changed, but the Southern Baptists have. Do you find that the Southern Baptists have morally regressed in their views and behavior with abortion since the 1970s?