Southern Baptists believe in the inherent dignity and worth of every individual. This is rooted in our understanding of the doctrine of Imago Dei, the belief that every person is created in the image of God. This means that a person’s fundamental identity is defined by their relationship with their creator. In this view, who a person is goes far beyond their physical, psychological, or sociological attributes. That means the true identity of every single individual is intrinsically spiritual and immutable.
At the same time, Southern Baptists also uphold a belief in human sinfulness or the idea that all individuals, due to our fallen nature, exhibit behavior that is often contrary to God’s will and design. This behavior is seen as a deviation from the inherent good that God intended for humanity, and it needs to be addressed and corrected through spiritual transformation and growth in personal holiness.
Consequently, Southern Baptists distinguish between who a person is (a beloved creation of God) and the behavior they may exhibit (which can reflect the reality of human sin). It’s important to note that this perspective leads to a strong emphasis on the need for redemption and transformation through faith in Jesus Christ.
This belief system also emphasizes the importance of community, fellowship, and church discipline in helping individuals conform their behavior to Christian standards. It suggests that while people might struggle with sinful behaviors, those behaviors don’t ultimately define them – what truly defines a person is their intrinsic worth as a creation of God and their potential for transformation through faith.