Students Learn at SWBTS What the Letter "T" Stands for in "BAPTIST"

It is good to know that seminary students at our SBC schools are learning the deeper, more meaningful spiritual truths of life that feed the souls of men.

For instance, take Dr. Bob Pearle's chapel message on 9/13/12.  Pearle unveiled the secret of what each letter in the "BAPTIST" represents. Why is he so proud to be a baptist? Because each letter represents one of the most cherished beliefs of Baptists.

What did the good doctor tell everyone the word "BAPTIST" stands for?

B stands for:    "Bible"

A stands for:  "Autonomy of the local church"

P stands for:  "priesthood of the believer"

Now, what about the letter "T"? It could stand for "theology", or "testify", or even "trespass the recalcitrant". No, it stands for something much more important, something that is much more near and dear to the heart of so many baptist preachers like Bob Pearle.

Tithing. I know you didn't know it, but the "T" in "Baptist" (the first "T", anyways) stands for "tithing".

You say you didn't know it? You know it now. ;)
Indeed, one of the central tenants of being a good Baptist in the year 2012 is tithing, forking over 10% of  your income to your 501(c)3. And if you don't tithe, then you have to put up with the periodic accusations from your Man-o-God that you're a thief, and that you, your checking account, your investments, and your family members are cursed by God himself for your disobedience.

What is so absolutely hilarious about T standing for "tithing", is it is inconsistent with the B and P definitions Pearle gave just prior: New Testament tithing is not biblical, and to declare church members are still under the Old Testament requirement to tithe contradicts his belief in the priesthood of the believer. Christians don't need Doctor Pearle - or any other Man of God - to tell us what percentage we are required to give to their church.

Pearle did not give any scriptural basis for his view. He just used the same tired old argument that people who don't believe the tithe is applicable to new covenant believers are looking for an excuse not to tithe.

And, of course, tithing is "something we've always done" - which is another bald-faced lie.

Says Pearle:

"Tithing has always been something we have embraced to fund our ministries, not bingo, not raffles, but giving to God biblically".
Embrace is a good way to say. Tithing is as near and dear to the heart of baptist preachers like Pearle as the bible, Jesus, and salvation.

As Pearle says, it is all about funding the ministry of the preacher's 501(c)3 organization, which pays his salary.