Christusregnat
Puritan Board Professor
Adam: I don't understand you. What difference are these and why would baptists and Presbyterians differ here?
Pergamum, you're not alone.....
I used to be a staunch sovereign grace baptist, and (in general) the more "baptist" someone becomes, the less they are willing to believe in a catholic/universal church. The church is defined as local only. In such a mode of thought, there is no place for any body beyond the local congregation, thus making a Presbytery or G.A. controlled seminary a "Romish" hangover.
Prebies believe in a catholic church, which includes the unity of the whole body. This has historically meant no lone-ranger or unconnected churches. Synods, councils, G.A.s and presbyteries are seen to have authoritative decision making power, as per Acts 15. Pure baptist theology does not allow for anything beyond the local church's power, and will therefore deny the legitimacy of anyone outside of the local church training pastors. For more on this, you may want to look up my old pastor, Dr. William R. Downing. A staunch baptist who does not believe in a catholic church.
Cheers,
Adam