Who are the Primitive Baptists, and what do they believe?

Response

In general, groups identifying themselves as Primitive Baptists are considered part of orthodox Christianity. Like most church groups, Primitive Baptists hold a variety of beliefs that cannot be summarized in a single article. The term “Primitive” in their name signifies their commitment to following the original teachings and practices of the early church rather than the newer traditions that have developed over time. While they have been referred to as “Particular Baptists,” “Regular Baptists,” “Old School Baptists,” and “Hardshell Baptists,” “Primitive” has become the preferred designation in most cases.

The Primitive Baptists emerged as a distinct group following meetings in Black Rock, Maryland, in 1832, during which they raised concerns about non-biblical organizations such as tract societies, Sunday schools, cooperative missions programs, and theological training schools. After the Black Rock gathering, the Primitive Baptists distanced themselves from all such “innovations,” asserting their commitment to following only the New Testament model for church practices. While Primitive Baptists adhere strongly to Calvinistic beliefs, they do not use that label themselves, opting instead to be known as predestinarians. It is important to differentiate Primitive Baptists from Missionary Baptists, General Baptists, and Southern Baptists, despite their shared heritage.

Another aspect of the term “Primitive” is the notion of simplicity. Rather than becoming entangled in programs and trends, Primitive Baptists conduct straightforward meetings that involve preaching, prayer, and a cappella singing. They do not incorporate musical instruments into their worship services, viewing them as additions to the biblical model (Romans 15:9;1 Corinthians 14:15). Instead of segmented Sunday schools, Primitive Baptists offer instructional sessions for the entire congregation.

In the assembly, it is believed that children will learn more effectively from and with their parents. They typically do not compensate their preachers, and their ministers are generally not trained in seminaries. Concerning doctrine, Primitive Baptists emphasize the total depravity of man, the complete sufficiency of Christ’s substitutionary death, and the effectual call of God to repentance by the elect. They observe three ordinances: believer’s baptism by immersion, communion, and foot-washing. To become a member of a Primitive Baptist church, one must have received baptism from a Primitive Baptist minister. A faction called the Progressive Primitive Baptists has eased some of the restrictions on cooperative missionary efforts, paid preachers, and instrumental music.

A significant portion of the teachings of the Primitive Baptists align with the Bible. However, some Primitive Baptists place such a strong emphasis on predestination that they assert the elect are saved by God’s grace, even if they have never heard the gospel—a belief that closely resembles universalism. As with any church, it is advisable to conduct some research on its history, practices, and teachings before becoming a member.