Question:

I live in Texas and of late I have had some exchanges with Landmark Baptists. They seem more like cult than a Christian denomination to me. They have such a false view of Church History, and extremely eccentric beliefs. Are you familiar with these people?

Answer:

Yes, I have heard of Landmark Baptists. While many do not go by that name, there is quite a number of that persuasion. My family and I were part of an Independent Fundamental Baptist Church that was Landmark in orientation, but did not use the term. The pastors often spoke of the “trail of blood” referring to the Baptist martyrs all the way back to John the Baptist, according to them.

I was impressed that they did not want to be called “Protestants,” because in their view Protestants were just reformed Roman Catholics who had not totally broken away from Rome. I challenged their understanding of certain quotes taken from Church History and eventually left the group. However, I found them to be sincere Christian people even if legalistic in many ways, e.g., clothes, hair, facial hair, movies, music, etc.

I would not classify them as a cult because of their eccentricities. They are Trinitarian and, in my experience, proclaimed salvation by grace. In fact, in the particular circle in which I found myself, there were some who were Calvinistic. Of course that will vary in degree from place to place.

I think it’s great that you have this opportunity to learn more about them, which will drive you to study so that you may respond to them. Hopefully, the Lord will use your service to them to bring them to a clearer understanding of the Gospel of God’s grace that the Church, which is the Body of Christ, the pillar and support of the truth.

I hope that this has helped you in some small way. If I can be of further service to you, please feel free to contact me.