James Petigru Boyce: Southern Baptist soteriology in the Reformed tradition

Abstract

This thesis investigates the theology of the leading Southern Baptist theologian of the mid-nineteenth century, James P. Boyce. Chapter 1 examines the history of Reformed soteriology among Baptists to the time of Boyce. He is introduced with a biographical sketch, highlighting some of his theological influences.

Chapter 2 is an analysis of Boyce's soteriology, primarily his views concerning total inability, unconditional election, and effectual calling.

Chapter 3 examines in detail those influences that shaped Boyce's soteriology. Attention is given both to his contemporaries as well as his theological ancestors.

Chapter 4 offers thoughts on what happened to Boyce's soteriology in Baptist life in the years that followed. The thesis concludes with a discussion of the contemporary value of his theology.