The Highway Forums General Discussion Theology Discussion Forum Soul Competency

Soul competency is a doctrine specifically articulated in a Southern Baptist context, first by E.Y Mullins in The Axioms of Religion (1908). This view emphasizes that each person (soul) is individually and personally accountable to God and "competent" to relate to God without mediation through other humans or human institutions. It may be properly related to, but not the same as, the doctrine of the Priesthood of all believers. One clue to the significance of The Axioms of Religion by Mullins is found in the sub-title: a new interpretation of the Baptist faith.

The effect of Mullins' emphasis on soul competency has been criticized by some as planting the seeds of experientialism within the Southern Baptist Convention, thus undermining the importance of its founding Baptist theology and biblical doctrine.

The Meaning of Soul Competency

What does “soul competency” mean? Various terms have been used for this concept, such as soul freedom, freedom of conscience and soul competency. Basically it means the God-given freedom and ability of persons to know and respond to God’s will. Baptists believe that God gives people competency—that is ability—to make choices. Human beings are not puppets or machines.