Schizophrenic: A Diagnosis of the Independent Baptist Movement

by Tom Brennan

The independent Baptist movement needs a controlled burn. There are problems that have been building up like dry tinder. If we never address these problems in a controlled-burn fashion, they will eventually hurt more people than we can imagine. I believe this book will help ignite a flame that has the potential to protect our churches from a great deal of damage. Christians have grown frustrated with the arrogance and sin that has marked many of our churches for decades. As a result, they are either leaving their independent Baptist churches or trying to redefine what a fundamental, independent Baptist is. I have felt that frustration. Too much has been sacrificed by men and women of previous generations to simply abandon our heritage. Yet, so many problems have been ignored for so long that sometimes it appears there isn’t much left to save.

I believe this book will encourage you otherwise…
— Dave Reyes, New Heights Baptist Church,
Albuquerque, New Mexico

The deeply rooted love that Tom Brennan has for his independent Baptist heritage is clearly seen in his new book. He takes us on an introspective journey so that we may examine who we truly are. He’s done his homework from a scriptural as well as a historical standpoint. He’s also knowingly embarked on a journey that could very easily put him in the crosshairs of criticism for his brutal honesty and opinion; I applaud his courage in that regard. Amidst the simultaneous throwing the baby out with the bathwater on one side and an ostrich with his head in the sand on the other side, it’s refreshing to see that someone has tackled the issues at hand in a loving, caring, and helpful way. This book will help your life and ministry.
— Justin Soto, River City Baptist Church,
Sacramento, California

260 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 25, 2016

About the author

After six years establishing a church in rural Pennsylvania and sixteen years revitalizing an inner-city church in Chicago, in 2019 Tom Brennan accepted the call to pastor the Bible Baptist Church of Dubuque, Iowa. He and his lovely wife, Mandy, have been married since 1999. They have three children. He is happiest at home, surrounded by his family, with a cup of tea to hand and a large stack of books within easy reach. Failing that, he can be found hiking one of the many beautiful trails in Dubuque or slowly barbecuing something on his smoker.

In addition to pastoring, the Lord has given him an active writing ministry. Birthed in 2014, Brennan's Pen includes a blog, daily emails designed for men in ministry, and five books to date. You can find more about his writing by perusing his blog, concerningjesus.blogspot.com, or his author website, brennanspen.com.

Reviews

[Josh Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a FASCINATING book and one I enjoyed reading. Why? Because I am an independent Baptist pastor. And it was written by an independent Baptist pastor to Independent Baptists (although others would be helped by the book).

I loved the spirit with which the book was written. Brennan set out to speak truth and yet do it with a loving spirit (does that make him an independent Baptist??!!). And I absolutely applaud him for doing so. It is something that is sorely needed among Independent Baptists in general. I don't know the author personally although we have been connected online for a number of years. His prodigious reading comes through in the book as a breath of fresh air. He's not a mile wide and an inch deep like too many independent Baptists. It's obvious that he is widely read while at the same time holding to the old book (the King James) along with a generous dose of amiability toward those who might disagree with him. This is what our young people need! Somebody who is strong enough to stand on what they believe is right but gracious enough (and secure enough) to befriend our brothers and sisters in Christ who don't cross their t's and dot their i's like we do. Kudos to you Mr. Brennan!

I do have one quibble (albeit a minor one). The title of the book is "Schizophrenic: A Diagnosis of the Independent Baptist Movement." After reading the first half of the book, I wondered to myself why he didn't title it "Schizophrenic: A Diagnosis of the Fundamental Independent Baptist Movement"? I have some ideas, but I chuckled after reading his chapter on "We are Fundamentalists." Was it because the book would have a wider reach dropping the term Fundamental? Was it because the term Fundamental has acquired an highly negative connotation today (quite unlike when the term was coined)? It's not that big of a deal, but I do find it humorous.

The way Brennan laid out the book (what we are for and do right/where we have gone wrong and need to change/the way forward) leaves no stone unturned. It is the right approach and sorely needed. Often when witnessing to someone, I will tell them that I am going to share both positive and negative things with them from the Bible. I will liken it to a car battery. Without both the positive AND the negative, there will be no power. However, when you put them together - voila! There is power! And in my estimation, Brennan strikes the right balance in doing this.

Here is what is fascinating to me - although he didn't use names, I know of many of the illustrations he referred to in the book. And he puts his finger on exactly the problems that plague our movement.

In his section on "What Is Right," the author does lay claim to a few items in which I don't believe he knows the perspective of other Christian groups as well as might be put forth. For instance, in the section "We Produce Commitment," it is my purview that we don't necessarily do this any better than other groups. No statistics were put forth and I suspect that that claim was personal opinion. For instance, I don't believe just because a church has more services than other groups that that makes them a more committed Christian. I know of many non-Christian groups who meet more and are more committed to their non-Christian cause (or religious cause) than independent Baptists who attend church three times a week. And don't get me started on those who DO attend all of their services but have a lackluster spirit or relationship with God.

However, I agree mostly with his synopsis of where we have been right as a movement. He correctly is unsparing on where we have got it wrong. Just like a doctor performing surgery, Brennan correctly diagnoses and cuts on the ailing patient known as "the independent Baptist" to bring about healing and a new direction. Again, kudos to him to have the chutzpah to do so!

In closing, his last chapter entitled "The Cure" puts forth what we can do to "strengthen the things that remain." Again, it graciously addresses some of the areas that we need to get back to doing. I found his writing to be better than most in this vein of Christian writing and full of truth. I highly recommend this book and will recommend it to others!

[John Uit de Flesch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the heart behind this book. The author does not write in arrogance or in shallow cliches. There are many great strengths passed down from our Independent Baptist predecessors that must never be lost. He does lay out a number of weaknesses and sins that must be cast aside. His honesty and transparency on this section is refreshing. (It seems his slice of IFB experience was Hyles based so that is reflected somewhat throughout.)

The “cons” I found were few and minor in scope. The author does promote a local church only ecclesiology. His section on the KJV was maybe more of a summary and he didn’t dive too deep into the Greek text angle. When he did he used both Majority and TR arguments. He also stated that no other translation uses italics when the NKJV clearly does. He also omits the fact of a major language revision of the KJV in 1769, which undercuts his argument that the KJV is understandable.

Should you read this book? Absolutely! I find it highly appropriate for current times and a wonderful overview and summary of who we were, who we are, and who we hope to be. Thank you Brother Brennan for the work, the heart, and the truth of this book. I have been helped.

[Bruce M. Burkett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very insightful read concerning the many issues that independent Baptist ministers are facing today. I was helped deeply by the insight therein. God used the words from Bro. Brennan to help me gain clarity with many of the issues I had struggled with in our movement.

[Philip Harrelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found Tom Brennan accidentally (providentially!) when I was doing a Google search on "modesty." His blog series came up and I saw his books listed on his blog. I have bought this one and two others. His writing is excellent! He is coming from an IFB (Independent Fundamental Baptist) angle but the matter of outward/inward holiness is very well addressed by him.

I marked this book up and annotated it heavily! There were times that I would lean back and think long about what he was writing. I also wrote a lot of notes in my book journal while I was reading this book. The church is being shaken in a number of ways and this author, even though outside my camp, does an excellent job addressing some important issues.

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is written about the IFB movement by a self-identified IFB pastor. The first part of the book summarizes what the author perceives as strengths in IFB churches and the second part calls out the sins of IFB churches. There is a small third part that delivers the author's cure for what ails the IFBs and that cure is mostly repentance.

I was pleasantly surprised with how thoughtful and reasonable this book is. I was also surprised with how plainly the author addressed problems and the fact he addressed some problems that seem to never receive air time, such as pragmatism, bad preaching, americanism, and racism in IFB churches. My own experience in IFB churches confirms many of the problems he pointed out and that same experience makes his strength assessment look a little optimistic. IFBs are not known for the ability or willingness to self-examine and self-correct.

I recommend reading this book. If you take out a few particular IFB references here and there along the way, much of what he writes applies to most churches or groups. If nothing else, he has done us a great service in forewarning of numerous dangers.

[Alex O'Connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating, yet difficult read. Tom Brennan articulated with profound humility both the great victories of the IBM as well as their abysmal failures, all with clarity and grace.

I greatly enjoyed the first part of the book chronicling the victories, especially the King James arguments and the fundamentalist arguments. This was a great refresher on cherished beliefs and will make an excellent overview refresher in the future I am sure.

I was encouraged by his section on the failures as well. It was nice to see that others see the shortcomings, for to improve you first must know your failures. The selection on the lack of study in the movement was very good. I have had a lot of trouble finding books by IBC authors, and so hopefully this book will galvanize the movement to produce educated arguments against difficult topics like Calvinism.

I greatly enjoyed this book. It was both a loving rebuke and a great refresher, and the Holy Spirit used it to convict my heart for my own arrogance in hermeneutics, that I need to be more open to other scripturally based views when presented.

Fantastic book.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Experience is often the teacher that produces wisdom within us."

"Oh for grace to wait and watch with God, though a horror of great darkness falls on us, and sleep steals up into our eyes, and the head becomes thickly sown with the gray hair of age! ...It is for thee, O my soul, to know the times and season which the Father hath put in His own power; wait at the gates of thy Jericho for yet seven days; utter not a sound until He says, Shout: but when He gives the signal, with the glad cry of victory thou shalt pass over the fallen wall into the city." -F.B. Meyer

[Clayton McCurdy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you!

[Amanda Dzimianski · Rating 2 out of 5]

Far too little, and way too late.

I really wanted to like this book, and I found Brennan's humble attitude very refreshing - it's a rarity. I fully commend the author for having the guts to call out the IFB denomination on its gross failures. He deserves credit for being willing to drag the faults of the movement to which he is loyal out into the light. I respect him for it.

The first half of the book was extremely disappointing. It was spent lauding the supposed positives stubbornly clung to by IFB congregations and pastors. Many of these "badges of honor" are straight-up weaknesses, born out of poor exegesis of Scripture, and man-made tradition. (Brennan does acknowledge that many will disagree with him on these items he considers strengths.)

One of the biggest issues I find with the book is that absolutely everything is still filtered through so many IFB suppositions - the definitions of what church actually is and is for, what preaching is, the place of education, the revering of institutionalization etc., are assumed to mean something that I simply do not read in my Bible {King James or otherwise}. Instead of fulfilling the Great Commission, following patterns of church laid out in Acts, and building the entire body of Christ, not just a local church, the focus is on preservation of tradition, and the importance of the LABEL of independent, fundamental, Baptist.

When I stand before my God and King in Heaven, He will NOT say, "Well done, good and faithful independent, fundamental Baptist...I'm so proud of you for maintaining that label and the IBF standards your whole life." His stated goal for the life of every believer, of every denomination, in every nation the world over is this: "Go and make disciples, baptizing them, and teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you." And it's not found in Matthew 28 alone - it's stated from Genesis to Revelation. This is absolutely what should drive the believer, not membership in or furtherance of the "right" denomination. *exits soapbox*

There were some excellent chapters in the second half of the book. His discussion of the intolerably bad preaching rife within the IFB community deserved a standing ovation, as did the chapter "The Emperor Has No Clothes." Every IFB pastor should have a copy of that chapter in his possession.

In the chapter "We Cover Up Sin," Brennan soundly denounced those who have chosen to sweep the sin of IFB leaders under the rug - I wish he had followed his own advice in the chapter "A Lingering Taint of An Old Racism." The preacher he referenced who preached a pro-segregation message in 1960 was Bob Jones Sr., and although Jones is quoted, in a positive light in several other places in the book, Brennan did not call him out by name in the chapter on racism...even though he wrote an entire chapter on the folly of that practice. In the introduction to the book, he explained his reasoning for this: not wishing to alienate people from truth, and preventing the book from being dated. I would have preferred consistency.

In the final section of the book, the author's ideas on curing the sickness of the IFB community (it no longer deserves the name movement) were presented. The section found here on prayer was perhaps one of the best parts of the entire volume. Unfortunately, the chapter ended on a less-than-stellar note, with an article entitled "How To Make An Effective Preacher." Long on emotion, short on Scripture, and through a lens of elevated opinion regarding the role of a preacher, it left a poor taste in the mouth.

So many of the issues the majority of the IFBS care about, are such non-issues when life becomes about the Kingdom, the mission, and the Christ we follow. So much of what they try to force falls into place when the Main Thing stays the main thing. This book, although providing some excellent points of discussion for those who will never discard their loyalty for a church in favor of loyalty to Jesus, falls woefully short in showing forth a greater vision than the mere revival of a gasping denomination.

[David Dzimianski · Rating 2 out of 5]

Tom Brennan's book is a rare honest critique from within the IFB movement that breaks the edge of the bubble just a little. While the IFB movement does not have a 'code of silence,' its insular nature easily creates an echo effect, and those who speak up or step out of line are quickly marginalized. I applaud Brennan's willingness to risk those reactions in order to speak the truth.

Why, then, 2 stars? Because within the pages of the book, some of the very things decried are exemplified. Brennan, either due to a desire not to alienate too many with IFB circles, or simply due to strong belief (a good thing) that isn't viewed quite as objectively as it should, glosses over and/or assumes that some things are good in the IFB movement, even while his sound critique undermines them later.

For example, he rightly lauds the IFB commitment to separation from those who deny the essentials of the faith, but then goes on to describe Bible believing (but non-IFB) churches as 'liberal', 'compromised', and 'enemies.' There are a lot of party-line type comments amounting to "we are right and they are wrong." Very little Bible is used, and the exegesis is heavily slanted towards a specific branch of IFB teaching.

Even the critique has some problems. For example, Brennan comes down hard on the elevation of young men in the IFB movement. I have to confess that, in my 25 years of experience in the IFB movement, I have seen young men stifled and put down repeatedly by jealous older men, so I wasn't even sure what he was talking about at first. I think his main point was really about giving young men celebrity status in the movement - but then I would argue that giving anyone celebrity status is unbiblical. Just read Paul's words in I Corinthians.

So, overall, very glad to see people in the IFB movement evaluating habits against scripture - but also still seeing a lot of "inside the beltway" thinking instead of objectivity.

A breath of fresh air in many ways - but maybe too little too late?

[Troy McGahan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well written and honest look at the IFB movement. Now I am an Independent Baptist but, I don't identify myself as a Fundamentalist for a few reasons. 1) I am not KJVO 2) I am not enamored with big preacher personalities. 3) I am more Calvinistic than most in the IFB would be comfortable with.

Now back to the book, I am giving it a 5 star not because Mr.Brennan and I would cross every T the same or dot every i in 100% agreement. It was written in a good spirit and he was honest in his evaluation. There certainly are some good things to be said about the Independent Baptist movement but, there's plenty of issues too. You will profit from this.

[Mark Reeder · Rating 3 out of 5]

On one hand he's very fair in reporting that the IFB movement is sowing the seeds of its own destruction, and though he does not call out names, many of the stories are otherwise well known and one can figure out who he's describing.

On the other hand he undercuts his own position on several occasions. As an example, in his chapter "I Am Of Paul" he mentions: "In theological terms, our enemies would be those who deny the  deity of Christ, reject the atonement, water down the Word of God, doubt the Resurrection, and embrace a universal belief that all men go to Heaven." Yet in the prior chapter, he states that the blind obedience prevalent in the IFB movement "embitters the next generation and sends them running for the contemporary evangelical churches by the boatload."

Not the mainline Protestant denominations which routinely make shipwreck of the Christian faith while calling themselves Christians. Not cult groups like the JW's or the Mormons.

No, the REAL concern is that people who would be faithful IFBers are heading instead to churches who (for the most part) accept the Deity of Christ, His Atonement, and His Resurrection, who preach from the Bible and reject universal salvation -- but (oh, the horror!) use CCM and translations other than the KJV! To Brennan, THAT'S the real problem.

So Brennan should be thankful he's getting a neutral rating because it's rather generous.

[Samuel Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Loving and Balanced Rebuke

This book shows what is good and what is wrong with our movement. While most books will just harp on what is wrong, this reminds us we have something to fight for and salvage the movement with Holy Spirit power from our sins. Highly recommended reading. -@baptistmemes

[Liza Lehman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have very mixed feelings about this book, but I am thankful for a man having the courage to call out sin at great risk to himself. I also appreciate his overall spirit of humility.

I have been in the IFB movement for the past 36 years and have been increasingly frustrated with the same issues he addresses ever since college. There were times I wanted to cry in relief that someone else was openly condemning the problems I'm not free to speak about in my church without being judged as a rebel, a liberal, etc.

However, I see some conflicting views that may result from my own misinterpretation:

1. We applaud our "ancestors" for standing for what they believed in and leaving a corrupt movement, yet anyone in our generation who dares to do the same to the IFB is surely headed for a watered-down Christianity.

2. We hold so dearly to our historical heritage, which I am thankful for, that it seems this should be the motivating factor for our staying, regardless of how blatant the sin is in our churches.

3. We read and quote books from leaders of other denominations from the past, yet in spite of the pathetic lack of helpful IFB books, we are severely warned against reading anything not from our denomination written in our time. Irregardless of the fact that many of these books are full of helpful and sound Biblical teaching, they are likely to lead us astray in the end, i.e., leave the IFB movement.

4. We admit that there are other good Christians who are not IFB, but then we assert WE are the only chance America has for revival. (Also, we must not associate with these people in spite of the fact they are our brothers and sisters in Christ.)

5. In the "What We Have Right" section, some of these points are, in my opinion, matters of conscience and not doctrines to fight over or divide from other Christians over.

The above being said, I do appreciate the author's honesty, study, and hard work in producing a book that will surely get him excommunicated from certain "circles", yet another shame to the IFB movement.

[Jeff Cooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

UNDER THE COVER

I was hesitant to buy this book because of the cover and title. I thought it might be one of those books that would be against my faith rather than for it. I took a chance and discovered that it is actually quite the opposite. Brother Brennan puts a magnifying glass to the heart, mind and soul of the Fundamental independent Baptist.

Personally, I cringe at the tag "movement." It seems bereft of history and something of limited presence. I see the Fundamental Independent Baptist "denomination" as the most legitimate Way of Biblical Christianity. Anything else is a movement away from sound doctrine. "Give me that old time religion, it's good enough for me."

Whilst reading at points I thought, "Does this guy think he's the expert on this?" only to read on to see that that is not the intent at all. The crux of the matter is whether he is right or not though neither I nor you are the the expert, either. This book should be read by any and all Born Again Fundamental Independent Baptists whether they are at the pulpit or in the pew. In fact, it should be read by everyone who considers themselves Christian. It should be gifted to every Pastor (especially those of other denominations) and should be on the shelf of every church library.

If you are serious about your faith this will (or should) motivate you to get serious and stop playing "cool" church. There are enough clowns and religious acts drawing lemmings to carnival churches with counterfeit "bibles."
It's about your relationship with Jesus Christ. It's actually a "movement" that started over 2000 years ago and will stand for eternity.

[Jason Valentin · Rating 5 out of 5]

In my humble opinion, this book ought to be required reading and lectured upon in every IFB college and university until Christ returns. In addition, the topics of this book should be taught in some form or fashion by every IFB pastor to God’s people. This passionate, painfully-honest, thought-provoking analysis makes me thankful for my IFB roots and position, grieved over our pride and hypocrisy, and eager to do my part to honor to Christ and not man. This book I will re-read.

[James Cuny · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author writes in a humble and genuine way. He evaluates where we are right and where we are wrong. There are great thoughts to think about in this book!

[Matt Nations · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!

This is a great book and must read. The author is genuinely sincere and accurate. It was recommended to me and so I personally recommend it to anyone else.

[Timothy Dison · Rating 4 out of 5]

First off, I would like to thank Mr. Brennan for his courage in publishing this book. "Schizophrenic" is specifically written about independent Baptists and intended for an independent Baptist audience. While I didn't agree with absolutely everything stated in the book (who would?), Brennan warned me that would probably be the case early on in the book. From a philosophical standpoint, this is probably the most well articulated Baptist work I have read. The book is well written and the arguments are fairly cogent. I greatly appreciated Brennan's innate honesty and humility. Not once did I feel as if he was attacking myself or any other individual. While he may deal with some "hot topics," he does so with grace.

My only complaint be would in regard to a reliance on unaccounted "prooftexting." Most of the time he substantiated his Scripture selections; other times he did not. I also didn't agree with his interpretation of several passages.

Overall, I whole heartily recommend this book to anyone who is willing to listen. For anyone thinking about abandoning the independent Baptist movement, just has serious concerns, or is seeking to bolster their philosophical persuasion, "Schizophrenic" is a must read.

[Mark McElreath · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brennan makes a clear and spot-on diagnosis of the triumphs and travesties of the Independent Baptist Movement. He is both hard-hitting and reasonable, while at the same time giving a path to righting many of the wrongs and showing a way forward in integrity and Christlikeness.

[Emma Brennan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gives a balanced understanding of the independent Baptist movement. This book will make you think.