The first was that they successfully redefined the use of Scripture in Baptist life, making the theory of biblical inerrancy the only acceptable dogma for defining the nature of Holy Scripture. No longer was it permissible merely to affirm Scripture as authoritative for the church and the individual. Rather, Scripture was authoritative only because it was inerrant . . . Any attempt by the moderates to explain their position on biblical authority was judged to be a denial of the 'total trustworthiness' of the Bible. As they gained the majority, however, they were quick to demand unanimity and not parity.
Political means are necessary to achieve orthodox ends.
Leonard also details why the Southern Baptist moderates lost. Its members lacked consensus and direction, particularly in the first five years. Do not confront or antagonize the opposition publicly. Leonard warns that in this way, moderates lost valuable time in confronting both the methods and the ideology of fundamentalists. Third, many moderates tried to avoid the theological and concentrate on the political issues.