Synopses & Reviews
A brief, narrative survey of the Baptists in North America over the last three and a half centuries, from their roots in Europe to their present manifestations in contemporary America and the world. The six chapters are organized around five distinctives historically important to Baptists: the Bible, the Church, the ordinances/sacraments, voluntarism, and religious liberty. Concluding with a Chronology and extensive Bibliographic Essay, this is an ideal text for courses in Church History, North American Religious History, or American social and cultural history.
Review
As a mature historian of the Baptist tradition, Brackney offers a fresh interpretation of the distinctive Baptist convictions and practices as they evolved in the changing context of English and American society from the early 1600's to the present. The readers will appreciate this book not only as a reliable source of information but also as an incentive to deeper personal spiritual inquiry.Jarold K. Zeman Director Acadia Centre for Baptist and Anabapist Studies
Synopsis
A narrative overview of the Baptists in America over the last three and a half centuries, from their roots in Europe to their present manifestations in contemporary America and the world.
Description
Includes bibliographical references (p. [109]-121) and index.
Table of Contents
Foreword
Preface
Introduction: The Problem of Baptist Identity
An Overview of Baptist History
The Bible: Authority or Battleground?
A New Vision for the Church
Sacraments/Ordinances: Signs of Faith
A New Way: Voluntary Religion
The Struggle for Religious Liberty
Notes
Appendix 1: Chronology
Appendix 2: The International Baptist Family
Bibliographic Essay
Index