Baptist Identities

The authors of the papers published here come from a dozen different countries and represent different expressions of Baptist life. The papers were delivered at the third International Conference on Baptist Studies, held at the International Baptist Theological Seminary in Prague in July 2003, with the theme ""Baptist Identities."" Those who gave presentations explored what factors have contributed to the nature of Baptist distinctiveness in different countries and at different times. In some cases the authors have written about their own contexts, using specific case studies that relate to particular periods, whereas in other cases they range more widely, covering several countries and/or longer periods of time. Topics examined in this volume include theological education, women in leadership, issues of ethnicity, Baptist identity and national consciousness, and creeds. The regional scope of the Baptist stories that are analyzed includes Africa, Asia, Australia, Eastern and Western Europe, and North America. At a time when there is considerable discussion throughout the world Baptist community about the nature of Baptist identity, this collection of papers by significant historians of Baptist life is an important contribution. ""Baptists have struggled with issues of identity throughout their four hundred-year history, and today they are recognized as a diverse grouping scattered across the face of the earth. Although the essays in this volume underscore differences that exist among them, they remain firm in their conviction that they are one people in Christ. As the biblical motto of the Baptist World Alliance puts it, there is 'one Lord, one faith, one baptism'. The rich scholarship of this volume enables us to savor both the differences and the commonalities of the Baptists."" --Richard V. Pierard, Scholar-In-Resident, Gordon College, and General Editor, Baptists Together in Christ 1905-2005: A Hundred-Year History of the Baptist World Alliance (2005) ""In this rich set of essays both the unity and diversity of Baptist thought and life is clearly revealed. The range is wide, from Baptist beginnings in the seventeenth century to the present day with separate sections providing focus of European, North American and global perspectives. In this respect, whilst some tell their own story, it is interesting to see a Canadian and an American analyzing early British Baptist sensitivities, and a Scot and a Pole wrestling with North American biography. Many papers seek to understand, as all good history should, the true nature of Baptist identity by exploring the finite and the particular. But there are other more synthetic articles which seek to bring together the total reality with masterful comprehensive grasp. In this respect it is fitting that the whole collection should conclude with Bill Brackney's relating the deep Baptist concern for religious freedom to the work of effective evangelism. Rich in diversity, this collection of essays will both deepen and extend our understanding of Baptist history."" --John H. Y. Briggs, Senior Research Fellow in Church History and Director of the Centre for Baptist History and Heritage, Regent's Park College, University of Oxford ""Just when it seemed that denominational history was a thing of the past, there has been a revival of scholarly interest in Baptist studies. The essays in this volume represent that renaissance exploring as they do oft-neglected aspects of the Baptist past with an eye toward Baptist unity and identity today. A valuable contribution to a better understanding of the people of God called Baptists."" --Timothy George, Dean of Beeson Divinity School, Samford University, and an executive editor of Christianity Today. Ian M. Randall is Lecturer in Church History and Spirituality, Spurgeon's College, London, and a Senior Research Fellow, International Baptist Theological Seminary, Prague, Czech Republic Toivo Pilli is Course Leader in Baptist and Anabaptist S