Baptists through the Centuries: A History of a Global People - Softcover

"Conversations about Baptist identity too often generate more heat than light. This book is a happy exception, telling the Baptist story with great insight and clarity." Curtis W. Freeman, Research Professor of Theology and Baptist Studies, Duke University Divinity School "David Bebbington's well-earned reputation as a brilliant historian is certainly confirmed with this fine overview of Baptist history and practices. Bebbington's work will provide students with a timely, balanced, and insightful guide for generations to come." David S. Dockery, President, Union University "Bebbington, one of the leading historians of worldwide evangelicalism, presents a sweeping overview of Baptist history in Europe and the US from its beginnings in the Reformation to the present. A synthesis of the original research of others, Bebbington's interpretive scheme is nuanced and quite readable." J. F. Findlay, University of Rhode Island, Choice (2011, 48:8) "... the scope of [Bebbington's] coverage in just 300 pages is breathtaking. If you read only one book on the Baptists, this is the one for you." Richard V. Pierard, International Bulletin of Missionary Research, Oct. 2011 "... a welcomed addition to the field of Baptist studies." Baptist History & Heritage Society (Fall 2012) "David Bebbington has placed us all in his debt by producing this volume." Journal of European Baptist Studies (2012, 12:2) "In Baptists through the Centuries, the distinguished University of Stirling (UK) professor further solidifies his already established reputation for careful scholarship, astute interpretation, and compelling storylines.... Bebbington offers the necessary resources for understanding the tradition's comlex historical roots, as well as the meandering pathways that have characterized denomination life for 400 years." Renewing Minds (2012, 1:1 "David Bebbington is one of our finest historians, and he has given us here a superb overview of the Baptist movement, from its Reformation roots to its global reach." Timothy George, founding Dean of Beeson Divinity School of Samford University, and General Editor of the Reformation Commentary on Scripture "Bebbington is a wise guide... This judicious and insightful account of Baptist history is to be commended." John Briggs, President of the Baptist Hictorical Society, Baptist Quarterly (2013, 45) Bebbingtons careful work and attempt to categorize and define the diverse family called Baptists is laudable and worthy of commendation. Jason. G. Duesing, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Journal of Ecclesiastical History (62:4) This book offers a world view and combines the fairly familiar with the surprisingly little known. It shows a remarkably vigorous community of faith throughout the world. -- David Salter -- Congregational History Society Magazine

Baptists through the Centuries provides a clear introduction to the history and theology of this influential and international people. David Bebbington, a leading Baptist historian, surveys the main developments in Baptist life and thought from the seventeenth century to the present. The Baptist movement took root and grew well beyond its British and American origins. Bebbington persuasively demonstrates how Baptists continually adapted to the cultures and societies in which they lived, generating ever more diversity within an already multifaceted group. Bebbington's survey also examines the challenging social, political, and intellectual issues in Baptist historyaattitudes on race, women's roles in the church, religious liberty, missions, and theological commitments. The second edition of this proven textbook extends the scope with chapters on three parts of the world where Baptists have become particularly numerous: Latin America (where Brazilian Baptists number over 2 million), Nigeria (where Baptists are at their strongest outside North America, numbering roughly 5 million), and the Naga Hills in India (where Baptists form over 80 percent of the population). Each chapter also highlights regional issues that have presented new challenges and opportunities to Baptists: holistic mission in Latin America, the experience of charismatic renewal and the encounter with Islam in Nigeria, and the demands of peacemaking in the Naga Hills. Through this new edition, Bebbington orients readers and expands their knowledge of the Baptist community as it continues to flourish around the world.