Baptists in North America: An Historical Perspective (Religious Life in America) [Hardcover]

William H. Brackney (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 11, 2006

Written by a leading authority on Baptist life and thought, this inclusive survey traces the development of the Baptist tradition in North America over the past 400 years.

Shows how from a handful of churches on the Atlantic Coast, the Baptist movement spread to become the largest Protestant denomination in the United States.

Considers the contribution of all Baptists, including those in the United States and Canada, men and women, Caucasians and non-Caucasians.

Includes statistical data, a timeline, lists of Baptist groups and related institutions, and a glossary of terms.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Baptists in North America is an excellent resource for undergraduates, seminary students, and general readers "who have an interest in Baptist history. Baptist churches should hold Baptist heritage seminars, utilizing this book as the primary text." (Baptist History and Heritage, Fall 2010)

“Baptists in North America – a stellar accomplishment – is the result of a life of Baptist churchmanship and Baptist scholarship. Who in the world knows more about Baptists in North America than William Brackney?” William B. Shurden, The Center for Baptist Studies, Mercer University

 

“Given the astonishing diversity of Baptist life and thought, not to mention the subtle but real differences between American and Canadian culture, few scholars could write a meaningful history of Baptists in North America, but Bill Brackney has done it. The author has a firm grasp of the chronological and institutional details but also shows his ability to interpret thematically the big picture. This is a valuable piece of work.” Stanley K. Fowler, Heritage Theological Seminary

"Brackney (Baylor Univ.) is one of the foremost scholars of Baptists in North America. Out of that expertise he has produced this new history, which, impressively, is comprehensive yet concise enough not to overwhelm the reader. That makes it ideal for college undergraduates or divinity school students. Brackney analyzes the traditional, distinctive characteristics of Baptists, such as their attention to a believer's church, separation of church and state, soul freedom, and local church autonomy. However, he also describes the process of how Baptists have moved toward denominationalism over the last several centuries. This book will be a valuable addition to any library and can be an excellent resource for the classroom as well.Summing Up: Recommended. Lower-level undergraduates through faculty/researchers; general readers. -- G. Jonas, Campbell University, Choice

"The African American churches need less absolutizing in order to undertake their great task of addressing the still rampant inequality and structural racism that criminalizes so many of their young males and reduces others to passivity. A radical gospel is needed more than ever, and it is to be hoped that this book will stimulate research to galvanize the churches into reflective action."
Theological Book Review

From the Back Cover

Who are the Baptists? A leading authority on Baptist life and thought has written an engaging and illuminating portrait of the largest Protestant denomination in the United States (and the fourth largest in Canada) today. Starting with the scattering of churches along the Atlantic coast in the pre-colonial era, Brackney covers 400 years of Baptist history and tradition.

This history emphasizes the great diversity and adaptability that Baptists in North America have consistently exhibited and highlights the role of early Baptists as advocates of religious liberty, the separation of church and state, and universal healthcare; and it reflects on the reasons for the schisms that have arisen within the Baptist movement. Throughout, the author pays attention to different Baptist traditions, giving a rounded picture of the way they have taken shape in the United States and Canada. The book also includes statistical data, a timeline and lists of Baptists groups and related institutions, and a glossary of terms.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 312 pages
• Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell; 1 edition (July 11, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1405118652
• ISBN-13: 978-1405118651
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 5.9 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #9,405,232 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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