Baptists in North America: An Historical Perspective

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.

Foreword.

Preface.

Introduction: What Are the Baptists? or Who Are the Baptists?.

1. Coming to America.

2. Revivalism and a Fondness for Liberty.

3. Growth and Diversification.

4. The Institutionalization of a Tradition.

5. A Tradition of Several Families.

6. The Pinnacle of Baptist Denominationalism.

7. The Come–outer Tradition.

8. The Uniqueness of African American Baptists.

9. Baptists and the Missionary Impulse.

10. Social Concerns and Mores of an Evangelical Tradition.

11. Baptists Face Modernity.

Bibliography.

Appendix List of Baptist Groups in the United States and Canada.

Glossary of Terms in Baptist Usage.

Index.

William H. Brackney is the Millard R. Cherry Distinguished Professor of Christian Theology and Ethics and the Director of the Arcadia Centre for Baptist and Anabaptist Studies at Arcadia Divinity College in Wolfville, Nova Scotia. He is the author or editor of over twenty previously published books and has served on the Human Rights Commission of the Baptist World Alliance.


"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