Overview

The eighteenth century was a crucial time in Baptist history. The denomination had its roots in seventeenth-century English Puritanism and Separatism and the persecution of the Stuart kings, with only a limited measure of freedom after 1689. Worse, however, was to follow for with toleration came doctrinal conflict, a move away from central Christian understandings and a loss of evangelistic urgency. Both spiritual and numerical decline ensued, to the extent that the denomination was virtually reborn as rather belatedly it came to benefit from the Evangelical Revival which brought new life to both Arminian and Calvinistic Baptists. It has, however, been strongly argued that those who were associated with Bristol College had a continuous tradition of Evangelical Calvinism and that the General Baptists of the South Midlands and the Home Counties, owing as much to the legacy of the Lollards as to Dutch Anabaptism, did not succumb to heterodoxy. The papers in this volume therefore study a denomination in transition, and relate to theology, their views of the church and its mission, Baptist spirituality, and engagement with radical politics.

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9781498255189

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Reviews

'Baptists in eighteenth-century England were varied - Particular (high or moderate Calvinists), General (Old Connexion and New Connexion) and even Seventh Day. Their fascinating diversity is captured in this collection of essays by experts about central aspects of their life, notably spirituality and theology, and salient features of their engagement with contemporary society, such as anti-slavery and political radicalism.' - David Bebbington, Professor of History, University of Stirling 'A leading Baptist historian has assembled a team of seasoned scholars to re-examine Baptist life in eighteenth-century Britain. Their essays enhance our comprehension of this dynamic transition period and shed light on numerous little-known or misunderstood themes. This is a must read for anyone wishing to know more about an important but under explored period in our history.' - Richard V. Pierard, Professor Emeritus, Indiana State University, Terre Haute, Indiana, and Gordon College, Wenham, Massachusetts 'This is an important and impressive volume, in which perceptive historians of Baptist life offer a range of instructive insights into changing patterns in Baptist theology and practice in the eighteenth century.' - Ian M. Randall, Director of Research, Spurgeon's College, London, and Senior Research Fellow at the International Baptist Theological Seminary, Prague 'A fascinating collection of character portraits introducing us to Baptists who maintained the vitality of Christian witness in challenging times. Thoroughly researched and accessibly written, here Dan Taylor and Andrew Fuller sit with the bookseller Martha Gurney and the hymn-writer Benjamin Beddome, alongside many more. Yet you will enjoy this book, and find it surprisingly relevant for issues facing us today.' - Peter Shepherd, President of the Baptist Historical Society and Minister of Broadway Baptist Church, Derby

Author Information

John H. Y. Briggs is currently an Emeritus Professor of the University of Birmingham, Senior Research Fellow and Director of the Centre for Baptist History and Heritage at Regent's Park College, University of Oxford, Visiting Professor at the International Baptist Theological Seminary, Prague, Czech Republic, and a trustee of Keston College.

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