Baptist History and the Lack of Concern

There is an excellent book, "The Coming Destruction of the Baptist People" by James R. Beller.


I was reminded of this book while browsing through all of BaptisBoard.com. The most obvious connection is the author's statements that individuals of Baptist conviction and belief, for numerous reasons, have little concern, realtively no understanding, and an unbelievable lack of desire for their own history.

Upon becoming a member of these forums, I have witnessed the same. And though some might claim that my membership time is limited, which it is, the numbers tell their own stories. There is a constant movement on this site in regards to posting about random topics, simple games, and common opinions (Note: I am not bashing any of these, and am glad to see Baptist fellowship when possible). Yet, the threads of Baptist History seem scarcely scanned and very much looked over in regards to contributions.

Our Baptist brethren are not alone. Although a student and teacher of history myself, I have spent relatively little time in acquiring more knowledge and education concerning Baptist history. The book mentioned has been a great tool in enlightening my eyes of the need and need of understanding of Baptist History and it's principles.

I strongly encourage any Baptist to read the above mentioned book, and to strive to learn about true Baptist History, suffering, and accounts.

This link deals with the author's briefings that are held in a seminar format for the learning and educating of Baptists across America. Baptists in this country need to awaken. The briefing contains vital information on our colleges, Christian School and Home school curriculum, and the ongoing obstruction of Baptist heritage.

http://www.baptistchristianworldview.com/

 

Definately my pleasure. That quote is repeated in the very book I mentioned if my memory serves me correctly.

Honestly, Beller has a great idea, it would make for a great ministry!

 

Nah. Like the original quote I do like the other quote that goes with it:

The only thing that men ever learn from history is that men never learn from history!

 

Idea? I will overlook this simple thought, for we all have mental blocks from time to time. Baptists have been around since the early church, for the name may have changed, yet the main doctrines are the same! To say that the Baptists have not been around since the early church is not taking a close look at church history, doctrines, and the connections. Do the doctrines vary from time to time, of course! That is the same as the million and one baptist differences today, but the principal drive of Baptist doctrine is present throughout the centuries.

The book I mentioned in the OP is a great source of Baptist origin history and succession as well as a book called "The Collegiate Baptist History Workbook" which is also by the same author.

In regards to "Trail of Blood", I am not certain on its accuracy or even the total account, for it has been years since I read it. I believe I still have it in my library and I will endeavor to give it a second glance.

THe Bible will settle this easily though, for wasn't even John a Baptist!?!

Actually, that last point is a joke (although I am sure someone has tried to literally make that point before!... especially since I had an unsaved man try to tell me that watergate was in the Bible, which it is, but not the political scandal as he was inferring).

 

As I have stated before, you can trace Baptist doctrine to the Bible, before (BEFORE) the 1700's, before the reformation, through the reformation, and after the reformation. If it walks like a Baptist, talks like a Baptist, etc, even though the name may differ, the doctrine and principle is the same.

CarpentersAppr.:

On the statement that "But, to my knowledge, no major Baptist denomination, educational institution, or group believes that Baptists go all the way back to the NT.", it would be good for you to get more knowledge. Plus, the majority is almost always wrong.

 

I will try to make this post somewhat more productive.

CarpentersApprentice, you should take a look at the works of James R. Graves, D.B. Ray, J.M. Carroll (trail of blood author I believe), G.H. Orchard, J.M. Cramp, and S.H. Ford to name a few. Others that share a very similar view are Thomas Crosby, Issac Backus, A.H. Newman, David Benedict, Thomas Armitage, and William Cathcart. Hope that helps.:thumbs:

 

TC: Ahh, at last we have found something we can agree on, no? Good post, and although I can't agree on not striving over succession (go figure), I can heartily agree on the given verses (I assume you meant Acts 20:31 on that last one) and on that wonderful Gospel which saved my soul, amen and amen.

 

Gotcha.

Verse 31 was speaking of witnessing and warning as well, but thanks for the clarification.