The largest Protestant denomination in the United States is in the midst of a serious identity crisis; many Baptists are revisiting or turning away from the tradition, leaving others to become increasingly uncertain that the denomination can remain viable. Here, however, noted Baptist historian Bill Leonard wades through the murky waters of the Baptist past and explores the historic commitments of this unique people - all in an effort to shed light on its contemporary dilemmas and evaluate the prospects for a Baptist future. While encouraging members of the faith to thoroughly and fairly evaluate their heritage - and its many blunders along the way - Leonard ultimately argues that the Baptists' contentious ""audacious witness"" shown throughout its history still has a worthy role to play in the twenty-first century.

About the Author
Bill J. Leonard is Dean of the School of Divinity and Professor of Church History, Wake Forest University. A prolific writer, his most recent books include Baptist Questions, Baptist Answers: Exploring Christian Faith (2008), Baptists in America (2007), and Baptist Ways: A History (2003). He lives in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

Reviews
...A 'warts and all' approach, unafraid of confronting the divisiveness of much Baptist history over matters both of grave importance and of apparent trivial nature... Leonard's deployment of language is well-focused and rich in meaning. -- John Briggs, President of the Baptist Hictorical Society -- Baptist Quarterly



Book Information
ISBN 9781602583061
Author Bill J. Leonard
Format Paperback
Page Count 162
Imprint Baylor University Press
Publisher Baylor University Press
Weight(grams) 259g
Dimensions(mm) 213mm * 137mm * 15mm