Baptists and the Bible
Overview
Since its original publication in 1980, Baptists and the Bible has become one of the most complete and oft-quoted sources for reliable, incisive, and detailed information on the history of Baptist attitudes toward the doctrine of the inerrancy and infallibility of the Bible. Now this newly expanded edition makes it even more useful in understanding what Baptists believe about the Scriptures—and why.
Baptists and the Bible explores the origins of the modern Baptist faith, tracing its beliefs from 17th century England to the controversies of today. Through their studies of 18th and 19th century scholars, Bush and Nettles uncover how today’s Baptists arrived at their current doctrinal positions. They also investigate the sources of uncertainties in scriptural interpretation and relate their new findings to present-day issues in Baptist life.
Meticulously researched, this revealing study brings the Baptist legacy to life, providing today’s Baptists with a look at their past, and a resource for the future.
Top Highlights
“Baptists seek to conform local expressions of the Christian church to the New Testament. A church must not confuse ancient social customs with normative principles, but it should seek to duplicate the polity and the normative practice of the churches in the New Testament era. Therefore, Baptists believe that the church should have only two ordinances: baptism by full immersion in water upon the public profession of obedient trust in Jesus Christ as Lord, and the memorial observance of the Lord’s Supper. Baptists seek to maintain a regenerate church membership; espouse separation of church and state; have only two officers, pastor and deacon; and consider the Great Commission binding on today’s church.” (Page 11)
“Historically, Baptists have built their theology from a solid foundation. Holy Scripture was taken to be God’s infallible revelation in words. What God said, Baptists believed. No creed held them together, though Baptists never hesitated to write and affirm their doctrinal confessions. No church covenant was mandatory for all Baptist churches; yet hardly a church has not adopted strongly worded covenants. Scripture has been the cornerstone, the common ground, the point of unity.” (Page 4)
“Helwys makes several brief points: One, the Scriptures instruct us. Two, the focus of their instruction is Christ. Three, one should handle them with reverence, for they contain the Holy Word of God. Four, this word of God serves as our ultimate and exclusive direction in all things whatsoever.” (Page 16)
“One assumption is that ‘knowledge’ can be imparted by Scripture.” (Page 41)
- Title: Baptists and the Bible
- Author: L. Russ Bush and Tom J. Nettles
- Publisher: B&H
- Publication Date: 1999
- Pages: 364
L. Russ Bush is the academic dean at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, where he also teaches Christian philosophy and apologetics.
Tom Nettles is Professor of Historical Theology at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. He is also the author or editor of nine other books, including Ready for Reformation?, available from Logos.