Historical Dictionary of the Baptists (Volume 94) (Historical Dictionaries of Religions, Philosophies, and Movements Series, 94) - Hardcover

Brackney, William H.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0810856220 ISBN 13: 9780810856226

Publisher: Scarecrow Press, 2009

Synopsis

With 110 million members worldwide, Baptists are surpassed only by Roman Catholic and Orthodox groups as the largest segment of Christians. The term "Baptist" has its origins with the Anabaptists, the denomination historically linked to the English Separatist movement of the 16th century. Although Baptist churches are located throughout the world, the largest group of Baptists lives in the Southern United States, and the Baptist faith has historically exerted a powerful influence in that region of the country.

The second edition of the Historical Dictionary of the Baptists expands upon the first edition with an updated chronology, an introductory essay, a bibliography, and hundreds of cross-referenced dictionary entries on important events, doctrines, and the church founders, leaders, and other prominent figures who have made notable contributions. This volume commemorates the 400th anniversary of the founding of the Baptist movement in 1609.

About this title

About the Author

William H. Brackney is the author of numerous articles and books; he has held key positions in several institutions, including Baylor University, Colgate Rochester Divinity School, and Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Currently he teaches in the area of historical theology and Ethics at Acadia University in Nova Scotia, Canada.

From Booklist

This year marks the 400th anniversary of the modern Baptist movement. In honor of the occasion, Scarecrow has released this “Commemorative Edition” of Brackney’s historical dictionary. In the process, the 1999 original was revised and expanded by an additional 170 pages. The expansion makes this volume one of the largest in the Historical Dictionaries of Religions, Philosophies, and Movements series. The author is one of the most distinguished authorities on the Baptists, having taught religion at distinguished Baptist schools and having written several significant books on Baptist history and doctrine. Brackney leaves few stones unturned in his approach, particularly with Baptist personalities. More than 70 percent of the entries are devoted to biography, covering notables like Billy Graham and Jimmy Carter alongside hundreds of lesser-known ministers, leaders, educators, and so on. In most cases, the biographical entries are limited to one paragraph. Another strength is the geographical focus, which includes regions large (Mexico) and small (Malta). Entries like these typically include a small dose of historical background along with 2006 statistics regarding congregations and membership. Doctrinal entries (e.g., Church, Baptist doctrine of; Holy Spirit, Baptist understanding of) are present but will leave some readers wanting more because of the conciseness of the coverage. Filling in the rest of the A–Z portion are Baptist organizations, associations, and various divisions within the larger Baptist family. The volume begins with an introductory essay and an 8-page chronology, giving readers an at-a-glance look at 400 years of Baptist highlights. And although dictionary entries lack further-reading suggestions, the volume concludes with a 38-page bibliography with more than 20 helpful subdivisions. The overall feel of the volume is not overly academic, making it a good fit for public as well as academic libraries. --Wade Osburn

Edition details

• Publisher: Scarecrow Press
• Publication date: 2009
• ISBN 10: 0810856220
• ISBN 13: 9780810856226
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 712