A Necessary Consequence: The Use of Confessional Language to Affirm the Trinity Among English Particular Baptists as Evidenced by Bristol Baptist ... Century (Monographs in Baptist History)

Is agreement on the language of Scripture sufficient to determine agreement on doctrines? Or is it possible for individuals with differing doctrines to agree on the language of Scripture? If so, how can we ascertain what another truly believes? A Necessary Consequence is a historical study and evaluation of the necessity of using confessional language to clarify one’s beliefs based on Scripture. English Baptists in the seventeenth century witnessed the rise of antitrinitarianism. In response, General Baptists used only scriptural language to discuss the Trinity, thereby weakening their doctrine as antitrinitarian views were tolerated. However, Particular Baptists entered the eighteenth century stronger having clearly stated their belief with confessional trinitarian language. The Salters’ Hall Debates in 1719 highlighted the divide in these two approaches. In 1720, Broadmead Church inaugurated Bristol Baptist Academy with the conviction of imparting sound confessional doctrine to its alumni.

Steven Olsen serves as senior pastor of First Baptist Church Canyon, Texas. He has a PhD in Historical Theology from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.