The Way and the Water: Exploring Baptistic Roots

In The Way and the Water, Dr. Bakker examines the history of the Baptist and Anabaptist movements, intertwined as they were in their formation, and as they arose out of persecution and the fight for religious freedom in Europe and beyond. In their struggle against state-enforced orthodoxy, they challenged the superstitions of medieval Christianity and sought to showcase the true nature of salvation and its outworking in the lives of believers, first in believer’s baptism, and then in radically reoriented lives—with the way of Christ at its centre. For this, many of them suffered greatly.

The text is not strictly chronological as it follows the various historical streams that formed the framework of baptistic churches. Themes such as non-violence/pacifism, church and government, believer’s baptism, church discipline, confessions, the Sermon on the Mount and distinct theologies are examined. The lives of key figures, such as George Blaurock, Conrad Grebel, John Smyth, Thomas Helwys, Menno Simons, Balthasar Hubmaier, Margret Hottinger, and many others are examined, some of whom paid a heavy price for their convictions.

It is hoped this title will encourage Baptist and Anabaptist communities to learn more about their history and consider how they can learn from each other’s traditions. May it challenge us to live for Christ with greater commitment, engagement and endurance in society today.