Baptist History in England and America: Personalities, Positions, and Practices

This book is long over due! Beale offers a fresh retelling of the major historical events that shaped British and US Baptists. Using an excellent blend of primary source material and the best of recent scholarship, Beale rehearses an old story with clarity and insight. Writing from a conservative vantage point, those who view Baptists through the lens of soul liberty will be disappointed. But those who, like their Baptist forebears, hold the Scripture in high regard, will appreciate the way Beale tells the story. The narrative does not tell everything (Canadian Baptist will lament the omission of their story) and the reader may wish that one tale or another had not been omitted, but Beale demonstrates why the telling of Baptist history must be selective. Three hundred more pages would have been nice but what Beale gives us, he does well. I, for one, hope that this book will find a welcome spot on the shelves of all lovers of Baptist history. Thank you David Beale for a job well done.

Very thorough and fair treatment of Baptists. Especially enjoyed the accurate treatment of oft-abused Roger Williams and the extended section on John Leland.

Primary sources. If you want a straightforward, full, record of history then read history from the primary source. While this book is written nicely and reads well, it is most disappointing that the author found it necessary to point out the faults/failures of those in the past- who are not here to defend themselves. Never judge a man until you have walked a mile in his own shoes.Primary sources are the only reliable source for history.

Very well written!!

I really enjoyed this immersive read. It is very well researched and incredibly thorough. Thanks for a great walk through Baptist History!