Baptist Identity and History

Baptist Identity and History describes the common characteristics within the Baptist movement and its many denominational streams in the United States. Historical examples of Baptists principally from Europe and North America point to the roots of these common characteristics and also illustrate them.

SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY:

Graduates who have followed this course either will act out their ministries in congregations or at certain times will be engaged with congregations. Each of these congregations, whether Baptist or not, will have an identity, often tied to a denomination. The course will prepare the students to be able to know Baptists and also give them tools to understand the identity of other similar religious groups, enabling the graduates to relate properly to these.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Through the successful completion of this course a student will be able to:

• outline and illustrate the identity of Baptists,

• to note similarities and dissimilarities of Baptists with other religious groups, and

• to probe the boundaries of ministry with this knowledge.

• SLOs—1.1.2; 1.2.1; 1.2.2; 1.4.1; 3.1.2; and 3.5.2

COURSE FORMAT:

Instruction will be through class lecture and discussion, reading, reflection, and writing.

REQUIRED READING:

Allen, W. Loyd. You Are A Great People: Maryland/Delaware Baptists, 1742-1998. Franklin: Providence House, 2000. ISBN 1577361423.

Durso, Keith E. No Armor for the Back: Baptist Prison Writings, 1600s-1700s. Atlanta, GA: Mercer, 2007. ISBN 0881460966

Leonard Bill. Baptist Ways: A History. Valley Forge, PA: Judson, 2003. ISBN 0817012311. Ryland, Garnett. The Baptists of Virginia, 1699-1926. Richmond, VA: Virginia Board of Missions, 1955. (copies available through the professor at a nominal cost).

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:

  • Attendance and Participation

  • Reading of required materials in weekly assignments

  • One midterm test and one final exam

  • A term paper (15-20 pages) focused on a historical event, example, or issue involving Baptists, chosen in dialogue with the professor

PREREQUISITES:

Spiritual Formation, Introduction to Theological Studies, and Global Church History

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM:

This course meets a core requirement for the MDiv, MTS degrees and can be an elective for the MCL degree and GCCL.